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Why take German?

German is important in the 20th century

1. Germany's economy ranks third worldwide after the US and Japan.
2. Germany's volume of exports rivals that of the US and is second in the world in imports, after the US.
3. Minnesota's exports to Germany between 1994 and 1996 grew 38.2 percent, above the US rate of 22.2 percent.
4. The single largest number of immigrants to the US 1850-1980 came from Germany.
5. German is one of the10 most frequently spoken languages in the world.
6. German is a key language in the new economies of Central and Eastern Europe.
7. Germany is the third largest publisher of books in the world.
8. 40% of US scientists recommend that their students learn German.
9. German is closely related to English.  Germanic languages include German, English, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Dutch and Icelandic.
10. German is the third most widely studied foreign language in the world.

Careers in German for a Global Economy:

German education (K-16), interpreter services, international relations, governmental agencies, and the tourist industry are among the fields in which a German major or minor may be a prerequisite.

A German major, minor, or fluency equivalent is recommended for many careers, including international business (e.g. import-export, banking, industry), and for doctoral candidates in the sciences.