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German – a global opportunity!

German Language in the World

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.

Where is German an official language?

CountryOfficial StatusPopulationNote
GermanySole official language~84 millionAbout 95% speak German
AustriaSole official language~9 millionAlmost all speak German
SwitzerlandOne of four official languages~8.9 millionAbout 62% speak German
LiechtensteinSole official language~39,000All speak German
LuxembourgOne of three official languages~670,000German – in administration and education
BelgiumOfficial in the eastern region (Eupen–Malmedy)~11.7 millionAround 75–80,000 German speakers

Why is it worth learning German?

  • Economic power – Germany is one of the leading economies in the world.
  • Educational opportunities – many universities offer free or low-cost study programs in German.
  • International career – German is widely used in the EU, in science, research, and business.

Get inspired!

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 at universities – a prestigious choice

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.

Europe

  • Trinity College Dublin
  • Oxford
  • Cambridge
  • Charles University Prague

Asia

  • Peking Foreign Studies University
  • Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi)

Africa

  • University of Cape Town
  • Stellenbosch University

North America

  • Harvard
  • Yale
  • University of Toronto

German as a foreign language – a European and global choice

German is one of the most popular foreign languages in Europe and is increasingly studied in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

  • France: second most popular foreign language in schools.
  • Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia: close historical and cultural ties with Germany.
  • Scandinavia: often chosen as an additional foreign language.
  • Baltic states: often taught as a second foreign language in schools.
  • Africa, Asia, America: more and more schools and universities offer German courses.

Sources: Goethe-Institut, ZfA (Central Agency for Schools Abroad), PASCH, Eurostat, Statista, UNESCO (2024)