Undergraduate
About the Program
The department offers students a choice of concentration tracks in German Studies and Scandinavian Studies. In each, the focus is on literature and culture, understood in the broadest sense. The programs are designed not only to prepare students wishing to pursue graduate studies but also to enrich those planning careers in government, law, business, medicine, or the arts. Languages taught in the department include German, Swedish, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Icelandic, and Norwegian.
Student Experiences
Language Study
Completing a secondary in German was one of the highlights of my time at Harvard. The instructors were genuinely interested in helping students learn, and the small class sizes made for a fun and productive environment... Outside of classes, the Kaffeestunde and Stammtisch gatherings offered even more chances to work on speaking and listening and were a great way to connect with other students and faculty.
Nathaniel Ver Steeg '17
Study Abroad
I decided to... study abroad... after my freshman year of German classes. We spent time in Vienna and Berlin learning about arts, culture, and history. That summer opened my eyes to the power of language, immense cultural beauty, and the world we all share. I developed friendships with some of my favorite people from Harvard... and [the faculty leading the program] became some of my most supportive mentors at Harvard.
Brooke Istvan '19
Work Abroad
My involvement [in the department] began through [its] incredibly supportive internship program. […] Following my superb experience [...] as part of the UROP summer research program at RWTH Aachen Universität, I was eager to continue my German studies. The incredible quality of instruction in all of my courses and profound care for students present through the entire department staff led me to pursue and complete a citation in German.
Ana Olano '19