When you study German at King’s, you are not just achieving fluency in the German language. You are also engaging in in-depth research about German-language culture, history, and politics. You will have the opportunity to explore these topics across all periods: from the most contemporary developments, to their beginnings in the Medieval period, a highly distinctive feature of our course.
But we also believe that studying German also unlocks the wider world, which is why one of our themes is “German in the World”. The German-speaking countries have made major contributions to not only European but global culture and civilisation, in the fields of culture, politics, philosophy and business. We thus see German Studies as a chance for you to both deepen your knowledge of the German-speaking countries, but also to use that knowledge to open up an entire world of opportunities.
Being based in London is also unique chance for your learning in the classroom to come alive in the vibrant capital city around you. This is the purpose of theme “German in London”. This engages you with the major German cultural intuitions in the capital, like the Goethe Institut and the Austrian Cultural Forum, but also with some of the world’s most renowned museums, theatres, and theatres, and with the large German-speaking community. In London, German-language culture and German speakers are quite literally on our doorstep!
Our close-knit student community is one of the most important features of life in the German Department at King’s. Together with our German Society, we put on a series of events – talks, trips, evenings out, buddy schemes and tandem sessions. The most important event every year is our German Play. This is an unbroken tradition at King’s for over 65 years, and everyone in the Department can be involved. Whether you want to act and practice your German, direct or produce; whether you want to help translate the surtitles, build the set, or sell tickets on the door, it’s a great chance to make friends, and speak German!
We regularly have over 300 people in the audience, including many school pupils, and alongside the performance itself, we run Play Study Days, with lectures, translation workshops and seminars on the play. The play is voted for by you, our students, and is always a highlight of the year!
"The German Play re-awakened my love of acting and then that’s something I continued during my four years at King’s. I then went on to work at the Courtauld Gallery in London, before doing a MA in Acting. I’m now returning to the German Department to write my PhD on German Theatre on the London Stage!"
Joe Prestwich, BA German and English.
As part of your degree in German, you will spend your third year (or one semester for students studying two languages) in a German-speaking country. Currently, students can choose to study at one of our partner universities in Berlin, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Mannheim, Munich, or Vienna. Alternatively, students can apply to be a British Council English Language Assistant in a German-speaking school. Students may also arrange a German-speaking internship for one semester of their year abroad. You will sit German-language assessment at the partner University or remotely from King’s.
Whether studying German post A-level or ab initio, the Year Abroad is an integral and important part of your language degree, and so is not optional. Living, studying or working fully immersed in a German-speaking environment will allow you to deepen your linguistic and cultural knowledge. This will prepare you linguistically for your final year of study at King’s. It will also help you to develop intercultural competencies and problem-solving skills which are highly valued by employers.
You will learn a lot about yourself you didn’t know. You will meet amazing people. And most of all, you will get to soak up the German language like a sponge.
Verity, BA in German
The Königspost is a German-language newspaper produced by students in the German Department at King’s College London. The editorial team consists of students in their final year studying German, and students from any year group can submit articles for publication. The newspaper showcases articles in German on a wide range of topics – from news and current affairs to lifestyle, culture and sport – and also features artwork and photos by students from across the university.
Getting involved in editing and writing for the Königspost allows you to develop a wide range of skills – such as communication, project-management, teamwork and leadership – which are highly valued by employers. Many students go on to obtain competitive positions in publishing, journalism, advertising and media on the basis of their experience working on the Königspost.
Being part of the Königspost Team is such an invaluable experience and an exciting opportunity – what better way to combine a deep love of German language and culture and gain transferable skills at the same time!
Rosie and Alisha, Königspost editors, 2017-18
