Learning German in Ghana
Knowing some German will make your daily life a lot easier. Just consider the following situations: choosing products in a supermarket, asking for directions, meeting fellow students to do sports. Speaking some German will help you get settled in the new environment and building your social life.
German is not only spoken in Germany, but also in Austria and Switzerland. In fact, among Europeans the approximately 100 million native speakers of German outnumber those of English, French, Italian or Spanish.
In business, diplomacy and tourism, German stands second only to English in Western Europe, in Eastern Europe it holds first place.
Germany is a major trading partner for Ghana, ranking fourth among foreign trading partners. More than 90 German companies are present in Ghana, frequently seeking staff with German language skills. The same is true for German development organisations.
After completion of a degree course in Germany you will be allowed to stay on for another year to look for qualified employment. A good command of the German language will greatly enhance your chances of finding a suitable position.
Goethe-Institut Ghana:
- The Goethe-Institut Ghana in Accra, located next to NAFTI in East Cantonments, offers a variety of language courses starting at beginner’s level. In these language courses you will learn the standard German spoken in Germany today. You can set your own pace and decide whether to take an intensive class or to spread your learning over a longer period. You can also prepare to take one of the Goethe-Institut examinations, which are recognized worldwide. In addition, the Goethe-Institut is licensed as a TestDaF Center. The TestDaF examination is accepted by German universities as a proof of sufficient knowledge of German to take a German degree programme. For further information please contact the head of the Goethe-Institute´s language department at: languageaccra.goethe.org or by phone: 0302-77 67 64. For further Information visit the website of the Goethe-Institut Ghana.
Ghana Institute of Languages (GIL):
- The Ghana Institute of Languages in Accra (at the University of Ghana´s city campus, off Barnes Road, Workers College, Adabraka) offers German language courses from beginners´ to intermediate level, leading to a Diploma in German. The institute also runs specialised courses for trainee translators. For more information please contact registrargil.edu.gh or call 0302-221052/221092. For information on the availability of German classes at the Kumasi and Tamale branch of the GIL please contact the branch offices (Kumasi: 03220-28744; Tamale: 03720-24174).
University of Education Winneba:
- Another opportunity for learning German is provided at the Faculty of Languages Education at the University of Education, Winneba. You may contact them through:
Anett Geithner (DAAD Lecturer) – University of Education, Winneba
E-Mail: anett.geithner@daad-lektorat.de
There are also distant/online learning opportunities available.
Find further information on learning German online click on this link.
Further help on learning German
Comprehensive information on all issues related to learning German can also be found HERE. These pages will provide all the answers to your questions on how best to learn German. You will find information on aspects like language schools, online learning methods and materials. For detailed information on language requirements set by German universities and a compilation of all recognised German language tests and certificates, please follow this LINK (Information in German only).
