German
Herzlich Willkommen!
German is one of Europe’s most widely spoken languages and the language of the largest economy in the European Union. Our German programmes at UL combine language learning with the study of culture and society (literature, cinema, area studies, business studies, history, popular culture, current affairs, language in society) in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Students acquire high-level language skills, and a sound knowledge of the culture and society of the German-speaking countries of Europe. This also offers students a window into wider European culture.
German is available at beginners’ and post-Leaving Certificate (advanced) level. Complete beginners can start with no prior knowledge of German and will be supported by the German team. Classes are typically taught through the medium of German, using up-to-date teaching methods and the latest educational technologies. Students can also take advantage of one-to-one sessions with native speakers, discussion groups, movie evenings, game afternoons, and lectures and readings by visiting authors and academics.
The research expertise of our Faculty members in language learning and German Studies (including exile, migration, intercultural, Irish-German and translation studies; Swiss Studies; 19th to 21st century literature, contemporary literature and film, travel writing and contemporary women’s writing; age studies; European cultural studies) feeds directly into teaching.
UL has the only Centre for Irish-German Studies in Europe (Centre for Irish-German Studies | University of Limerick) and is also closely aligned with the Centre for European Studies (Centre for European Studies | University of Limerick) and the Centre for Applied Language Studies (https://www.ul.ie/artsoc/cals).
Students develop their language awareness and German language skills by working with exciting and topical texts, visual material and online digital resources and, at an advanced stage, they develop translation and interpreting skills.
As part of their UL degree, students also have the opportunity to spend time in a German-speaking country through Erasmus and work placement programmes, for example in cities such as Vienna, Berlin or Cologne. These experiences allow you to immerse yourself in the language, gain international and intercultural experience, and develop skills that are highly valued by employers.
We look forward to welcoming you to German at UL. Bis bald!
Check out our website Resources for German:
Resources-for-german – The place for great materials to teach and study German
What our students say:
“The classes on offer are interesting including German history, culture, literature, and the language itself. Our lecturers are extremely helpful. Classes are small and interactive. Rather than just sitting there and listening, you are truly part of the class” (Kieran Murphy) Studying German
Whether you choose to study German for the four years of your programme or as an elective for one to two years, we hope that you will enjoy the experience. If you have already learned some German at school, you have probably concentrated on basic communication skills, such as talking about yourself and your family, asking and giving directions, and so on. Studying German at university builds on this knowledge; you will have the opportunity to develop both fluency and accuracy in your writing and speaking and to learn about the cultures of the German-speaking countries.
Studying German is about developing the linguistic, cultural, historical, political and professional framework within which to root your learning of the language. It is about developing academic skills, challenging established ideas, formulating, presenting and defending your own arguments, while being ready to accept those of others; it is about thinking for yourself and developing a better understanding of yourself and your own cultural heritage through the study of another language and other peoples. It puts you in a powerful position – it is only through understanding other people and appreciating their perspective on the world, even if we do not share it, that we can truly learn to communicate. Much of this understanding you will pick up in spending time studying and/or working in a German-speaking environment, but there is still much you can do while you are here in Limerick. Take every opportunity to come into contact with native speakers, make use of the resources round about you (particularly in the Language Resource Area and the library, be curious, be demanding of your lecturers, your fellow students and yourselves.
Courses in which you can study German
LM044 - BA in Applied Languages
LM002 - Bachelor of Arts
LM040 - BA in European Studies
LM029 - Bachelor of Laws (Law Plus)
LM050 - Bachelor of Business Studies with German
LM056 - BA International Business
LM039 - Journalism and Digital Communication
LM091 - Bachelor of Education in Languages
LM030 – BA in Global Politics
Contact:
Michaela Schrage-Frueh
Associate Professor in German Studies
Phone: +353 61 202354
Email: michaela.schragefrueh@ul.ie
