icon-symbol-logout-darkest-grey

Faculty of Modern LanguagesComparative German Studies – Master

The focus of Comparative German Studies is the comparative and intercultural examination of German language, literature, and culture. 

Facts & Formalities

DegreeMaster of Arts
Type of programmeConsecutive
Start of programmeWinter and summer semester
Standard period of study4 semesters
Language(s) of instructionGerman
Fees and contributions151.05 € / Semester
Application procedureConsecutive master’s programmes with access restriction
Application deadlinesInformation about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program.
Part-time optionYes
May be studied as a minor subjectYes

Course Content

The Master’s degree programme in Comparative German Studies provides German and international students with an in-depth education in German linguistics and German literature. It builds upon a Bachelor’s degree programme with related content.  

The degree programme offers two specialisations: Linguistics and Literature 

The specialisation in linguistics is rooted in the institute’s areas of research focus and places particular emphasis on psycholinguistic, comparative language, and intercultural aspects. The diversity of languages at the institute opens up possibilities for intercultural perspectives and enables in-depth comparative and typological language study.  

The specialisation in Literature focusses on comparative and intercultural aspects. This includes the embedding of German literature in medial, societal and supernational contexts. This will take place in conjunction with research being conducted at the institute that combines the study of literary-historical, cultural, and text-analysis issues with a comparative cultural perspective.  

As a supplement to the two subject specialisations, students may also select from three profiles that provide qualifications for relevant career options:  

  • Subject-specific Specialisations: Language and Cognition or Comparative Literature 
  • Didactics of German as a Foreign Language 
  • Intercultural Communication 

The degree programme may also be pursued as a minor. 

It is possible to choose a minor in combination with this Master programme. For further information please refer to the Examination Rules and Regulations.

Course Structure

The major in Comparative German Studies with a specialisation in either Literature or Linguistics includes the following modules

  • four subject-specific compulsory modules  
  • two modules from the selected profile  
  • one examination module  

Linguistics compulsory module

  • Focus is on the areas of comparative language, language acquisition research, and individual and societal multilingualism. The courses provide in-depth linguistics knowledge and reflect current research issues. 

Literature compulsory module

  • Courses offered include comparative and intercultural literature, literary history, and literature in the context of media and social history.  

Profiles

  • Language and Cognition: focus is on current research issues in the areas of language production and language acquisition as well as on the relationship between language processes and cognitive functions. 
  • Comparative Literature: In a targeted manner, this module will expand upon the canon of previously-studied texts, through to world literature. A comparative examination of other literature will provide new perspectives on German literature. 
  • Didactics of German as a Foreign Language: The modules are aimed at conveying knowledge of German language and culture in a variety of teaching and learning contexts. The objective is to establish a fundamental understanding of language acquisition and the options for guiding this.  
  • Intercultural Communication: The focus is on communication processes that are based on cultural and communications theory, which can then be experimented with in practice-oriented courses and projects.