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Are you considering graduate study in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures? Join one of our online information sessions to learn more about the MA and PhD programs in German and Yiddish Literature, Culture, and Theory at the University of Toronto. Our sessions will introduce the program’s distinctive interdisciplinary strengths, funding opportunities, research areas, and faculty expertise. Participants will also have the chance to ask questions about the application process and student experience. Online Information Sessions Monday, November 10, 2025 – 1:00 p.m. (EST)Join via ZoomFriday, November 14, 2025 – 2:30 p.m. (EST)Join via Zoom For detailed information about applying to the 2026–2027 graduate program, please visit our Graduate Admissions page. Read More »

The deadline for online application and payment of the application fee is 15 January 2026 Read More »

Filmabend: B-Movie – Lust & Sound in West-Berlin 1979–1989 Join the Department of Germanic Languages & Literatures for a special Filmabend screening of B-Movie: Lust & Sound in West-Berlin 1979–1989, a documentary that captures the spirit of West Berlin’s underground music and art scene in the 1980s. Date: Tuesday, November 4Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM ESTLocation: John P. Robarts Research Library, Room RL 3-023, 130 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 0C2 About the FilmThe film is a compelling montage of archive material that captures West Berlin’s music scene in the 1980s. This time capsule is held together by British music lover Mark Reeder’s personal testimonials. In 1979, he left gloomy Manchester and moved to the “more fucked up” Berlin, home of his favorite music style the New German Wave. The movement includes underground bands such as Einstürzende Neubauten and Die Ärzte, as well as synthesizer pioneers Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze. Reeder becomes a squatter and spends a decade immersed in the cultural life of the city, which he describes as “not pretty, but sexy.” He manages female punk band Malaria! and works as a sound engineer for Die Toten Hosen. Reeder, who likes to dress up in uniform, ... Read More »

Dear undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty of the German Department: I’d like to invite all of you to our Kaffeestunde (coffee hour), the German Department’s social gathering of faculty, graduate and undergraduate students. Let’s meet and mingle over coffee, tea and Keksen for an informal chat in German. The Kaffeestunde will take place every first Thursday of the month at 1-2pm, and every third Friday of the month from 2-3pm in the Lounge of the German Department, Odette Hall 301. Fall 2025 Dates: Sep 4, Thu, 1-2pmSep 19, Fri, 2-3pmOct 2, Thu, 1-2pmOct 17, Fri, 2-3pmNov 6, Thu, 1-2pmNov 21, Fri, 2-3pmDec 4, Thu, 1-2pm This Kaffeestunde will take place outside of Odette Hall, weather permitting! *Please help us protect the environment and bring your own reusable cup* Stefan SoldovieriChair Read More »

The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures will be introducing a newly created Certificate in German Language. The Certificate will be available for enrolment starting March 1, 2026. We are excited to be implementing this new offering, and students can enrol in, and track their progress through, certificates just as they would a program (i.e., through ACORN and Degree Explorer). A Certificate is clearly noted on your transcript when completed (please note that there is no separate parchment for a Certificate conferred at convocation).  The Certificate in German Language would formally recognize intermediate-level proficiency in German (as a minimum), broadening academic and professional opportunities for students across disciplines. German language skills directly benefit students in programs such as International Relations, Philosophy, History, Music, Political Science, and Sociology by enabling them to analyze primary sources, engage with case studies, and conduct research in German-speaking contexts. For students in the sciences, engineering or business programs, knowledge of German provides essential communicative skills and cross-cultural competencies, enhancing students’ ability to collaborate effectively in diverse environments and expand their reach into German-speaking markets and communities worldwide. The Certificate will only be available to students who are not enrolled in a minor, major or specialist ... Read More »

Discover Our English-Taught Topic Courses – Open to All U of T Students! Are you curious about German culture, history, or thought, but don’t speak German (yet)? We invite you to explore our English-taught Topic Courses, open to all U of T students and requiring no prerequisites. These courses offer an excellent opportunity to discover whether German studies might be right for you, whether you’re interested in the German culture, language, or future academic or professional pathways. With a range of themes, you’re sure to find something that sparks your interest. Scroll down to read detailed course introductions and find the one that speaks to you! GER150HF Introduction to German Culture SectionTimeInstructorL0101W 11-12H. Kim Are you curious about German culture? What comes to your mind when you think of things German? Beer and sausages, high-performance cars, the Black Forest, or a mania for efficiency? This course moves beyond these cultural stereotypes and offers a kaleidoscopic view of German culture in its varied manifestations, be it in the form of cultural artifacts, great works of literature, family histories, or big ideas. We will explore world-shaping ideas and inventions from the Reformation and the Gutenberg Press to Bauhaus and modern industrial design, ... Read More »

The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures will be offering all levels of German language courses in Fall/Winter 2025-26: GER100Y/GER101HS Introduction to German (for absolute beginners, leads to A2.1) SectionTimeInstructorsL0101 OnlineMonday & Wednesday 9:00 AM – 11:00 AMHannah RobinsonStefana GargovaL0201 Monday & Wednesday11:00 AM – 1:00 PMVirginia ShewfeltL0301Monday & Wednesday4:00 PM – 6:00 PMTanya HumeniukL0401Tuesday & Thursday11:00 AM – 1:00 PMTamara SchaadSomaia MostafaL0501Tuesday & Thursday9:00 AM – 11:00 AMErol BoranL0601Tuesday & Thursday4:00 PM – 6:00 PMAndre FlickerVirginia ShewfeltL5101Monday & Wednesday6:00 PM – 8:00 PMAndre FlickerTanya HumeniukL5201 OnlineTuesday & Thursday6:00 PM – 8:00 PMLisa Lackner GER200Y/GER201HS Intermediate German 1 (leads to B1.1) SectionTimeInstructorsL0101Monday & Wednesday9:00 AM – 11:00 AMMaria HarutyunanL0201Tuesday & Thursday9:00 AM – 11:00 AMAndre FlickerLisa LacknerL5101 OnlineMonday & Wednesday6:00 PM – 8:00 PMLisa LacknerStefana Gargova GER300Y/GER301HS Intermediate German 2 (leads to B2.1) SectionTimeInstructorsL0101Monday & Wednesday11:00 AM – 1:00 PMFlorian GeddesL0201Tuesday & Thursday4:00 PM – 6:00 PMFelix RoesslerLandon ReitzL5101Tuesday & Thursday6:00 PM – 8:00 PMRita Laszlo GER400H Advanced German 1 (leads to C1.1) SectionTimeInstructorL0101Tuesday & Thursday1:00 PM – 3:00 PMErol Boran GER401H Advanced German 2 (leads to C1.2) SectionTimeInstructorL0101Tuesday & Thursday9:00 AM – 11:00 AMFlorian Geddes Notes:GER101H, GER201H, and GER301H are the second part of the full-year courses GER100Y, GER200Y, ... Read More »

The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures will be introducing a newly created Certificate in German Language. The Certificate will be available for enrolment starting March 1, 2026. We are excited to be implementing this new offering, and students can enrol in, and track their progress through, certificates just as they would a program (i.e., through ACORN and Degree Explorer). A Certificate is clearly noted on your transcript when completed (please note that there is no separate parchment for a Certificate conferred at convocation).  The Certificate in German Language would formally recognize intermediate-level proficiency in German (as a minimum), broadening academic and professional opportunities for students across disciplines. German language skills directly benefit students in programs such as International Relations, Philosophy, History, Music, Political Science, and Sociology by enabling them to analyze primary sources, engage with case studies, and conduct research in German-speaking contexts. For students in the sciences, engineering or business programs, knowledge of German provides essential communicative skills and cross-cultural competencies, enhancing students’ ability to collaborate effectively in diverse environments and expand their reach into German-speaking markets and communities worldwide. The Certificate will only be available to students who are not enrolled in a minor, major or specialist ... Read More »

Congratulations to Hannah Robinson – Winner of the 2025 German Studies Canada Best MA Thesis Prize! We are thrilled to announce that Hannah Robinson, current PhD student and former MA student in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures, has been awarded the 2025 German Studies Canada Best MA Thesis Prize! Hannah received this national recognition for her major research paper titled:“Transgressive Translation: Examining Perceptions of Multilinguals as Boundary-Crossers in Wolfram von Eschenbach’s Willehalm.”Her work explores how multilingual individuals are portrayed as figures who cross cultural and linguistic boundaries, offering a compelling analysis of medieval literature through the lens of translation and identity. This achievement also reflects the outstanding guidance Hannah received from her supervisor, Professor Markus Stock, and the valuable support from Professor Enrica Piccardo, affiliate faculty member and expert in multilingualism. Read More »

We are delighted to announce the recipients of this year’s Undergraduate Awards in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures. These awards recognize outstanding achievement in German Studies, including academic excellence, language proficiency, and leadership in community engagement. Please join us in congratulating the following students for their exceptional contributions and accomplishments. Leadership & Community Engagement in German Studies Award Aditi Kolluru As President of the German Studies Student Union in the academic year of 2024-25, she has led the executive committee with dedication – overseeing budgeting, administration, and student initiatives that promote German culture and community. Previously, as the Union’s Director of Communications, she managed all outreach and publicity to ensure wide engagement with departmental events. Beyond German Studies, Aditi serves as the Representative for the Hart House Finance Committee on the Board of Stewards, the highest governing body of Hart House, where she contributes to planning events and promoting financial literacy. Her commitment to leadership, volunteerism, and building connections across communities makes her a truly deserving recipient of this award. Excellence in German Studies Award Brian Finn Brian is a dedicated and accomplished student in German Studies, known for his academic excellence and creative engagement with the field. ... Read More »