Department of Germanic Languages & Literatures University of Toronto

The Canadian Summer School in Germany (CSSG) is a renowned program that offers students an immersive experience to enhance their German language skills while exploring the rich cultural and historical heritage of Germany. Each year, students learning German with the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures at UofT travel to Kassel to take part in intensive language courses, cultural excursions, and unique living experiences with host families. In 2024, five outstanding participants shared their transformative journeys through CSSG. These stories highlight not only the academic and linguistic growth achieved during their time in Germany but also the personal connections and unforgettable memories that shaped their experiences. Join us as we celebrate their journeys through interviews and videos that capture the essence of the CSSG experience. Whether you’re a prospective participant or simply curious about life and learning in Germany, these stories are sure to inspire. Elizabeth Frynta is a recent graduate of the University of Toronto’s Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies Program who also minored in German Studies and Political Science. Elizabeth is a two-time CSSG participant who took some time to share her German language journey with us while preparing for graduate school. This year, Elizabeth was awarded the ... Read More »

We are thrilled to co-organize the 10th Annual DAAD German Language Teaching and Learning Conference with McGill University on December 9th and 10th! Sponsored by DAAD, this year’s workshop will focus on student engagement and motivation. Registered participants can look forward to engaging research presentations, interactive workshops, and valuable networking opportunities. Enhance your teaching skills and connect with fellow educators in a collaborative and inspiring environment! Read More »

The German Studies Students’ Union (GSSU) just published the latest edition of the Undergraduate Journal Zeitgeist online:  This new edition features a vibrant mix of academic texts, thought-provoking opinion pieces, creative literary works, and personal experiences shared by our talented undergraduate students.  At Zeitgeist, GSSU believes in providing students with a platform to showcase their diverse voices, perspectives, and academic achievements within the field of German studies. The mission is to foster an inclusive and vibrant scholarly community where students from all backgrounds, years, and disciplines can contribute their unique insights and engage in interdisciplinary dialogue. Through this journal, GSSU seeks to inspire curiosity, foster interdisciplinary connections, and promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of German studies among students and scholars worldwide. By embracing diversity, promoting inclusivity, and valuing academic excellence, Zeitgeist aims to make a meaningful contribution to the advancement of knowledge and scholarship in the field of German studies. We invite you to dive into this exciting collection of articles and join us in celebrating the hard work and creativity of our students. Read More »

Miriam Borden, PhD student in the Yiddish Stream of the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures, is excited to announce her first peer-reviewed publication in the 38th volume of Canadian Jewish Studies, titled “Joshua, King David, and the Flying Nun: Doodles and Reader Annotations in Post-Holocaust Yiddish Primers for Children”. Miriam’s article is a part of a special volume dedicated to Jewish Education in Canada. The article explores the humourous and insightful children’s doodles and reader annotations in Yiddish textbooks used by students at Yiddish schools in Toronto in the 1950s -70s. These annotations offer a window into children’s experiences in developing their relationship between Yiddish and Jewishness. Read the full article HERE. Read More »

  The German Federal Parliament (“Bundestag”) has announced a call for applications for the International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) program in Berlin in 2025. The application deadline is August 31, 2024. In collaboration with Berlin’s three major universities, the German Bundestag offers the prestigious IPS program to politically engaged college graduates from around 50 countries, including  Canada, who wish to play an important role in shaping the future of democratic cooperation – in their respective countries, and internationally. Under the patronage of the President of the German Bundestag, the IPS program allows participants to gain first-hand knowledge of Germany’s parliamentary system and political decision-making process during a 3-month work placement with a Member of the German Parliament. Participants also take part in a rich educational program with the German political foundations and have the chance to enroll in university classes, spending a total of five months in the German capital (March 1 through July 31, 2025). IPS is open to college graduates (bachelor’s degree or higher) who are Canadian citizens (or citizens of other participating countries), under 30 years old on March 1, 2025, and have a very good knowledge (B2+) of the German language. Candidates should also be familiar with ... Read More »