Easiest Languages for German Speakers to Learn
What Makes Language Learning Easier?
Choosing the easiest language in the world isn't as simple as it might seem. Several factors influence the difficulty of a foreign language. One of the biggest factors is your native language. If your native language belongs to the same language family, you'll find it considerably easier to learn the foreign language. For example, learning Portuguese is much easier for native Spanish speakers than for native German speakers.
Another factor that simplifies learning a new language is a straightforward grammar with few irregularities. A pronunciation that's easy to learn also accelerates progress. Some languages even share some vocabulary or have only slightly modified words. This makes learning vocabulary easier. Using the same writing system is another factor that influences learning a foreign language. Since your native language is one of the biggest influences, we've decided to create the following list for native German speakers.
English: The Global Language That’s Easy to Learn
English is undoubtedly one of the easiest languages in the world, and not just for native German speakers, but for almost all languages. The reason for this is its relatively simple grammar. The conjugation of English verbs, in particular, is very easy, as there are almost no irregularities. Furthermore, regular verbs always use the infinitive form. This simplifies learning English.
Another factor that makes English so easy to learn is its significant influence on the German vocabulary. German is increasingly using Anglicisms. Thus, native German speakers already have a feel for the pronunciation and sound of English, even without any prior knowledge of the language.
Dutch: A Language Closely Related to German
The close relationship between Dutch and German makes it so easy for native German speakers to learn. Many Dutch words sound very similar to German words. In some cases, even without extensive Dutch language skills, native German speakers can guess what is being said.
The slightly different Dutch pronunciation can also be quickly learned by native German speakers. This simply requires a little practice and diligence. So, as soon as you understand some basic rules of the Dutch language, you can already understand your first texts in Dutch.
Swedish and Norwegian: The North Germanic languages
Similar to Dutch, Swedish and Norwegian are also related to German. Therefore, Swedish, like Norwegian, is an easy language for Germans to learn. However, as North Germanic languages, Norwegian and Swedish are somewhat more distantly related than Dutch and not quite as easy to learn. Many words in Swedish and Norwegian share the same origin as German words. This shared vocabulary makes it relatively easy for Germans to build a Swedish or Norwegian vocabulary.
Why Spanish Is One of the World’s Most Spoken Languages
Spanish is a somewhat more challenging language for native German speakers. Nevertheless, it's considered one of the easiest languages in the world for native German speakers. Spanish pronunciation follows easily understandable rules that you simply need to learn. Once you understand these rules, you'll have mastered Spanish pronunciation. Another factor that makes Spanish easy to learn is the large number of native speakers. You'll easily find a language exchange partner with whom you can learn in a relaxed setting.
Furthermore, Spanish is an extremely attractive language for many Germans. Since most Spanish-speaking countries are also popular travel destinations, learning Spanish is a very popular choice. The popularity of Spanish has increased significantly in recent years, making it easy for you to immerse yourself in the language.
French: Not the Easiest Language, but Definitely Worth It
French is not quite as easy to learn compared to the other languages already mentioned. This is mainly due to the difficult French pronunciation. Nevertheless, learning French is not as difficult as initially thought, thanks to the many related words. When learning French, you will very often encounter vocabulary that you already know from German. For example, *accessoire*, *amusement*, *apropos*, or *atelier*. Some words in French are similar to German words. Some examples of this are *Büro* (bureau) or *Möbel* (furniture). If you also speak English in addition to German, you will notice that English and French also share some words.
In conclusion, it’s easier to learn languages that belong to the same family.
With a suitable learning strategy and consistent study, anyone can learn a foreign language. Of course, some foreign languages are easier to learn than others. Learning a language is made easier by its close relationship and similar vocabulary, saving considerable study time. The related vocabulary between languages you already know and your new foreign language makes learning easier. You can use this as a strategy from the very beginning and find words you already know when building your vocabulary. This way, you'll be able to increase your vocabulary significantly, easily, and quickly.
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