I loved learning German at school. It was the exciting new language that French had unlocked. It was the “beautiful” language – ‘Deutsche Sprache, schöne Sprache’, as my ever-enthusiastic German teacher frequently called it. This is why I wish that more people could discover the many joys of learning German and perhaps reverse the year-on-year decline in take-up and teaching of German in schools. Look beyond the prejudged idea of complex grammar rules, unfamiliar sounds and sometimes comically long words and discover why German is a fine and fantastic language to learn. Although it’s often misconceived as particularly challenging, German is a language that offers a multitude of reasons why it can be fun, surprisingly accessible, and incredibly beneficial for English speakers. In this blog, I’ll try to explain why learning German is a rewarding experience that goes beyond linguistic boundaries, with plenty to offer to linguists and non-linguists alike.
Contrary to popular belief, German is not as difficult to learn as you might think. Mandarin, Arabic or Finnish, it is not. English and German share a common Germanic origin, which means they have a considerable amount of vocabulary and grammatical structure in common. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover the many English-German cognates that make acquiring vocabulary easier. ‘Dieser Mann spricht Englisch’ and ‘ich trinke Milch’ are more recognisable to an English speaker than ‘cet homme parle anglais’ and ‘je bois du lait’, for example. Furthermore, German grammar, while relatively intricate, is characterised by its logical structure and consistency, reducing the ambiguity and irregularity often found in other languages. As you grasp the rules, you’ll find a sense of accomplishment that propels your learning journey forward and seems ever more logical as you go along.
Learning German opens the door to a world of vibrant culture, history and creativity. Whether you’re captivated by the mesmerising melodies of classical music or the intrigue of German cinema, there’s no shortage of entertainment waiting for you. Dive into the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven and Richard Wagner, and you’ll find a new-found appreciation for their repertoire when you understand the lyrics in their native language. Additionally, exploring German literature, from the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales to the works of Hermann Hesse, Max Frisch and Franz Kafka, allows you to experience stories in their authentic form, enhancing your connection with the culture and gaining an insight that translation can never fully replicate.
Imagine exploring the picturesque scenery of Bavaria, village-hopping alongside beautiful Lake Lucerne, sampling the culinary delights of Vienna or strolling through the historic streets of Berlin, all while conversing effortlessly with locals. Learning German enriches your travel experiences by allowing you to engage more authentically with the places you visit. Locals appreciate your efforts to speak their language, and you’ll find that your interactions become more meaningful and enjoyable. This is the essence of why language is a gateway to understanding people on a deeper level. When you learn German, you gain access to the thoughts, emotions and expressions of millions of native speakers. Whether you’re forming friendships, networking professionally or building relationships, being able to communicate in someone’s native language creates a sense of connection that transcends barriers.
If all that is not enough, I could also add that German is the most widely spoken language in Europe, an official language in six European countries and the second most commonly used language in the science world. As a result, acquiring German opens doors to an array of opportunities, both in terms of education and career advancement. A university degree in German doesn’t only lead to valued careers like translation, interpreting or teaching, but can also be particularly advantageous if you’re pursuing fields like engineering, medicine or environmental studies, where Germany and other German-speaking countries stand out. What’s more, German is one of the ‘big three’ working languages of the European Union and Germany’s strong presence in international trade makes it a valuable language for global business interactions.
Beyond linguistic proficiency, cultural awareness, social solidarity and career advantages, learning German also equips you with a variety of skills that extend to various facets of life more broadly. For example, studying German can enhance cognitive functions such as memory, problem-solving, and multitasking. Learning a new language encourages your brain to make new connections and strengthen existing ones. That cultural awareness that I have mentioned allows you to develop a heightened sense of cultural empathy and cross-cultural communication skills. This can significantly improve your ability to relate to people from diverse backgrounds. The precision and specificity of the grammar that, initially, might have put you off, teaches you to pay close attention to details – a skill that proves invaluable in tasks requiring accuracy, such as technical writing, data analysis and even creative pursuits. And let’s face it, overcoming challenges while learning a new language fosters resilience and patience. These qualities can be applied to all areas of life, helping you navigate difficulties with a more positive outlook.
In conclusion, learning German is a journey that offers a wide range of rewards. From cultural enrichment and cognitive enhancement to improved career prospects and personal growth, the benefits are boundless. Remember, every new language learned opens up a unique perspective on the world. Not only is German a ‘schöne Sprache’, as my teacher so fondly said many years ago, but it’s perhaps ‘eine der schönsten der Welt’ (one of the most beautiful in the world). So, like me, embrace the joy of learning German and embark on an adventure that will enrich your life in ways you never imagined.
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