Basic Language Courses and Major/Minor Requirements 

First steps 

GERM 1010 and 1020 are our beginner-level courses where we build your speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills. By the end of 1020, our students can usually hold basic conversations about themselves, their studies, families, and hobbies. 

Exciting news! In the spring of 2025, we are offering GERM 1010 online for the first time. In the fall of 2025, GERM 1020 will follow.  

GERM 2010 and 2020, our intermediate courses, enable you to conduct conversations about day-to-day university and student life, professional development, travel and leisure activities. They are taught in person at the moment, but we will offer online sections in the near future. 

After students fulfill basic requirements (GERM 1010-GERM 2020), the program offers a variety of courses geared towards specific career goals and intellectual interests. 

Requirements for a Minor in German 

After completing GERM 2020 (or the equivalent), students are required to take nine upper-division hours, meaning three 3000 or 4000-level courses to get a minor in German. 

Requirements for a Major in German 

After completing GERM 2020 (or the equivalent), a major in German requires twenty-four upper-division hours, which is eight courses in German at the 3000 or 4000 level.  

Typically, German majors and minors take GERM 3301 and 3302 (Conversation & Composition) and GERM 3303 (German Translation) at their earliest opportunity. The remainder of the major will consist of 3000 and 4000-level German literature, culture, and film courses. 

Students who wish to use their language skills in business should take GERM 3791 and 3792 (Business German). If you are planning to teach German, please consult with the German section head (Dr. Polster; hpolster@memphis.edu) and with the School of Education concerning courses which will meet the requirements for secondary certification.