German

With around 90 million native speakers and 135 million total speakers worldwide, German stands as the 11th most spoken language globally. It holds the position of the second most commonly spoken language in Europe, after Russian, but enjoys official language status in Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and parts of Belgium and Switzerland (German, French, Italian, Romansh). Additionally, German communities exist in Eastern Europe and serve as an official language of the European Union. Its historical and cultural significance, coupled with its presence in scientific and academic spheres, further adds to its global relevance.

Why should I learn German?

Germany is a highly developed country with a strong economy and a high standard of living, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to work or study abroad. Additionally, German culture has a rich artistic and literary tradition, with notable writers and philosophers like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Immanuel Kant. German is also a valuable language for those interested in European history and politics, as Germany has played an important role in European affairs throughout history.

Learning German can actually teach you a lot about English, as the two languages have a shared history and many similarities in vocabulary, grammar, and syntax.

How hard is it to learn German?

Although German is known for its complex grammar, including three genders (masculine, feminine, and neutral) and four cases (nominative, accusative, genitive, and dative), as well as being a highly inflected language, it is actually not as difficult to learn as its reputation might suggest. This is because the English language has Germanic roots, making it easier for English speakers to pick up. While German does have its challenges, many people find it to be a beautiful and expressive language.