If you’re just starting to learn a new language, you may have had a variety of learning experiences. In today’s post, we’ll look at the pros and cons of learning German.
Learning the German Language
Are you thinking about adding another language to your repertoire? If so, you’ll be excited to know that German is one of the most widely spoken and used languages in the world. In fact, Statista reports that there are over 100 million people who speak German as a native language, with an additional 110 million who speak it as a secondary language.
We also see more and more job postings asking for fluency in German. So how do you know if learning this new language is right for you?
That’s why we’ve put together this helpful pro and cons list on learning German as a foreign language.
Pros of learning German
You’ll be able to communicate with German speakers
There are plenty of individuals to practice your German with because around 150 million people worldwide speak it.
It is a luxury to interact and communicate with Germans in their own language because doing so helps you to better understand the nuances of German culture.
It’ll be easier to learn other Romance languages
German will make learning other Romance languages like Spanish, French, Catalan, and Portuguese easier.
This is so because Latin is their common progenitor. As a result, they are comparable in terms of vocabulary, syntax, and sentence structure.
You’ll appreciate the German culture much better
The most well-known operas in the world can be understood if you enjoy opera. You will be able to read a book in German if you like to read. It is usually preferable to read a book in its original language rather than a translation.
Additionally, you can take pleasure in German poetry, art, and music. Additionally, Germany is a popular tourist destination because it is the country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
You’ll appreciate the German food much better
We all enjoy eating, and Germany has the best cuisine. You’ll be able to appreciate their cuisine and communicate about it effectively with the appropriate phrases, intonation, and hand gestures.
You’ll be able to practice German with native speakers
Since the majority of Germans do not understand English, you will undoubtedly be able to communicate in German if you relocate to Germany or have German acquaintances. Germans are also quite receptive to new ideas.
German orthography and pronunciation are easy to learn
Because (nearly) every word in German is pronounced precisely as it is written, learning its spelling and pronunciation is not too difficult. You write down what you hear!
Additionally, if you speak German, your friends will be envious of you because it sounds fantastic. Check out this fantastic infographic for a list of advantages.
However, there are a few drawbacks to speaking German.
Cons on learning German
German can be difficult
True, German is one of the most difficult languages to learn. Grammar, pronunciation, and communication are all difficult to master. It is regarded as a difficult language to learn by English students due to its long and winding words, four noun case endings, and three grammatical genders, and the pronunciation works every muscle in your mouth.
You need to hire a good teacher
Struggling with German on your own is a dead end. Hiring a German tutor is an effective way to overcome the most difficult aspects of the language: grammar, pronunciation, and spelling. Another difficult story for those who do not speak English is the spelling: letters and words are difficult to read.
German grammar is tricky
You might need some time to learn and use it because of its challenging grammar.
It’s not impossible, though. especially if you look at our audio course and grammatical courses.
As you can see, there are unquestionably more advantages to learning German than disadvantages, so you should give it a try!
Why is German such a useful language to know?
As you can see above, there are many reasons why German is a useful language to know. If you’re still not sure whether or not it would be a good fit for you, you might want to consider a few key facts about the language. First of all, German is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
That means that there are tons of people who speak German, making it a great language to get in touch with other cultures and make connections. Not only that, but German is also the official language of a number of countries, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
This makes it a great option for travelers who want to easily make connections in a new country. The other thing to note about German is that it is also a very useful language to know for various career paths.
Many industries, like business and technology, often seek out employees who can speak German as a second language.