When you major in German, you will acquire a proficiency in the use of the German language and enroll in courses on German culture and literature, combining growth, personal challenges and life experiences. You will learn about the history of German in Nebraska and be drawn into different cultures around the world where you will connect with them not just intellectually, but personally.
Since language is crucial to the understanding of history and culture, your core courses will impart a grammatical, syntactical and cultural proficiency enabling you to adapt to an increasingly diverse world.
Beyond that, dive deeper by enrolling in elective courses such as:
- German Literature in Translation
- German for Business and Commerce
- History of the German Language
- Postwar German Literature: The Literature of West Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
- Romanticism
Academics + Experience = Opportunities
Complement academic preparation with experiential learning, creating more opportunities after graduation. Talk to an academic advisor and a career coach about making the most of your time at Nebraska.
Four-year success plan
What to do each year
Catalog
Major requirements and courses
Printable summary
With sample four-year schedule
Transferrable Career Skills
- Communicate confidently and appropriately with individuals of different cultures
- Develop a strong awareness of self and others
- Gain global perspective and high levels of intercultural awareness
- Contextualize political, social, and historical events
- Listen actively and facilitate individual and group communication
- Evaluate the interrelatedness of events and ideas
- Examine problems from multiple perspectives
- Express ideas creatively
- Interpret, compare, and contrast ideas
- Offer empathetic, sensitive, and patient interactions with others
Experience
Experience is valuable and goes beyond the classroom. We strive to help you connect your academics with research, internships, education abroad, service learning and leadership experiences in German, such as:
- Interning with the Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast
- Learn more about internships
- Researching German translation
- Learn more about undergraduate research
- Studying abroad in Berlin
- Learn more about education abroad
- Serving as the German Club (Lincoln) president
- Learn more about getting involved in student organizations
- Volunteering at Lincoln Literacy to help native German speakers learn English
- Learn more about service learning
Opportunities
As a German major you will receive a broad general education making you an attractive candidate for a wide range of career opportunities. When combined with interest areas, you will be equipped for pursuing a career in areas such as government service, business, the travel industry, journalism, law or health care.
Examples of Alumni Careers
- 2nd Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
- Account Executive, 93.7 The Ticket
- Deputy County Attorney, Dawson County Attorney's Office
- First Grade Teacher, Elkhorn Public Schools
- Intelligence Analyst, BAE Systems
- Judicial Clerk, Judge Riley, 8th Circuit
- Junior Researcher, The Albanian Institute for International Studies
- Project Coordinator, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- Typesetter and E-book Creator, University of Nebraska Press
- Writer, Political Communication Firm
Examples of Graduate Schools Attended by Alumni
- Master's Degree, Modern Languages and Literature, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Master's Degree, Teacher Education in German, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
- Juris Doctorate, Harvard University
- Master's of Modern Languages & Literature, University College Dublin
- Ph.D., Sociology , University of North Carolina
- Master's Degree, Linguistics, University of Potsdam
- Master's Degree, Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Master's Degree, Museum Studies, North Carolina State University
- Bachelor's Degree, Nursing, Creighton University
- Juris Doctorate, Ohio State University
“Originally, German was only a minor for me, however, after meeting many other passionate language students in the German department, as well as the incredible support and understanding I received from my professors, I realized that I wanted to invest more in my German studies.”
Gail Lim
German at Nebraska
German is a humanities major in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Our liberal arts degrees provide a broad education across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, preparing students for a variety of careers.
Let curiosity move you.
Contact Us
Academic and Career Advising Center
107 Oldfather Hall
402-472-4190
casadvising@unl.edu