Why study German at RHS?
2007
German language
• Circa 100 million people in 40 countries
worldwide speak German as their native tongue.
• Most commonly spoken native language in
the EU and 2nd language in much of
East Europe!
• 2nd most popular business language worldwide.
(DAAD)
• On the Internet, German is nearly tied with
Japanese for 2nd most common language!
(UNESCO)
2007
Science and Business
• German is an important language in
business, science and technology.
• #2 in scientific research.
• 68% of Japanese students learn German!
• Germany is the world leader in biotechnology and renewable resource
technology. (DAAD, GOETHE Institute)
– 2 main technology focuses in Minnesota!
2007
Career Applications
• Germany is the 3rd largest economy in the world after
the U.S. and Japan. (World Bank)
• Germany 2nd only to U.K. in foreign-based employment
in the U.S. and MN.
– 3,000 German companies in the U.S. (DIHK)
– Over 100 companies in MN are based in or have direct affiliates
in Germany. (MTO)
• One of the U.S.’s and MN’s top export destinations.
• EU and NON-EU Europe make up Minnesota’s largest
export region for manufactured goods (MTO, 2006)
– German most commonly spoken language there.
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Real World Connections
• Best practice: real-world connections important!
• Extensive contacts in Germany
• Translates into:
–
–
–
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ePals
trips to Germany,
visiting teens from Germany,
constant contact w/ latest in music, literature, culture
• Many RHS students go on to live or study
in a German-speaking country.
2007
Connections/Heritage
• 1.6 Million in USA speak German at home
• Nearly 25% of U.S. residents are of German
heritage! (2000 Census.)
• Many students: relatives and/or friends in
German-speaking countries.
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More Success
• Students more successful if learning
language of their interest
• “Cultural distance” affects success.
• Real-world connections and cultural
backgrounds similar to those of the target
language/culture insure greater ease and
success. (Zhang, 2006)
2007
Resources
• Many resources in the Twin Cities / MN!
• The Germanic American Institute
– celebrates German holidays and festivals
(German Club)
• Wescott library
– German books
• German restaurants, food at grocery stores!
• German television stations
(DW-TV on satellite).
• German-based companies
– learn about career opportunities
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Ästhetics!
• Rich culture and history
• It is famous for its philosophers,
musicians, writers and artists.
• Imagine enjoying all that in the original
German language!
2007
AND...
Because the students
LOVE it!
2007