Why learn German?

Learning a new language is an excellent way to expand your mind and your personal horizons. Among the many languages to choose from, German is one of the most interesting and useful. German is spoken by approximately 100 million people worldwide, and it is the official language of Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland, making it an essential language to learn for anyone interested in doing business, studying, or traveling in these regions.

One of the primary reasons to learn German is its widespread use. As mentioned earlier, German is the official language of three countries and is also one of the most spoken languages in Europe. Therefore, learning German opens up a world of opportunities for both personal and professional growth. German is also the most widely spoken language in the European Union, making it a critical language for international business and diplomacy.

Another compelling reason to learn German is the culture and heritage that comes with the language. German culture has a rich history, and its contributions to the world in areas such as literature, philosophy, and science are vast. For instance, Germany is the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of the greatest poets and writers in the world. Moreover, the German language is the language of many influential thinkers and philosophers such as Immanuel Kant and Friedrich Nietzsche, whose works continue to inspire people worldwide.

Furthermore, Germany is a leader in many fields, including technology, engineering, and science. Therefore, learning German can also help individuals gain access to some of the world's leading universities and research institutions. Germany is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities, offering world-class education in a variety of fields. Many of these universities offer courses taught in English, but learning German can still be beneficial for those interested in fully immersing themselves in the culture and academic world of Germany.

Finally, learning German can be a fun and rewarding experience. German is a language with unique grammar and sentence structure, which can be challenging to learn, but it is also rewarding once you understand it. Additionally, the German language has a reputation for being logical and precise, which can be satisfying to master.

In conclusion, learning German is a valuable investment for anyone interested in expanding their horizons and gaining access to new opportunities. German is a widely spoken language with a rich cultural history and significant contributions to the world of literature, philosophy, and science. Moreover, Germany is a leader in many fields, making it an excellent destination for education and professional growth. Finally, learning German can be a fun and rewarding experience, providing personal satisfaction and a sense of achievement. So, if you are considering learning a new language, German is undoubtedly a language worth considering.

German history

Following the conclusion of the last Ice Age, humans began to colonize northern Europe some 10,000 years ago. Around 5,000 years ago, the earliest speakers of a language like modern German most likely resided in the region. However, it took thousands of years until Germany was established.

Dukes and monarchs presided over a patchwork of tiny states that made up early Germany. But Otto von Bismarck, a politician, was responsible for uniting the nation in 1871.

Germany and other European nations started vying in the late 19th century for the right to establish colonies in Asia and Africa. In 1914, as a result of these tensions, the world's deadliest conflict, World War I, broke out. Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Romania, Japan, and subsequently the United States won the war from Germany and its allies.

In 1933, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party won election on the platform of restoring Germany's greatness. Hitler invaded Poland in 1939, igniting the Second World War. Hitler established concentration camps during the conflict, when millions of Jews and other groups of people were murdered. German defeat in 1945 marked the end of the war.

Germans and their culture

More than at any other period in Germany's history, approximately one in 10 Germans now are immigrants. Turkish immigrants, who began arriving in Germany in the 1950s to work, make up the largest minority group. Germans make up almost two-thirds of the population.

The "Land of Poets and Thinkers" is what many refer to as Germany. Germans are well known across the board in the arts, but especially in classical music. Among the well-known composers from Germany are Bach, Brahms, Schumann, Wagner, and Beethoven.

Economy and trade

In 2020, industry (23.4%), public administration (19.4%), defense, education, human health, and social work activities, as well as wholesale and retail commerce, transportation, lodging, and food service activities, were Germany's most significant economic sectors.

Germany exports 53% of its goods to the EU (France 8%, the Netherlands 7%), while 9% go outside the EU to the US and 8% go to China.
64% of imports are from EU member states (including the Netherlands at 14%, France at 4%, Poland at 6%, and Belgium at 6%), whilst 8% of imports originate from outside the EU and 5% from China.