Learn German with online courses and programs
Why learn German?
German is a West Germanic language primarily spoken in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other parts of Europe. It's one of the world's major languages, with more than 100 million native speakers. Learning German can open doors to cultural experiences, travel, and business opportunities in German-speaking countries.
Browse online German courses
edX does not currently offer courses on this topic. However, new options are added to the course catalog regularly. Please check back soon for updates or search through related topics for other opportunities to build new skills.
German course curriculum
Learners interested in studying this language may be able to choose from specialized German courses or a more comprehensive curriculum. Typically when studying a new language like German, you may encounter lessons or full courses on:
Basic language skills: Beginners start with essential vocabulary, greetings, and basic sentence structures. They learn to introduce themselves, ask and answer simple questions, and engage in basic conversations.
Grammar and vocabulary: Learners delve into German grammar rules, including verb conjugation, noun cases, articles, and sentence construction. They expand vocabulary to discuss everyday topics, such as family, hobbies, food, and travel.
Listening and speaking: Emphasis is placed on improving listening comprehension and speaking fluency through dialogues, role-playing, and interactive exercises. Learners practice pronunciation, intonation, and conversational skills.
Reading and writing: Reading exercises involve texts of increasing complexity, from short stories to news articles. Writing skills are developed through composing emails, letters, essays, and descriptions.
Cultural studies: Students explore German culture, history, customs, and traditions. They study famous figures, literature, music, and art, gaining insights into the country's rich heritage.
As you advance in your studies, you may begin to refine language skills with more complex grammar structures and vocabulary. Advanced learners often work on expressing opinions, analyzing texts, and engaging in debates. Courses may also encourage learners to engage with German media, including films, TV shows, podcasts, and online content, to enhance listening skills and cultural awareness.
Are you ready to start learning? Explore the variety of education opportunities made available through edX that can help you grow your knowledge of various subjects, including different languages. Sign up for an accelerated boot camp, or enroll in a full degree program and start working toward a bachelor's degree, or (for more advanced learners) a master’s degree in a relevant subject. You can also explore executive education programs specifically designed for busy professionals. Find the right course to propel your professional development forward.
Professional benefits of learning German
Learning German offers numerous professional advantages. Proficiency in the language can help facilitate effective communication with German clients, partners, and colleagues, fostering better relationships and deals. It can open doors to business opportunities in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking countries, which boast strong economies and global trade networks. This can enhance your employability, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, engineering, technology, finance, and international trade, where German companies play a significant role.
Set yourself apart in the job market by demonstrating adaptability, cultural awareness, and the ability to engage in a multilingual, globalized work environment. Whether for travel, negotiation, or cross-border collaboration, learning German can equip you with a valuable professional skill set for success in an interconnected world.