LEGAL GERMAN
Course Coordinator: Dr. Deirdre Byrnes
Contact Details: Room 303, Arts Millennium Building
Tel.: 00 353 9l 492014
Email: deirdre.byrnes@nuigalway.ie
Legal German is an optional module on both the Bachelor of Corporate Law and the Bachelor of Civil
Law programmes. It is taught at two levels – beginners and advanced. The course seeks to develop
language skills, in particular the ability to express ideas and argue convincingly in oral and written
German and to work with a specialised legal and commercial vocabulary. It also fosters cultural
awareness through familiarisation with the legal, political and economic institutions of the Germanspeaking world, analysis of literary texts, and an introduction to twentieth-century German history.
The course adopts an integrated approach, discussing themes that complement the core law and
business subjects in each year of the Bachelor of Corporate Law and of the Bachelor of Civil Law
programme.
Beginners German for Bachelor of Corporate Law and Bachelor of Civil Law students
The Beginners German course (GR138) covers the basic elements of grammar and vocabulary, while
also introducing students to the German legal system and to the contemporary society and institutions
of the German-speaking world. Students must obtain a minimum of 65% in order to progress to
Advanced German in the second year.
Advanced German
A C3 in German at higher level in the Leaving Certificate is required to take Advanced German.
The first year course (GR 106) is designed to consolidate and develop existing language skills. Topics
include young people in Germany and multiculturalism. Students are introduced to aspects of the
German legal system, including legal education, the organs of state, the Constitution and Contract
Law.
The acquisition of a specialised commercial vocabulary is an important aspect of the second year
course (GR 208). Topics include trade fairs, the structure of companies, a description of their products
and company profiles. Students are introduced to the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, the German Civil
Code; they also learn about the development of the European Union and the EU institutions. A “Law
and Literature” seminar in Semester 1 analyses selected literary texts with a legal and/or sociohistorical dimension. In Semester 2 one class per week is devoted to preparing students for the year
abroad.
Year Abroad (Erasmus Exchange)
Following completion of the second year, Legal German students have the opportunity to spend two
semesters studying law and language at the partner universities of Würzburg (www.uni-wuerzburg.de)
or Göttingen (www.uni-goettingen.de).
Undoubtedly the highlight of my degree course was the year I spent studying at the University
of Würzburg, Germany. I can honestly say that this was the most talked about aspect of my
CV in any legal interview I have had since then. During this time I experienced German
culture and tradition at a level beyond my expectations. I was also afforded the opportunity to
travel and meet new people, all of which increased my confidence and independence.
(Bachelor of Corporate Law International Graduate 2007)
Students return to NUI Galway in the fourth year to complete their degree. They graduate with a
Bachelor of Corporate Law International or Bachelor of Civil Law International degree.
In the final year particular emphasis is placed on the ability to express ideas convincingly. Regular
assignments and a presentation facilitate the development of opinions on contemporary legal, social,
political and economic issues. Topics include German legal history, the Constitution, the federal state,
intellectual property, Labour Law, immigration and citizenship laws. German Unification, in particular
the transformation of Berlin since 1989, is an important theme.
Why study German with Law at NUI Galway?
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The Legal German course develops transferable skills, including presentation skills, oral and
written expression, and case and text analysis.
Two different legal systems are compared and contrasted.
The seminar format facilitates group discussion and debate.
The extensive use of authentic materials, such as newspaper and magazine articles and
multimedia language applications, ensures the contemporary focus of the curriculum.
What the students say:
Choosing Legal German in first year was a great decision for me because I have interviewed
for international corporations, such as Google and Yahoo, and they want legal assistants but
the prerequisite is German. In interviews with companies such as KPMG, a large part of our
discussions focused on my Erasmus year in Germany; this year really shows the future
employer that you are adaptable and not afraid to challenge new pastures. Being able to
speak a foreign language fluently also gives you the edge above the rest in your application
and often at the interview stage.
(Dervla Nash, Bachelor of Civil Law International Graduate 2014)
Studying Legal German at NUI Galway afforded me the unique opportunity of developing my
language skills in a small class setting where I had individual feedback on any project or
homework assignment. Moreover, studying Legal German has been brilliant because I had
the chance to do an Erasmus year at the University of Würzburg. If you are unsure whether or
not German is for you, I highly recommend that you go to a few classes and give it a go. As a
first year student, that is what I did and I can truly say that I have never looked back
.
(Kate Corcoran, Bachelor of Civil Law International Graduate 2014)
Perhaps my best decision in my first year at university was to choose German as a subject. In
Final Year in Galway, I applied to many law firms. In my interviews, one question I was
always asked was about my Erasmus Year. It made me stand out from the crowd, which is
what firms are looking for nowadays. German was therefore something I could chat about
with ease in interviews and it helped me to relax into them. I cannot imagine my life today
without having chosen German – I would not have the many close friends I have today and I
would not have got my traineeship in Dublin.
(Orla Crowe, Bachelor of Corporate Law International Graduate 2008)
The Legal German stream added another dimension to my studies. It provided me with the
opportunity to achieve fluency in a foreign language and also to develop numerous skills. At
different stages throughout the four years, I completed a company profile, studied German
law and literature, presented a product and completed a dissertation on the city of Berlin.
On a practical level it offered me the opportunity to develop my oral and written skills,
presentation skills, etc. These skills are highly transferable and can be used in a variety of
working environments and situations.
(Maria Tuffy, Bachelor of Corporate Law International Graduate 2007)