Career prospects

German philologists can find openings in numerous fields.

Typical work areas include:

• World of literature (e.g. with publishers, houses of literature, libraries, documentation centres)
• Media (e.g. newspapers, radio, television, online magazines)
• Press and Public Relations
• Marketing and advertising
• Cultural field (e.g. Goethe Institutes, adult education, theatre)

Your minor subject choice can sharpen your profile and qualify you for a specific area of work. Additional competencies in economics increase your job prospects e.g. in the area of cultural management, while you might need political and historical knowledge in journalism.

You can find out more about career entry in the interview series #dreamjob - Starting a career. Alumni of the University of Konstanz report on their very personal career entry.

Graduate studies

To qualify further the University of Konstanz offers the Master's Programme in Literature.

Start of study

Winter semester

Study structure

When studying for a bachelor's degree in the humanities, you will choose both a major subject (120 credits) and a minor subject (40 credits). In addition to this you will attend courses from the field of key competencies (20 credits), including an internship. Click here for an overview of the general structure of bachelor's programmes in the humanities.

You can find an exemplary structure of the study programme in this table.

These documents will support you in planning your studies:

• Module guide
• Examination regulation

At the University of Konstanz, you have a broad range of opportunities and training options that complement your study programme, for example orientation programmes to support new students, learning guidance, language courses, a data and information literacy programme as well as options promoting career-oriented skills and social commitment.

• GoMINt – orientation programme in STEM subjects
• Writing Centre – writing tutoring, joint writing sessions and workshops
• Language courses at the Language Institute
• Learning guidance, study tips, time management – workshops offered by the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)

• Advanced Data and Information Literacy Track (ADILT) – programme can be completed with a certificate
• Transfer – practical projects (research, business, politics and society)
• qualification N – Sustainability Certificate at the University of Konstanz

• Profil+ – programme for career skills (German skills required)
• Career Passport – programme for career skills (for international students)
• Advice on career entry, opportunities and workshops from Career Service

Internship

You must complete an internship of at least 2 months during the semester break. Your department or our Career Service are here to help you find a suitable placement.

Stay abroad

A period of study abroad is always highly recommended. The university promotes study abroad via the ERASMUS programme and numerous other exchange programmes.

Hear from students and lecturers
In our interview series, students talk about their subject, teachers explain the department's research and tell you what topics they cover in seminars and lectures.

• Three Questions to Lara, BEd Biology and German
• Three Questions to Daniel, BEd Chemistry and German
• Three Questions to Caroline, BEd German and History
• Three Questions to Paul, BA German Literature
• Three Questions to Tabea, BA German Literature

Get an impression
Discover online lectures and websites with more information about your prospective subject.

• Information Page about the study course German Studies
• Lecture Recordings (Literature)

General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or equivalent.

Documentation Orientation Test
When applying for admission at universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg you have to take an orientation test. The Baden-Württemberg orientation test is the most widely used test. Please send in your certificate of participation together with your application papers.

Further information can be found in the admission regulations.

Semester fee
All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.

Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.

Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

Foreign language skills
You have to document skills in two foreign languages. If you have taken at least three years of language classes in school (grade "sufficient" or better in the last year) you can submit your school certificates. Alternatively you can catch up on missing language skills at our Language Institute (SLI) during the first semesters.

German language skills
International applicants additionally need documentation of their German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4, or a language test recognised as equivalent. The University of Konstanz does not offer preparatory German language courses or approved German language exams. For this reason, you must submit accredited proof of your German language skills along with your application.

The language used in class is German. Some courses may be held in English.

• You enjoy reading literary and academic texts
• Ability to think in a formal and networked way
• Logical and abstract way of thinking
• Passion for the German language
• You are interested in history and culture in the German language area
• Very good verbal skills

Application documents

During the online application process, you will need to enter various kinds of information (school grades, attendance periods etc.) and upload various PDF documents. Please make sure that you have the relevant documentation ready. This may include:

• your Abitur certificate (German general higher education entrance qualification)
• documentation of any volunteering you may have done (FSJ, FÖJ etc.)
• any documentation about vocational training you may have completed
• any other required documents (medical certificate etc.)

An electronic assistant will guide you through the application process. Required fields are marked by an asterisk (*).

An application is possible during the following period: 07.05. - 15.09.
There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website .

The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) can help you with general questions about finding the right study programme as well as when you are concerned or unsure about your studies. We will be happy to advise you and support you with a wide range of services .

Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
Room: D 409 – 412a
Make an appointment: termin.zsb@uni-konstanz.de

Questions related to the content or organization of the study programme:
Departmental student advisory service
Dr. Daniel Hütter
Contact person room H 210
Phone: +49 7531 88-2421
Email: referent.litwiss@uni-konstanz.de