A scholar who studies German language, literature, culture, or history.
From German + -ist (from Greek -istes, meaning 'one who practices or specializes in'). This professional title emerged as universities formalized the study of different national cultures and languages.
Germanists were among the first 'area studies' specialists—the 19th century saw the birth of entire academic departments dedicated to single countries' cultures, creating the university structure we have today.
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