Willkommen auf der Seite des Instituts für Germanistik!
Welcome to the Department of German!
"Wer vieles bringt, wird manchem etwas bringen" ("Bring much and you'll bring this or that to everyone"), the theatre director in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's famous tragedy "Faust" (1808) points out. Nevertheless, the poet himself does not agree with this claim since, in his opinion, the unique and extraordinary words of poetry cannot be meant for all.
The study of German at the University of Malta is placed between both perspectives: on the one hand it "brings much" by teaching and researching German literature, language and culture from its beginnings up to the present times, on the other hand it places emphasis on special fields and subjects of importance and interest.
The study of German at the University of Malta focuses on the study of language itself, through linguistics, on German literature and culture from early modern times up to contemporary authors and works. Some courses also deal with the implications of German-Maltese culture and literature. To make the best of the experience, the student must seek to improve his/her language skills in German to the maximum. This is done through a process of "learning by doing": by means of practical language courses, in conversation courses and even through theatre.
The academic focus on modern German language, literature and culture qualifies students to be part of Maltese and German societies and working environments - indeed two countries of the European community which foster increasing interactive economic, academic and cultural connections and exchanges. With more than 100 million speakers, German features as the mother tongue that is most spoken within the European Union and Switzerland. Germany, with its 82 million inhabitants, does not only have the highest population within Europe, but it is also the largest economy among European nations. Furthermore, German is still an important language to comprehend the very basis of philosophy (Kant, Hegel, Husserl), psychology (Freud, Jung) and even science (Kepler, Einstein).
German graduates will be able to tap a wide range of working opportunities. They can either follow a teaching profession in German in Maltese state and language schools or the educational institutions, or join the staff of one of the many German companies in Malta or of Maltese companies operating in Germany. As experts of the German language, literature and culture, and with the added advantage of having a multilingual and multicultural perspective, Maltese graduates in German can find employment opportunities in several other countries abroad.
The Department of German at the University of Malta welcomes students from abroad who would like to study in Malta for a degree in German. For further informations contact the secretary of the Department here.
