Drawing on the interconnected fields of politics, economics, and law you will examine contemporary Germany as a territorial state, a member of the European Union, a global player, and a cultural entity. The minor also poses critical questions about Germany’s future: which visions dominate mainstream and minority discourses? How do these visions influence perceptions and realities in political, economic, and legal spheres? In what ways do they materialise – or fail to materialise?

We approach these issues and topics from a cultural-historical, political, philosophical, and economic perspective. By fostering a nuanced perspective on Germany as a global player, cultural entity, and key actor in European integration, this minor prepares you for careers in international contexts, enhancing your ability to navigate complex global dynamics.

Your language skills will be useful: the majority of the texts you study are in German, and lectures are primarily conducted in German, with some in English. A passive knowledge of German is therefore required. You are welcome to contribute verbally and in writing in your own language.

This minor is perfect for you if you have a broad cultural, economic and political interest in Germany and enjoy an interactive environment where exchange and open discussions are central.

This minor is offered by the Faculty of Humanities. The faculty’s minors consist of 30 ECTS credits and earn you a second qualification that will be listed on the transcript accompanying your degree certificate. 

Study schedule

Next to the three core courses the minor offers two advanced electives, from which you choose one. The electives combine theoretical foundations with practical applications, offering you hands-on opportunities like a study trip to Berlin with visits to the German Parliament, the Dutch Embassy,  one of the two major universities.

Master's programme

The minor in European Power and German Thinking: Law, Economics, and Politics may serve as a good preparation for academic Bachelor's students who want to apply for admission to a Master's programme in European Studies, e.g.: the master's in European Policy or Identity and Integration, or the Dutch taught master's in Duitslandstudies. Always check the entry requirements on the Application & admission page of the Master’s programme you are interested in.

Entry requirements

This minor is open for application to students who have obtained an academic first-year diploma or a positive Binding Study Advice from an academic Bachelor's programme. 

The minor is also open for application to students from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (HBO) who have completed their propaedeutic year. If you are an HBO student and if you are looking to do a Master's programme at the UvA, please check out our pre-Master's programmes, as completing a minor is not enough to grant you access to Master’s programmes. 

Registration and placement

The registration period for a minor in the academic year 2025-2026 is 1 April - 13 May 2025.

This minor has a limited number of places available. If there are more applications than available places, a lottery will be held. The timing of your application within the specified period will not affect your chances of being placed.

Are you not a UvA student? Please check here for which Bachelor's programme you need to register at the UvA as an elective course student.