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Foreign Language Courses | Foreign Language II: German

When you hear "Germany (German-speaking regions)," what comes to mind?

Many of you might answer beer, sausages, and potatoes. Many would also mention the automotive industry, with brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, and Porsche. The older generation might think of the music of Beethoven and Brahms, or the literature of Kafka and Hesse. Those interested in modern and contemporary history would probably think of the hyperinflation of the Weimar Republic, the rise of the Nazis, the Holocaust, and the defeat in the war. Furthermore, with growing environmental awareness in recent years, the expansion of solar and wind power and the phasing out of nuclear power would also come to mind. Their advanced environmental policies serve as a model for many countries.

In any case, for Japan since the Meiji era, the German-speaking world, particularly Germany and Austria, has always been a region to model itself after, alongside the UK, the US, and France, as a developed nation in fields such as medical sciences, engineering, law, political science, economics, philosophy, and literature. It is true that in the realms of academia and culture, their former brilliance seems to have faded since World War II. However, when one attempts to study a subject by tracing it back through its history, the research achievements of the German-speaking world are indispensable.

In terms of economy, Germany has the world's fourth-largest GDP, ranking just behind Japan, and it is widely known as the driving force of Europe. Furthermore, in the context of the refugee crisis from places like Syria, Germany's political decisions have a profound impact on the world. Considering this, it is essential not only for Japan's overall political economy but also for individual corporate activities that a certain number of those involved in Japanese politics, economy, and culture develop a solid understanding by taking an interest in and studying the societies and cultures of Germany and France—the core of Europe—and not just the UK, the US, China, and Russia.

In the Faculty of Economics, students are required to take three second foreign language classes per week in their first year and at least one class per week in their second year. However, since it is difficult to reach a high level of proficiency with just that, students who wish to further improve their skills can continue their studies in their third and fourth years (as well as in classes at the Research Center for Foreign Language Education). To better understand the society and culture of the German-speaking world, learning the language is the most fundamental step. This is because the way a language is structured and used most accurately reflects the ways of thinking and perspectives of its speakers.

For students of the Faculty of Economics, who will become the next generation of leaders in Japan and the world, learning German will not only enrich their personal lives with this rich cultural asset but will also be of great use in steering Japan's political economy. This is the reason for our "encouragement" to learn German.

(Professor Kazumi Sakai)