Student Experience

Active & Engaged

We are big on socializing to enrich our academic activities. As a participant in the Germanic Studies department, you’ll find many ways to practice your language, and learn more about Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Yiddish culture. You’ll find special events, holiday parties, study abroad information sessions, and more. Along the way, you’ll make friends and find mentors to provide camaraderie and encouragement.

Bloomington is a fun and exciting place to spend your college years, offering cultural events, festivals, music, and lots of dining options. Find out what makes our town so special.

Check out Bloomington

Department programs

Stammtisch

A Stammtisch is a “regular’s table” and we have one at Runcible Spoon (412 E. 6th Street) most weeks when IU is in session. Join us for friendly, informal conversation and free non-alcoholic drinks. Click for details!

Conversation tables

Meet for coffee and conversation in German (Kaffeestunde), Dutch (Koffietijd), or Norwegian (Norsk Kaffepause). These casual gatherings take place during the Fall and Spring semesters, except during the first and last weeks of classes.

Public Readings and Lectures

Regular Germanic department lecture programs and literary readings are aimed at a general audience including undergraduates and the larger Bloomington community (we often provide translations at our readings).

Scandinavian Lecture Series

The Scandinavian Lecture Series hosts one prominent speaker every semester, who gives a public talk on a topic related to Scandinavia and of interest to the large and diversified university community.

Film Series

After several years of our own programming, the Film Series has now been fused with the offerings of Indiana University Cinema.

students pose at the color marathon
Student posing with llama
Student in front of historic German buildings

More ways to experience Germanic Studies

Study abroad
News + Events
Honors program
Community outreach