German – a global opportunity!
With over 95 million native speakers and hundreds of millions learning it in schools and universities, German is one of the most important languages in the world.
Did you know that German is taught at over 140 German schools abroad and in more than 1,100 schools worldwide as a foreign language?
Did you know? Interesting facts about the German language
Total in Europe: roughly 94–95 million German speakers.
About 140 German schools in 72 countries provide high-quality German education worldwide.
| Country | Official Status | Population | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Sole official language | ~84 million | About 95% speak German |
| Austria | Sole official language | ~9 million | Almost all speak German |
| Switzerland | One of four official languages | ~8.9 million | About 62% speak German |
| Liechtenstein | Sole official language | ~39,000 | All speak German |
| Luxembourg | One of three official languages | ~670,000 | German – in administration and education |
| Belgium | Official in the eastern region (Eupen–Malmedy) | ~11.7 million | Around 75–80,000 German speakers |
The German language opens doors to new cultures, career opportunities, and international contacts. Start learning today – every word brings you closer to the heart of Europe!
German schools abroad – education without borders
About 140 German schools in 72 countries provide high-quality German education worldwide.
Over 85,000 students learn not only the language but also German culture, history, and innovation.
Additionally, more than 1,100 schools worldwide offer the German Language Diploma (DSD) – an official certificate proving language proficiency at university and professional levels.
This network is coordinated by the Central Agency for Schools Abroad (ZfA) on behalf of the German Foreign Office.
German is part of the academic life of many prestigious universities worldwide.
From Oxford and Cambridge to Peking Foreign Studies University and University of Cape Town – studying German opens career paths in culture, literature, and translation.
German is one of the most popular foreign languages in Europe and is increasingly studied in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
#1
German is the second most popular foreign language in Europe – right after English.
#2
More people speak German as a native language than French or Spanish in Europe.
#3
The Goethe-Institut is one of the largest cultural institutions in the world – with over 150 branches in 90 countries.
Sources: Goethe-Institut, ZfA (Central Agency for Schools Abroad), PASCH, Eurostat, Statista, UNESCO (2024)
