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Welcome to the Department of Germanic Languages at Columbia University!

The department, recognized as one of the very best in the country, offers a variety of language and literature programs:

The Undergraduate Program In German:
German majors and concentrators acquire proficiency in examining literary, philosophical, and historical texts in the original, as well as critical understanding of German culture and society. Particular attention is given to German-speaking traditions within larger European and global contexts. Courses taught in translation build on Columbia's Core Curriculum, thereby allowing students to enroll in upper-level seminars before completing the language requirement. First- and second-year courses in the German language program emphasize spoken and written communication, and provide a basic introduction to German culture.

The Graduate Program In German:
The graduate program in German literature and culture (M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D.) incorporates a strong literary and theoretical orientation with cultural studies and cultural history. The program has a historical focus of roughly 1700 to the present. Students have the opportunity to combine their study of literature, literary theory, and intellectual history with coursework and research beyond the department.

The Yiddish Studies Program:
The program in Yiddish studies offers a track in both the undergraduate major and concentration, in addition to graduate studies leading to the Ph.D. In both the undergraduate and graduate program, emphasis is placed not merely on acquiring linguistic proficiency and textual study, but also viewing Yiddish literature in a larger cultural and interdisciplinary context.

In addition, the department also offers programs in Dutch, Swedish, and Finnish studies.