Are you planning to relocate to Germany or have already moved? Is it important for you to learn German as an ex-pat?

Well, it surely is. As someone who speaks English, you may find it easy to get along or get most of your work done even in Germany because most Germans do speak English. However, if you are planning to stay in the country, have a home, let your children study there, then learning German definitely helps. It gives you an opportunity to move out of your expat community and meet people outside your world, make new friends and even carry on your daily chores with more ease.

Whether it is your interest in science and technology, your love for soccer, enjoying the local cuisine or getting an insight into the local festivities, learning the language of the land always helps you enjoy them better.

Once you know that you would be moving to Germany if you have time you can enrol for a regular German language course or find one online that suits your learning requirements and timings.

The Goethe Institute which has its presence across 150 locations in 98 countries can be a very good choice if you are willing to invest money in learning German.

You can also have both free and paid options online ranging from websites, YouTube channels, apps to language learning platforms where you have options ranging from recorded lessons to direct classes with a teacher.

If you decide to learn German after moving to the country, you can choose any of these

Volkshochschule

If you find it easy to learn in a group and do not mind a large class with twenty or more people, you can join a German course here. Apart from being present in various locations in Germany, these classes are affordable as this institution is a state-funded public institution.

Goethe Institute

This is highly popular among many ex-pats when it comes to learning German in Germany. Known for quality learning, the lessons offered here are tailored to suit your learning levels which could be a beginner to an advanced. You have the flexibility to learn either online or in a regular class. The fee however is on the higher side.

Babylon School

Unlike Goethe institute, you can choose to pay per module at the Babylon school which makes it more affordable. Also, you have access to a great learning environment where you can get quality learning. However, the booking here can take a lot of time and hence you need to book your classes well in advance.

Deutsch Fur Dich

For someone who is interested in learning German in a more casual, informal and open environment, this could be a good choice. The classes are free but you can choose to donate for every lesson if you wish to. This differs from the conventional learning methods as you other learners in a public location and practices the language.  Apart from learning German, you can make some great friends too.

Language schools in Germany

You can find excellent language schools in Germany where you can find a course that suits your learning level. You may even find a school that offers accommodation which can save you a lot of time and money.

Immersion is the best learning method

As an ex-pat in Germany, you are surrounded by people who speak the language and can learn a lot from them all the time. You can observe, pay very close attention to what is happening around you and how people communicate in German, combine them with any of the learning resources that you choose to learn German from and pick up the language.

As you learn the basics, you can improve on your German language skills by supplementing your learning through other resources even while you entertain yourself or interact with your neighbours, colleagues or fellow students.

Whether it is German or any other country, learning the local language always helps. Speaking English can help you get along easily in most situations. However, when you have to deal with the bureaucracy for any paperwork, get an internet connection or even get a major or a minor repair work done at home learning German can be useful as you may come across people who are not very comfortable with English.

Your German skills can help you broaden your social circle and even ensure that you are able to help your child with studies. Also, you can enjoy the German television shows and watch news which helps you learn what is happening around you without depending on others

Learning a new language is always a time-consuming task which needs consistent practice and a lot of self-motivation. However, when you are surrounded with the language all the time, it can definitely become comparatively easy.

If you would like to apply for German citizenship, you definitely need to learn the language.

So, learn German and enjoy your stay in Germany.