How important is it to learn the German language (study/everyday life)?

Germans' foreign language skills have improved significantly over the last few decades. A good 80 percent of Germans now speak English well enough to converse in it. However, other foreign languages are not as widespread in Germany. Only about 20 percent of Germans can converse in French, and the rate for Spanish and Russian is only about five percent.

For you, this means that the German language will play an important role in your everyday life. Although you will get through everyday life in Germany quite well with English, you will find that communicating in German will make things much easier. Whether at the university, when shopping or doing leisure activities.

The number of international degree programs taught in English is also steadily increasing in Germany. Nevertheless, most courses of study in all disciplines are still taught in German. This is especially true for study subjects in the humanities and cultural sciences.

If you want to choose from the widest possible range of degree courses, you should therefore learn German. However, you should be aware that very good language skills are required to complete a degree course.

Germany is the fourth largest economy in the world and the second largest export nation in the world. Consequently, English is also spoken in many companies in Germany, especially the larger ones. Nevertheless, German is still the language of communication in most companies. If you want to take up a position in one of these companies, knowledge of the German language is a basic requirement.

You should also be aware that employees in international companies often communicate internally in German. Knowledge of German therefore makes it easier for you to connect with your colleagues in your company, both professionally and privately.

What many people don't know is that German is the language with the most native speakers in Europe. With about 100 million native speakers, German is the first language for over 13 percent of the European population. Not only is it the native language of most inhabitants of Germany, but it is also the most important language in Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. In addition, German is also one of the official languages in Belgium and Luxembourg.

Alongside English and French, German enjoys a special position in the European Union as one of three procedural languages. Next to English, German is the most widely spoken language throughout Europe. Moreover, German is a popular second language in many countries of Northern and Eastern Europe. Against this background, the German language not only opens up access to Germany itself, but also to many other European countries.