Within the context of the traditional liberal arts at Hillsdale, the study of German introduces the student to the rich culture, literature and history of the German-speaking peoples. German-speakers have played a key role in the history of thought and the arts, while almost every discipline in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences has a strong German tradition, in many cases one that largely defines the field. The wide range of intellectual and practical benefits of a background in German language and cultural studies grants access not only to rich literary, philosophical, and artistic traditions but also to many other kinds of contemporary cultural, economic, political, and scientific developments.

The Hillsdale College German Department offers a curriculum, both on-campus and abroad, that appeals to a wide range of interests. Hillsdale German majors pursue careers in business, education, engineering, finance, law, journalism, government service, medicine, and the sciences, as well as in art, literature, philosophy, music, and film. Non-majors have discovered that their knowledge of German complements such fields as architecture, economics, government, history, engineering, and computer science. Irrespective of career plans, a knowledge of German constitutes a personal and professional enrichment.