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In the global rankings of foreign language proficiency, Germany consistently ranks among the countries with the highest English proficiency.
“From the courts to the classroom to politics, Germany is using English. It's an effort to make the country more globally attractive,” DW said.
In the 2023 EF EPI English Proficiency Index ranking of 113 countries and territories published by EF Education First, Germany ranked 10th globally and was rated at a very high proficiency level.
The foundation for Germany's high English proficiency lies in its education system, which places an emphasis on learning the language from an early age. English is taught as a compulsory subject in primary school.
Since 2005, English has been taught in all primary schools in Germany, except in areas bordering France, where French is usually taught. Schools start teaching English from grade 3 (age 8 or 9), but some states start teaching English as early as grade 1 (age 6 or 7), according to the Europa-Universität Flensburg (EUF). This ensures that children are exposed to the language and its fundamentals at the most receptive stage.
Two lessons per week are typically dedicated to foreign language instruction, but in practice, there are variations depending on state policy and individual school curriculum.
In addition, the teaching methods used in German schools emphasize innovation and interactivity, leveraging technology and multimedia resources to enhance language learning. Digital classrooms and interactive exercises contribute to a dynamic, engaging learning environment that fosters the desire to master English.
In 2021, Eurostat figures show that 88% of upper secondary school students in the EU (including Germany) studied English as a foreign language. The number of students enrolled in English-taught programmes at universities and colleges in Germany is actually growing steadily, exceeding 100,000.
According to a database published by the German Academic Exchange Service, around 10% of higher education degree programmes in Germany are now taught in English. Most of these are postgraduate programmes, which are offered by private institutions outside the public system and are largely tuition-free.
According to Jan Kercher, senior researcher in statistics at the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the increase in the number of English-taught master's programs across Germany over the past few years has contributed to the increase in the number of students with master's degrees.
“There are more English-taught master's programmes in Germany (currently 1,043) than English-taught bachelor's programmes (currently 204),” he told The PIE News.
The number of international students studying English-taught programmes in Germany has exceeded 400,000.
Proposal to make English an official second language
Given the size of Germany's economy, which is dependent on exports and is home to major global companies, English is the language of choice in business settings, according to DW.
Germany's cosmopolitan megacities and diverse population create a multilingual environment. Regional centres such as Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt are "internationalised", making English the common language of communication.
In 2017, then Health Minister Jens Spahn said: “I find it annoying that in some restaurants in Berlin the waiters only speak English.” Such complaints are understandable, given the growing number of young foreigners working in trendy Berlin shops who don’t speak German.
In 2022, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) announced the possibility of making English the official second language in public administration in the country.
In fact, the Skilled Workers Act makes it easier for foreigners to find work in Germany. However, German law stipulates that German is the only official language and applications and documents submitted to the competent authorities in a foreign language must be accompanied by a translation. Making English the second language would make this process easier.
However, this would have to be approved by the federal and state governments and so far, only the FDP supports the change.
In addition, the prevalence of English in media, entertainment and digital content further exposes Germans to the language outside of formal education. English-language films, television shows, music, literature and online resources contribute significantly to language acquisition and cultural understanding among the population, especially young people.
TH (according to Vietnamnet)