Introduction to German
Here are some of our previous students that can tell you a bit about what it's like studying German and why it can help you in your future educational and career goals.
Sebastian, German Student at QE (2013) International Stakeholder Coordinator, Southampton University
"Germany and its official language hold a very powerful status in the European Union. Of course, the roots of this extend a few centuries back, from the times of the poets and thinkers such as Goethe, Schiller and Marx, all the way to WW2 and beyond, which have all shaped the way Europe is today. To really understand these cultural, historical and social influences, the best way is to learn about them in the original language. I chose to do German at QE, hoping to continue studying it at a university. During my A-Level course I learnt about the division of Germany, its reunification in 1989, and how the consequences are still visible to this day. The syllabus also focused on the changing image of the German-speaking countries and how they handle modern issues of immigration, personal identity and social progress. Also I was able to engage with German-speaking literature and film, such as Kafka’s story ‘Die Verwandlung’ (‘The Metamorphosis’) and ‘Good Bye, Lenin!’. Our group also had the opportunity to do an exchange and attend a school in Germany for a week. Currently, I am studying German and Spanish at the University of Cambridge and hope to teach these languages abroad in the future. "
Wiktoria Mól, German & Spanish, University of Cambridge
“Studying German at QE gives you more than just a qualification. It teaches you a lifelong skill and improves your communication and personal skills in a way that few other courses can. Initially I wasn’t sure that German was for me, but it turned out to be a fun and rewarding challenge which I still practise now.”
Josh Bailey-Withers, Currently studying Economics, Newcastle University