Fremdsprache

Fremdsprache is a term used in German-speaking contexts to designate any language that is not the speaker’s native language. In education and linguistics it refers to a language learned in addition to the first language (Muttersprache). It is often contrasted with a Zweitsprache, which is acquired and used within a community where that language functions as a primary means of communication, whereas a Fremdsprache is typically learned in school or through formal study.

In many German-speaking countries English is the first Fremdsprache taught in schools, followed by languages such as French, Spanish or Italian. The educational aim is to develop basic communicative competence across listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as intercultural awareness. Curricula and duration vary by region, but there is a general emphasis on regular practice and progression from elementary to more advanced levels.

Teaching approaches commonly used for Fremdsprache include communicative language teaching, task-based learning, and increasingly digital and blended options. Effective learning depends on exposure to authentic input, opportunities for interaction, and feedback on performance. Learner characteristics such as age, motivation, prior language experience, and opportunities for use influence outcomes.

In research and policy, Fremdsprache learning is studied within applied linguistics and second language acquisition, with attention to multilingualism, cognitive benefits, and social integration. The rise of online resources and mobile tools has broadened access, while discussions continue about optimal starting age, immersion experiences, and inclusive pedagogy for diverse learners.