The economic, political and cultural relations between German-speaking countries and Northern Europe have a long tradition. The current multi-layered integration processes in Europe and the world contribute to the further strengthening of these contacts and create a constant need for qualified experts in the fields of Scandinavian and Finnish studies who can use their intercultural competence to mediate between institutions, companies and individuals in the fields of science, politics, business, culture, media and tourism. The bachelor's and master's degree courses in Scandinavian and Finnish Studies offered at the Department of Finnish and Scandinavian Studies, as well as the teacher-training degree course for Gymnasium (secondary school up to year 12) for future teachers of Danish, Norwegian and Swedish, provide the ideal training for the acquisition of essential knowledge and skills in these areas.
The Department of Finnish and Scandinavian Studies at the University of Greifswald is one of the most traditional and largest institutions of its kind outside of Northern Europe. Its three chairs, five language-teaching units and a well-equipped departmental library - in addition to the University Library's extensive holdings of old books - reflect the philological orientation of teaching and research and, at the same time, offer the best requirements for intensive and rewarding studies. An above-average and demanding range of practical language courses in Danish, Finnish, Faroese, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish guarantees rapid access to the languages, cultures and literature of Northern Europe. The courses impart knowledge specific to Scandinavia, enabling students to independently identify problems in literary studies and literary history as well as synchronous and historical linguistics, analyse them using academic methods and propose solutions on this basis. In addition, students acquire basic knowledge of the history and present day of the countries belonging to Northern Europe. The close contact between the University and its Department of Finnish and Scandinavian Studies and partner institutions abroad contribute to the versatility of the course.
Since 1992, staff and students of the Department of Scandinavian and Finnish Studies have been among the organisers and promoters of the “Nordischer Klang” festival, the largest Nordic cultural festival outside Scandinavia. The students are happy to take advantage of the opportunity to gain a wide range of experience in practical cultural work - and that is truly unique!
Scandinavian and Finnish Studies in Greifswald has a very active department student body, which organises traditional Nordic festivals such as Midsommar and Lucia, as well as barbecues and film evenings. And it has an enthusiastic choir!