Anglistik

Anglistik is the academic discipline in German-speaking countries that studies English language, literature, linguistics, culture, and related areas. It is typically housed in a department named Anglistik or Anglistik/Amerikanistik and may offer degrees such as BA and MA, with teacher training variants for Lehramt.

Historically, Anglistik emerged from 19th- and 20th-century philology and gained prominence after World War II, expanding to modern literary theory, linguistics, and cultural studies. In many universities, research and teaching focus on the Anglophone world, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and other English-speaking regions.

Curriculum typically includes courses in English linguistics, English-language literature, and culture, as well as research methods. Master’s programs offer specialization in literature, linguistics, or culture, with options for research-oriented or teaching-oriented tracks. Some programs also integrate Lehramt training for secondary education.

Research areas span English language and linguistics, literature from medieval to contemporary periods, American studies, postcolonial and global studies, media and digital culture, and translation and intercultural communication.

Career paths for Anglistik graduates include academia and higher education teaching, secondary-education teaching through Lehramt, publishing and media, international organizations, translation, and other fields requiring language proficiency and intercultural competence. Graduates may pursue doctoral studies or professional positions in diverse sectors.