by our College Data Analytics TeamGermanic Language does not just represent the German dialectic, but actually encompasses a branch of Indo-European languages. They are broken up into three branches, the West Germanic, North Germanic, and East Germanic. A program in Germanic Languages will teach you one or more languages of Northern, Central or Western Europe. Students will additionally be instructed in philology, literature, dialects, and applications to business, science, and technology.
Concentrations within this major include German, Danish, Dutch/Flemish, Scandinavian, Norwegian, and Swedish. While majoring in one of these concentrations, you will be taking courses in Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced language course, Northern Renaissance Art, Postwar literature, World Religion, and European History.
A major in Germanic Languages explores Germanic Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics. Read on to learn the key facts every germanic languages major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering germanic languages programs.
In the U.S., germanic languages is a widely-pursued major, with 1,084 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Germanic Languages Schools ranking analyzes these 214 schools to determine the best overall colleges for germanic languages students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of germanic languages programs later in this article.
Coursework for Germanic Languages develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations germanic languages graduates commonly enter.
Germanic speaking countries have a rich past, therefore a love for history and culture is helpful when majoring in this subject. Attention to detail is another important skill to possess, because of the complexity of these languages. Students who enjoy reading will love pursuing the classic works of fiction and non-fiction written in these languages.
To prepare for this major, students are advised to take Intro Language courses, Art History, European History, and Comparative Government & Politics. There are opportunities for study abroad programs at some institutions. This would allow student to practice their lingual skills and experience the culture of their chosen country first hand.
The skill set built by a germanic languages program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a germanic languages major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several germanic languages degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 16 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 18 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 752 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 205 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 80 |
People currently working in careers related to germanic languages tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 36.6% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 35.8% |
| Master’s degree | 18.5% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.6% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 2.6% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.1% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.4% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 0.4% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in germanic languages careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in Germanic Languages can lead to many different career opportunities. If you are interested in education, you can obtain a position as a Postsecondary or Adult Education teacher. You would have the opportunity to teach a Germanic dialect, along with Germanic culture and history. You may also be interested in becoming a translator. If you are interested in Foreign Service, you can become a Foreign Service Officer. These officers endorse American business and political interest and give information and aid about their countries to the U.S policymakers. They arrange cultural exchanges, and help Americans travel abroad.
A degree in germanic languages opens doors to numerous career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to germanic languages.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to germanic languages.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | 629,317 | 7.3% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 571,954 | 1.8% |
| Interpreters and Translators | 424,722 | 12.2% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of germanic languages graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $46,924 |
| 4 years | $56,972 |
| 5 years | $62,456 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for germanic languages graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers germanic languages grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $77,927 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $52,627 |
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $39,815 |
With 214 different germanic languages programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased germanic languages school rankings to help you.
Those considering germanic languages, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
