Why Learn German? 5 reasons that willl convince you to start right now.

With 100M+ people speaking German natively and over 15 million people learning it worldwide, German is undoubtedly one of the most widely spoken languages globally This growing interest is fueled by Germany's influential role in various areas, including economics, education, entrepreneurship, and technology. Let’s explore 5 compelling reasons why you should consider studying German.

#1 Economic and Career Opportunities

Germany is an economic powerhouse, boasting the third-largest economy in the world and a thriving job market as of 2023. German is the official language in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland, Belgium, and Luxembourg, making it a valuable asset for professionals seeking career advancement in this region.

Multinational corporations and businesses across Europe and beyond highly value German language skills, as it facilitates communication and fosters stronger business relationships. Furthermore, German companies have an impressive global footprint.

But it’s not just about the major corporations anymore. Germany is a growing hub for tech entrepreneurs and startups. Germany is home to over 20,000 startups employing more than 620,000 people across fintech, cybersecurity, cleantech, climate tech, enterprise software, and many other sectors. And over a quarter of these employees are international!

#2 Academic and Research Benefits

460,000 foreign students study in Germany, up by 50% compared to 2013. Most of them study engineering.

German is a language of academia and research, particularly in fields like biology, medicine, philosophy, history, and some other scientific disciplines. Many groundbreaking discoveries and influential works have been published in German, making it essential for scholars and researchers seeking to access and contribute to these knowledge domains.

Proficiency in German can open doors to prestigious scholarships and exchange programs at world-renowned German universities and research institutions. Given how affordable higher education is in Germany (vs. the United States, UK, or even Canada), this is definitely a compelling case for learning German.

#3 Cultural Richness and Travel

Germany's cultural heritage is rich and multifaceted, spanning literature, music, art, and philosophy. Learning German unlocks a deeper appreciation and understanding of these cultural treasures. The language allows you to experience the works of Goethe, Kafka, and Nietzsche in their original form. Even Berlin’s techno scene was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites in March 2024.

But the perks of knowing German aren't limited to bookworms and art aficionados. Travelers with a knack for German enjoy a richer, more authentic experience. Understanding the local lingo transforms the travel experience from that of an observer to an active participant in the cultural exchange.

#4 Cognitive and Personal Development

Learning a language is a workout for your brain. German, with its complex grammar and extensive vocabulary, is particularly beneficial.

According to 2015 research from the Georgetown University Medical Centre, subjects who spoke two languages (bilinguals) had more gray matter in the brain (a very good thing) and better short-term memory, problem-solving skills, and attention management when compared to those who only spoke one language.

Studies from institutions such as the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research show that bilingual individuals often outperform monolinguals in tasks that require attention, conflict management, and certain aspects of memory.

The University of Zurich also uncovered that people who speak multiple languages have increased neural pathways for processing information, leading to more efficient information sorting and retrieval.

Moreover, research from the University of Edinburgh suggests that learning a new language, including German, can significantly slow brain aging and improve mental sharpness. These findings collectively underscore that the benefits of learning German extend well beyond communication—it's an investment in a more healthy and resilient brain.

#5 Linguistic Roots and Learning Other Languages

German belongs to the Germanic language family, sharing linguistic roots with English and other languages like Dutch, Swedish, and Danish. By learning German, you'll gain insights into the etymology and structure of words in these related languages, potentially facilitating the acquisition of additional Germanic languages in the future. The linguistic lineage shared by English and German can give English speakers a leg up in the language learning process. With many cognates and a shared grammatical framework, English speakers may find the challenge of German less daunting than expected.

Next Steps

If you're convinced of the benefits of learning German, you might be wondering where to start. Here are a few resources to kickstart your German language journey:

Learn German

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