German Linguistics

Specialisation of: German Language and Culture
Degree: Master of Arts in German Language and Culture
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 1 year
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: German
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Run jointly by Leiden University’s Department of German, the University of Amsterdam, the University of Utrecht and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, you will be able to take advantage of a broad range of specialised courses on the programme, and will benefit from each university’s specific teaching and research methods. The department’s research is particularly strong in the field of historical linguistics.

The information about this programme is available in the following languages:

Text is produced whenever people produce language, and this is invariably created within a certain context. Depending on the speaker and the circumstances, each situation produces a different kind of spoken text. The Linguistic specialisation provides insight into this interaction of text and context. You will learn to analyse language by studying the constitution of text—spoken as well as written—in its social, medial, cultural and historical context.

Prof. Visser

“Germany is an exciting country with a fascinating history.”

“My specialist area is modern German literature, in particular poetry, intertextuality, cultural theory and cultural science.

In 2004 I was awarded a research subsidy by NWO (the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research), which I use to conduct research, supported by a PhD student and a post-doc, into how identity issues are handled in literature. We in the Netherlands believe we have our hands full with integrating newcomers into our society; Germany also has newcomers, but has the additional problem of integrating East and West Germany.

Germany is an exciting country with a fascinating history. It is also our biggest neighbour. Knowledge of the language and culture of Germany is important for acquiring a better understanding of our own Dutch identity. Our identity is interwoven with that of the German people, although today the Dutch look more towards the West.

Leiden University has a long research tradition from which we can benefit in this programme. There are many courses which complement our own research programmes. Students can also approach me with a proposal for a tutorial. As lecturer, I want to support and facilitate the research role of students.

Leiden works closely with the Vrije Universiteit, the University of Amsterdam and Utrecht University. This co-operation allows us to combine our areas of expertise.”