uwloo

GER 101Elementary German 1

Units
0.50
Faculty
Arts
Subject
German

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 5 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 4 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

This course aims to bring German language, culture, and everyday life into the classroom. Students with little or no prior knowledge are introduced to the structure of German and develop their listening/comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Classes are communicative and emphasize interaction in German. Online exercises and audio/video materials accompany each chapter of the textbook.

Prerequisites

None listed.

Antirequisites

  • Complete all of the following
    • Not completed: 4U German
    • Not open to students with native, near-native, or similar advanced ability

Leads to

Fall 2026 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 001314920 / 30MW 13:00–14:20
LEC 002430820 / 30TTh 14:30–15:50
LEC 081360745 / 47Online or by arrangement

Winter 2027 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 00131190 / 30MW 14:30–15:50
LEC 08135230 / 60Online or by arrangement
LEC 701117719 / 9999Online or by arrangement
LEC 702117916 / 9999Online or by arrangement

Reviewed on UW Flow

76% liked it60% easy80% useful

From 99 ratings and 20 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • I really love the German language and am eager to learn more of it. However, this course is laid out in a very poor manner. One prof designed the course and multiple sections are taught by Masters students - encouraged to speak ONLY in German. Right from the first day it was a bit of a nightmare, with the whole class confused and scratching their heads.
    They try to teach through immersion, but you need first to learn and understand how the German language works with conjugation/sentence structure before you can just learn by having a teacher ask you a bunch of questions in German.
    Also, it was VERY confusing and disorganized online with what was due on what day. Exercises due in the…

    Feb 2019 · didn’t like it · 2 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • horrible course and nightmare textbook Berliner Platz 1
    nearly all of the instructions and the textbook are in German
    how can one learn German through German???
    it just assume that you have known everything!!!
    you have known the vocabulary, the grammar
    and then let's practice German in class!
    how can one learn German through German???
    confusing course

    Oct 2018 · didn’t like it · 2 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Avoid Online language courses! The course isn't horrible but the textbook Berliner Platz 1 is a nightmare. All of the instructions are in German and I feel like I'm paying to be taught by google translate.

    Jun 2014 · didn’t like it · 2 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Useful enough course if you plan on travelling anywhere that German is spoken. Word to the wise, though: do *not* take it online. Textbook is all in German and without in-class instruction, it is very easy to get confused. The context of an in-class environment is key.

    Oct 2019 · didn’t like it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Liked the course, had somewhat of a basic understanding just from doing Duolingo beforehand, but that was pretty helpful. A lot of the assignments/projects are fun to do and easy to do well in if you try a little hard. Make sure to study the concepts/grammar/tenses for the exam since there are written portions!

    Dec 2018 · liked it · 1 found this helpfulOn UW FlowRemove this

Discussed on r/uwaterloo

80 posts and comments in 57 threads mention GER 101, October 2011 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.

Fall 2023

Fall 2022

Should I take beginner language course (ITAL 101) in person or online? 2 points, 4 comments

“For anyone who has taken this course or any other 101 language courses, is it easier to learn/get a higher grade in person or would I fine taking it online? …”

u/angerygoosepopo: “I took RUSS101 in person and GER 101/102 online. I found both German courses to be much more work-intensive during the week since discussion boards replace in-class discussions. …”

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Fall 2021

Fall 2020

Language Courses Online? 0 points, 4 comments

“Hi all, I'm thinking of taking a language course during W21 and I'll be on co-op. I'm thinking of taking Dutch 101, but I'm curious on how intense it be will (admittedly it is a 101 course though - …”

u/angerygoosepopo: “I took GER 101 online in W2019. 1. The course format is consists of weekly quizzes on grammar and vocabulary concepts, assignments, and a final exam. 2. I felt it was kind of a waste tbh 3. Yes, there were oral assignments, but it had vocabulary memorization as well.”

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For those taking foreign language classes, 1 point, 10 comments

“I wanted to take German 101 in the winter in class. I specifically took some classes ahead of time to leave a slot open to take the class, but now they've announced winter is online smh... …”

u/tkfi: “I took GER 101 in Person and GER 102 online, so I can compare my experience in both. In person helps a lot to get over that initial phase when you start a new language, where you're super self conscious trying to speak it to others. …”

u/ImperviousHamster: “I'm in GER 101 online right now, finding it ok so far. Having the physical textbook is nice, and there's plenty of practice to replace any in-class exercises.”

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Spring 2020

What are the easiest courses to take to fill the breadth requirements for CS? 4 points, 21 comments

“Also, if you minor in something like physics and you want to get your other breadth requirements done before taking physics courses, would you start taking first year physics courses in second year?”

u/temp202: “… and fun) PHYS 111 (if you took any physics in highschool this course is a joke) GER 101 (I think most intro language courses aren't bad) MUSIC 140/246 (interesting) REC 280 FINE 130 HRM 200”

u/someleaf: “The one thing I'll say about GER 101 (and this is probably true for most 1st year language courses) is that it's not conceptually very difficult, but you may end up having to spend a fair bit of time learning vocab and doing exercises for it. …”

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Fall 2019

Anybody who took German101 or 102? 2 points, 4 comments

“I would be most grateful if I could chat with somebody who took German language courses here. I've very specific questions about how much of the language do you cover in these courses. …”

u/skyreni: “I took GER 101 and I’m taking GER 102 next term”

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Is Ger 101 ok online? 3 points, 4 comments

u/Boring_Sci_Fi: “I am thinking of taking an online course and was wondering if a language course is ok for that. Anyone have any experience?”

u/UWGooseHunter: “GER101 ist im Mein Kampf”

u/ClassIn30minutes: “… wont learn as much, since online language courses might lack verbal aspects) My friend took GER101, I dont know if he took it online, but he loved the course.”

u/steminem4122: “I've taken dutch101 online which was really easy (90s with minimal work). Took ger101 in class, the course definitely escalates after the first half but still not difficult to get in the 80s.”

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Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar