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Literature, Philosophy, Environmental Humanities

Share in the language and ideas of some of history's greatest thinkers as you prepare for boundless opportunities in education, the arts, and beyond.

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Why German Studies?

With a multitude of topics and real-world applications ranging from research and tech to education and cinema, German Studies go beyond the mastery of a new tongue.

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In the Heart of Europe, a World of Discovery

Study abroad programs in Berlin, Heidelberg, and Vienna offer students the experience of a lifetime.

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An Exceptional Student Experience

A close-knit learning community in a nationally recognized program can pave the way to an exciting future.

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The Department of Germanics is now the Department of German Studies. Find out More.

Welcome to the Department of German Studies

Our department concentrates on the artistic and intellectual traditions of German-speaking countries and offers training in critical reading, analytical writing, and the implications of language, literature, and other media as cultural phenomena. As one of the highest ranked programs in the country, we remain at the forefront of innovating language teaching. We offer undergraduate and advanced degrees for students at the University of Washington, as well as outreach events for the surrounding community.

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Featured Course

German 352 A: Babylon Berlin: Gender, Identity and Sexuality Between the Wars

Winter 2026

Berlin between the two world wars was a locus of chaos and dramatic social upheaval; it was also the site of some of the most dynamic shifts in gender roles and identity and sexual freedoms.