The certificate in German offers students the opportunity to develop proficiency in German, thereby complementing major(s) in other subjects across the university. It focuses on German language skills and advanced courses taught in German. It also strengthens the profiles 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, including University Special students who may already have completed majors and earned degrees.
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 for the Certificate
15 credits, which must include at least two courses in Advanced German.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced GERMAN (2 courses required) | 6 | |
| Literatur des 20. und 21. Jahrhunderts | ||
| Advanced Composition & Conversation | ||
| Introduction to German Linguistics | ||
| Topics in German Linguistics | ||
| Topics in German Literature | ||
| Study Abroad in German Literature | ||
| Study Abroad in German Culture | ||
| Study Abroad in German Linguistics | ||
| Topics in German Culture | ||
| Honors Seminar in German Literature | ||
| Kultur des 20. und 21. Jahrhunderts | ||
| Additional GERMAN, from any course listed above, or: | 9 | |
| Intermediate German - Speaking and Listening | ||
| Intermediate German-Reading | ||
| Intermediate German-Writing | ||
| Intermediate Intensive (Honors) German: Language, Culture, Texts | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
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.
- 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 major, 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 or Dutch. 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
The placement test for Dutch is a one-on-one appointment with a professor, with written, oral, and reading comprehension components. The Placement Advisor for Dutch is Jolanda Vanderwal Taylor. Please contact the undergraduate advisor to request placement.
Any questions regarding placement in German or Dutch may be directed to the undergraduate placement advisors for these programs:
Jeanne M. Schueller, Undergraduate German Placement Advisor
jmschuel@wisc.edu
866 Van Hise Hall
Jolanda Vanderwal Taylor, Undergraduate Dutch Placement Advisor
jvtaylor@wisc.edu
608-262-5790
832 Van Hise Hall
For advising on careers related to German, Dutch, and other languages, contact the Language Institute.
For advising on careers related to German, Dutch, and other languages, refer to:
Languages at UW–Madison
Language Institute
Careers
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
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
Professors
Monika Chavez
Sabine Gross
Sonja Klocke
Mark Louden*
B. Venkat Mani
Pamela Potter
Jolanda Vanderwal Taylor
Associate Professors
Salvatore Calomino
Sonja Klocke
Sabine Möedersheim
Assistant Professors
Hannah V. Eldridge
Julia Goetze
Katerina Somers
Adam Stern
Sunny Yudkoff
Teaching Faculty
Julie Larson-Guenette
Jeanne Schueller
Lecturer
Melissa Sheedy
*Unit Head