German Language and Translation I
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Students, starting at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, will strengthen their receptive and productive skills in German while further developing metalinguistic awareness, including a contrastive perspective. In line with the objectives of the degree program, they will systematically expand and refine their morphosyntactic and lexical knowledge (including phraseological elements) through both theoretical and practical approaches, with a particular focus on specialized fields. Special emphasis will be placed on the study of specialized languages—especially legal and economic terminology—examined from both theoretical and translational perspectives. Innovative tools, such as generative artificial intelligence applications and/or corpora, will also be employed to support the drafting and analysis of complex texts.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will develop the ability to use German structures of high lexical and morphosyntactic complexity, also from a contrastive perspective, acquiring advanced skills in analyzing and producing various types of texts, including those of a specialized nature. They will achieve a level of linguistic competence close to C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, with particular focus on specialized languages (such as legal and economic terminology).
They will also be able to translate specialized texts, applying both theoretical and practical strategies. Additionally, they will deepen their lexical knowledge (particularly in phraseology) by analyzing cognitive phenomena in the lexicon, such as metaphors and metonymies, which are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the linguistic system.
The acquired competencies will facilitate the drafting and analysis of complex texts, supported by the use of innovative tools such as generative artificial intelligence applications and/or corpora. These skills will contribute to fluent, confident, and effective communication in both oral and written contexts.
They will also be able to translate specialized texts, applying both theoretical and practical strategies. Additionally, they will deepen their lexical knowledge (particularly in phraseology) by analyzing cognitive phenomena in the lexicon, such as metaphors and metonymies, which are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the linguistic system.
The acquired competencies will facilitate the drafting and analysis of complex texts, supported by the use of innovative tools such as generative artificial intelligence applications and/or corpora. These skills will contribute to fluent, confident, and effective communication in both oral and written contexts.
Lesson period: year
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Course syllabus
Unit 1: Phraseology
Phraseology studies, among other things, idioms, set expressions, various types of formulas, and fixed phrases in a given language. The guiding theme of the course will be the recognition and classification of German phraseological units. After a brief overview of the main types of phraseologisms, we will focus on the analysis of metaphor (and metonymy) in idiomatic expressions across different text genres and specialized languages, particularly in political, economic, and advertising discourse.
Unit 2: The Language of Advertising
This module focuses on the German advertising language in all its forms, with particular emphasis on commercials. Special attention will be paid to a contrastive analysis of German and Italian Werbesprache. After a theoretical introduction, students will apply the acquired analytical tools to examine various advertising materials, including those collected by the students themselves.
Unit 3: Specialized Languages
This course offers a deepening and extension of previously acquired knowledge of German specialized languages (Fachsprachen). We will deal, among other things, with specialized languages in the fields of tourism, science, and economics.
Unit 4: Specialized Languages and Translation
This unit aims to strengthen students' skills in understanding and producing texts within the domain of German specialized languages, with a specific focus on translation-related aspects. The course will center on the analysis and translation of authentic texts from various specialized fields, including tourism, economics, sports, art history, and public communication.
Students will explore the challenges of terminological accuracy, textual conventions, and audience-oriented adaptation. Special emphasis will be placed on the translation into and from Leichte Sprache, which requires both linguistic simplification and cultural-pragmatic sensitivity.
Phraseology studies, among other things, idioms, set expressions, various types of formulas, and fixed phrases in a given language. The guiding theme of the course will be the recognition and classification of German phraseological units. After a brief overview of the main types of phraseologisms, we will focus on the analysis of metaphor (and metonymy) in idiomatic expressions across different text genres and specialized languages, particularly in political, economic, and advertising discourse.
Unit 2: The Language of Advertising
This module focuses on the German advertising language in all its forms, with particular emphasis on commercials. Special attention will be paid to a contrastive analysis of German and Italian Werbesprache. After a theoretical introduction, students will apply the acquired analytical tools to examine various advertising materials, including those collected by the students themselves.
Unit 3: Specialized Languages
This course offers a deepening and extension of previously acquired knowledge of German specialized languages (Fachsprachen). We will deal, among other things, with specialized languages in the fields of tourism, science, and economics.
Unit 4: Specialized Languages and Translation
This unit aims to strengthen students' skills in understanding and producing texts within the domain of German specialized languages, with a specific focus on translation-related aspects. The course will center on the analysis and translation of authentic texts from various specialized fields, including tourism, economics, sports, art history, and public communication.
Students will explore the challenges of terminological accuracy, textual conventions, and audience-oriented adaptation. Special emphasis will be placed on the translation into and from Leichte Sprache, which requires both linguistic simplification and cultural-pragmatic sensitivity.
Prerequisites for admission
Receptive and productive skills in German at B2 level (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Basic metalinguistic knowledge.
Teaching methods
The official modules include both traditional lectures and seminar-style sessions with active student participation (through presentations and/or discussions of previously prepared group work). In addition to the official modules, language practice sessions are held with native speaker instructors. While attendance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended.
At the end of each semester (for the practice sessions) and at the end of each module (for the official courses), students may take interim tests as an alternative to the official written and oral exams.
The language of instruction is German.
For Units 1 and 2 as well as for the language practice sessions, the course makes use of e-learning tools on Moodle, which support the learning process and provide models of the final exam.
At the end of each semester (for the practice sessions) and at the end of each module (for the official courses), students may take interim tests as an alternative to the official written and oral exams.
The language of instruction is German.
For Units 1 and 2 as well as for the language practice sessions, the course makes use of e-learning tools on Moodle, which support the learning process and provide models of the final exam.
Teaching Resources
Preparation for the written grammar exam will be based on the following textbook:
Jin, Friederike; Voß, Ute (2020 ): Grammatik aktiv · Deutsch als Fremdsprache 1. Ausgabe · B2/C1 Verstehen, Üben, Sprechen Übungsgrammatik. Cornelsen.
Unit 1: Phraseology
Burger, Harald (2015): Phraseologie - Eine Einführung am Beispiel des Deutschen. Berlin: Erich Schmidt.
Dobrovol'skij Dmitrij/ Piirainen (2010): "Cognitive Theory of metaphor and idioms analysis". Jezikoslovlie, 7-35.
Gläser, Rosemarie (2008):"Fachphraseologie" In Burger Harald et al. (Hrsg.):Phraseologie: ein internationales Handbuch zeitgenössischer Forschung, Volume 1. Berlin: De Gruyter, 482-505.
Konecny, Christine (2011): "Divergenze e convergenze in collocazioni lessicali italiane e tedesche". In: Lavric, Eva; Pöckl, Wolfgang; Schallhart, Florian (a cura di): Comparatio delectat. Akten der VI. Internationalen Arbeitstagung zum romanisch-deutschen und innerromanischen Sprachvergleich, Innsbruck, 3.-5. September 2008. Teil 1 und 2. Frankfurt am Main: Lang, 295-309.
Unit 2: The Language of Advertising
Janich, Nina (2013): Werbesprache. Ein Arbeitsbuch. 6. Auflage. Narr: Tübingen. (capitoli scelti)
Unit 3: Specialized Languages
Fluck, Hans-Rüdiger (1996): Fachsprachen. Einführung und Bibliographie. Stuttgart: UTB
Kontutyt, Eglé (2017): Einführung in die Fachsprachenlinguistik. Vilniaus: Vilniaus universitetas
Leichte Sprache. Ein Ratgeber: https://www.gemeinsam-einfach-machen.de/GEM/DE/AS/Leuchttuerme/Ratgeber/Ratgeber_LS/ratgeber_ls_node.html
Roelcke, Thorsten (2010): Fachsprachen. Berlin: Erich Schmidt Verlag.
Unit 4: Specialized Languages and Translation
Stolze, Radegundis (2009): Fachübersetzen: ein Lehrbuch für Theorie und Praxis. Frank & Timme.
Materials published on Moodle.
Jin, Friederike; Voß, Ute (2020 ): Grammatik aktiv · Deutsch als Fremdsprache 1. Ausgabe · B2/C1 Verstehen, Üben, Sprechen Übungsgrammatik. Cornelsen.
Unit 1: Phraseology
Burger, Harald (2015): Phraseologie - Eine Einführung am Beispiel des Deutschen. Berlin: Erich Schmidt.
Dobrovol'skij Dmitrij/ Piirainen (2010): "Cognitive Theory of metaphor and idioms analysis". Jezikoslovlie, 7-35.
Gläser, Rosemarie (2008):"Fachphraseologie" In Burger Harald et al. (Hrsg.):Phraseologie: ein internationales Handbuch zeitgenössischer Forschung, Volume 1. Berlin: De Gruyter, 482-505.
Konecny, Christine (2011): "Divergenze e convergenze in collocazioni lessicali italiane e tedesche". In: Lavric, Eva; Pöckl, Wolfgang; Schallhart, Florian (a cura di): Comparatio delectat. Akten der VI. Internationalen Arbeitstagung zum romanisch-deutschen und innerromanischen Sprachvergleich, Innsbruck, 3.-5. September 2008. Teil 1 und 2. Frankfurt am Main: Lang, 295-309.
Unit 2: The Language of Advertising
Janich, Nina (2013): Werbesprache. Ein Arbeitsbuch. 6. Auflage. Narr: Tübingen. (capitoli scelti)
Unit 3: Specialized Languages
Fluck, Hans-Rüdiger (1996): Fachsprachen. Einführung und Bibliographie. Stuttgart: UTB
Kontutyt, Eglé (2017): Einführung in die Fachsprachenlinguistik. Vilniaus: Vilniaus universitetas
Leichte Sprache. Ein Ratgeber: https://www.gemeinsam-einfach-machen.de/GEM/DE/AS/Leuchttuerme/Ratgeber/Ratgeber_LS/ratgeber_ls_node.html
Roelcke, Thorsten (2010): Fachsprachen. Berlin: Erich Schmidt Verlag.
Unit 4: Specialized Languages and Translation
Stolze, Radegundis (2009): Fachübersetzen: ein Lehrbuch für Theorie und Praxis. Frank & Timme.
Materials published on Moodle.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The effective achievement of the expected learning outcomes will be assessed through a written and an oral exam.
Written exam: The written exam is divided into two parts. In the first part, students will complete grammar and vocabulary exercises (gap-filling, paraphrasing, and multiple-choice questions) following the model proposed during the practical sessions (25 minutes). The use of monolingual or bilingual dictionaries is not permitted in this section.
In the second part, students will write a composition (approximately 250 words) on a topic covered during the course (advertising, literature, technology, economics, tourism, or job applications). The required text type will follow models practiced in class (e.g., a motivational letter, an advertisement, a description of a graph or a technological object). The choice of topic is at the instructor's discretion. The time allotted for the composition is 80 minutes, and students may use only monolingual dictionaries. Preparation for the written exam will take place during the practical sessions, which, while not mandatory, are strongly recommended.
Students will have the option to take two end-of-course tests instead of the official written exam.
The official oral exams for the three modules may be taken during the scheduled oral exam sessions as described below. The exam includes analysis of topics covered in Units 1, 2, and 3. Students must be able to answer both theoretical and practical questions and recognize and comment on (based on materials provided during the exam) the phenomena studied.
For the unit on phraseology, the exam is computerized and includes multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions with both theoretical and practical content (duration: 25 minutes).
The course on advertising language includes the description of a commercial in German (30 minutes).
For the module on specialized languages, students must answer both open and closed theoretical and practical questions (duration: 40 minutes). All questions are asked in German.
Students (both attending and non-attending) will have the opportunity to take an end-of-module test instead of the oral exam at the end of each module.
Attendance is understood as active participation in classes and includes activities such as: reading the assigned bibliography in advance, completing exercises, preparing possible oral and/or written presentations, etc.
To take the official module tests or practical session tests, students must have completed 85% of the activities required on the Moodle platform for each course.
Access to the official oral exam is granted only after passing the written test. If no end-of-module tests have been taken, the marks obtained in the oral exams are valid only on the day the exam is taken and cannot be "carried over" to future sessions.
The final grade (out of 30) will take into account the work done throughout the year on the course's Moodle platform.
The final grade for Lingua Tedesca I consists of the average of the grades from the three official modules (provided that all grades are passing—at least 18/30), plus, if applicable, a bonus based on the evaluation of the practical sessions.
The practical sessions are evaluated with a qualitative judgment: fail, pass, good, excellent. This judgment will influence the final grade.
Grades for the written exam, end-of-module tests, and individual syllabi are valid for three exam sessions within the 2025-2026 academic year.
To prepare for the written and oral exams, students are advised to consult the materials made available on Ariel.
At the beginning of the semester, an intensive grammar course will be offered, and first-year students are strongly encouraged to attend.
Exam arrangements for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLD) must be agreed with the instructor at least 10 days before the exam date. The student must inform the instructor of the necessary accommodations based on the official certification approved in advance by the university support office:
https://www.unimi.it/it/ugov/ou-structure/cosp-ufficio-servizi-studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa
Written exam: The written exam is divided into two parts. In the first part, students will complete grammar and vocabulary exercises (gap-filling, paraphrasing, and multiple-choice questions) following the model proposed during the practical sessions (25 minutes). The use of monolingual or bilingual dictionaries is not permitted in this section.
In the second part, students will write a composition (approximately 250 words) on a topic covered during the course (advertising, literature, technology, economics, tourism, or job applications). The required text type will follow models practiced in class (e.g., a motivational letter, an advertisement, a description of a graph or a technological object). The choice of topic is at the instructor's discretion. The time allotted for the composition is 80 minutes, and students may use only monolingual dictionaries. Preparation for the written exam will take place during the practical sessions, which, while not mandatory, are strongly recommended.
Students will have the option to take two end-of-course tests instead of the official written exam.
The official oral exams for the three modules may be taken during the scheduled oral exam sessions as described below. The exam includes analysis of topics covered in Units 1, 2, and 3. Students must be able to answer both theoretical and practical questions and recognize and comment on (based on materials provided during the exam) the phenomena studied.
For the unit on phraseology, the exam is computerized and includes multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions with both theoretical and practical content (duration: 25 minutes).
The course on advertising language includes the description of a commercial in German (30 minutes).
For the module on specialized languages, students must answer both open and closed theoretical and practical questions (duration: 40 minutes). All questions are asked in German.
Students (both attending and non-attending) will have the opportunity to take an end-of-module test instead of the oral exam at the end of each module.
Attendance is understood as active participation in classes and includes activities such as: reading the assigned bibliography in advance, completing exercises, preparing possible oral and/or written presentations, etc.
To take the official module tests or practical session tests, students must have completed 85% of the activities required on the Moodle platform for each course.
Access to the official oral exam is granted only after passing the written test. If no end-of-module tests have been taken, the marks obtained in the oral exams are valid only on the day the exam is taken and cannot be "carried over" to future sessions.
The final grade (out of 30) will take into account the work done throughout the year on the course's Moodle platform.
The final grade for Lingua Tedesca I consists of the average of the grades from the three official modules (provided that all grades are passing—at least 18/30), plus, if applicable, a bonus based on the evaluation of the practical sessions.
The practical sessions are evaluated with a qualitative judgment: fail, pass, good, excellent. This judgment will influence the final grade.
Grades for the written exam, end-of-module tests, and individual syllabi are valid for three exam sessions within the 2025-2026 academic year.
To prepare for the written and oral exams, students are advised to consult the materials made available on Ariel.
At the beginning of the semester, an intensive grammar course will be offered, and first-year students are strongly encouraged to attend.
Exam arrangements for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLD) must be agreed with the instructor at least 10 days before the exam date. The student must inform the instructor of the necessary accommodations based on the official certification approved in advance by the university support office:
https://www.unimi.it/it/ugov/ou-structure/cosp-ufficio-servizi-studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa
L-LIN/14 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - GERMAN - University credits: 12
Lessons: 80 hours
Professor:
Mollica Fabio
Professor(s)
Reception:
Piazza Indro Montanelli -Dipartimento di Lingue, Letterature, Culture e Mediazioni- V piano - studio 5012