Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things.
The most important reason to learn a language should be that you feel like learning it. Hence it's important to understand the reasons so that you can use it to motivate yourself everytime it feels overwhelming, for everytime you recall why it is you wish to learn: the process becomes worth your time, input and effort. Some common reasons to learn are4 reasons why learning German might be the best choice you made in your life.
1. It is one the most common spoken native language in Europe
German is the main language of approximately 100 million people in Europe, or 13.3% of all Europeans, being the second most spoken native language in Europe after Russian (with 144 million speakers), above French (with 66.5 million), and English (with 64.2 million).
It also has 175-200 million speakers worldwide.
It is also is the official language in Austria, Belgium, Germany, the Principality of Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Switzerland.
This is, without the shadow of a doubt, a great reason for at least considering whether it’s a mistake to not learn the German language.
For many centuries, German was considered a lingua franca (a language that is adopted as a common language between speakers whose native languages are different) in Europe. Currently, German still serves this purpose, as it bridges Central and Eastern Europe.
2. Immense contribution to culture, literature and knowledge
Commonly refered to as “Das Land der Dichter und Denker” (the land of poets and thinkers), the German-speaking population has profoundly contributed to Literature and the Arts.
These include, 13 Nobel prizes in literature awarded to German-speaking authors.
Some of the most widely known German-speaking thinkers and artists include:
Literature: Goethe, Thomas Mann, Günter Grass, Hermann Hesse, Bertolt Brecht
Social science: Herbert Marcuse, Theodor Adorno, Jürgen Habermas, Hannah Arendt, Wolfgang Sachs, Karl Marx, Max Weber, Friedrich Engels.
Classical music: Schubert, Liszt, Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Wagner, Handel, Mozart.
Philosophy: Kant, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, Hegel, Heidegger, Humboldt.
Sciences: Einstein, Kepler, Röntgen, Braun, Hertz, Heisenberg, Hess, Hilbert, Planck.
3. Education in Germany for practically free
It costs $50,000+ a year to study in a good university in USA. More than £9,000+ a year in the UK.
Students can end up saddled with a six-figure student loan. However, Germany offers free tuition for most universities.
Some charge around £500 a semester, but most of it paid by the taxpayers..
4. The Biggest Economy in Europe, prospective job opportunities
2019, Germany had an economy of $3.863 trillion, making it the fourth largest economy worldwide, after China, the US and Japan.
It’s also headquarters many international corporations, such as Volkswagen, Allianz, Birkenstock, Mercedes-Benz, Siemens and plenty other brands that are internationally recognized. Germany, especially Berlin is a hotspot for entrepreneurial ventures and for job prospects, a place with endless opportunities, whether that be within fashion, entertainment, or business.
Got a million dollar idea? Sounds like Germany might be the right place for you!
Never assume that you're too old, don't have enough time, or aren't smart enough—with the right inspiration, motivation and structured plan, anyone can learn to speak a foreign language.
