New Push for German as a Foreign Language in the U.S.: "Netzwerk Sprachvergnügen" - a new network to promote German

Enlarge image Sprechen Sie Deutsch? ("Do you speak German?") (© Colourbox) German and American institutions in the field of German language instruction have joined forces in the new network "Netzwerk Sprachvergnügen." This new push for German as a foreign language in the U.S. will enhance and deepen the dialogue on how to provide new impetus for the promotion of the German language in the United States. "Together can we rise to the task of promoting the German language in the US" as a Declaration on the Promotion of German as a Foreign Language in the US, published on September 29, 2010, states.

Prior to creation of the new network, the participating institutions compiled an analysis on the state of the German language in the United States in an attempt to answer the question: "Is German as a foreign language experiencing a crisis in the US?" While Americans of German heritage represent by far the largest single heritage group in the United States, this still does not make the US a country of German learners. This was one of the findings of the report initiated by the Embassy. Particularly at the university level, sinking matriculation numbers provide evidence of waning interest in German courses. But there is also positive news. At US high schools, demand for German language courses has continuously grown over the past 50 years. However, this has not led to a rise in learning opportunities. On the contrary, a significant reduction in courses has been identified in primary and secondary schools.

Enlarge image Demand for German language courses has grown at U.S. high schools. (© Colourbox) The new Netzwerk Sprachvergnügen wants to close the gap between rising demand, particularly at schools, and a falling supply of learning opportunities. Existing German programs at schools should receive support and cooperation between German and American institutions should be strengthened. The new Netzwerk Sprachvergnügen stands ready to assist the entire German-as-a-foreign-language team in the US.

The German Government makes funding available annually to support the promotion of German as a foreign language in the US.  Members of the Netzwerk Sprachvergnügen who would like to conduct projects to promote the German language are now also able to apply for support. Funding is available for projects that directly or indirectly help spread or maintain German as a foreign language and achieve as wide a reach as possible.  This includes, for example, projects to create new learning opportunities or to secure the preservation of existing programs, as well as projects offering continuing education and advance training to educators or scholarship programs and certain programs for study in Germany.

Project proposals may be submitted through the German Embassy in Washington.  Please use the relevant application form and follow the instructions for applicants. (You can download the forms and instructions using the links in the box to your right.)