The Certificate in German, the first language certificate offered at UW–Madison, offers students the opportunity to develop proficiency in the language by requiring that all courses taken to fulfill it must be at the intermediate and advanced levels and taught in German. It complements major(s) in other subjects across the university and strengthens the applications of students who intend to pursue careers or graduate study in areas where knowledge of German is useful. The Certificate in German is open to all undergraduate students and University Special students who may already have earned degrees.
How to Get in
To declare the Certificate in German, email or make an appointment with the undergraduate advisor for the program.
Students declared in the German major are not eligible to declare the Certificate in German.
Requirements
The certificate requires 15 total credits, 9 credits in Intermediate German and 6 credits in Advanced German courses.
Intermediate German
Complete one of the following sequences:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GERMAN 249 & GERMAN 258 & GERMAN 262 | Intermediate German - Speaking and Listening and Intermediate German-Reading and Intermediate German-Writing | 9 |
| GERMAN 249 & GERMAN 285 | Intermediate German - Speaking and Listening and Intermediate Intensive (Honors) German: Language, Culture, Texts | 9 |
Advanced German
Complete at least two courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GERMAN 305 | Literatur des 20. und 21. Jahrhunderts | 3-4 |
| GERMAN 337 | Advanced Composition & Conversation | 3-4 |
| GERMAN 351 | Introduction to German Linguistics | 3-4 |
| GERMAN 352 | Topics in German Linguistics | 3-4 |
| GERMAN 362 | Topics in German Literature | 3-4 |
| GERMAN 367 | Study Abroad in German Literature | 2-5 |
| GERMAN 368 | Study Abroad in German Culture | 2-5 |
| GERMAN 369 | Study Abroad in German Linguistics | 2-5 |
| GERMAN 372 | Topics in German Culture | 3-4 |
| GERMAN 385 | Honors Seminar in German Literature | 3 |
| GERMAN 411 | Kultur des 20. und 21. Jahrhunderts | 3-4 |
Residence and Quality of Work
- Minimum 2.000 GPA on all courses eligible for the certificate
- At least 8 certificate credits must be completed in residence
Pass/fail courses do not apply to the certificate.
Undergraduate/Special Student Certificates
This certificate may be completed within the context of an undergraduate degree or as a Special student after an undergraduate degree has been awarded from any institution. The certificate may be completed in its entirety while enrolled as a Special student. Candidates are encouraged to contact the certificate coordinator to discuss course enrollment and the sequencing of certificate requirements.
Learning Outcomes
- to promote German proficiency in all major skill areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- to foster a deeper understanding of the cultures of the German-speaking world through courses taught in German.
Advising and Careers
For advising questions related to the German certificate, contact the GNS+ Undergraduate Advisor:
Joanna Schuth, Undergraduate Advisor
jschuth@wisc.edu
836 Van Hise Hall
Make an appointment through Starfish
Language placement tests are advised for any student with previous knowledge or experience with German. The German test is proctored through the University Placement Test program; more information is available here: https://exams.wisc.edu/placement/ .
If you have questions about your placement test score, please contact the Undergraduate Advisor or the Placement Advisor:
Jeanne M. Schueller, German Language Program Coordinator and Placement Advisor
jmschuel@wisc.edu
866 Van Hise Hall
For advising on careers related to German, contact the Language Institute.
L&S Career Resources
Every L&S major opens a world of possibilities. SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps students turn the academic skills learned in their major, certificates, and other coursework into fulfilling lives after graduation, whether that means jobs, public service, graduate school or other career pursuits.
In addition to providing basic support like resume reviews and interview practice, SuccessWorks offers ways to explore interests and build career skills from their very first semester/term at UW all the way through graduation and beyond.
Students can explore careers in one-on-one advising, try out different career paths, complete internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and connect with supportive alumni and even employers in the fields that inspire them.
- SuccessWorks
- Set up a career advising appointment
- Enroll in a Career Course - a great idea for first- and second-year students:
- INTER-LS 210 L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative (1 credit)
- INTER-LS 215 Communicating About Careers (3 credits, fulfills Comm B General Education Requirement)
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- INTER-LS 260 Internship in the Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Activate your Handshake account to apply for jobs and internships from 200,000+ employers recruiting UW-Madison students
- Learn about the impact SuccessWorks has on students' lives
People
Professors
Hannah V. Eldridge
Sonja Klocke
Mark Louden*
B. Venkat Mani
Pamela Potter
Jolanda Vanderwal Taylor
Associate Professors
Salvatore Calomino
Sabine Moedersheim
Sunny Yudkoff
Assistant Professors
Zach Ramon Fitzpatrick
Julia Goetze
Mary Hennessy
Katerina Somers
Adam Stern
Teaching Professor
Jeanne Schueller
Teaching Faculty
Julie Larson-Guenette
Lecturer
Melissa Sheedy
*Unit Head