Why Learn German?
Around 15 million people worldwide are learning German. Here's why it might be the best decision you make for your future.
Compelling Reasons to Learn German
From career opportunities to personal enrichment, German opens doors you never knew existed.
The EU's Most Spoken Mother Tongue
Nearly 100 million people speak German as their first language, more than any other language in the European Union. It is an official language in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Belgium.
Europe's Economic Powerhouse
Germany has the largest economy in Europe and the third-largest in the world. Global companies like BMW, Siemens, SAP and Bosch value German-speaking employees.
Low-Cost University
Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees, even for international students. You pay a semester contribution of a few hundred euros instead. Speaking German opens up far more course options.
Cognitive Benefits
Learning a second language is linked to stronger memory, attention and problem-solving. German's cases and word order give your brain a genuine workout.
Access Rich Culture & Literature
Read Goethe, Kafka and Nietzsche in the original. German is also the language of the great Lieder and operas of Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven and Wagner.
A Research Powerhouse
Germany is home to world-leading research organisations like the Max Planck Society and Fraunhofer, and has produced more than 100 Nobel laureates. German was a leading language of science throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Fun Facts About Germany
Discover the quirky, fascinating, and surprising sides of German culture.
Bad Luck Birthday
Many Germans consider it bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before the actual day.
Oktoberfest Mystery
Munich's Oktoberfest actually starts in September, not October!
Bread Paradise
The German Bread Institute has registered more than 3,000 distinct varieties of bread.
Phone Etiquette
Many Germans answer the phone with their surname instead of saying hello.
Gummy Bear Birthplace
Gummy bears were invented in Bonn by Hans Riegel, founder of Haribo, in 1922.
Printing Revolution
Johannes Gutenberg developed movable-type printing in Mainz around 1440.
Autobahn Freedom
Roughly 70% of the Autobahn has no permanent speed limit, just a recommended 130 km/h.
Football Fanatics
With over 7 million members, the German Football Association is the largest single-sport federation in the world.
Schultüte Tradition
Children get a giant cone filled with toys and sweets on their first day of school.
It's Easier Than You Think!
German and English both come from the West Germanic language family. You already know more German than you realise!
Recognise these words?
Words like Kindergarten, Rucksack, and Angst are already part of English!
Ready to Start Your German Journey?
The SAGSE scholarship gives you the opportunity to experience German firsthand, living with a host family and attending school in Germany.