About Us

The German Linguistics division is concerned with the theories, methods and findings of the scientific study of the German language. The historical development of the German language and the German literature of the Middle Ages are the focus of the field of Older German Language and Literature. Modern German Literature studies the history of literature, literary theory and literary culture from the early modern period to the present day. The division of German as a Foreign Language is dedicated to the theory and practice of teaching German to non-native speakers. The Department of Teaching German as a Foreign Language offers international students and academics courses to accompany their studies at the university. The field of Didactics of German Language and Literature is dedicated to the teaching of language and literature in the classroom.
Low German is researched as a regional language form both by the German Literary Studies division and, in particular, as part of the research focus on the Pomeranian dictionary. The Competence Centre for Low German Didactics (KND) focuses on training and further education in Low German. With the Koeppen Archive, the department houses the estate of the writer Wolfgang Koeppen.

The Department of German Philology offers eight (sub-)degree courses.
A degree course at the Department of German Philology focusses on German language and/or literature and, if applicable, its mediation. Beyond the boundaries of German Studies itself, the department is linked to other facilities of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, such as the Interdisciplinary Centre for Gender Studies (IZFG) or the Language Centre. By linking several subjects in the Bachelor's and teacher training degree courses, the Department of German Philology is connected to other departments of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and other faculties of the University of Greifswald. Interdisciplinary (research) projects and international exchange programmes complete the profile of the department.