Choosing a More Useful Foreign Language: German or French

Being multilingual opens up greater opportunities in various fields. Starting with your professional life and to the point where you can improve your personal life as well, learning another language offers you a valuable advantage.

When it comes to French and German, they are both popular choices that can help you improve your knowledge, especially if you have job opportunities in one of the countries that recognize them as official languages.

Have a hard time choosing between the two? Here’s what to consider:

Where you will need it

Both French and German are official languages of many countries, which means that there are many doors waiting to open for you. French-speaking countries include:

Belgium ;
Canada;
Switzerland;
Luxembourg;
Madagascar;
The Democratic Republic of the Congo;
Seychelles.

As you can see, if you learn French , the possibilities of moving and living go far beyond the European borders. If you already had the French experience by visiting Paris and other attractions, you might already be in love with the language, and you can take the next steps to improve your skills.

If you want to move to France to study or work abroad, and you speak the language at a native proficiency level, you can easily evolve and move to a different country where French-speaking people are the majority.

German is also a versatile language that you stumble upon in several countries. Some of them are:

Austria;
Switzerland;
Liechtenstein;
Luxembourg.

Take into consideration the main reasons for learning a new language and note that French and German are popular and will help you connect easily with people, both at work and in your social life.

What is best for your career

Business owners need to be multilingual to be able to form strong partnerships with international clients and reach a different, bigger audience. Germany is an economic powerhouse, and to be able to conduct direct business within its borders, you will need to learn more than the basics of Deutsche . Some of the biggest companies in Germany include Volkswagen, BMW, Bosch, and Siemens.

As far as the automobile and electrical industries go, Germany is a cradle of innovation and can offer a development platform for any professional. Learning German will prove to be beneficial if you want to reach the German market or open a new branch of your business there.

What culture do you admire the most?

A big part of learning a new language stems from the admiration you have for one culture or another. France is the epitome of culture, art, and a bohemian lifestyle. The French view culture as an essential part of their education and place it high on their pyramid of needs.

French is also the language of love, so not only do you require it for work or university, but also to live the greatest romance of your life. If you’re a fan of French cinema, which includes big names like Godard, Truffaut, and Rohmer, learning French will help you become an expert and understand the culture on a different level.

Germany can offer you just as many attractions when it comes to the artistic fields. Not just a place for businesses to grow, but also for creatives to express themselves, the country has much to offer. For example, Berlin is becoming the go-to place for artists all over the world, due to its distinct approach to nightlife, cultural events, and a strong sense of self-expression.

Where do you want to study

Germany and France have a lot to offer in academia and are some of the most appreciated centers for international students, with a continuous rise in popularity. Germany has almost 400 universities that excel in areas such as engineering, chemistry, and physics. Some of the best academic centers in Germany are:

Technische Universität München:
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin:
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.

International universities offer programs for English-speaking international students, but to be able to manage your day-to-day life, you will need to speak the language and blend in with the locals.

Ten of France’s universities can be found in the top 300 best universities in the world and the fields vary from management, and science, to literature and languages. Some of the most renowned universities are:

Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres);
Ecole Polytechnique;
Sorbonne University.

Think about your long-term plans as well. If you want to move to either Germany, France, or other countries that speak these languages, you will have a greater chance of finding the right career if you study at one of their universities.

Level of difficulty

Most people think that German is a complicated language, with impossibly long and hard-to-spell words. It’s important to keep in mind that, for English speakers especially,German can be quite easy to learn , because almost 40% of its vocabulary is similar to the English one.

German can seem difficult to learn at first, but once you get a hold of it, it will become easier to get to the next level.

Ultimately, you can try learning both German and French and decide which one meets your criteria. Make sure you get enough practice and use all Mondly tools to uncover the vastness of each of these languages.

Choosing between French and German is not an easy task. They both require dedication and passion for learning and are both essential languages in the European Union. Make a plan and follow the required steps to enjoy a fulfilling personal and professional life, and the decision will follow naturally.

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Choosing a More Useful Foreign Language: German or French