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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:

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:

GERMAN 305 Literatur des 20. und 21. Jahrhunderts3-4
GERMAN 337 Advanced Composition & Conversation3-4
GERMAN 351 Introduction to German Linguistics3-4
GERMAN 352 Topics in German Linguistics3-4
GERMAN 362 Topics in German Literature3-4
GERMAN 367 Study Abroad in German Literature2-5
GERMAN 368 Study Abroad in German Culture2-5
GERMAN 369 Study Abroad in German Linguistics2-5
GERMAN 372 Topics in German Culture3-4
GERMAN 385 Honors Seminar in German Literature3
GERMAN 411 Kultur des 20. und 21. Jahrhunderts3-4

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

  1. to promote German proficiency in all major skill areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
  2. to foster a deeper understanding of the cultures of the German-speaking world through courses taught in German.

Advising and Careers

For advising questions or to declare the German certificate, contact Joanna Schuth (jschuth@wisc.edu).

Students declared in the German major are not eligible to declare the Certificate in German.

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.

Any questions regarding placement in German may be directed to the undergraduate placement advisor Jeanne M. Schueller (jmschuel@wisc.edu).

For advising on careers related to languages, talk with Lydia Odegard (lodegard@wisc.edu), Language Directions Specialist in the Language Institute.

SuccessWorks

SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.

Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.