Humour columnist Dave Barry once quipped that many Americans who travel abroad for the first time are often shocked to discover that, despite all the progress that has been made in the last 30 years, many foreign people still speak in foreign languages. In actual fact, visiting a country should be a great excuse to learn the language spoken there. So, where better to immerse yourself in German than in Germany itself. As they say: when in Rhone…!
Your passport to visiting Germany
Learning a language in another country is not just a way to expand your linguistic skills. It’s also a way to travel more deeply in the country itself. It makes for a truly meaningful, satisfying and fun trip. It’s also a great way to meet new friends. Learning to speak German opens many new doors in Germany for the intrepid traveller.
Die Grenzen meiner Sprache bedeuten die Grenzen meiner Welt.
The limits of my language are the limits of my universe.
(Ludwig Wittgenstein)
The benefits of studying German
There are many benefits of learning any language. Every day a new study comes along which finds surprising ways that studying a second language can help us. Who would have thought that studying German could improve your decision making capabilities? Apparently it does.
German is the most widely spoken language in Europe and learning to speak it can help you connect with 120 million native speakers around the globe.
Learning German is a potentially great career move as Germany has the third strongest economy. It also has the highest value of exports of any nation in the world.
Learning German also opens up the rich cultural heritage of Germany to you. Germany is truly the land of dichter und denker (poets and thinkers). Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Thomas Mann and Hermann Hesse are internationally revered authors. Wagner still towers over the classical music scene. Art movements like Expressionism and Bauhaus found their true home in Germany. And Kant, Hegel, Marx and Nietzsche have all shaped the modern world.
One of the more immediate benefits to your travels, when you learn German in Germany you will get to meet new people, both amongst the international students you study with and amongst the Germans you meet and can converse with in the street, in cafes, in cinemas and in parks. Your use of the language will help locals warm to you and accept you. As a result you’ll feel more at home and be able to travel off the beaten tourist track and discover more of the real Germany.
If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head.
If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.
(Nelson Mandela)
Learning German in Germany
Quality language schools, like ESL, can help you create a holiday with a difference, combining language learning and travel. You can find more information here about its schools in laid-back Freiburg, close to the natural delights of the Black Forest, and in vibrant Berlin, close to the cultural delights of the capital. Language courses can be tailored according to your level, time available and wishes. All include cultural components to help you understand the real Germany. Geniesst! (Enjoy!)
Aren’t we great?
You so are
Having lived and worked in Germany I can say that even if you only learn a couple of phrases most people will appreciate that you made the attempt, and are glad for an excuse to practice their English. If you don’t make the attempt there is a good chance they will pretend they don’t understand you.