Why learn German?

So you’ve made the decision to pursue learning another language. Great! But choosing to start your learning journey is only the beginning—now you need to choose what language. To be sure, there is no wrong choice. It’s proven that multilingualism comes with many benefits. The BBC writes that bilingualism lends “people a superior ability to concentrate, solve problems and focus, better mental flexibility and multitasking skills.” So, no matter the language you choose, from Spanish to Mandarin, to Portuguese, to Arabic, your brain will thank you in the long run!

However, when choosing your language, you might want to weigh the reasons behind this choice. In this article, we’ll explore why German could be a fitting language for you. From leisure to business, German is a powerful tool that can be used to bolster your experience, no matter the purpose. Here, we’ll examine how even basic skills in the language can help with travel, employment, and understanding cultural and political relations.

When considering international travel, it wouldn’t be surprising if Germany landed at the top of your list, as it is one of the most popular destinations for Americans. According to Statista, 1.9 million Americans traveled to Germany in 2019. Germany is also home to 51 different protected sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list, including the Aachen Cathedral, and the Old Town in Regensburg. And while English is widely spoken, knowing German language and culture will get you much further, and enhance your experience. Simply knowing when to use “Prost!” at Oktoberfest will earn you some friends at nearby tables.

Moreover, German doesn’t only come in handy in Germany. Switzerland and Austria are the other two countries that make up the German-speaking “DACH” (Deutschland, Austria, Helvetic Confederation) region. So, from ancient castles to Alpen views, German can help get you there.

When looking for a job, specifically in industry, it wouldn’t be surprising if a number of jobs with German companies show up. Germany provides the 3^rd highest amount of Foreign Direct Investment in the United States, behind Japan and China. German companies are present in 49 out of 50 states, with some states like South Carolina and Alabama being home to significant operations of German companies. While these companies’ day-to-day operations are in English, German language and culture permeates throughout every level of the business. Knowing just a little bit of German and understanding basic German business culture would give you a leg-up in a multitude of business situations. It helps to demonstrate strong intercultural competencies, which is one of the most sought after skills these days by employers.

Finally, when studying US cultural and political relations with the world, understanding German and Germany can help you better understand international relations. Germany and the United States share a special relationship dating back centuries. Even in the present-day, Germany remains a key ally to the United States. Germany is home to key US military and diplomatic operations. The US Consulate in Frankfurt largest U.S. consular post and one of the largest diplomatic missions in the world. Ramstein Air Base in Southern German is home to the largest population of Americans outside of the US, including service members, contractors, and their families. If you’re planning to study international politics, or even pursue a career in defense or diplomacy, then German could come in handy.

With all this in mind, it’s clear that German is a strong contender for most beneficial language to know. To be sure, this is just the tip of the iceberg in understanding how German language and culture can benefit your lifestyle. But, from avid travelers to geopolitics nerd, knowing basic German can prove to be useful in many different situations.