German language and literature (BA)
Franckeplatz Campus, Germany
Bachelor of Arts in German Language and Literature (Deutsche Sprache und Literatur)
University of Halle-Wittenberg (Martin Luther University)
German Language and Literature (Germanistik)
Program Overview: BA German Language and Literature at MLU Halle-Wittenberg
The Bachelor of Arts in German Language and Literature (Deutsche Sprache und Literatur) at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg offers a comprehensive education in the study of the German language, its historical development, and the rich traditions of German-language literature. Rooted in one of Germany's oldest and most prestigious Germanistik departments — with a 150-year institutional history — this program provides students with strong analytical, interpretive, and communication skills.
The program is structured as a two-subject Bachelor's degree (Zwei-Fach-Bachelor), allowing you to combine German Language and Literature with a complementary subject. You can choose between a 90 LP (credit point) or 60 LP track in Germanistik, pairing it with another discipline to reach the required 180 ECTS total, giving you a flexible and interdisciplinary academic profile.
Situated in Halle (Saale), the largest and oldest university in Saxony-Anhalt, MLU provides an intellectually stimulating environment with a more than 500-year tradition of academic excellence. The city of Halle offers an affordable cost of living and is conveniently located just 35 kilometers from Leipzig and about one hour from Berlin by train.
Key Program Highlights
- Study at a Germanistik department with over 150 years of tradition at one of Germany's oldest universities, founded in 1502/1694
- Flexible two-subject Bachelor structure lets you combine Germanistik with a wide range of complementary disciplines
- Three core pillars of study: German Linguistics, Modern German Literature, and Medieval German Literature (Mediävistik)
- Access to excellent library resources including the Saxony-Anhalt University and State Library, the largest academic library in the state
Curriculum and Modules
The BA German Language and Literature curriculum is built around three core sub-disciplines of Germanistik: German Linguistics (Sprachwissenschaft), Modern German Literature (Neuere deutsche Literatur), and Medieval German Studies (Mediävistik). Students progress from foundational modules introducing key concepts and methods to advanced seminars that allow for deeper specialization and independent research, culminating in a Bachelor's thesis.
Introduction to German Linguistics (Einführung in die Sprachwissenschaft)
10 ECTSCovers the foundational structures of the German language including phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Students learn core analytical methods and key linguistic terminology essential for advanced study.
Introduction to Modern German Literature (Einführung in die Neuere deutsche Literaturwissenschaft)
10 ECTSProvides a systematic introduction to the methods and theories of literary studies, focusing on German literature from the early modern period to the present. Students develop skills in close reading, textual analysis, and literary interpretation.
Introduction to Medieval German Literature (Einführung in die Mediävistik)
10 ECTSIntroduces students to Middle High German language and the literary culture of the medieval period. Topics include courtly literature, epic poetry, and the cultural contexts of medieval German-speaking societies.
Advanced German Linguistics (Vertiefungsmodul Sprachwissenschaft)
10 ECTSBuilds on foundational knowledge with in-depth study of topics such as historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, pragmatics, and language change. Students engage with current research and conduct their own linguistic analyses.
Advanced Modern German Literature (Vertiefungsmodul Neuere deutsche Literatur)
10 ECTSExplores specific literary epochs, genres, and thematic areas in greater depth, such as Enlightenment literature, Romanticism, Realism, and contemporary German writing. Students engage critically with primary texts and secondary scholarship.
Bachelor's Thesis (Bachelorarbeit)
10 ECTSAn independent research project in which students demonstrate their ability to formulate a scholarly question, apply appropriate methods, and produce a sustained academic argument in one area of Germanistik.
Elective and Complementary Modules
Admission Requirements
The BA German Language and Literature at MLU Halle-Wittenberg is generally an admission-free program (zulassungsfrei), meaning there is no numerus clausus restriction. International applicants must hold a recognized university entrance qualification and demonstrate German language proficiency at an advanced level. Uni4Edu can guide you through the entire application process and help you prepare the required documentation.
Academic Requirements
- University Entrance QualificationA secondary school diploma recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur, or completion of a Studienkolleg preparatory course
- German Language ProficiencyDSH-2, TestDaF (minimum 4 in each section), telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, or equivalent certification required
- Subject PrerequisitesNo specific subject prerequisites beyond the general university entrance qualification
- Admission RestrictionTypically admission-free (no NC); contact Uni4Edu for current semester status
- Second SubjectA complementary second subject must be chosen as part of the two-subject Bachelor structure
Language Requirements
- DSHDSH-2 (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang, Level 2)
- TestDaFMinimum 4 points (TDN 4) in each of the four sections
- telc / Goethetelc Deutsch C1 Hochschule (minimum grade C) or Goethe-Zertifikat C2
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
While public universities in Germany, including MLU Halle-Wittenberg, generally do not charge tuition fees for degree programs, students should plan for semester contributions and living expenses. Several scholarship opportunities are available to support international students. Uni4Edu can help you identify and apply for suitable funding options.
DAAD Scholarships for International Students
Varies (typically EUR 861/month for undergraduates)The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a range of scholarships for international students studying in Germany, covering living expenses and sometimes including travel and health insurance allowances.
Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)
EUR 300 per monthA merit-based scholarship co-funded by the German federal government and private sponsors, awarded to high-achieving students regardless of nationality. The scholarship is granted for at least two semesters.
Erasmus+ Mobility Grants
Varies by destination countryEU-funded grants available for students undertaking a study exchange or internship abroad within the Erasmus+ partner network. MLU cooperates with over 200 international institutions for exchange opportunities.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
A Bachelor's degree in German Language and Literature equips you with highly transferable skills in critical analysis, textual interpretation, written and oral communication, and intercultural competence. Graduates pursue careers across a broad range of sectors in the cultural, educational, media, and communication industries. The program also provides an excellent foundation for further study at the Master's level, including pathways into teaching (Lehramt).
Potential Career Roles
Typical Employers and Sectors
Rankings and Recognition
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg is a well-established public research university with over 500 years of academic tradition. It is consistently featured in major international university rankings and is recognized for its strong contributions to the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. The Germanistik department benefits from the university's long-standing reputation in the humanities.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | THE World University Rankings | Top 400 |
| Ecology | GRAS Shanghai Ranking | #51 |
| Business and Management Studies | QS Subject Rankings | #101 |
| German Studies (National) | CHE University Ranking | Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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