日耳曼语言文学系延续了在哈佛教授日耳曼语言，文学和文化的悠久传统，可追溯到诗人朗费罗（Longfellow），后者在该校开设了关于歌德的第一门课程。如今，该学院由杰出而充满活力的学者和教师组成，他们致力于各种专业，包括知识史，文学和文化，民俗学和电影研究。有些课程完全以德语或斯堪的纳维亚语言提供，有些课程完全以英语提供，其他课程则以外语阅读和英语讨论。语言课程是使用交互式方法按小组进行授课的，它可以帮助学生从一开始就对语言感到更加自在。如果您想加深对语言的了解，请别忘了探索我们的“海外学习”和“海外工作”
The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures offers a rich and diverse program of literary and cultural studies, including film and music. We offer students the option to pursue a concentration in German Studies, Scandinavian Studies, or a joint concentration in German or Scandinavian and another field. Our goal is to provide students with the enriching experience of studying languages, literatures, and cultures different from their own so they can gain new perspectives on their languages and countries of origin. At the same time, students will learn how the German-speaking and Nordic countries have influenced the development of Western culture and society. By acquiring proficiency in German or a Scandinavian language, students will gain a lasting skill useful in many fields of endeavor. The program is designed not only for students who wish to pursue graduate study in Germanic studies, but also for students who choose careers in medicine, law, government, scientific research, business, the arts, design, and other fields.