German
Germany is the second largest exporting nation in the world and its native language, German, is the language most commonly used in Europe. Worldwide, German is the sixth most commonly spoken language, trailing only Chinese, English, Spanish, Russian and Hindi.
German is the language used by many influential writers, philosophers, and scientists; therefore, learning this language will place a wealth of knowledge at your disposal.
Studying German
Our German courses have a clear, communicative focus. While we ensure that students gain solid knowledge about German grammar and acquire an extensive German vocabulary, our main goal is always to teach students how to communicate successfully in a German speaking context.
Starting with mastering simple situations, such as introducing oneself, students progress quickly after taking several courses and are soon able to competently participate in general discussions and express themselves proficiently in writing.
A Stepping Stone ...
Taking German at the University of Saskatchewan will enable you to become acquainted with another culture and provide you with new perspectives. Most importantly, it will prepare you for a professional life in an international setting where an intercultural competence is becoming increasingly important and sought after by employers.
Career Opportunities
Learning German -- as does learning any other foreign language -- provides you with an array of diverse career opportunities:
- teachers
- interpreters
- translators
- publishers
However, in any job where multiculturalism is valued or an important aspect of the daily demands, being able to communicate in German can give you an edge over equally well-qualified candidates. This is especially relevant when applying for jobs with companies that have international operations or markets.
The U of S Advantage
The University of Saskatchewan German program offers a solid foundation of courses. It provides rewarding learning opportunities, and as a smaller program, offers students a high degree of personal contact with dedicated faculty.
In addition, the study and work abroad opportunities available to U of S German students match and even surpass those of larger language departments at other institutions.
All this makes ours a materially-enhanced language program.
Choose Your Program
- Modern Languages
Students interested in studying German at an intense level, or combining German with another language, may want to consider this program. - Recognition in German
Students take 18 credit units of courses given in German.
Getting Involved
We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities such as the German club, conversation groups and
weekend language retreats.
Canadian students, German exchange students and others interested in German culture from the community as a whole meet also meet weekly at the German Stammtisch. (Don't know what the Stammtisch is? Don't worry. Others will explain to you its cultural importance!)
Outstanding Individuals
Dr. Silke Falkner is the head of the German section. She is a highly-accomplished professor and received the Teaching Excellence Award from the College of Arts and Science in 2003.
Many of our alumni are now teaching German themselves at universities throughout Canada.
We are often able to send interested students abroad to work as Teaching Assistants at schools or universities in Germany.
Read about their experiences here.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
Additional Information
Related Interests
If you are interested in German,
you might also be interested in:
Relevant Links
For more information available online for German: