Learning German as an Expat
Often the move to another country is very stressful. You have many things to organize and want to find a nice new home. With the stress of moving, there is often no time to focus on learning German. But studying the local language is vital for a successful integration.
In this blog article we will show you why it is important to learn German and how you can easily get started.
Why is learning German useful?
Studying German for a good work experience
If you are an expat living in Germany, having a good command of English is often sufficient in your professional life. But besides professional discussions, private conversations and small talks among work colleagues are often spoken in German. In order to connect and get to know your colleagues better, it is vital to have a basic knowledge of German.
Some employers support their foreign employees with internal language courses or subsidize courses at German language schools.
Discover extensive professional German language courses here.
Some foreigners do not have a permanent job in Germany yet and are just in the application phase. Here it is even more important to learn German. It is a great advantage if you have a basic knowledge of German for job interviews. This way you can stand out from other applicants and show your interest in the country and the language.
Learning German to get along well in everyday life
Even if German is not necessarily required in a professional context, you can benefit from German skills in everyday life. For example, at the checkout in the supermarket, for bureaucracy matters, parent teacher conferences, and other events. Many Germans have little knowledge of English or feel uncomfortable speaking in another language. If you learn German, you can accomplish many things more easily.
Furthermore, if you want to volunteer or work in a club, learning German is important. You can make new friends and attend in sports activities more easily.
Social aspects
The sooner you start learning German, the easier it will be for you to participate in society and lead a self-determined life in Germany. Besides the German language, values and culture are also important to know. Almost all German language schools teach both – language and values.
How to start learning German?
You can learn German in different ways. If you already have a full-time job, you will probably only have free time to learn in the evenings or on weekends. There are evening and weekend courses, intensive courses and now a wide range of online courses. Have a look at our language partner Goethe Institut.
Furthermore, you have the opportunity to complete various German exams. According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), we distinguish between the following levels:
- A1 and A2: This level is aimed at language beginners with no or very little previous knowledge.
- B1 and B2: As an advanced language student, you will expand and deepen your knowledge and will be able to communicate independently in your job and everyday life after graduation.
- C1 and C2: After completing the highest level, you will have German skills comparable to a native speaker.
Learning German is not easy for many foreigners. This can be due to various reasons. Learning a foreign language alongside a full-time job can be very tiring. You often must take care of your family on the side, leaving little time for learning.
But the effort is worth it. You will quickly notice that with time and practice, you will get better and better and will be able to establish social contacts in a way that would have been difficult without German language skills.
Are you eager to start right away with your German classes? See here our partners for language services.
We from Project Expat are happy to support you with our network of excellent English-speaking partners until you feel more comfortable in the German language.
Explore here our service categories.
