8 reasons to learn new languages this year
- Sarah
- Feb 4, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 24, 2023
As we’re still in the season of New Year’s it’s an excellent time to take a look at your new year’s resolutions and to add learning German to it as there are so many financial, social, personal and professional benefits when it comes to learning German. If you’d like to reap these amazing benefits and get started on your new year’s resolutions then let’s go!
1. New connections
One of the main benefits of making connections with other German language learners is the ability to practice your language skills. Having a conversation partner or group of friends who are learning German can be invaluable, as it allows you to practice your language skills in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Another great benefit of making connections with other German language learners is the access to resources that they may have.
Experienced learners often have a wealth of knowledge that can be passed on to those who are just starting out. They can offer tips and advice on how to best learn the language, as well as provide access to useful websites, books, and other learning materials. Connecting with other German language learners can provide you with the motivation and resources you need to stay on track and achieve your German learning goals and the best benefit of this is when it comes to making German friends as you’ll be able to speak their language and get to know and understand them on a personal level which you would have lacked if you didn’t make the choice to learn German.
2. Career advancement
As the world becomes ever more interconnected, the ability to speak multiple languages is becoming increasingly important. German is one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe and is considered one of the most important languages to learn.
Not only can it open up a world of opportunities in terms of international business and travel, but it can also help with your career advancement. Learning German can help to make you more competitive in the job market. Employers are often impressed with applicants who can demonstrate fluency in multiple languages, plus they are more likely to offer higher salaries and positions of responsibility to those who can speak German. Additionally, the ability to speak German will open up a huge range of job opportunities, from business and industry, to teaching and research. Learning German can help you to improve your communication skills. As German is a complex language, you will have to focus on proper pronunciation and grammar, which will help you to become a more effective communicator in any language. The more you learn German the easier it is for you to understand the nuances of German and to build strong relationships with German colleagues and clients.
3. Improving your brain
One of the major benefits of learning German is that it improves your problem-solving skills. German is a highly structured language and its grammar rules are very logical. This helps the brain to become more efficient in solving problems by developing a logical thought process. Additionally, German is known to be a difficult language to learn, so mastering it requires a lot of hard work and dedication. This means that learning German can help to improve a person’s ability to focus and stay motivated, which can be beneficial for any situation in life. Another way that learning German can improve your brain is by boosting your memory. Studies have shown that learning a new language can help to increase a person’s capacity for memorization and recall. This is because learning a new language requires memorizing and storing a lot of new words, phrases, and grammar rules in the brain. The brain must then quickly recall this information in order to communicate effectively.
4. Explore new cultures
learning German can provide an invaluable cultural experience. You will gain a deeper understanding of German culture and get to build relationships with German speakers. By learning German, you can gain access to many of the cultures and countries in the German-speaking world. The German language is the official language of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. It is also spoken in parts of Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as in some parts of Italy, France, the Czech Republic, and Poland. So not only do you get to indulge in the German culture but also countries that speak German too. Learning German also allows you to understand and appreciate the culture of the German-speaking world so that you’ll get to communicate with native Germans and German speakers. From German art and music to its architecture and cuisine, the German-speaking world has a rich and vibrant culture that can be easily accessed by learning German.
When you learn German, you get access to understanding the works of some of the world’s greatest authors, philosophers, and scientists. From the works of Goethe and Nietzsche to those of Einstein, many of the most influential figures in history wrote in German and their works can only be fully appreciated by those who understand the language.
5. Increased confidence
When you learn German, you’re learning more than just new words and grammar. You’re also learning a new way of thinking and communicating. This can help you to develop self-confidence, as you’ll be able to understand and express yourself in a language other than your mother tongue. Mastering German is a great accomplishment that can help you boost your self-esteem. As you gain proficiency in German, you’ll be able to understand the nuances of the language and communicate more effectively with native German speakers. This can help you to feel more secure in your ability to communicate with people from other cultures. Learning German can help you to gain a better understanding of the German culture which will in turn give you a better understanding of the people who speak the language. So, this can help you to feel more comfortable in conversations, as you’ll be better equipped to understand the cultural context of it.
6. Improved travel experience
If you’re looking to make the most of your next holiday, learning German is a great way to improve your travel experience. Whether you’re planning a trip to Germany, Austria, or any of the other German-speaking countries, speaking the language can help you get the most out of your experience. For starters, speaking even a few words of German can be a great way to make connections with the locals. Knowing how to say a few simple phrases like “hello”, “thank you” and “please” will be enough to get the conversation started. If you’re able to communicate in German, you’ll be able to ask locals for directions, find out what’s happening in the area, and even get some great tips on where to go and what to see. Learning German can also help you save money on your trip as many restaurants and shops offer discounts to those who can speak the language, so you’ll won’t need to fear being ripped off. Speaking German will also make it easier for you to navigate the cities and towns you visit which will make your holidays to Germany more enjoyable as you’ll be able to read road signs and understand directions.
7. It’s fun
In general learning German can be really fun. When you learn German, you get the chance to connect to its rich cultural history as Germany is a country with a long and fascinating history, and its language reflects that. Germany also has a deep and varied vocabulary, as well as a range of expressions and idioms so when you improve your German you can understand the culture of the German-speaking world better.
German is the most widely spoken language in the European Union, and it’s becoming increasingly important in the business world so you’ll be opening doors for new opportunities for you.
8. See things from a different perspective
Learning German helps you see things from a different perspective because it allows you to gain new knowledge and skills that can help you understand the world around you in a different way. You can open up your mind to new ideas and perspectives when you learn German, which can help you to think more critically and creatively. Learning German can help you to better understand the language of other Germanic languages, such as Dutch, Swedish, and Danish which will also help you understand the people better too. When you start thinking in German instead of your native language you begin to think in different ways thus widening your perspectives which can reflect on different areas in life too.
9. Age better
As you age, your mind can become slower and your memories less reliable. But learning a new language, such as German, can help to keep your mind sharp and your memories intact. Studies have shown that learning a new language can help to improve cognitive abilities, such as memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Learning German can help to keep your brain active and alert. German is a complex language, with its own grammar and syntax, which can help to stimulate the brain and keep it engaged. Learning German can also help to improve your multitasking skills, as you will need to juggle multiple tasks, such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Learning German can also help to improve your communication skills. As you learn German, you will need to remember new words and phrases, as well as grammar rules and pronunciation so this will help to keep your memory active and alert. When you learn German, you stay socially active and engaged as it gives you the opportunity to meet people and make new friends, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation that can come with aging.
10. It’s normal to know more than one language
Learning more than one language is a normal and natural part of life for many people around the world. In fact, it’s estimated that around half of the world’s population is bilingual or multilingual making it very common worldwide. This means that if you can only speak your mothers tongue then you are part of the minority percentage and will miss out on the amazing benefits that come with knowing more than one language. In today’s globalized world it is not only a choice but a necessity to learn more than one language, especially when it comes to learning German.
Conclusion
Learning German is an incredibly rewarding experience that can open up a new world of possibilities. It can help you understand different cultures and make new friends, as well as have a positive impact on your career. It’s also a great way to stay mentally active and engaged.
With so many benefits, there’s no better time than the present to set a goal to learn German this year. So, why not make this the year you take the plunge by heading over to the GermanMind website to find the best affordable German courses in Dublin perfect for beginners.
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