Learning languages is fun, it trains your memory and looks good on your CV. Also there are plenty of reasons and opportunities to learn and apply German:
- German and English are both Germanic languages and thus have a lot in common
- Numerous words are pronounced the same or similarly in English and German (e.g. Hand, Museum, Telefon, Musik, Tourist, Haus, Maus, Finger, Glas…)
- German is the official language in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Switzerland
- Worldwide there are around 130 million native German speakers and around 1.5 million people in 42 countries belong to a German-speaking minority
- In the EU, German is the mother tongue of almost 20 per cent of its citizens and is therefore the most widely spoken first language in the EU.
- In addition, over 10 per cent of Europeans speak German as a foreign language. This puts German in second place after English among speakers in Europe and also as a scientific language
The Goethe-Institut is the leading organisation for promoting knowledge of German language and culture. The opportunities for learning at the Goethe-Institut are versatile and advanced, ranging from language courses to social media and much more.
In addition to the Goethe-Institut, there are a number of other providers such as BBC, Deutsche Welle, Zeit Sprachen, Tandem and Co. with creative online teaching offers. From learning exercises and German news to apps and podcasts, there is something for everyone here.
