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Study German at Otago

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.

Career opportunities

A degree with a major in German will open job opportunities in both the private and public sectors – in business, trade, consultancy, tourism, education, as well as in foreign affairs and other government agencies.

Recent Otago graduates who have included German in their degree now work as consultants, marketing managers, journalists, teachers and librarians, all around the world.

German studies graduates are generalists and have many transferable skills. Your ability to analyse and communicate effectively as well as the international perspectives that you will have gained by studying German at Otago will certainly give you an edge.

Combining another degree with German as a minor or as a Diploma also increases students' options in the job market. Increasingly, studies in law, commerce, international business and communications are enhanced when you can offer cultural experience or language skills alongside your major area of study

Studying German at Otago

In 2025 Otago students will be able to study 100, 200 and 300-level German language papers via distance at Victoria University of Wellington (VuW). Our universities have an agreement to enable Otago students to transfer credit for the German language papers taken at VuW back to their Otago programme of study.

If you decide to enrol in German language papers at VuW it is important that you complete the following form and send it to student-records@otago.ac.nz.

German Information Sheet / Form 2025 (PDF)

The following papers are available in 2025 to credit back to an Otago qualification:

VuW Paper CodeCreditEquivalent Otago Paper CodeCredit
GERM 101 Introduction to the German Language20GERM 131 Intro German 118
GERM 102 Elementary German20GERM 132 Intro German 218
GERM 201 German Language 2A20GERM 230 Intro German 218
GERM 202 German Language 2B20GERM 231 Intro German 118
LANG 301 Languages and Cultures for Global Communication20GERM 331Intermediate German 218
GLBL 310 Topic in Global Studies20GERM 334 Advanced German 118
LANG 303 Directed Individual Study20GERM 335 Advanced German 218

Recommended background

You can study German at any level. If you have studied German at school or elsewhere, you will be able to build on your knowledge and skills, and we will determine which paper will best suit your level of German.

Please contact languages@otago.ac.nz and we will help you choose the most suitable papers.

Choose a study option

Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.

Undergraduate qualifications

For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.

Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.

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Further study opportunities

Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.

Programme details

Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).

Papers

View a list of all related papers below.

More information

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This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.

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