On the Situation of German Studies Programs
April 20, 2026
As the General Students’ Committee (AStA) of TU Dortmund University, we feel a responsibility to honestly inform prospective students about current study conditions. Against this background, we can currently only offer a limited recommendation for studying German Studies at our university.
This assessment is not based on isolated experiences, but on persistent issues within everyday academic life. These primarily include insufficient funding, organizational difficulties, and overall strained working conditions within the department. Ultimately, these factors have a significant impact on the quality of teaching and learning.
Concrete Effects on Studies
For students, the situation is primarily evident in a lack of predictability. The department is often unable to provide a sufficient range of courses. As a result, students are sometimes unable to attend mandatory classes for several semesters. Significant problems also arise in the coordination of exams, meaning that requested dates and slots often cannot be made available.
The consequence: degree completions are delayed. This is not due to poor planning by students, but simply because the necessary courses are unavailable. This structural extension of the study period represents a significant burden for many.
Academic support is also under strain. Reliable contact persons, clear structures, and sound academic guidance are currently not always guaranteed, even though these elements are essential for effective academic progress.
Communication as a Central Problem
An essential factor is the lack of communication. Within the individual chairs, there are recurring issues with unclear responsibilities and a lack of coordination. At the same time, information often reaches students and us, as student representatives, late, incomplete, or not at all.
Feedback is often not forthcoming, and processes are unnecessarily drawn out. This further exacerbates existing problems, even in cases where solutions would actually be feasible.
Structural Background
The current situation is no coincidence; it is a manifestation of fundamental structural problems. For some time now, there has been a lack of sufficient resources to ensure stable and comprehensive course offerings. At the same time, necessary changes are being implemented very hesitantly.
In this context, we also view the role of the Dean’s Office critically. From our perspective, there has been a lack of clear measures and sufficient support to noticeably improve the situation. The Rectorate has recognized these structural issues and promises intervention. Consequently, the Rectorate is taking over the coordination of studies and examinations.
Our Commitment – and Its Limits
Over the past seven months, we have made intensive efforts to develop solutions together with all stakeholders. This included numerous discussions, supporting ongoing processes, and putting forward proposals to ease the situation. Despite these efforts, we must conclude that little has changed regarding the fundamental problems so far.
Our Assessment
Successful studies require a reliable framework and a degree of predictability. In our view, neither is currently sufficiently provided within German Studies at TU Dortmund University. We therefore welcome the intervention of the Rectorate. At the same time, the situation remains dynamic, meaning we cannot adequately assess to what extent the feasibility of the program can be guaranteed.
Furthermore, we believe it is important to be transparent with prospective students and, at this time, can only offer a limited recommendation for starting this degree. We continue to work toward improving these conditions, with the goal of being able to issue an unqualified recommendation again in the future.