The German minor program consists of a minimum of 21 units of college course work in German, of which 8 units must be in upper-division courses. Additionally, German minor students must attain the Goethe-Zertifikat B1, the internationally recognized proficiency certificate offered annually under the auspices of the Goethe Institute. Students who have successfully completed SSU’s German Program may be confident of passing the certification examination, offered at Sonoma State University at the end of every spring semester.

All German courses, except for GER 101, count toward the German Minor. Note that at least one 200-level course (either GER 200 or GER 210) and GER 300 must be taken in residence at SSU. Students must earn a minimum grade of C- in each course that counts for the German minor. They may repeat the course once if they do not earn the minimum grade. Students must receive a grade of C- or better when the course is repeated. This policy also applies to courses taken at other institutions, abroad or in the United States.

AP Policy for German

• If a student scores a 3 on the German AP Exam, the student earns credit for GER 101 (4 units), GER 102 (4 units), and GER 200 (4 units) for a total of 12 units.
• If a student scores a 4 or 5 on the German AP Exam, the student earns credit for GER 101 (4 units), GER 102 (4 units), GER 200 (4 units), and GER 210 (4 units) for a total of 16 units.

The German minor presupposes 4 units or the equivalent of GER 101 (4 units).

For additional information about the German program, please contact Michaela Grobbel, (707) 664-2637.