German Studies @ ANU

German: A key to Europe and its people
German is the most commonly spoken language in the European Union, being spoken by about 100 million people in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other nations as their first language. With a rich literary and philosophical heritage (e.g. Goethe, Kafka, Nietzsche), German is a language of culture, science, technology, trade, and international relations. This role has increased since Germany’s reunification and the political changes in Eastern Europe. In the Australian context, German has a long tradition as one of the top ten community languages on this continent. German migrants have made major contributions to Australia’s cultural and economic development. Nowadays over half a million Australians are of German origin.

A smart choice for an international career
As the world's export champion, Germany has the world’s third largest economy and is one of Australia’s most important trading partners. Its economic power gives Germany a key role within the European Community. In addition, German tourists are increasingly visiting Australia, creating employment opportunities in many areas. Broad communication and language skills, as well as an understanding of the history, culture, politics, and economy of the German-speaking countries, ideally combined with another subject like Commerce, Economics, Law etc., will improve employment opportunities in many areas, e.g.:
- International Law and Business
- Foreign Affairs and International Relations
- Media and Tourism

In response to this, the ANU offers various specialised Bachelor of Arts programs, e.g. BA (European Studies), BA (International Relations), and many combined degree programs, e.g. Arts/Commerce, Arts/Laws, or Arts/Asian Studies. A recent addition is the Bachelor of International Business (Europe) introduced in 2005. A new exciting Bachelor of Languages will be offered from 2008.

The value of language learning
Language learning is challenging in and of itself and of considerable academic and educational value.
- It develops our analytical thinking and general communication skills.
- It heightens our awareness of other cultures and thereby broadens our horizons.
- It gives us an insight into how our native language works.

Easy to learn
German is no harder to learn to speak and to write than other languages. German and English are both West Germanic languages and share many linguistic similarities, which makes it easy for native speakers of English to learn German.