Jansen, LouiseSchmidt, Gabriele2015-12-070011-9741http://hdl.handle.net/1885/19280This article presents the results of two Australian studies. The first investigates the motives underlying students� decisions to study German at university level. The second explores why many students who begin their study of German at the ab-initio level discontinue after only a few semesters. Following the data analysis, the article discusses possible approaches to increase the low retention of beginners� students.Das Auf und Ab im Deutschstudium. Grunde fur die Aufnahme und den Abbruch eines Deutschstudiums in Australien (The ups and downs in the German study. Reasons for admission and termination of a German study in Australia)2011.37307/j.2198-2430.2011.03.062020-12-20