German Literature (Focus area in the BA Literatures - Cultures - Languages) – Bachelor of Arts

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Starting in the winter semester 2023/24, the major in German Literature will be replaced by the new Bachelor's programme in Literatures - Cultures - Languages (LKS). In this new study programme, students choose one of seven possible specializations at the application process. German Literature is one possible specialization in the new BA Literatures - Cultures - Languages.

If you are studying a different bachelor's programme in the humanities, you can also select this study programme as a minor subject.

In German Literature at the University of Konstanz you will be taught methods to academically approach literary and non-literary texts. You will learn how to analyse and reflect critically on literature and to speak and write about it with authority. This includes knowledge of literary theory, narrative theory, literary history as well as cultural theory. You will study these theories and get to know German literature of all epochs from the Middle Ages to the present as well as all genres of literature (prose, poetry, drama). In addition to this you will attend courses in the field of linguistics.

Overview

Degree Bachelor of Arts
Programme start Winter semester
Period of study 6 semesters
Application period 9.5. -15.9.
Admission restrictions no
ECTS 180
Obligatory minor subject no

Why study German Literature (Focus area in the BA Literatures - Cultures - Languages) in the University of Konstanz?

  • Based on current research in literature and cultural sciences
  • Interdisciplinary and practical orientation
  • Courses with active participation in small groups
  • A broad range of interdisciplinary courses through cooperation with other literature subjects as well as art and media studies

Content

Prospects and opportunities

Career prospects

German philologists can find openings in numerous fields.

Typical work areas include:

  • World of literature (e.g. with publishers, houses of literature, libraries, documentation centres)
  • Media (e.g. newspapers, radio, television, online magazines)
  • Press and Public Relations
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Cultural field (e.g. Goethe Institutes, adult education, theatre)

Your minor subject choice can sharpen your profile and qualify you for a specific area of work. Additional competencies in economics increase your job prospects e.g. in the area of cultural management, while you might need political and historical knowledge in journalism.

You can find out more about career entry in the interview series #dreamjob - Starting a career. Alumni of the University of Konstanz report on their very personal career entry.

Graduate studies

To qualify further the University of Konstanz offers the Master's Programme in Literature.

Programme structure

Programme start

Winter semester

Academic structure

When studying for a bachelor's degree in the humanities, you will choose both a major subject (120 credits) and a minor subject (40 credits). In addition to this you will attend courses from the field of key competencies (20 credits), including an internship. Click here for an overview of the general structure of bachelor's programmes in the humanities.

You can find an exemplary structure of the study programme in this table.


Please check the Exam regulations (partly in German) for more information about the programme structure.

Internship and study abroad

Internships

You must complete an internship of at least 2 months during the semester break. Your department or our Career Service are here to help you find a suitable placement.

Study abroad

A period of study abroad is always highly recommended. The university promotes study abroad via the ERASMUS programme and numerous other exchange programmes.

Impressions from students and lecturers

Hear from students and lecturers
In our interview series, students talk about their subject, teachers explain the department's research and tell you what topics they cover in seminars and lectures.

Get an impression
Discover online lectures and websites with more information about your prospective subject.

Requirements

What interests and skills should I have?

  • You enjoy reading literary and academic texts
  • Ability to think in a formal and networked way
  • Logical and abstract way of thinking
  • Passion for the German language
  • You are interested in history and culture in the German language area
  • Very good verbal skills

Language skills

Foreign language skills
You have to document skills in two foreign languages. If you have taken at least three years of language classes in school (grade "sufficient" or better in the last year) you can submit your school certificates. Alternatively you can catch up on missing language skills at our Language Institute (SLI) during the first semesters.

German language skills
International applicants additionally need documentation of their German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4, or a language test recognised as equivalent. The University of Konstanz does not offer preparatory German language courses or approved German language exams. For this reason, you must submit accredited proof of your German language skills along with your application.

Language(s) of instruction

The language used in class is German. Some courses may be held in English.

Admission requirements

General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or equivalent.

Documentation Orientation Test: When applying for admission at universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg you have to take an orientation test. The Baden-Württemberg orientation test is the most widely used test. Please send in your certificate of participation together with your application papers.

Fees

Semester fee

All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.

Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.

Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

Application and application documents

This study programme has no admission restrictions.

PocketManual "Application" (in German)
Enrolling at the University of Konstanz – Our PocketManual "Application" (in German) will guide you as you take all the steps towards submitting a successful application to your first-choice study programme at the University of Konstanz.

An application is possible during the following period: 9.5. -15.9. (winter semester). There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website.

Application documents

During the online application process, you will need to enter various kinds of information (school grades, attendance periods etc.) and upload various PDF documents. Please make sure that you have the relevant documentation ready. This may include:

  • your Abitur certificate (German general higher education entrance qualification)
  • documentation of any volunteering you may have done (FSJ, FÖJ etc.)
  • any documentation about vocational training you may have completed
  • any other required documents (medical certificate etc.)

An electronic assistant will guide you through the application process. Required fields are marked by an asterisk (*).

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