Why Learn German

German is the mother tongue of about a 100 million Europeans and is spoken, according to estimates, by another 80 million people worldwide as a foreign language. It is the second most commonly used scientific language as well as the language of literary mastery and philosophy. Knowledge of German opens up a whole world of opportunities, for jobs in Germany as well as in multinational companies, for specialist vocations like tourism, where German-speaking tourists are the world’s biggest spenders, and for advanced research and studies.

Millions of people around the world are learning German as a foreign language and one of the main centres is the Goethe-Institut, with its headoffice in Munich. The Institute runs 129 centres across 80 countries, besides the 13 centres within Germany. From extensive to super-intensive courses, professional courses and distance learning programmes, there are diverse options of learning, improving and continuing with the practice and use of German in everyday life.

German Bier festival

Whatever plans you may have for the future, knowledge of German will increase your options. When you learn German you acquire a range of skills which can improve the quality of both your work and private life: 

Business: Knowing the language of your German business partners improves your relations and therefore your chances for effective communication and success.

The global career: Knowledge of German increases your job opportunities with German and foreign companies in your own country and abroad. Proficiency in German helps you to function productively for an employer with global business connections. 

Tourism and hospitality industry: Tourists from German-speaking countries travel wide and far, and are the world’s biggest spenders when on holiday. They appreciate to be looked after by German-speaking staff and tour guides. 

Science and Research: German is the second most commonly used scientific language. Germany is the third largest contributor to research and development and offers research fellowships to scientists from abroad. 

Communication: Developments in media, information and communication technology require multilingual communicators. One in ten books is published in German, and a wide range of important websites are in German. Knowledge of German therefore offers you extended access to information. 

Cultural understanding: Learning German provides you with an insight into the way of life, and the hopes and dreams of people in German speaking countries, broadening your horizon.  

Travel: Make the most of your travels not only in German-speaking countries, but in many other European countries where German is widely spoken, especially in Eastern Europe. 

Enjoyment of literature, music, art and philosophy: German is the language of Goethe, Kafka, Mozart, Bach and Beethoven. Indulge in reading and/or listening to their works in their original language. 

Opportunities to study/work in Germany:Germany awards a generous number of scholarships and other support to study in Germany. Working holiday visas are available for young foreigners from a range of countries, and special visas are offered to skilled workers and professionals.  

Opportunities for exchange: A wide range of exchange programs exists for both school and university students between Germany and many countries in the world.