All tagged English Language
It's no surprise to find Germany in the top ten for English Language proficiency, given the high levels of English spoken here. However, does the focus on British English in schools cause problems, and why do certain British accents lead to miscommunication?
In a country that has wrestled with its acceptance of migrants, one thing all sides of the political spectrum have agreed on is that migrants to Germany should learn to speak German. However, a recent FDP proposal may well see English become the an official bureaucratic language. Will this really make things easier for migrants and how difficult will it be to achieve?
English language proficiency can be used to assert power or simply humiliate in Germany. Whether you work in an office or happen to a be a minister of state, you will still face trial by language gatekeepers. How has English been weaponised in daily life and why are some praised and others criticised?
There are many reasons people end up living in Germany. Some may already have a job waiting for them but for many the first step on the ladder of employment is working as an English teacher. What can a new English trainer expect from work in Germany and is it all as good as it seems?
There are many native English speakers in Germany who find the liberal use of English swear words by Germans both surprising and disturbing. Why might Germans find English swear words so appealing?
In Germany they say order is essential, which can sound restrictive, but does create clarity. How does the German desire for order effect daily life and why does it often create conflict with native-English speakers?