literary studies
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literary studies
The academic discipline that deals scientifically with literature, its history, theory, aesthetics, and interpretation.
Im Studium der Literaturwissenschaft analysieren wir Werke aus verschiedenen Epochen.
In the study of literary studies, we analyze works from different eras.
This word is a compound of 'die Literatur' (literature) and 'die Wissenschaft' (science/academic discipline). The 's' in the middle is a linking element that connects the two words. So it is literally the academic study of literature.
Sie hat einen Abschluss in Germanistik und Literaturwissenschaft.
She has a degree in German studies and literary studies.
The word family includes the person ('der Literaturwissenschaftler' / 'die Literaturwissenschaftlerin' — literary scholar) and the adjective ('literaturwissenschaftlich' — related to literary studies). If you know the noun, you can understand the other forms more easily.
Eine bekannte Literaturwissenschaftlerin hielt einen Vortrag.
A well-known literary scholar gave a lecture.
As an academic subject, 'Literaturwissenschaft' (literary studies) is often combined with verbs related to studying. Typical phrases are: 'Literaturwissenschaft studieren' (to study literary studies), 'eine Prüfung in Literaturwissenschaft ablegen' (to take an exam in literary studies), or 'in der Literaturwissenschaft promovieren' (to earn a doctorate in literary studies).
Mein Bruder möchte an der Universität Literaturwissenschaft studieren.
My brother wants to study literary studies at university.
German studies
'Germanistik' and 'Literaturwissenschaft' can both have to do with literature. However, 'Germanistik' is related to the German language and German-language literature, and it also includes language-related topics. 'Literaturwissenschaft' is more general: it studies literature, its history, forms, and interpretations, also beyond individual languages. The words can be confused because a German studies degree often includes a lot of literary studies content. If it is specifically about the German language and German literature, 'Germanistik' fits. If literature as an academic topic in general is meant, 'Literaturwissenschaft' is more precise.
Für ihr Referat in Literaturwissenschaft vergleicht Anna zwei moderne Romane.
For her presentation in literary studies, Anna is comparing two modern novels.
Mein Nachbar interessiert sich für Germanistik und liest gern Romane von deutschsprachigen Autoren.
My neighbor is interested in German studies and enjoys reading novels by German-language authors.