Around 130 million people speak German as their mother language or as a second language. German is the most widely spoken mother language in the European Union (yes, even before English!) and an official language in seven countries.

You can find more information about German as a Foreign Language worldwide here or in the German-language brochure “Deutsch als Fremdsprache weltweit. Datenerhebung 2020”.

In the last five years the number of people learning German in Kenya has more than doubled, from fewer than 6,000 in 2015 to 13,045 (+117%). People mainly learn German in school, where their number increased from 2,536 to more than 10,000. Many want to study or work in Germany. With so many people staying indoors during the coronavirus pandemic, it should come as no surprise that interest in Deutsche Welle's and Goethe-Institut’s online German courses have increased dramatically.

But why should YOU learn German?

• Knowing the language of your German Business partners improves your relations and therefore your chances for effective communication and success.
• Tourists from German-speaking countries are the world’s biggest spenders when on holiday. 73.000 German tourists visit Kenya each year. They particularly appreciate to be looked after by German-speaking staff and tour guides.
• You’ll also learn about German history and culture in the process.
• If you ever thought of travelling to Germany, knowing the language and culture will make your trip much more rewarding.
• Depending on the purpose of your stay, it might as well be a required prerequisite to get your visa (family reunion with your spouse, wedding in Germany, work, training, internship, au pair, voluntary service, studies, etc.).
• Knowledge of German increases your job opportunities with German and foreign companies in your own country and abroad. And since the introduction of the Skilled Immigration Act this year, it can lead to even more career options in Germany than ever before.
• Germany awards a generous number of scholarships and other support to study in Germany.
• German is the second most commonly used scientific language. Germany is the third largest contributor to research and development and offers research fellowships to scientists from abroad.
• It’s more fun than you expect and a great opportunity to meet new people!

What are you waiting for? Join 15.4 million people worldwide who are learning German right now! There are countless opportunities to do so in Kenya:

• The best way to learn German in Kenya is with the Goethe-Institut. The cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany offers a wide variety of courses, such as long-term and intensive courses, special courses, exam preparation courses and courses for children and young people. The certificates of the Goethe-Institut are recognized by German universities and authorities. You can come to their centre in Nairobi or join one of the online classes!
• The Deutsche Welle offers free German courses. You can learn German at your own pace: E-learning on the computer, with videos, audio clips and podcasts – or using traditional methods with worksheets you can print out. Teachers of German as a foreign language can also use multimedia materials in the classroom.
• Do you want your child to take the opportunity? More than 110 primary and secondary schools in Kenya offer German as part of their curriculum to over 10,000 students.
• Still not enough? The German School Nairobi offers most of its classes in German and can lead to the same school-leaving qualifications as if you had visited school in Germany!

You already know German and have a connection to Germany? Pay the German Alumni “Stammtisch” Nairobi (Leo Mutisya, lmutisya@mediacouncil.or.ke) a visit and meet like-minded People!