Postgraduate Study in German

Study Languages: make the world your place

In our world of global communication and travel, language specialists find themselves constantly in demand. German involves the study of a language that is closely related to English.

German culture and creativity form much of the Western heritage in music, visual art, architecture, philosophy and the sciences. It’s easy to see that the study of German can enhance the study of many other disciplines.

German is one of the world’s major European languages and one of the two principal languages of Europe. Germany is one of the world’s largest contributors to research and development, and its well-funded universities are an important destination for scientists and students.

Knowledge of German language and culture has long been an asset in Europe but it is also a major advantage within New Zealand.

Why study German?

Today, there are more reasons to study German than ever before. German is the most commonly spoken language in the European Union. Germany is Europe's largest economy, the world's third largest exporting nation, an influential member of the European Union, and a key player at the United Nations.

German speakers have left a trace on every aspect of Western culture: music, literature, art, theatre and film, architecture and philosophy.

Top reasons to study German

Business

Communicating with German business partners in their own language creates better, more effective relationships – and a greater chance of success.

Careers

Knowledge of German makes you a more attractive choice for German companies – active in virtually every corner of the global market.

Tourism

Since German tourists travel widely and spend more money than any other national group, there is always a demand for language skills in this important sector.

Research

German is the second most important language in scientific research and Germany's overall contribution to research and development ranks number three in the world. Germany is an important source of research scholarships for foreign academics and students.

Communication

Developments in media and technology have made multi-lingual communications skills more crucial than ever before.

Intercultural understanding

Learning German will give you an insight into the lives of people in some of Europe's most diverse and multicultural societies.

Travel

By broadening your knowledge of German you will open up opportunities for travel not just in Germany, Austria and Switzerland but also in other parts of Europe, especially Eastern Europe.

Culture

German is the language of some of the greatest artists, writers, poets, musicians and philosophers who have ever lived. Studying German gives you a chance to experience their work directly in the original language.

Study and work in Germany

Every year German organisations award a large number of scholarships for study in Germany. You will also improve your chances of obtaining a work visa for Germany if you can demonstrate good language skills.

Are you just starting uni?

Learn about studying German as an undergraduate at Otago.

Contacts

Languages and Cultures programme
School of Arts
Email languages@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/german

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