The study of German begins with the language. Lawrence's German program is designed to help students develop proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing; courses are all based on a communicative approach. Most classes, even at the elementary level, are conducted exclusively in German, and every course, at every level, is always also a language course.
Knowledge of a second language makes students aware of their first language — and culture — and less likely to take things for granted. The best way to experience difference is to live in another culture, and the department encourages students to take advantage of opportunities for study in the German-speaking world through our programs in Berlin, Freiburg, and Vienna. On campus, they can maintain a connection to things German through the department's ongoing film series, German tables in the commons, our Kaffeestunde, and the German play.