Why You Want to Learn German

There is one question that often confronts people first when they think about learning a new language – “why?” People frequently ask why they should learn a new language and if it will really benefit them, and if it’s really worth putting in time and effort to learn a new language other than to slink by in high school. The answer may surprise many people, but learning a new language often is beneficial, especially the German language, one of the official languages of the United Nations and an important language of the business world. After World War II and the Soviet influence on parts of Germany, the economy of the Germany was a disaster and on the brink of collapse, much as it was the case after World War I, where hyper-inflation made the German currency worth more as wallpaper than it did money. However, the German “Wirtschaftswunder,” or “Economic Miracle,” helped to save West Germany and, indeed, the future of Germany and imprint the importance of German on the business and economic world.

There may be tons of different reasons why you would want to learn a foreign language, or more specifically, German. One of the most important reasons to people personally is the idea of cultural and personal fulfillment. If someone has a heritage that is linked to the German-speaking world, a world that extends far out of just Germany and farther back than just a hundred years or so to the Unification of Germany. German culture and history, including music, poetry, and writing among other things, is amazingly rich and worthwhile. In fact, it might be worthwhile to learn a bit about German culture to enrich and enhance the learning experience.

The German language would be helpful to any business person or someone who is trying to get a job in business, or, really, anywhere. Employers may be impressed with the fluidity of a second language and may find it helpful to employ someone who is fluent in a second language. People who learn a second language that is beneficial to their work tend to make a higher salary than those who can only speak English or a single language. Learning German is also helpful if you are planning to travel to Europe. There is no shortage of people within the European Union countries that use German as a second language without even counting the millions who live within Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and other countries who use German as their primary language. Contrary to belief, not all Europeans in France or other countries know how to speak English, but the chance of being able to communicate should you study abroad or just want to travel goes up if you know at least a little bit of German in addition to English.

Many people also seek to learn a new language for their own culture or for personal fulfillment, and both of these are as good a reason as any to attempt a new language. Those with a Germanic heritage may be interested in learning about the German language that spawned “das Land der Dichter und Denker,” or “the land of poets and thinkers,” the rich culture of Germany. Sigmund Freud, Egon Schiele, Goethe, they all have works that were originally in German, and if these things are of interest to a person, it is often more beneficial to read it in the original language than to worry about someone else’s translation. The rich culture of Germany extends into its language, making German a very beneficial task to undertake, even if it’s just for personal growth and fulfillment.

Need help with your German?

German is often a difficult language for people to understand and learn, especially at the beginning. It's important to keep on it, so try this program, Rocket German.