German is the most widely spoken language in the European Union and one of the most widely used internationally. There are around 95 million native German language speakers globally. In addition, around 80 million people have learnt German as a second language.
What you will learn
German language courses cover areas such as grammar, everyday phrases, vocabulary, syntax and pronunciation. These are the standard elements of any good language class. However, programmes will differ from one another in their scope and comprehensiveness. As a result, there are enough course options to cater for German speakers of all levels of competence. This includes beginners with no experience to Leaving Certificate students and advanced students.
Beginners classes teach students the basics. This will start with learning how to greet, thank, or introduce yourself to others.
More advanced German Language courses will build on a student’s existing knowledge. They focus on developing conversational skills, improving fluency, developing a greater familiarity with grammar rules, and expanding vocabulary.
Some language schools run dedicated conversation courses in German. These develop this fluency by teaching students about technical aspects of the language, as well as by discussing and learning about modern-day German culture, society and politics.
Why do it?
Germany’s cultural contribution to the world is vast. The country has produced such hugely influential writers as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Thomas Mann. German-speaking composers include the likes of Mozart, Bach, Schubert, Beethoven and Wagner. The philosophers Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, and Heidegger all wrote in German too.
Germany is one of Europe’s biggest economies. Along with English and French, German is one of the official working languages of the European Union. However, German has more native speakers than either of the other two.
Because it originates from the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family, it also shares certain similarities with English. That’s means learning German won’t be as hard as you might think.
To find German languages courses, please click here.
