Explore the German-speaking world from multiple perspectives.

Engage history and culture through a variety of texts—fashion in turn-of-the-century Vienna, vampire poetry, queer life in the roaring 20s, Black German autobiography. Become part of a distinctive German Studies program with a global orientation, and do all of this using the German language!

Ayla Walther ’23

Student Perspective


“They do so much to make you feel heard and welcomed in their class.”

Ayla Walther ’23 
German Studies
Wausau, Wisconsin

Academics

Unbagging First-Year Studies

Martyn Smith, director of First-Year Studies, unbags the 10 works being used in First-Year Studies during the 2021-2022 academic year.

A mural in Potsdam featuring a white rose being touched by two different hands. This is overlaid on a rainbow background.
Course

 Heimat and Belonging

What does it mean to belong and who determines this status? How is home defined in the German-speaking world, and in what ways does nationalism inform it? How has it been reimagined over time from different positionalities? Explore these questions from the 19th to the 21st century through literary, artistic, musical, architectural, and political texts that allow you to investigate intersectional power structures, such as whiteness, Christianity, heteronormativity, and patriarchy that frame and inform belonging in the German context.

Expand your understanding with coursework covering topics like comparative fairy tales, German horror, and crime fiction.

Explore requirements for a major or minor in German Studies.

Learn from German Studies scholars with a variety of interests.

A statue of the green walking Ampelmann, the pedestrian symbols used in Germany.

Berlin Bound


It’s time to get global and bring the classroom off campus with The Berlin Experience. Start with coursework that examines Berlin’s history, culture, and context before taking a trip to this vibrant world city to experience and explore for yourself.

The lodge at Bjorklunden

Get Immersive


Spend a weekend at beautiful Björklunden, Lawrence’s estate on the shores of Lake Michigan. Spend time with faculty members and students outside of the classroom perfecting your skills. Combine language immersion and cultural exploration with nature walks and scenic vistas.

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Did you know that German Studies students frequently pursue prestigious Fulbright fellowships? Lawrence offers advising to help you pursue major fellowships and awards!

Grads smile for a photo at Commencement 2021

German Studies Outcomes

Whether you plan to pursue advanced study or explore a career path of your choice, the interdisciplinary global perspective gained by studying German is a great foundation.

Placement & Language Requirement

Registering for a German course? You must take an online placement assessment. 

Can you picture yourself at Lawrence? Apply for admission.

The best way to find out if Lawrence is the university for you is by visiting.

Your virtual tour starts at the Arch but be sure to check out Main Hall, to explore languages learning spaces.

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