Do you want to move abroad to experience new cultures and meet new people? Or maybe you're looking to expand your job opportunities and get a raise by learning a new language?
Either way, you're probably wondering which language will allow you to achieve your goals.
Two of the most popular languages to learn today are Spanish and German. But which one will be most helpful in helping you achieve your goals?
Let's see in depth what doors Spanish and German can open for you!
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Spanish or German: Which will take your career to the next level?
There are currently 21 countries where Spanish is spoken as an official language, compared to 6 where German enjoys the same status. This means that in most workplaces (particularly those specializing in international communication, sales and service) Spanish is no longer just an asset, it's a necessity. In fact,it's one of the key assets to getting a job in at least four of the best career options in the US..
On the other hand, Germany has the largest economy in Europe and the fifth largest in the world, so there are many jobs available for foreigners, both in skilled positions and temporary jobs. It is not surprising that,according to official statistics, the annual unemployment rate rises this year to 5.9%, a very small number, especially if we compare it with Spain, which, being the most prosperous Spanish-speaking country, hasa much higher unemployment rate of 15.67%.
Therefore, if you are looking for a language that will allow you to get a well-paying job in one of the financially strongest countries in the world, you can choose to learn German and pursue a career in a German company. On the other hand, if you want to learn a language that is more relevant to get a job in the United States or that gives you the flexibility to work in many different places, from Spain to Latin America, then taking a Spanish course should be your choice. top priority. .
Is it better to travel knowing Spanish or German?
According toethnologist, a site specializing in language statistics, Spanish is second only to Mandarin Chinese as a world language, with 420 million users if you count only native speakers.
On the other hand, German has 90 million speakers worldwide, which is a bit disappointing considering Germany's population is around 82 million.
The statistics may be tentative, but the disparity is stark. The Spaniard returns home through a landslide.
But then, there's something else to consider. Anyone who has traveled to a Spanish-speaking country knows that Spanish speakers are often very supportive of foreigners trying to speak their language, regardless of level.
German speakers, on the other hand, see language learning as a skill and expect people to do it well. They won't show any positive feelings towards a foreigner just because they took the time to learn a few basic German phrases. That is, while a basic level of Spanish can be an advantage, mediocre German is often a demerit.
study abroad
If you're thinking of doing a master's degree abroad, but you're still in debt on your bachelor's student loans, Germany is the best option. In addition to having one of the best free education systems in the world, it extends (with tuition and everything!) to international students. And as if that weren't enough, many of Germany's most sought-after institutions offer some Masters courses taught entirely in English. Still, you should keep in mind that degrees taught in German are usually free, while those taught in English are usually paid (and often very expensive!).
Although you can also study degree programs in Germany for free, most of them require proof of a high level of German proficiency. However, instead of seeing this as a disadvantage, it can become a great incentive to start learning this fascinating language!
So what are some of the best free German universities that accept international students?
- Free University of Berlin, which predominantly focuses on the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
- Known for being the workplace of Albert Einstein, the Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university offering degree programs in nearly 200 different disciplines.
- Technical University of Berlin, one of Germany's leading institutes of technology and engineering.
If you think Spanish-speaking countries don't stand a chance against Germany in terms of study opportunities, think again!
Latin America is not only known for its varied and vibrant cultures, it is also home to a large number of renowned universities that welcome international students. Colombia, for example, has one of the highest ranked universities in both the regional and world rankings: Universidad de Los Andes, which ranks fifth in Latin America and 283rd in the world.
Argentina is another great option that offers relatively low cost of living and free public universities for international students across the country. The most prestigious Argentine university is the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), eighth in the Latin American ranking and outstanding69 no QS World University Rankings 2022.
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Then, of course, there is Mexico, whose higher education system follows a format similar to that of European universities and which boasts one of the highest-ranked universities in Latin America: the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Mexico is a great choice for English speakers who aren't very fluent in Spanish, as most universities offer programs that are entirely taught in English. But don't get too comfortable: you will need to speak at least a little Spanish for most administrative matters and for your daily life.
In short, it seems that both German and Spanish are going to open very big doors for those who want to study abroad. If you want to study at a prestigious institution at no cost, you can opt for a German institution. If you want to explore different cultures but still aren't sure where you want to go, rest assured that all of Latin America is positively teeming with low-cost (and sometimes free) universities.
So which one is better for me?
When we learn a language, we usually do it with one of three things in mind: boosting our careers, pursuing educational experiences, or being able to communicate with people from interesting cultures.
It may seem that no matter which of these three is your top priority, knowing Spanish or German will open many different doors for you.
Would you like to do a free Bachelor's or Master's degree at one of the best universities to get a qualified job in one of the most developed countries in the world? If the answer is yes, then you don't have to think twice. German should be your next language.
On the other hand, if you want to study a language that will allow you to communicate with millions of people from many different countries, a language that will enhance your CV at home and take you to some of the most exciting cultures on Earth, then Spanish. is the answer.
Or maybe it's the other way around? When it comes to learning languages, you never know. In the end, which language you choose is a very personal decision that depends on things like motivation, personal interests and professional goals, but also on the “bond” you create with the language you are studying.
So which one are you going to start with? Spanish or German?
→Register now: Free trial class with a native Spanish or German teacher!←
Still can't decide? We must be able to help. Inlisten and learn, we offer bespoke courses in Spanish and German, taught by native speakers who are also fully qualified teachers. This means you'll be able to get personalized feedback and lessons tailored to address your specific strengths and weaknesses. Take a free trial class in both languages and decide for yourself! Who knows? You could end up learning two languages at the same time.