What are the most common second languages spoken by Germans?

[JAB42]

I'm assuming majority of Germans are taught English as a second language in school, but are languages like French, Dutch, Danish and Polish taught/ spoken as second languages in different regions of Germany? Or is there a second language taught universaly in all German schools? I'm gearing up for my first trip to Germany this summer so I'm just a little curious.

Regards,

JAB

[charlie don't surf]

My guess is first English then French or Spanish as a third language.

Best regards/ Daniel

[C. Udentz]

English, in order to understand Americans.

Then French. Sad but true.

Cal Udentz.

[Baltasar]

I guess about half of the people over here have some basics in english, so you have a good chance to get an answer when asking for a direction or other simple stuff.

Secoundary foreign languages are frensh and spanish (frensh is more common).

Other languages are not taught (except of latin) as far as I know, but it's common to speak another language when living next to a border, especially when the dialect is much the same way. Sometimes people have relatives on the other side...

[andyscr]

first foreign language in school is english, after you can choose french.
also it depends in wich part of germany you go to school.
so you have the possibility to choose also dutch or russian (not really today anymore :-))
there is also courses for spanish, italian or danish.
it all depends where you live in germany :-)

[PanzerLeader]

Maybe American tourists should learn German before going there!

[Gewitter]

i'll never go to a foreign country again without knowing a language it is a pretty bad experience

[Baltasar]

I helps a lot when you understand some basics like directions and know how to behave in public.

[Somosierra]

Unfortunately, Americans (most of them) are those without knowledge of any foreign language…

[Enrico Mölders]

Hi,

first of all is English. It's teached in almost all schooltypes in Germany.

If you are visiting a higher school ( in german called Gymnasium ) than you can choose an additional second foreign language like french ( most ) or latin which many take as well , especialy all those which want to study medicine, biologie, pharmacia ... on univerity later or those which want to learn more than one other latin associated language ( spanish, italian ... )

In the eastern part of Germany many are still able to speak russian because that was there the favorite forign language for decades bevor the fall of the wall.

bye Enrico

[ckleisch]

On the subject of language on going to Germany. The problem is finding someone to teach it. To learn correctly its best to start in High School or earlier. Schools dont offer foreign languages unless Spanish or French at not least around here. The father of three and of German descent I wanted them to learn German. No school or college teaches it. Can't even find a tutor.

[mikerock]

Unfortunately, Americans (most of them) are those without knowledge of any foreign language…

Not just Americans, but in most English speaking countries. I can only speak English (high school language education is useless unless in an "immersion" program) even though my family comes from Quebec and several of my family members' first language was Quebecois. I would wager to say that most British Isles born English citizens speak only English, and the same with Australia and New Zealand.

--Mike

[Santiago]

In my traves to Germay, i found that as second language they spoke english... And a lof of people, speak spanish as third language.
That it´s really good for me.

Bye,

[Santiago]

I want to say: Travels...

[Rudi S.]

During my highschool days in Germany (before and during WWII), to learn Latin and English was compulsary (2 and 4 years, respectively). French was an elective although 'shorthand' could be taken instead.
Rudi S.