Course: General and comparative linguistics B.A.
- Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Humanities degree programmes leading to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) often involve studying a combination of several subjects in which various academic skills are acquired.
The following combinations are possible:
- Bachelor's subject with a second major subject or
- Bachelor's subject with two Minor Subjects.
On the B.A. degree programme in general and comparative linguistics (AVS) , you will explore the fascinating world of human language: systematically, interdisciplinarily and internationally. You will learn how languages work, what connects them - and what makes them unique.
Whether sound structure, word formation, sentence structure or meaning: you will gain in-depth insights into the central disciplines of linguistics and develop analytical skills that are in demand in science, education, media and international contexts.
The degree programme prepares you optimally for a further Master's degree or career entry - with a clear focus on linguistic diversity, theoretical depth and practical relevance.
Homepage - General and comparative linguistics B.A. programme (German version)
The most important facts at a glance
Program Profile
What makes this program special?
- Unique insights into the fascinating diversity of the world's languages
- Practical work with real language data and modern analysis tools
- Development of sought-after skills: analytical thinking, pattern recognition, precise communication
- Individual specialisation and interdisciplinary options
- Personalised support and learning in small, dedicated groups
What can I do with this degree?
Typical professional areas for general and comparative linguistics students are
- Cultural and language institutes, e.g. Goethe Institutes
- Book and specialised publishers
- Companies in the fields of AI, NLP or language technology
- Software companies focussing on speech recognition, translation or text analysis
- International organisations
- Institutions and local authorities for integration and diversity
- Communications departments of companies, NGOs, etc.
- Editorial offices (print, online, radio)
- PR agencies
- Content and social media teams
- Museums or cultural studies institutions
Structure of the Program
Program Structure
On the combined Bachelor's degree programme in Humanities (B.A.), you will study two or three subjects at the same time. The degree programme can be combined from a wide range of subjects. You can either choose a second major subject (60 ECTS) or two Minor Subjects (30 ECTS each) in addition to the Bachelor's subject (90 ECTS).
The degree programme also includes a final thesis (10 ECTS) and a free elective courses in (20 ECTS). The total workload corresponds to that of a single-subject degree programme.
The subjects involved in the combined Bachelor's programme can be found in the list of BA combined subjects (German version).
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) information brochure (German version) (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) provides an in-depth insight into the Bachelor's degree programme in the humanities .
Voluntary internships often complement the degree programme in order to explore different professional fields as well as to acquire practical skills and apply theoretical knowledge.
Study Plan
Sample Timetable
When do I take which courses?
The maximum duration of study for the combinatorial B.A. is eight semesters. At the general and comparative linguistics programme, you are basically free to plan your Study Plan within this time frame. However, from a subject-specific perspective, a certain sequence of courses is recommended. You can find our recommendations in the exemplary study programmes (German versions):
General and comparative linguistics as a Bachelor's subject (external link, opens in a new window)
General and comparative linguistics as a second major subject (external link, opens in a new window)
General and comparative linguistics as a minor subject (external link, opens in a new window)
Internship
You can use your study time to get to know possible career fields, for example through internships (e.g. as part of a semester off) or as a working student.
The Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in general and comparative linguistics do not include company internships in the curriculum. In the Bachelor's programme, however, you may be able to have an internship credited as part of the so-called free elective courses (20 free credit points) - please contact the course-related information and advice (external link, opens in a new window) service.
Internationalization
General and comparative linguistics (AVS) deals with language as the central medium of human communication. During your studies, you will explore how people around the world express ideas, experiences and cultural meanings in language - and the different concepts and structures that languages provide for this.
A particular focus is on multilingualism and intercultural exchange: How does language shape our perception of the world? What possibilities of expression do different languages offer for phenomena from culture, society and the environment?
These research interests of the general and comparative linguistics department are closely linked to the exciting professional and international prospects of our graduates.
In addition to internships abroad, semesters abroad are a particularly good way of gaining international experience. The fourth or fifth semester in the Bachelor's programme and the third semester in the Master's programme are usually particularly suitable for this. You can apply for a semester of leave of absence for a semester abroad.
Requirements
| Admission Restrictions / Selection Procedure | no |
| Pre-registration procedure | no |
| Eligibility Test / Aptitude Test | no |
| Placement Test | no |
| Subject-Specific Language Requirements | no |
| German Language Certificate for Students with Foreign University Entrance Qualification | yes |
| Other Requirements | no |
For binding information and the latest updates, please refer to the summary (German version) (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) provided by the Registrar's Office or the applicable examination regulations.
Admission, Application and Enrollment
Foto ©iStock.com/mixetto Academic Advising
Course-related information and advice
If you have any questions about the programme content, the subject requirements and the specific structure of the programme, please contact the
General Student Advisory Service
The General Student Advisory Service (ZSB) supports you with all questions relating to your studies - from the decision to study and admission to the course of study and successful graduation.
If necessary, the ZSB will refer you to the appropriate contact person.