Learning German is a great choice for those desiring to learn a foreign language, for many reasons. German is spoken in at least 38 countries, by well over 100 million people. Although most German speakers are naturally to be found in Germany, as well as Austria and Switzerland, you will also find many German speakers in Poland and the Czech Republic, as well as America and South America. Being as Germany is the most powerful nation in European Union, German is 2nd only to English as a business language in Europe. Following are 4 great reasons you should consider learning German
1. Enhance Your Travel Experiences
In addition to the three major European countries where German is a native language, German is a second language for many countries across Eastern Europe. Those planning to travel in Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia or Kazakhstan may find it useful to learn German to communicate in those regions. There are many websites that offer free language lessons to help travelers learn basic German phrases. However, for a more intensive course, travelers could learn German in Berlin or another part of Germany.
2. Experience German Culture In The German Language
German culture is more than beer and lederhosen. Germany has a rich cultural heritage. Many great thinkers, such as Freud and Einstein, were German. Many of the most respected classical composers came from Germany. There is a lot to do in Germany, from exploring towns with a centuries-old history to seeing the wonders of modern engineering technology. Those who study in Germany will find that this gives an inside view of many aspects of German culture.
3. Tourism Industry Employment
With three major language centers and many other German-speaking regions, German is a key language for those seeking to work in the tourist industry. Some German language schools offer courses aimed at professionals in different industries which will also help those in the tourist trade. This is key not just for those planning to work within Germany, but for those planning to work with the millions of German-speaking tourists who travel the globe each year.
4. Business
Germany is the third largest manufacturing nation in the world and one of the largest exporters. Learning German will help business people to improve their prospects of doing business in German-speaking countries. And while it may be true that many Germans speak English as well as, if not better than, many native English speakers, those who learn German will have the advantage of understanding what is said in its original context. Many German language schools offer classes specifically designed to help business people learn German. These include classes dealing with speaking on the telephone, negotiations and presentations.
The Best Ways To Learn German
The single best way to learn German is by immersion, as with any language. Learning German in Germany is not only the most fun way to learn, but also the fastest and most effective. There are many reasonably priced German language schools in Germany, where studies typically run 4 hours a day of intense language training, leaving plenty of time to engage with the culture and practice what you have learned in the classroom; there are programs that including meals will only run around $1000 a month; depending on where you choose to study, the prices may be higher or lower.
There are great German language schools all over Germany, but the some of the best are in Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, and Stuttgart. I studied in both Heidelberg and Munich; though I have traveled throughout Germany, I consider those two cities my favorites. When learning German in Germany, the immersion experience will help you achieve fluency so much faster - and you’ll have a blast doing so too, I promise.
If flying to Germany for 2 weeks to 3 months isn’t an option for you, then using a good interactive German language software package that simulates the immersion experience is a great 2nd choice; programs such as Rocket German can have you reasonably fluent in 8 weeks. Classroom instruction in another good choice, though most people progress faster with the modern language software. If possible, supplement your studies by practicing with a native speaker; nothing facilitates the growth in language skills then by actually speaking it.
