5 Common Misconceptions about learning German

Sarah
Jun 14, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Sep 6, 2023

As with every language, German has rumours surrounding it. Whether you’ve tried learning German yourself or know someone who has, you’ve probably heard a lot about the German language. We are going to go over some of these misconceptions and clear the air once and for all.

Misconception No. 1 - “German is the hardest language to learn”

Just like with every other language, you need to follow different rules and grammatic guidelines. That doesn’t mean it’s hard. Of course, for someone who has only ever spoken one language their entire lives, it can be overwhelming to learn German – but that goes for any language! There is no hard or easy when it comes to learning languages; they’re all just different. That’s what makes them unique. With the right amount of dedication and will, even everybody will master German in no time.

Misconception No. 2 - “German sounds so angry”

If you think German sounds angry, then maybe you’ve been talking to angry Germans? Of course, for Non-Germans, the language can sound strange and unfamiliar. But think about all the composers and lyrical geniuses that were all Germans: Mozart, Handel, Wagner and, Goethe, Schiller, Hesse, to name a few famous ones … Once you get into the language, you will realize how melodious it actually is.

Misconception No. 3 - “German is only spoken in Germany”

Another reason so many people don’t even consider learning German is the assumption that German is only spoken in Germany. Actually, German is the most widely spoken mother language in the European Union and an official language in four countries in the EU: Germany, Austria, and Luxembourg. German is also an official language in Switzerland, Belgium and Liechtenstein. Moreover, around 7.5 million people in 42 countries worldwide belong to a German-speaking minority. There is even a region in northern Italy where they all speak German. So, think again, you might want to join a German course before going on a skiing vacation in the Italian Alps.

Misconception No. 4 - “Everyone speaks English in Germany anyways”

Okay, yeah, most people do speak at least a little English. Most Germans love English. But this is not something you can take for granted. Especially people beyond their 50s did not necessarily learn English in school. And even if they did, they probably won't have used it in decades.

Knowing how to speak German can open many doors for new job opportunities, new friendships and new experiences. (Also, since many people still think German is difficult, having it on your CV will look really good.) And remember, even if you're not fluent, native speakers will help you express yourself, helping to improve your German. It's the effort that counts.

Misconception No. 5 - “I’m too old to learn a new language”

You’re never too old to do anything. Really. As long as you believe anything is possible, it is! Don’t miss out on learning a new language because of some old myth. Even scientifically, it has been proven repeatedly that the human brain is more than capable of learning a new language, even in mature years. Of course, some aspects may become more complicated with age, but some also become more manageable. That’s life.