Program Overview

Vergleichende Germanische Sprachwissenschaft

Overview of the Program

The interdisciplinary field of Vergleichende Germanische Sprachwissenschaft (VGS) deals with the Germanic languages, their history, transmission, and cultural background. Due to its close connection with Germanistik/Germanische Philologie and Nordische Philologie, the field is located at the Deutsches Seminar. In addition to Germanistik/Germanische Philologie and Nordische Philologie, Anglistik also participates in the supervision of the field. There is also an exchange of lecturers with Vergleichende Sprachwissenschaft as well as with historical and mediaeval disciplines.

Target Audience

• Sprachentwicklung und Sprachgeschichte: You are particularly interested in the historical developments of the (Germanic) languages and are interested in various aspects of language.
• Sprachverwandtschaft, Sprachvergleich und Sprachtypologie: You are fascinated by the structural similarities and differences of the Germanic languages and also like to look beyond the horizon of the German language.
• Kulturhistorische Zusammenhänge und Sprachkontakt: You are interested in the cultural and historical backgrounds of the medieval Germanic languages as well as their mutual influence up to the modern language stages.
• Methodik: You appreciate exact work and are pleased to be able to draw on the treasure of a long research tradition, consisting of grammars, dictionaries, critical editions, and other specialist texts.

Testimonials from Students

• «The testimonies of these oldest language stages open doors to many interesting topics in linguistics, cultural and literary studies of antiquity and the Middle Ages.»
• «The examination of the Germanic languages and the investigation of their relationship in a small circle of interested parties is challenging, exciting, effective, and a privilege at the same time.»
• «In this study, you are not just a number. You can set your priorities according to your interests and suggestions for lectures and seminars are always welcome.»

Additional Information

• Minor Vergleichende germanische Sprachwissenschaft
  • This minor program allows students to delve deeper into the comparative study of Germanic languages, exploring their historical development, cultural context, and linguistic structures.
• Vorlesungsverzeichnis
  • The course catalog provides a comprehensive list of courses offered within the program, including lectures, seminars, and workshops that cover various aspects of Germanic languages and their studies.
• Location
  • Deutsches Seminar
    Vergleichende germanische Sprachwissenschaft
    Schonberggasse 9
    8001 Zurich

Studies at the University

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