Why learn German?
Ten Reasons to Learn German

Whatever plans you may have for the future, knowledge of German will increase your options. When you learn German you acquire a range of skills which can improve the quality of both your work and private life:

<b>Business:</b> Knowing the language of your German business partners improves your relations and therefore your chances for effective communication and success. — **Business:** Knowing the language of your German business partners improves your relations and therefore your chances for effective communication and success. | © colourbox.com

<b>The global career:</b> Knowledge of German increases your job opportunities with German and foreign companies in your own country and abroad. Proficiency in German helps you to function productively for an employer with global business connections. — **The global career:** Knowledge of German increases your job opportunities with German and foreign companies in your own country and abroad. Proficiency in German helps you to function productively for an employer with global business connections. | Foto: Getty Images/Adam Gault

<b>Tourism and hospitality industry:</b> Tourists from German-speaking countries travel wide and far, and are the world’s biggest spenders when on holiday. They appreciate to be looked after by German-speaking staff and tour guides. — **Tourism and hospitality industry:** Tourists from German-speaking countries travel wide and far, and are the world’s biggest spenders when on holiday. They appreciate to be looked after by German-speaking staff and tour guides. | © Fotolia / corbisrffancy

<b>Science and Research:</b> German is the second most commonly used scientific language. Germany is the third largest contributor to research and development and offers research fellowships to scientists from abroad. — **Science and Research:** German is the second most commonly used scientific language. Germany is the third largest contributor to research and development and offers research fellowships to scientists from abroad. | Foto: PantherMedia / Darren Baker

Communication: Developments in media, information and communication technology require multilingual communicators. A wide range of important websites are in German and worldwide, Germany is ranked number 5 in terms of annual publication of new books. Knowledge of German therefore offers you extended access to information. — **Communication:** Developments in media, information and communication technology require multilingual communicators. A wide range of important websites are in German and worldwide, Germany is ranked number 5 in terms of annual publication of new books. Knowledge of German therefore offers you extended access to information. [Wikipedia, 2014] | © Goethe-Institut/Bernhard Ludewig

<b>Cultural understanding:</b> Learning German provides you with an insight into the way of life, and the hopes and dreams of people in German speaking countries, broadening your horizon. — **Cultural understanding:** Learning German provides you with an insight into the way of life, and the hopes and dreams of people in German speaking countries, broadening your horizon. | © Getty Images / Neil Guegan

<b>Travel:</b> Make the most of your travels not only in German-speaking countries, but in many other European countries where German is widely spoken, especially in Eastern Europe. — **Travel:** Make the most of your travels not only in German-speaking countries, but in many other European countries where German is widely spoken, especially in Eastern Europe. | © Getty Images/Manuel Gutjahr

<b>Enjoyment of literature, music, art and philosophy:</b> German is the language of Goethe, Kafka, Mozart, Bach and Beethoven. Indulge in reading and/or listening to their works in their original language. — **Enjoyment of literature, music, art and philosophy:** German is the language of Goethe, Kafka, Mozart, Bach and Beethoven. Indulge in reading and/or listening to their works in their original language. | © Goethe-Institut/Loredana La Rocca

<b>Opportunities to study/work in Germany:</b> Germany awards a generous number of scholarships and other support to study in Germany. Working holiday visas are available for young foreigners from a range of countries, and special visas are offered to skilled workers and professionals. — **Opportunities to study/work in Germany:** Germany awards a generous number of scholarships and other support to study in Germany. Working holiday visas are available for young people from a range of countries, and special visas are offered to skilled workers and professionals. | © Getty Images/Matthias Tunger

<b>Exchange programs</b>: There are agreements for student exchange between Germany and many countries of the world. — **Exchange programs**: There are agreements for student exchange between Germany and many countries of the world. | © iStock / Neustockimages

Testimonials

I have been learning German for 2 years at Goethe-Institut Kolkata. When I close my eyes, I can still clearly visualize the memories of these two years.
The teachers teach in such a way, that I can relate myself to the teaching. They make the language so lively, that I am automatically drawn to the class. I am not a book-worm, was never, but the way of teaching at Goethe-Institut has compelled me to learn the language. Even after the class the words and the expressions ring in my ears. Earlier studies did not touch me the way, it has done now. I believe that people should internalize the study if they really want to learn. The passion for learning will lead a person to success. Goethe-Institut helps me not to lose my aim.

I have always believed in miracles of God and the year 2014 gifted me a miracle- a premier scholarship from Goethe - Institute, Kolkata for a 4 week intensive course in Goethe - Institute, Bonn, Germany. German- the language had always been a passion for me and Germany- a dream. But the dream would come true so soon was beyond my imagination.

I reached Bonn on 6th January and a "Mercedes" taxi drove me to the Goethe Institute. There were so many scholarship students from different parts of the world, from different cultures, having different mother tongues but we could all apprehend only one common language- German. After a short interview by the director of Goethe-Institut I was directly promoted to C1.2. After each student was designated his/her course level and a pocket money of 500 Euros were handed out another "Mercedes" taxi drove me to a huge house in Ippendorfer Allee where I'd stay for a month. The Götner family welcomed me with a huge smile on their faces and notes of appreciation when they found that I could converse with them fluently in their mother tongue. They offered me the best room of their house and throughout my stay did every possible thing to ensure that I never missed my family in India.

My classes commenced from 7th January. My teacher Udo Steves was absolutely wonderful and helpful. He never taught from any book but his classes were so interactive that we often lost track of time only to be sad when his 4 hour classes got over. He guided and encouraged me throughout the course and I passed my exam with 82.50%.

The institute also arranged for cultural and recreational programmes like guided city walks in Bonn and city tours in Köln and Koblenz, get-togethers in different cafes (Cafe Spitz, Arco and Nyx) and museums (König, Bundeskunsthalle and Beethovenhaus), movies and board games. I also ate a lot of typical German food and ice skated in "Bonn on Ice". I visited the historical Aachen and the beautiful fairyland Drachenburg with my friends and had lots of fun.

My 1 month stay in Germany taught me a lot of things. Freedom in discipline had never had a greater meaning. I now have friends in almost every part of the world. For a month I had conversed only in German. One day as I stood on the Kennedy Bridge over the river Rhine, chilled in -3 degrees, I smiled and thanked God for giving me the chance of living my dream. I have come back deeply motivated, strong willed, more focused and independent, leaving a part of my soul in the land of my dreams hoping to go back there once again to take it back.
I sincerely thank Goethe-Institut, Kolkata and all my teachers here who always believed in me. Because of them I lived the best days of my life.

Why learn German? Ten Reasons to Learn German

Testimonials

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Why learn German?
Ten Reasons to Learn German