If you speak English, it will be even easier for you because German and English evolved from the Germanic (also known as Proto-Germanic) language. Both English and German make up the largest Germanic languages in the world.

Not only are German and English derived from the same base language of Germanic but they are very similar in grammar and vocabulary. Some words are similar in sound and spelling, for example: Mein Hand hat funf Finger (My hand has five fingers) and Mein Name ist Greg (My name is Greg). Just the fact that some words sound and are spelled similar should make German an appealing language to learn.

Where is the exit? Over There. (Wo ist der Ausgang? Da druben.) If you've ever heard someone speak German you know what I mean when I say that it would be cool to make those sounds with your mouth and know what they mean too.

Below are three good reasons why you should learn the German language. There definitely are some benefits of being fluent in another language and German is a great one to learn. Just keep reading.

Reason #1: German Is A Major Language In Europe

When you think of the German language you automatically think of Germany. Yes, there are about 82 million people in Germany and the majority of them speak German, but there are also four other countries that claim German as their official language: Austria, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Switzerland; not to mention the other areas in Europe that have high concentrations of German speakers: Denmark, eastern France, eastern Belgium, northern Italy, parts of Poland, parts of Russia and Hungary, and the list keeps going; there are even German communities in Argentina where millions of Germans have migrated over the last 200 years.

Roughly, there are 180 million people that speak German in the world. Approximately 100 million of them are native German speakers while about 80 million are non-native speakers. About 32% of the European Union (EU) population can speak German. Approximately 18% of the EU population speaks German as their mother tongue.

Reason #2: German Will Come In Handy When You Go To Germany and Other European Countries

A trip to Germany or other German-speaking countries or regions will be a lot more enjoyable if you learn to speak German, not to mention that it will help you speak German even better. You would then have the ability to see places and things that most tourists won't because of your newly-developed ability to speak. Imagine how much more fun your shopping experiences will be or even just ordering food at a restaurant.

Germans prefer when you speak in their native tongue but don't worry about it if you just can't get your point across in German. You can always ask, "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" (Do you speak English?) and most likely someone will be able to help you out in English. Germans will respect the fact that you have made an effort to learn their language and will be polite. Germans who don't speak fluent English will also be willing to help you out but they might answer your questions in one or two words in English because they don't know full English sentences. Don't think that they are being rude or impolite. That's just the best that they can do in English.

You'll for sure make many more new acquaintances and start lifelong friendships because of your German-speaking ability.

Reason #3: Speaking German Could Help You Out In the Business World

A lot of business in the World is done in and by German companies. The Fortune Global 500 (the World's largest stock market assigned companies) is made up of 500 of the largest companies in the World. Thirty seven (37) of those companies are headquartered in Germany. Germany has the third largest economy in the World and is also the top exporter in the World. These facts alone should persuade you that being able to speak German is a smart thing for business. In the U.S. German companies employ about 700,000 people. These companies would rather hire someone who speaks German as opposed to someone who does not.

Conclusion

German is a wonderful language to learn that is easier than others because of its similarities to English. Speaking and understanding German will help you in your travels to Europe, in getting a job, or in doing business. German is spoken by 180 million people in the world. Why don't you make it 180 million and one?