German Language & Culture

“He who does not know foreign languages does not know anything about his own.” ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

German is the most widely-spoken language in Europe. German is a leading language of science, literature, art, music, philosophy and history, and Germany has the largest economy in the European Union. Whether you have German ancestry or simply want to get to know one of the great European cultures, our German programs will meet your needs.

Conversational German classes in Madison
Instructors for German classes
What students are saying about our classes
Distance learning in German
German for reading knowledge
Join the mailing lists for German programs

Conversational German classes in Madison

German language and culture: beginning 1: Fifty percent of Wisconsin residents have German ancestry. Why not reconnect with the past? You will master the basics like numbers, the alphabet, how to introduce yourself, and how to have a simple conversation. No prerequisite. Text: Theme Aktuell 1 Kursbuch and Glossar. Instructor: Rose Stephenson

Beginning 2: Continue to learn words, phrases, and the history and traditions of German-speaking people as you immerse yourself in a fun and relaxed environment. Prerequisite: Beginning 1 or instructor's consent. Text: same as for Beginning 1. Instructor: Rose Stephenson.

Beginning 3: Continue to learn German conversation, culture, basic grammar and tips for travelers in a congenial setting. Prerequisites: German Beginning 2 or instructor's consent. Text: Same as for German Beginning 1. Instructor: Rose Stephenson.

Intermediate: If you are a meister in all the basics, in this course you will hone your proficiency. Continue to practice conversing in German, review grammar, and refine your language skills with a variety or material each semester. Prerequisite: Beginning 3, equivalent background, or instructor's consent. Text: Themen Aktuell 2 Kursbuch. Instructor: Karen Jankowsky.

If you aren't sure which level is right for you, please contact the German classes coordinator at german@dcs.wisc.edu.

Browse upcoming German classes in the Continuing Education Catalog online.

Textbooks for language classes are available for preview and purchase on campus in the University Book Store's lower level, in the outreach section. The University Book Store is located at 711 State St., Madison (at Lake St., on the Library Mall). See campus map.

Your instructors

Rose Stephenson (MA, Middlebury College) lived for many years in Germany. Her UW–Madison teaching experience includes more than 10 years of evening German courses.

Karen Jankowsky (PhD, Washington University-St. Louis) studied in St. Louis, Tubingen, Berlin, and Paris. She has taught at the University of Washington, Wayne State University, and UW–Madison and has contributed to many scholarly organizations, conferences, and publications.

What students are saying about our classes

“Rose is a wonderful teacher for adult German classes. This is my third class with her. She is very cheerful, enthusiastic and supportive of students regardless of their abilities.”

“This course has been a great way to have exposure to the language without the pressures of a credit class.”

“It is the most interesting and engaging German course I have had. A very positive class. Class participation is very good.”

Distance learning in German

If you can't attend our face-to-face classes, or if you want to work on reading and writing rather than speaking German, take our Independent Learning courses.

• Earn transferable college credit.
• Work one-on-one with our experienced German teachers Andrew Kraiss and Alan Ng via e-mail or postal mail.
• Start your course at any time all year round.
• Work at your own schedule for as long as one year to complete each course.
• Check current Independent Learning German course offerings.

How to register

Call 608-262-2451, 7:00 am-4:00 pm, M-F. Specific program numbers and links to the mail-in registration form or to register online can be found in the continuing education catalog.

Contact information

If this Web page does not answer all of your questions about UW-Madison's German programs for adults, feel free to contact us:

• Madison area registration questions: 608-262-2451.
• Independent Learning questions: toll-free 1-877-UW-LEARN or info@learn.uwsa.edu.
• UW-Madison Continuing Studies in German coordinator Sage Goellner: sgoellner@dcs.wisc.edu or 608-262-4873.
• The UW-Madison Department of German is a separate unit, not part of Continuing Studies.
• Review frequently asked questions about language programs.

Thank you for your interest in learning German! Wir wünschen Ihnen viel Erfolg dabei!

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