Why Speak German?
1. It’s a major language of communication throughout the world
Anyone who can speak German can easily communicate with around 100 million people in their own language, because German is spoken not only in Germany, but also in Austria, in large parts of Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Luxembourg as well as areas of Northern Italy, Eastern Belgium and Eastern France. Alongside Russian, German is the most frequently spoken native language in Europe and is one of the ten most frequently spoken languages in the world.
2. To read original material
Anyone interested in literature can benefit from speaking German. Over 60,000 new books are published in Germany each year, equivalent to 18% of books published world-wide, making German the third largest publisher of books in the world. Translations can never fully reproduce the cultural depth of German literature.
3. To do business with Germans
German is the most important trading partner for almost all European and many non-European countries. The ability to speak German improves business relationships with partners in the third largest industrial nation and one of the most important exporting countries in the world. A knowledge of German is a big advantage in business, as negotiations in a third language can easily lead to misunderstandings with costly consequences.
4. To enhance your communication skills
Learning and speaking German is no harder than learning another popular language, such as English, French or Spanish. Young children especially pick it up quickly as part of their natural daily learning routine. German speakers will reap the rewards of it for the rest of their lives, as it’s an advantageous communication tool in social, business and travel situations, and often it even makes understanding other languages easier.
5. To enjoy advantages for tourism
In many countries, visitors from Germany, Austria and Switzerland make up the largest and most important tourist groups. A knowledge of German is therefore a useful advantage for many people working in the tourist industry or travelling in these countries.
6. To harness opportunities in the job market
A knowledge of German improves your chances in the job market. Many German companies abroad, many foreign companies in Germany and companies with close business connections with German speaking countries all look to recruit workers with language qualifications. Within the European Union it’s not only specialists, but also students and scientists with a knowledge of German, who can find many interesting training, study and job opportunities.
7. German promotes a better understanding of Europe
A knowledge of foreign languages always broadens both your intellectual and professional horizons. Those who learn German gain access to an important intellectual, economic and culturally historic area of Central Europe.
8. Scientific Progress
German is very important for scientists and science students as it is the second most common language in the publication of scientific research. If you can read German, you have access to a whole world of research findings in all areas of modern science. This is why 40% of scientists in the USA advise their students to learn German. In Poland and Hungary the figure is over 70%.
9. To experience Germany in more depth
Each year millions of tourists from all over the world visit Germany, which lies in the 'heart of Europe'. Being able to speak and understand German means you to get to know the Germans better and gain a deeper insight into their history and culture.
10. To develop a better understanding of one of the major languages of culture
A knowledge of German opens the door to the birthplace of one of the greatest cultures in Europe, for German is the language of Goethe, Nietzsche and Kafka, Mozart, Bach and Beethoven, Freud and Einstein.
