A knowledge of German is essential for students interested in a traditional liberal arts education, and in contemporary cultural, political, and economic developments in Europe and Eastern Europe. German is spoken in four countries with unique cultural, political, and economic traditions: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.<br><br>German-speaking scholars have played a leading role in shaping our modern fields of inquiry, including music, art history, literature, philosophy, religion, the natural and social sciences. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall and the unification of Germany. As the largest trading partner in Europe, Germany will continue to play a leading role in European and world affairs. Queens College students with majors and minors in German have gone on to pursue professional and academic careers in art, literature, philosophy and music as well as business, law, government service, and medicine.