OVERVIEW

German Language 3 – Lexicology and Lexical Semantics

The theory module aims to provide an in-depth knowledge of the main concepts and analytical tools of German lexicology and lexical semantics, with particular attention to the structure of the lexicon, word-formation processes, and semantic relations, also through the use of lexicographic and corpus-based resources.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The goal of the course is to provide students with advanced skills and knowledge regarding metalinguistic analysis, and to delve into individual aspects, including several sector-specific languages. The course includes the support of exercises, organised by language assistants, translators and interpreters, aimed at the practical learning of the language, of advanced translation and of liaison interpreting.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• understand and appropriately use the basic terminology of German lexicology and lexical semantics;

• describe the German lexicon as a structured system of syntagmatic and paradigmatic relations;

• distinguish between different theoretical notions of word (lexical word, morphological word, lemma);

• analyse the main word-formation processes (compounding, derivation, abbreviation) and the related morphological elements (base morphemes, word-formation morphemes, linking elements);

• interpret phenomena of lexical expansion and relate them to the concept of basic vocabulary (Grundwortschatz);

• critically use dictionaries and digital lexicographic resources for German, understanding their structure, functions, and labels (with particular reference to diatopic marking);

• analyse semantic relations such as homonymy, polysemy, synonymy, antonymy, complementarity, and meronymy;

• apply empirical methods for lexical analysis, including KWIC analysis, to authentic linguistic data.

PREREQUISITES

Language level B1 in German language is required for participation.

Adequate linguistic mastery of German and good linguistic mastery of spoken and written Italian, together with good skills in expression, are taken for granted.

TEACHING METHODS

Lecture with language exercises

The theory lectures will be accompanied by yearlong practical exercises in language, grammar and translation from Italian to German (see programs published in Aulaweb and on the websites of the single instructors that will be announced in October 2025).

Lessons will be held in German language.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The program will be communicated in February 2026.

The program of the course is valid until February 2028 in accordance to the departmental regulation.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Teaching materials will be communicated at the beginning of the semester by the professor and in Aulaweb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

RAMONA PELLEGRINO (President)

SIMONA LEONARDI

JOACHIM HANS BERND GERDES (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Theory Module: start on Wednesday 18th  February 2026

Schedule:

Tuesday, from 14 to 15, aula M (Polo didattico)

Wednesday, from 17 to 19, aula H (Polo didattico)

Language practice (lettorati): second semester

• traduzione italiano-tedesco (prof. Ludovico Ricca), Monday 8-10 aula B (Polo didattico)
• traduzione tedesco-italiano (prof. Ludovico Ricca), orario: Monday 10-12 aula B (Polo didattico)
• interpretazione (prof. Ludovico Ricca), orario: Monday 12-14 aula M (Polo didattico) + Tuesday 15-17 aula M (Polo didattico)

Class schedule

GERMAN LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION III

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Theory module: Written test (40% of final mark)

Exercises (lectorship):

Written German-Italian translation test +

Written Italian-German translation test +

Oral interpreting test

(average of marks of lectorship tests: 60% of final mark)

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Learning assessment includes a written test.

Knowledge related to the course will be assessed via open-ended questions in which the student shall demonstrate knowledge of concepts related to the topic of the course.

Exams pertaining to practical exercises will test the ability to translate texts, to interact with other speakers in a professional setting, to reformulate, to use specialized terminology, at level B2.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Criteria for assigning the final mark:

. skill in debate and summarisation.

. syntactically correct writing and use of the specific terminology of translation
. capability to organise written text with clarity of thought

Translation exercises include final written tests and interpreting exercises include a final test.

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Students with a certified DSA, disability or other special educational needs are advised to contact the lecturer at the beginning of the course in order to agree on teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning methods and provide suitable compensatory tools.