1. Reasons to take German at Martin High School…

2. Did you know…. German has 16 states – its capital is Berlin!
4 European Countries’ official language is German: Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
At least 9 surrounding countries have German as their 2nd language.
Further Eastern European and Scandinavian countries promote German as a major language
Likewise regions in North America, Kazakhstan, Namibia and Southwest Africa, Argentina and Paraguay

3. Did you know….
24% of Europe speaks German as their native language (official language of the EU).
31% of Europe speaks it as their 2nd language.
It is the 3rd most popular country in the world for studying abroad.
German is the 2nd most frequent language on the internet.
Has the world’s most websites per capita.
It is the 3rd most studied language in the world!!

4. Did you know….
25% of tourists to the U.S. come from German speaking countries.
1100 German companies do business in the U.S.
750 American companies do business in Germany (and need German speakers).
German speaking countries are among the most popular destinations for American travelers.

5. Did you know…. Germany is the world’s biggest exporter.
Germany is the most important trading partner of the United States.
Germany plays a central role in the EU and is a key player in Europe and Global trade.

6. Did you know….
Germany is one of the top five nations in global patenting.
Germany is the largest Chemical market player in the EU.
Germany is the world leader in both wind/solar power production and biotech firms.
Germany is the largest telecommunications market in Europe, and 3rd worldwide.
Germany is 2nd in the world in automobile production (at the forefront of auto design).
Germany is one of the top five sources of foreign direct investment in the U.S.

7. Did you know…. Germany ranks 3rd in the world in book production.
Germany hosts the world’s largest pop music festival.
Germany is one of the 3 largest music markets in the world.
Germany is 2nd in the world in feature full-length film supply and distribution and 3rd in film production.
Germany hosts one of the world’s most important film festival in Berlin.

8. Did you know….
German is the recommended language for Bachelors Degrees & Masters Degrees in:
Biology
Chemistry
Engineering
Fine Arts (esp. Music)
History
Business & International relations
Literature
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Computer Science

9. Did you know….
German is recommended if you hope to work for: (and you would be considered a top candidate in interviews)…
Adidas - Ford
BASF - BMW
Bayer - Mercedes
BMG Music - General Electric
Lufthansa - Exxon
SAP - Goodyear
Siemens - Hewlett-Packard
T-Mobile - Motorola
Volkswagen

10. So now you know…. And don’t believe the stereotype…
German is a very legitimate choice of language study – EVEN IN TEXAS
And don’t believe the stereotype…
English is a “Germanic Language”…
We have more in common with German than we do with any other “foreign language”…
Be unique “und lern Deutsch!”