People from lots of different countries live in Germany. They make up more than 20 percent of the population. Many people who come to Germany learn German as a foreign or second language. The German language is important for them. It enables them to communicate with other people, and it helps them find a job. Speaking German also gives them a better understanding of the German way of life. But their own language, their language of origin, is also important.

Learning German is important for both adults and children. It helps them communicate with others and make friends more easily. Adults need German for work and daily tasks, such as shopping or dealing with authorities. However, many government offices also offer information in other languages. You can also get help from interpreters who speak your native language and German. They can translate for you if you are unable to say or understand something. Children need German for school. You can learn a language by listening, reading, speaking and writing. Adults can join an integration course or other German language classes. For more details, read the “Integration course” section.

To learn German effectively, you need to be in regular contact with the language and get plenty of practise. Use German as often as you can. Real-life situations, like shopping, are best. Try to speak as much as possible with people whose mother tongue is German.

Children naturally learn German by interacting and playing with other children and adults, especially in settings like daycare centres or schools. These children grow up multilingually (bilingually). Reading books aloud also helps them to learn German.

Various programmes are available for daycare centres and primary schools, such as introductory German courses or German language support classes. These programmes help children who are still learning German. Counselling centres also offer tips and information about language development.
 

It’s important that your child also speaks his or her own language of origin. This enables them to learn other languages more easily. By learning their language of origin, children also learn a lot about the culture and traditions of their home country. In many families, both parents speak the same language, while in others, parents speak a different language. If this is the case, each parent should speak their own language with the children. You can support language learning by reading to your children, singing songs, playing games and talking to family members on the phone.

Many larger cities have bilingual daycare centres and international schools. Consulates and clubs also provide classes for schoolchildren in their language of origin. They learn to read and write in their language of origin, and are taught about life and traditions in their native countries. In some federal states, additional language support is available in regular schools. These lessons are known as supplementary native language classes (muttersprachlicher Ergänzungsunterricht, MUE).

You can find lots of offers online, such as children’s playgroups, sports clubs and excursions. Activities like this give children and parents regular opportunities to speak their language of origin in different environments.
 

• Having a positive attitude to the language makes learning easier.
• Each parent should speak to the child in their own language.
• Speak your language of origin at home.
• Don’t force your children to speak a particular language. Sometimes, they might not feel like it, and prefer to speak another language. This can change over time.
• Develop their German language skills alongside the language of origin.
• Counselling centres offer help and support. Search online for intercultural advice centres (“interkulturelle Beratungsstellen”) or multilingual advice centres (“mehrsprachige Beratungsstellen).