Learning German as an
International Student

(and Why It Is Essential)

Learning a new language means gaining a new perspective on life and the things around you. Not only does learning a new language boost your thinking skills, but it is also said to boost your memory and increase your concentration.

Being bilingual or multilingual helps you make wonderful friends, learn about different cultures, and it brings you closer to certain communities in the world, who speak the same language as you.

The process of learning a language, especially in retrospect, is quite lovely (especially with the sense of accomplishment lingering in the back).

Speaking of languages, here’s what speaking German means to you as an international student:

Is German a Requirement to Study in Germany?

Can I Learn the Language When I Arrive in Germany?

As an international student in Germany, you will have plenty of opportunities to learn the language, and it is actually pretty convenient, considering the chance to practice your skills will be waiting for you as soon as you step out of the door.

So, an advice would be, start practicing German as soon as you arrive. Start with the everyday expressions you can use on a daily basis, learn how to order food at a restaurant, or even ask for directions.

Afterwards, thank people in German! Vielen herzlichen Dank! 

Now that technology is all around us, it is up to us to use it to our advantage. Download a language learning app on your smartphone and start watching television and listening to music in German.

Do not limit yourself only to your first language (or English). Getting out of your comfort zone to try and communicate with native speakers is a great way to enhance your academic capabilities and make the process of building bridges a lot easier.

Imagine how many good friendships will fail to be made due to lack of communication and understanding.

Why Learn German as an International Student?

Learning German as an international student will be a great addition to your professional, but also personal, life. Do not expect to be fluent as soon as you start learning because, the saying stands true, practice does make perfect. And where is there a better place to practice German than in Germany itself? 

1. Integrate Into the Society

Learning German will make it easier for you to integrate into the society and create friendships. It is a lot easier approaching someone without having to wonder whether language will be a barrier or not. It is the mother tongue most spoken in Europe, which means you are to find German-speakers across Europe, but not only. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the hardest language to learn, so you will get to be fluent in no time. Just start learning!

2. More Job Prospects

Knowledge of the German language means you will be able to find more work opportunities in Germany. After finishing studies, or even during (if you are working part-time), you will have it a lot easier to land a job if you can already speak the language. It is a great asset to have on your CV and employers value it. Besides, you will also be able to take up translation jobs, if you learn it to the point of fluency.

3. Sense of Accomplishment

Learning a new language does bring a great sense of accomplishment, especially if the language is German – the most spoken native language in Europe.

It is an official language in numerous countries, including Austria, Belgium, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. So, communication will be pretty smooth if you happen to visit these countries. 

It is also often referred to as ‘the language of the writers and thinkers,’ due to the many German thinkers like Nietzsche, Kant, Marx, Humboldt or the great writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. But also, tens of Nobel prizes in fields of science have been awarded to laureates from German-speaking countries.

4. Access To German Education

As an international student in Germany, you are already part of the higher education sector, whether you are studying in English or German.

However, knowledge of the German language gives you greater access to degree programmes you might not otherwise find in English. There is a wide range of German-taught masters and doctoral degrees to choose from once you finish your studies. Countless choices!

5. Wider Horizons

Last but not least, it will widen your horizons, either professionally, culturally, or knowledge-wise. You will be introduced to beautiful music in German (and actually understand the lyrics without having to translate) and you will be able to read German books in their original language without having to buy a translated version. I mean, imagine fluently singing along to “99 Luftballons”. Enough to convince me!