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United Kingdom

Why should German be taught in schools?

Our commitment is to champion German in schools across the UK, ensuring that students are not only linguistically adept but also culturally competent and economically competitive in a globalised market. We aim to demonstrate the benefits of German language education in nurturing informed, globally minded citizens, ready to contribute positively to a rapidly changing world.
2.080

schools belong to the international PASCH network, driving German language and culture initiatives.

15.4 m

people around the world are learning German.

23,000

undergraduate and graduate programms are offered in Germany yearly.

Germany

is the largest economy in the European Union and one of the largest economy worldwide.

The benefit of learning German for a career

“We want to build an in-depth relationship with our clients, we want to truly understand them and their language and build trust relationship with them and being able to speak their language is really helpful for that.”
Alexandra Hostert - Associate Director Inward Investment at BDO (Accountancy and Business Advice)

Background image: Two girls reading a magazine in German. The following statistics can be seen in the background image: 25 % of job descriptions across the UK mention German as a valuable or required skill. German is the highest-paying second language in the UK, with German-speaking employees earning an average salary £41,000 of per year. Germany is the UK’s 2nd largest trading partner and Europe’s largest economy. Across every sector and for firms that need employees with language skills other that English, German is the 1st most sought-after language. @Goethe-Institut

→ Offering German equips students with a valuable skill set, enhancing their employability in an increasingly globalized job market.

→ Learning German paves the way for careers in engineering, technology, science, and trade to name but a few.

→ For students interested in pursuing a career in the sustainability sector, learning German can be a valuable plus as Germany is renowned for efforts to make a sustainable future, innovations in green energy and technology, transformations for sustainable cities and transport as well as initiatives supporting global efforts to counter climate change (Germany placed 2nd worldwide in all of these categories in the Global Soft Power Index).

Learning German Broadens Cultural Horizons

“It is absolutely important that everyone can speak not only English, but also another language. We are such a multicultural country that it is important [...] in order to better understand cultures, so that we have less discrimination and racism.”
Vicky Karmi - Subject leader of German at Chesham Grammar School

Intercultural competence: Offering language education reveals the values and behaviors of another society. This deep cultural immersion helps students shape open-mindedness, connect with people more meaningfully and think beyond their own worldview. A bridge to other languages: English and German share many words, grammar patterns, and roots, making German more accessible to English speakers. It also deepens language awareness and makes it easier to learn related languages like Dutch, Swedish, or Afrikaans. Exchange programmes: Learning German gives pupils access to a wide range of exchange programs, scholarships, and partnerships with universities and institutions in German-speaking countries, anabling a cultural immersion. Accessing culture at its source: Offering German opens doors to rich cultural experiences. Students gain direct access to literature, philosophy, music, radio and film in their original form, deepening their understanding and appreciation of different societies and perspectives. @Goethe-Institut

The benefit of learning German across the curriculum and beyond

"It’s helpful to think about a language degree not just in terms of learning the language and gaining cultural knowledge, but also in terms of the transferable skills it provides. Communication skills, for instance, are incredibly valuable, and studying a language also builds resilience. Students develop abilities that will make them much stronger in the workplace and throughout their career and employers will truly recognise and appreciate that.”
Doris Zimmermann – Teaching Associate at the University of Nottingham

Transferable skills: Learning German enables students to acquire a wide range of transferable skills such as communication skills, confidence, adaptability and teamwork; skills that are beneficial in both academic and real-world settings. Academic performance: Studies show that multilingualism enhances cognitive abilities and academic performance in core subjects like mathematics, science, and literacy. Learning German strengthens memory, concentration and problem-solving skills while delaying dementia by up to 10 years. A key EU language: German is the official languages of 6 countries in Europe and is also used as an internal working language in the European Union. Bridging Academic disciplines: The German language connects naturally with subjects such as economics, geography, humanities, sciences and art, encouraging richer, interdisciplinary learning across the curriculum. @Goethe-Institut

German as a Gateway to Top Universities and Vocational Training

"Having German skills in academia is a real advantage if you're considering studying in Germany, especially in STEM subjects. There are many top-rated technical universities in Germany, and having German as a second language can be a significant asset if you want to pursue studies in this field."
Nathan D'Arcy - Programme & Marketing Officer at the DAAD

A top study destination: With nearly 470,000 international students, Germany is a popular choice for studying abroad. Around 65% of them consider staying after graduation—proof of its appeal for both education and future opportunities. Gateway to global learning: German proficiency supports a smooth transition into international academic environments and enhances access to global study opportunities. Quality and affordable education paths: Germany is home to some of the world's top universities and boasts a renowned vocational training system. Whether students have their mind set on university or an apprenticeship, learning German opens doors to quality education and training, with tuition fees beeing much lower than in the UK. Combine German with other subjects: German can be studied alongside over 60 non-language subjects—from accountancy to Humanities—at universities across the UK, including sciences, business, law, and the arts. @Goethe-Institut

Raising School Profiles Through German and Teacher Support

      

“To promote languages and German we provide bespoke programme for teachers who contact us for a whole range of things. It can be motivation, coaching, looking at assessment. All kind of things to do with the provision of German and promoting it. [...] German teachers in the UK feels a lot more supported and a lot more confident in their teaching knowing that there are experts literally just a phone call away who can help them.”
Sally Conroy and Janny O´ Reilly-Turner - German Expert Mentors

Commitment to Diversity: Embracing linguistic diversity reflects positively on the school's commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education, enhancing its reputation within the local community. We support teachers with... Tailored short-term support for German Department, free professional coaching at schools all over the UK via our German Expert Mentors and professional development initiatives. Forward-Thinking Image: Offering German positions your school as forward-thinking and responsive to the evolving needs of the global community. We support teachers with... Relevant, comprehensive and free teaching teaching materials for primary and secondary schools such as our German Clubs. @Goethe-Institut

Practical information
to share with your (future) Germanists

Questions, feedback, suggestions?

Do you have a question or suggestion for our GIMAGINE team?
We would be delighted to hear from you!

Vorsprung Deutsch

Is your German Department facing a short-term HR shortage? With Vorsprung Deutsch, the Goethe-Institut can step in until your department has got back on its feet again.

Text Vorsprungprogramm on a blue background with a rocket and speechbubble "Deutsch" ©Goethe-Institut London ©Goethe-Institut London

Professional development directly at your school

Our German Expert Mentors (GEMs) Network delivers support to German departments and professional upskilling to German teachers in schools across the UK. Part of a nationwide network, our GEMs will coach and mentor language-teaching professionals, supply updated teaching resources and materials, and re-energise language learning free of charge, directly at your school. If you partner with a second school, GEMs can also provide a professional development course at your school or in your area.

Picture GEM © Canva © Canva

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