Learning a foreign language can be a daunting task, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. In this article, we will compare two popular languages – German and French – to help you decide which one is right for you.
Both languages have their own unique benefits, but some people may find it difficult to decide which one to learn. German is known for its precision and clarity, making it perfect for students who want to learn a structured language. French, on the other hand, is known for its flowing rhythms and expressive nature, making it well-suited for students who want to learn a more creative language.
However, there's much more to these two foreign languages than structure or creativity. Ultimately, the choice of which language to learn depends on your personal preferences and goals. Let's answer some important questions together and see what is the right language for you.
Learn German with Langster
Learn German with Langster
Where Is It a Native Language?
If you want to learn a new language, the first question you need to answer is where you might be able to use it (apart from the internet, of course).
These are the two of the most widely spoken languages in the European Union, so if you know them, Europe will feel very hospitable.
German is a native language in Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland, and several other countries in Central and Eastern Europe. There are also German speakers in many other countries around the world, including Namibia, Slovakia, Poland, and even Russia and Kazakhstan. In total, about 100 million people around the world speak German as their first language.
On the other hand, French is the official language in France, but it's spoken in many other places on an official level, including Belgium, Canada, French Guiana, Haiti, Monaco, and many countries in North Africa, among others.
Altogether, about 160 million people speak French as their first language.
If you want to learn a foreign language that's widely spoken in many parts of the world, both German and French are good choices. If your main goal is to use the language in Europe, you might find that German is slightly more useful than French, while the French language might be more helpful when traveling around the world.
What Are the Career Prospects?
Another thing you need to think about is what your future career goals might be. Are you looking for a job abroad?
Obviously, this factor varies depending on your personal goals, but in general, German may be a better choice if you want to work in Germany or any of the countries where it's spoken as a native language.
The German economy also has quite a bright outlook today, so German is considered one of the most important languages for business and finance around the world. If you want to enter a prospective share of the world market, learning German might be helpful.
French, on the other hand, is often seen as more of a "language for art” thanks to its long tradition in literary culture and fashion. If your interests lie in these areas, French might be worth considering – especially since you never know what careers might become available or desirable down the road.
Which One Will You Need to Study Abroad?
If you're planning on doing some academic or professional research abroad, which language will be more useful?
Again, this depends on where you want to study and what your interests are. Considering your personal goals, you might want to look into different universities or schools located in France or Germany, as well as other countries where one of these two languages is spoken.
Both German- and French-speaking countries can provide very interesting educational opportunities in various areas.
The German language is often considered more useful if you're planning on doing some research in Germany or any of the European countries where it's spoken. It's also a great choice if you want to study business or engineering. Moreover, many international universities in Germany have courses taught in English for foreign students.
France, on the other hand, has some of the most prestigious universities, including the famous Sorbonne. Whether you're interested in science, management, or literature, French schools will welcome you gladly – but, of course, only if your language level allows.
What About the Culture?
Language learning is more than just mastering grammar and vocabulary; it’s also about the cultural appeal. Which language seems more interesting to you and can give you a deeper understanding of the culture?
When it comes to culture, there is no clear winner – both Germany and France have unique features.
On one hand, Germany is known for its precise and clear communication, spectacular art and music, as well as being a place where you can allow your business skills to thrive. This makes it a great choice for people who have a strong sense of self-expression, high ambitions, and a distinct approach to life.
On the other hand, France is known for its expressive nature, creative cuisine, nature, lively fashion, as well as the Bohemian lifestyle. It will be a perfect niche of interest for people who want to indulge in comfort and freedom, savor every moment of their life, and not care about what other people think.
Who Would You Want to Talk to?
People matter, too. Do you have friends or colleagues in other countries? Do you want to broaden your social circle? What kind of people do you like talking to?
Depending on your answer, either French or German may be a better choice. If you already have some friends or colleagues in France or Germany and want to maintain close relationships with them, learning their language will definitely come in handy.
It's also worth considering if you are planning to meet new people during your stay there for work or study. In this case, make sure that the language you're going to learn is most commonly spoken by the locals or visitors whom you would like to communicate with. It might be a good idea if you want to surround yourself with like-minded people and avoid major language barriers.
French speakers, for example, can be very independent, frank, and relaxed. However, only about 20% of them speak English, so you might not be able to rely on your native tongue.
On the other hand, German native speakers are famous for their strong work ethic, orderliness and sense of duty. They also enjoy communicating in English, and often know it quite well.
Which One Is More Difficult?
Finally, we've come to the technical side of the question. Which language is more difficult to learn? It depends on your learning style, motivation, as well as knowledge of other foreign languages.
If you are a beginner, it's fair to say that German might be slightly more difficult to learn. The main hurdle, in this case, will be German grammar, with its cases and genders of nouns. But, once you've overcome this challenge, conversation with native speakers could become much easier than it is with French learners.
German can also be much easier to master for English speakers, since both these languages come from the family of Germanic languages.
On the other hand, French has quite a few similar features to English: the same word order in sentences, prepositions after objects, etc. That's why many people consider learning French easier than German. And, if you know other Romance languages such as Spanish or Italian, learning French will be much more pleasurable.
Of course, French also has its challenging peculiarities: from rough pronunciation to long French words spelled in funny ways to subjunctive and conditional voices. All that can put quite a lot of bumps on your road to success.
Bottom Line
If you’re wondering whether to learn French or German, it can often be difficult to decide which one is better for you unless you're particularly interested in either language. Ultimately though, it all depends on your goals and preferences – not just today but for the long-term future, too.
Whether you are interested in pursuing academic or professional research abroad, German or French may be a good choice depending on where you want to study and what your interests are. Both languages have their own unique benefits, so it's important to consider all the factors involved when making this decision.
But, regardless of the reasons why you choose one of these as your target language, make sure it’s something that motivates you. Stay passionate about learning, and it won’t be long until you become fluent.
