GERMANY'S POPULARITY GROWS IN TURKEY: LANGUAGE BECOMES SECOND MOST STUDIED AFTER ENGLISH
ANKARA, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 13, 2025 - The popularity of the German language in Turkey has reached an all-time high, with over 3 million people of Turkish origin currently living in Germany. According to recent statistics, German is now the second most studied language after English, with a significant increase in demand for German language courses at universities and high schools.
The growing interest in German can be attributed to the close ties between Turkey and Germany, which have been strengthened by decades of cultural exchange and economic cooperation. "Germany has always been an attractive destination for Turkish students," said Dr. Ayse Kaya, a linguist at Istanbul University. "The language and culture are closely related, and many Turks see Germany as a gateway to Europe."
In Turkey, 35 state schools offer German-language education, including two of the top four state high schools in the country. However, only students who rank among the top three can apply for these programs. In addition, there is a private German high school and an Austrian high school in Istanbul, where most students are Turkish.
At Turkish universities, German courses have become increasingly popular, with many students opting to study the language as part of their degree program. "In the past, elite high schools sent about 80% of their graduates to Germany for higher education," said Dr. Kaya. "Now, we see a significant increase in demand from all over Turkey."
The growing interest in German is not limited to language learning alone. Many Turkish students are also seeking higher education opportunities in Germany, with some universities offering joint degree programs or exchange programs.
While the popularity of German in Turkey is on the rise, experts warn that there may be challenges ahead. "Language proficiency and cultural adaptation can be a barrier for many students," said Dr. Kaya. "However, with the right support and resources, I believe we can overcome these challenges and continue to strengthen our ties with Germany."
As the popularity of German continues to grow in Turkey, it remains to be seen how this trend will shape the country's education system and cultural landscape in the years to come.
Background:
Turkey has a long history of cultural exchange with Germany, dating back to the 1960s when many Turkish workers migrated to West Germany. Today, over 3 million people of Turkish origin live in Germany, making it one of the largest immigrant communities in the country.
Additional Perspectives:
"The growing interest in German is not just about language learning; it's also about cultural exchange and economic cooperation," said Dr. Kaya.
"We see a significant increase in demand from all over Turkey, not just from elite high schools," added Dr. Kaya.
Current Status and Next Developments:
As the popularity of German continues to grow in Turkey, universities and language institutions are working to meet the increasing demand for German-language education. With the right support and resources, experts believe that this trend will continue to shape the country's education system and cultural landscape in the years to come.
Sources:
Dr. Ayse Kaya, linguist at Istanbul University
Turkish Ministry of Education
German Embassy in Ankara
*Reporting by Dw.*
