The German Certificate

image by Randall Halle

The Certificate in German Studies offers students a significant level of language and cultural competence and requires at least 18 credits. It prepares students for international careers, internationally recognized proficiency exams (Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache and Zertifikat Deutsch fur den Beruf) and internship programs in German-speaking countries.

Students can tailor their course selection according to their interest in German language and culture or the German Professional world.  Two tracks are available.

Requirements

Option I. (min. 18 credits): German for the Liberal Arts

  • Intermediate German two-course sequence (one of the following):
    • German 201 and 202; or
    • German 203 and 204
  • Two (2) 1000-level courses (students cannot take both GER 1001 and GER 1003)
  • One (1) 1100-level course
  • One (1) 1200-1400-level course

 

Option II. (min. 18 credits): German for Professional Purposes

  • Intermediate German two-course sequence (one of the following):
    • German 201 and 202; or
    • German 203 and 204
  • Professional German two-course sequence
    • ​GER 1003 German for Professional Purposes*
    • ​GER 1004 The German Business Eco-System**
  • Two (2) further courses at the 1000- to 1100-level (except GER 1001, 1003, 1004, 1103)

    * = courses normally offered in the fall term
    ** = courses normally offered in the spring term)
     

Other requirements and options

  • Students must pass the highest Intermediate German course (Ger 202/Ger 204) with a minimum grade of “B-” before taking any course on the German 1000-level).
  • Nine credits may be transferred from study abroad programs in German-speaking countries to count toward the 18 total credits.
  • A minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0 is required in each course that counts toward the certificate.
  • No course that counts toward the certificate can be taken on an S/NC basis unless the student receives special permission from the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Students must apply for the certificate at the time they apply for graduation. However, we encourage students seeking the Certificate in German to declare their Certificate early and to see the Director of Undergraduate Studies/German Advisor (Jaclyn Kurash, jaclynkurash@pitt.edu).