Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I study German?
- What are the first-year German courses?
- What are the textbooks used?
- I have had x years of German in high school.Can I
a. test out of German?
b. take first year German to get an "A" to increase my GPA?
- What are the second-year German courses?
- Can I take the lower number language courses after or while taking a higher number course?
- Can I exempt the foreign language requriement by taking a Germanlanguage test?
- Is there any other way I could independently study German or brush up on my existing knowledge of German?
1. Why should I study German?
The importance of learning a foreign language for career preparation, professional success, and personal enrichment is a well known fact. Knowledge of German opens doors - professionally and personally - into the world, especially into Europe.
Considering that English and German share many Germanic roots, selecting German as a foreign language is a smart decision – especially from a student’s perspective.
Germany is a safe and welcoming place for your Studies abroad. Germany’s rich academic, scientific nad cultural life offers a host of exchange programs, often in conjunction with a considerable number of grant opportunities.
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2. What are the first-year German courses?
The first-year German courses include GERM 115, GERM 125, and GERM 135 which are offered during the regular school sessions.
GERM 115, GERM 125, and GERM 135 carry 5 credits each. These are three parts of a one-year study at the first-year level.
GERM 115 is open to those who do not speak any German or have had little previous instruction in high school. It is highly recommended that students finish the whole series in order to take advantage of the fundamental training and to make worth while their investment of time and effort.
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3. What about the textbook used?
Currently, the first-year course uses "Treffpunkt Deutsch," a set of two books (textbook, workbook) with a web-site and a CD-ROM providing additional visual and audio training materials. Some supplemental materials are used in the classroom to support the main textbook for the course.
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4. I have had x years of German in high school, can I test out of German?
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In principle, yes. Pleae see question 7
- I have had x years of German in high school. Can I take first year German to get an "A" to increase my GPA? We recommend you choose your German course based on the information provided here. If in doubt, please consult your instructor. Note, if you have had previous instruction or knowledge of German please take the placement test.
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5. What are the second-year German courses?
The second-year German courses include GERM 215, GERM 225, and GERM 235, which are the three parts of the second-year level [see Courses at SUONLINE for availability and detailed course descriptions]. Students are encouraged to take all three classes in order to take full advantage of these content-rich and high credit-bearing courses. These courses prepare you best for your study abroad.
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6. Can I take lower number language courses after or while taking a higher number course?
If you have already taken or are taking a higher number course, you can not take any lower number courses. This applies to all language courses at the 100 through 300 level currently.
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7. Can I exempt the foreign language requirement by taking a German language test?
- Yes,
if you sign up for a placement test at the beginning of each academic year, you will be tested about the level of language competency you are at, and will be placed in the appropriate class.
- if you are a native speaker of German and if you had had German as the language of your instruction in high school (up to age 16), you qualify to test out of the language requirement of the school of Arts & Sciences.
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8. Is there any other way I could independently study German or brush up on my existing knowledge of German?
Seattle University maintains a language lab (Xavier House) and offers private tutorials for enrolled students on a one-to-one basis through the Learning Center.
Please ask in the Modern Languages Department about German conversation tables and German club activities as well.
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