German

Why Study German?

German is a key language in the European Union and in the rapidly growing markets of Central and Eastern Europe. Today, Germany is ranked third in the world for total economic output. Knowing German provides career and business opportunities with this economic superpower, the most important trade partners of which are the European Union and the United States. Given these close commercial ties, it is highly likely that you will someday work for a company that does business with a German partner firm. In addition, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for translators for languages such as German will remain strong, and the job market for all translators and interpreters is expected to increase 24 percent through 2016.

German at Heidelberg

All Heidelberg German majors spend their junior year in Germany with our American Junior Year Program at the prestigious Heidelberg University. This total immersion experience is the most effective way to become fluent in the language and to feel truly "at home" in the host culture. While abroad, students live the cultural experiences that others only read about. At a cost that is comparable to spending the year on Heidelberg’s home campus in Ohio, this study abroad experience is the cornerstone of the Berg German major.
 
The American Junior Year Program also brings German students to study on the Tiffin campus, where they serve as tutors and conversation partners for students of German. As the resulting cross-cultural friendships provide German majors with real-life experiences with the language and culture, they also provide our German exchange students with lasting friendships with their American peers.
 
Heidelberg students of German also have the opportunity to practice their language skills at the weekly German Conversation Table, where students meet for coffee, snacks and conversation in German.

Department of Languages

 
Heidelberg’s Languages Department offers majors in German and Spanish, and minors in German, Spanish and Latin American Studies. The Department also offers courses in French, Greek and Chinese.
 
Department Philosophy
 
In a world of increasing interdependence, we seek political, economic and humanitarian solutions to complex global and regional issues. We need more people who have acquired sensitivity toward other cultures, and appreciation of other points of view and behavior patterns. An effective way to achieve this is through the study of foreign languages and their cultures, through residence and travel abroad and through acquaintances and friendships with citizens of other countries.
 
Contact Information
 
Heidelberg’s Department of Languages
310 E. Market St.
Tiffin, OH 44883-2462
telephone: (419) 448-2037
facsimile: (419) 448-2124
lng@heidelberg.edu