Welcome! Willkommen! Welkom! Dobrodošli! Добро пожаловать!

We specialize in the study of language, applied linguistics, literature, and film and visual culture.

Graduate programs

We offer three stimulating and challenging graduate programs that give students hands-on experience in teaching and research:

MA in German - a one-year MA program that has thesis and non-thesis options
Joint MA in Intercultural German Studies - a two-year MA program that is operated jointly with the Universität Mannheim
PhD in German - a PhD program that equips you for careers in academe and beyond

Undergraduate programs

We offer courses in:

German: Students learn the languages, history, cultural traditions, ideas, and accomplishments of the German-speaking areas of central Europe.
Russian: We offer courses in Russian language as well as the culture of Russia and Eastern Europe. Students can earn a Minor in Russian and East European Studies.
Croatian: We offer elementary courses in Croatian as well as courses in Croatian culture.
Dutch: We offer elementary courses in Dutch as well as a Dutch culture course. Many courses in Dutch are offered online. Students can earn a Diploma in Dutch Language.

Meet the GSS faculty and staff

Waterloo Centre for German Studies (WCGS)

WCGS is a privately-endowed institute devoted to research on the language, culture, and civilization of German-speaking peoples. The Centre offers a wide range of educational and cultural activities for the academy and the broader community.

News and events

News

Develop German language and interaction skills and cultural awareness. Meet Canadian peers and German students in Mannheim. Discuss topics such as Heimat, nation, migration, identity, and reflect on the role of intercultural experiences through interviews, videos, literary texts.

Taught by Prof. Grit Liebscher online.

Prerequisite:
GER 201 / GER 211 or instructor consent.
At least completed A2.1 or 3 semesters of German, with some flexibility due to online format.

Students from other universities are welcome to join this course.

Poster Canadian Summer School in Germany

Are you looking for a German language and cultural experience you will never forget?

Spend May and June 2025 in Germany with the Canadian Summer School in Germany (CSSG)!

Application is now open!

Application deadline: January 31, 2025