Welcome to the Department of German Language and Literature at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem!
The Department offers a unique academic environment in Israel for the study and research of the cultures, literatures, and intellectual traditions of the German-speaking world, as well as of migrant and exile communities originating from these countries. German-language culture has had an extraordinary impact on the development of the modern world, shaping its literature, philosophy, politics, and social thought. We believe that a deep understanding of this rich cultural tradition provides essential insights into the world in which we live today.
Since its founding in 1977, the Department has worked closely with other departments and research centers across the Humanities to offer students an interdisciplinary education in German culture within its broader historical, philosophical, literary, religious, and cultural contexts. Our curriculum combines broad disciplinary knowledge with diverse theoretical approaches, equipping students with the intellectual tools needed to engage critically with the central questions of the field from multiple perspectives.
The Department also maintains close partnerships with leading universities and research institutions outside Israel, particularly in Germany. Our students benefit from courses taught by visiting scholars from Germany and from workshops with internationally renowned researchers. We actively encourage students to spend a semester studying at a university in Germany or Austria through the Hebrew University's student exchange programs.
Each year, the Department awards a range of scholarships and prizes to outstanding undergraduate students. Additional scholarships are available for excellent students who choose to continue their studies in our graduate programs.
A thorough engagement with German literature and culture requires proficiency in the German language. We therefore offer German language instruction at the highest academic level, fully aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
We invite you to join a vibrant intellectual community of students and scholars dedicated to German and German-Jewish language, literature, and culture. Our research places particular emphasis on cultural theory, the historical contexts in which German culture developed, and its influence on modern culture, art, and intellectual life. Our permanent faculty includes internationally recognized scholars, the Walter Benjamin Chair in German-Jewish Literature and Culture, and a DAAD German Language Lecturer sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
The Department hosts a rich variety of academic and social events throughout the year, including conferences, workshops, guest lectures, film screenings, and informal gatherings. Among the highlights is our traditional German-language Stammtisch, which brings together students, faculty, and guests in a relaxed setting.
We would be delighted to answer any questions you may have about the Department. You are warmly invited to visit the Department office or to arrange a meeting with the Undergraduate Academic Advisor, Dr. Asif Rahamim (asif.rahamim@mail.huji.ac.il), for further information and academic guidance.