German Studies

The Department of German Studies at the University of Cincinnati has been a vital center for the exploration of German literature, culture, and language since its founding over a century ago. The department prides itself on its spirit of congeniality and cooperativeness and on the demonstrated excellence of its faculty, its students and its programs.

The department's teaching mission is to offer high-quality undergraduate and graduate education through a curriculum that integrates German language learning with a broad knowledge and in-depth understanding of Germany's rich literary and cultural history and the important place that it occupies within the world today. Students become fluent in the German language and experts on German society, positioning them to assume careers in our increasingly interconnected world. Many of our students go on to advanced study in German Studies at universities in the United States and in Europe. Others go on to careers in teaching and enterprise, the latter often involving international businesses.

We are equally proud of our distinguished tradition in research: as part of a research institution, our faculty and graduate students are active scholars who enjoy international reputations in the field. The department is home to four important journals in German Studies: the Lessing Yearbook, the Women in German Yearbook, the Celan Jahrbuch and Focus on German Studies.

Through visiting lectureships, including the annual presence of a Max Kade Distinguished Visiting Professor, numerous connections to other institutions in Germany and Austria and to German-American businesses and cultural groups in Cincinnati, the department stands at the center of German Studies in the region and beyond.