Page 52 iStudy Guide 2019/20
P. 52
52
iStudy
2019/20
5 FIVE OF THE BEST CITIES
TO STUDY GERMAN
VIENNA
LUCERNE
More people speak German as their native language than any other language in Europe. With German being the
official language of Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, and, of course, Germany, there are plenty of
cities to choose from for an immersive language learning experience. Here, are our top five picks.
Austria’s capital is a melting pot of culture and
internationality, voted the world’s most liveable city 10
times – which must mean the language is easy to pick
up. Austrian German can differ greatly to what non-
native speakers would learn at school and from the
other dialects found across the country. The biggest
difference between Standard and Austrian German is
the pronunciation and vocabulary, which may result
in a couple of surprise orders at a restaurant. Brits will
be amazed to discover it is socially acceptable to stare
at strangers and not to apologise after barging into
someone, even if it was your fault.
Image credit: V_E / Shutterstock.com
This medieval city in central Switzerland is known
for its striking architecture, sitting on Lake Lucerne
(pictured, right) amid snow-capped mountains. Its
official language is the Swiss variety of Standard
German, but the main spoken language is the
local variant of the Swiss German dialect. Exposing
yourself to the various dialects of German speakers
in Switzerland is miraculous for fine-tuning your
ear, and will broaden your perspective on German-
speaking cultures. You’ll quickly learn how to order a
traditional cheese fondue or a saffron risotto. Many
German courses are available in Lucerne, along
with course options for Switzerland’s three other
official languages.
5
4
iStudy
2019/20
5 FIVE OF THE BEST CITIES
TO STUDY GERMAN
VIENNA
LUCERNE
More people speak German as their native language than any other language in Europe. With German being the
official language of Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, and, of course, Germany, there are plenty of
cities to choose from for an immersive language learning experience. Here, are our top five picks.
Austria’s capital is a melting pot of culture and
internationality, voted the world’s most liveable city 10
times – which must mean the language is easy to pick
up. Austrian German can differ greatly to what non-
native speakers would learn at school and from the
other dialects found across the country. The biggest
difference between Standard and Austrian German is
the pronunciation and vocabulary, which may result
in a couple of surprise orders at a restaurant. Brits will
be amazed to discover it is socially acceptable to stare
at strangers and not to apologise after barging into
someone, even if it was your fault.
Image credit: V_E / Shutterstock.com
This medieval city in central Switzerland is known
for its striking architecture, sitting on Lake Lucerne
(pictured, right) amid snow-capped mountains. Its
official language is the Swiss variety of Standard
German, but the main spoken language is the
local variant of the Swiss German dialect. Exposing
yourself to the various dialects of German speakers
in Switzerland is miraculous for fine-tuning your
ear, and will broaden your perspective on German-
speaking cultures. You’ll quickly learn how to order a
traditional cheese fondue or a saffron risotto. Many
German courses are available in Lucerne, along
with course options for Switzerland’s three other
official languages.
5
4
