Modern Languages - German

German is Europe's most widely spoken native language and crucial in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, with over 90 million native speakers worldwide. Germany's economic strength, especially in technology and engineering, makes German proficiency valuable in international business. German culture, influential in philosophy, music, literature, and science through figures like Kant, Beethoven, and Freud, offers profound insights and academic resources. Germany's leadership in the EU and global diplomacy underscores the importance of German for international relations and cultural exchange, enhancing opportunities in diverse careers and global citizenship.

Students can take German courses to count toward their language requirements for the B.A., pursue a minor or a major in German, a secondary major in International and Area Studies, or graduate studies in German.

Want to know more about German @K-State?

The Modern Languages department provides a diverse range of German courses, along with scholarships to support minors, majors, graduate studies, and students studying abroad. We also offer opportunities to earn free credits for prior language experience. Join us at our German Language Table to practice your German, engage in conversations, and connect with others. For further details, please contact:

Dr. Necia Chronister
Professor
EH 214
nchroni@k-state.edu

Dr. Derek Hillard
Professor
EH 215
dhillard@k-state.edu

Requirements

German Minor Requirements

German Major Requirements

The German Major requires 11 classes (33 credits) of German courses at and above German 3, including a required literature course (GRMN 520 or 521 or 530), and at least three 6/700-level courses.

A grade of “C” or better or a minimum 2.5 GPA is required in all German courses counted towards the major. Classes for the major cannot be taken Pass/Fail. Two non-transfer courses are required at the 700 level. Study Abroad and Retroactive Credit apply toward the German Major.

To declare or drop a German Major, please use this form.

The German major with distinction requires 13 courses (39 credits) in German at and above German III, including one required literature courses at the 500-level (GRMN 520 / 521 / 530 recommended), and at least four 6/700-level courses, and a 3.5 GPA in all courses taken toward the major.

German Study Abroad

Course Descriptions

See below our course descriptions and course schedule

Course Descriptions - Beginner

Not sure which course you should begin with? Check our placement information.
Do you know you can receive free credit for prior learning if you start above French 1, took AP classes or receive the Seal of Biliteracy? See our placement information for details.

Beginner courses (GRMN 101 through 301) are offered in Fall and Spring. See below for descriptions, contact Dr. Chronister if you have placement questions.

GRMN 101 - German I

This interactive course is for students with no previous experience in German. Students develop basic language skills and explore cultural products and practices of the German-speaking world. No-cost, open access textbook.

Designed for students with no prior experience in German, or less than one year of prior language study. 
contact nchroni@ksu.edu if you have placement questions

GRMN 102 - German II

In 102, students become more familiar with basic structures of German and continue developing cultural knowledge about the German-speaking world.

No-cost, open access textbook
Designed for students with one semester of college German or 1-2 years of high school German. 
contact nchroni@ksu.edu if you have placement questions

GRMN 201 - German III

In 300, students expand their vocabulary and become familiar with more complex grammar. They read and analyze texts and videos and engage in discussion.

Designed for students with two semesters of college German or 2-4 years of high school German.
contact nchroni@ksu.edu if you have placement questions

GRMN 301 - German IV

In 301, students read, interpret, and discuss longer German texts, extending the focus on language and culture. Students research various aspects of the history and culture of German-speaking countries and learn to write about and present the results of their research.

Designed for students with three semesters of college German or 3-5 years of high school German.
contact nchroni@ksu.edu if you have placement questions

Course Descriptions - Intermediate

Courses at the 500 level comprise our intermediate courses. All count toward the German Major or Minor requirements and many count toward some general education requirements for BA and BS degrees (e.g.: Foreign Language requirements, Western Heritage, Literary/Rhetorical Arts, Advanced Social Sciences, US Multicultural Overlay, etc.).

If you begin courses at the 500-level or above, you are eligible to receive free retroactive credit for level 1 through 4 courses.

GRMN 521 - Intro to 18th/19th C. Literature

g521

Take your German to the next level while investigating the topics and styles of electrifying Romantic and Realist fiction. Together, we will explore short literary texts from genres such as fairy tales, poems, and stories of madness and mystery.

Pre-Req: GRMN 301

GRMN 522 - Introductory Topic in Grmn Literature & Cult 20th/21th Cent

Spring 2024 Topic: Society and Literature in the 20^th Century

In this introductory German literature course, students will gain an overview of the major authors, literary trends, and discourses of the twentieth century, with particular focus on the way literature aesthetically represents social positioning. We will examine the relationship between aesthetic innovation and historical epoch, as well as discuss literature’s responsibility for addressing contemporary issues. Students will develop their skills analyzing literature and discussing it in German. Readings and discussion are in German.

Pre-Req: GRMN 301

GRMN 526 - Business German

Learn the vocabulary, communicative skills and cultural competencies pertaining to the world of business and other professions in German. Create a German resume, develop interview skills and learn field-specific vocabulary.

Pre-Req: GRMN 301

Course Descriptions - Advanced

Most 6-700-level German courses have variable topics, meaning each semester the course may be different! See below some of the themes discussed in these courses.

NOTE: Students should have completed at least two 500-level German courses prior to taking 6 or 700-level courses.

GRMN 705 - Topics in 20th & 21th Century German Lit & Culture

Spring 2024 Topic: Outside-In: Exophonic Writers in Contemporary German Literature

Some of the most interesting literature being produced in German currently is by writers whose first language isn’t German! Some of these writers have come to Germany because of political turmoil in their home countries, whereas others have chosen Germany because they enjoy the language and its support for the arts. In this course, we will read novels, short stories, and poems by writers like Saša Stanišić (Bosnian-German), Yoko Tawada (Japanese), Sharon Dodua Otoo (British), and others who are making their mark on German language and literature through their language play, memoryscapes, and investigation of identity. Readings and discussion are in German.

Pre-Req: GRMN 521 or 522

GRMN 728 - History of the German Language

Spring 2024 Topic: A Cultural History of German

Where does German come from, how it did it break off from other languages such as Dutch and English to form its own language, and just why is it called Deutsch, anyhow? We will explore the exchange that took place between the language spoken by Romans and Germans and sift through relics of early German magical spells. The German of the Middle Ages, Mittelhochdeutsch, became a major language of courtly love and epics of knights, Nibelungen, and the holy grail. We will trace the impact that Martin Luther’s German translation of the Bible had on early modern German culture and figure out why the administrative language from around Dresden (Sächsische Kanzleisprache) won out among dialects as the basis of the German that we speak today. We will examine the rise of literary German in the age of Goethe, the standardization of spelling, German during the Third Reich, and more recent influences of American English and immigrant communities.

Pre-req: any 500 level or above German course.