German Studies at Heidelberg covers German language and literature in the BA, in which all three subject areas (linguistics, medieval literature and modern literature) must first be studied. Students can develop a specialisation, as ensured by a rich, differentiated and historically broad range of courses (usually more than 100 courses). Regular lecture series in the individual sub-disciplines offer a further overview of special and current topics.

The range of Master's degree programmes is heavily focused on research. Depending on the German Studies subject area, the focus is on social problem areas with linguistic implications, historical and poetic dimensions or pre-modern and early modern interculturality and interdisciplinarity. Through a combination of teaching methods, independent study, research programme and joint evaluation of research contributions, students are systematically introduced to academic research practice.

Thanks to Erasmus agreements with 29 foreign universities, the German studies degree courses are very well networked internationally. There is a double degree course with Sorbonne in Paris, whose students spend half of their period of study abroad. The European Centre for Linguistics promotes professional exchange between researchers from Europe. Regular lectures by visiting academics and international research projects complete the programme.

The department has a library with approx. 100,000 volumes. WiFi reception is available throughout the university. The seminar rooms are equipped with projectors, cameras, laptops, screens and speakers. Four copiers, a book scanner and a conference camera are available. Research can be carried out online in all common German Studies databases.

Collaborative Research Centre Home(s); Edition project historical-critical Franz Kafka edition; European Centre for Linguistics

The "Gaymanistics" initiative, which was founded in the department, deals with questions of queer identity in German literature and language. Two confidential advisors are available to help with psychosocial issues.