The Institute of Linguistics comprises a professorship of General Linguistics and a professorship of Historical Linguistics. The BA/MA study program in Linguistics consists of a unique combination of courses from both disciplines.

As a service, the Institute of Linguistics (ISW) also offers general and subject-specific language courses for students of all disciplines. 

The department was founded in 1861: a brief history. 

Since October 2008, the ISW has been involved in the Center for the Study of Language and Society (CSLS) of the Faculty of Humanities.