Programs in German language and literature teach the spoken and written traditions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and their neighbors. Students learn how German words began and the language developed. They study regional dialects, myths, and writings. Students learn to apply the knowledge to business and technology.

In his article "The Awful German Language," Mark Twain complains about his difficulty learning German. To hear Twain tell it, you must be born in the country or to a family that speaks German. Of course, not everyone can manage that. A helpful alternative might be to immerse yourself in the language by listening to spoken German.

Although Twain's bias is not universal, English speakers do need to change their expectations about word order, because in German the verb often is at the end of the sentence. To illustrate, we might say, "English speakers about word order German to learn their expectations must change." However, it is important to realize that English is actually a Germanic language!

In German language and literature programs, you learn all about the culture of German society. You take courses from different fields of study, such as art and history. Most importantly, you learn to speak German. You also learn how to read and write the language. Many courses also teach you translation techniques.

Of course, you also read and study important works of German literature and poetry. This includes reading important works of literature in their untranslated form. These works often include "Faust" by Goethe and "The Metamorphosis" and other stories by Kafka. You can even study fairy tales such as "Rumpelstiltskin" and "Hansel and Gretel!" You also learn about German music and film. This includes medieval and Renaissance works as well as works written or composed during and after World War II.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in German language and literature. Some two-year colleges offer the first two years of study. Students can often transfer these credits to a four-year school. Master's degrees typically take five or six years of full-time study after high school. Doctoral degree programs typically take three to five years after the master's degree. Most people with graduate degrees become professors.

Students who major in German language and literature may be able to choose concentrations such as:

• Conversation
• Dialects
• Folklore
• Interpreting
• Linguistics
• Literature
• Teaching
• Translation