Which language would benefit me most?

Question

Spanish or German? I live in the USA and my family is full American so I won't use it in my house, but I want to learn a new language. I live sort-of in the middle of the USA so I don't encounter many spanish speaking Mexicans like everyone complains about, So I am wondering which will benefit me most.

I forgot to mention I live about 5 minutes from the only BMW plant in USA, which brings a ton of Germans.

I refuse to learn Chinese.

Answer 1

If you live in the middle of the US, then you also live in a part of the country where there are many former German-speaking communities with older people who still might speak German. This was true when I lived in Kansas. You have also identified a clear opportunity to interact with German speakers at the BMW plant and a potential future employer. German sounds like a good language for you to learn in those circumstances. It's also more useful in Europe as a whole instead of Spanish. Here in Ukraine I encounter 100 times more people who speak German as a second language than people who speak Spanish as a second language. (BMW is also a more popular car here than Mercedes, although it is second to Chevrolet.)

LATER EDIT: I realize I'm the only vote for German here. Without your qualifying information, I probably would have said "Spanish", too. But before just being a knee-jerk "Spanish" like the others, I actually spent a few moments looking at your situation. That's what is always the most important factor in deciding on a language--your personal situation and your personal goals and desires. If you want to work in the Southwestern US, or in South America, of course Spanish is more important. If you want to work in Europe, then German is more important. If you want to work in East Asia, then Chinese or Japanese are more important. It just all depends on where you want to go in your life. And whoever said that Spanish speakers will outnumber English speakers in the future U.S. is smoking something seriously illegal.

Answer 2

Spanish. I'm guessing the Americans do more trade with Spanish people than German so you might be able to find more work. It looks good on your resume if you can speak another language of a country that has close relations to your country. I didnt know USA only had one BMW factory.

What do you mean 'bring in a ton of germans.'? do u mean people or the cars. just remember, you might not live in that part of the USA for long, so don't just rely on that factory to choose German. They [factory] might relocate but if a lot of German people are coming into the country, then it may benefit you to speak German. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Spanish. It is the fourth most widely spoken language in the world, and german is the 12th.

It is spoken in:
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Guatemala
Honduras
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Spain
Uruguay
Venezuela
Other countries where Spanish is important:
Andorra
Belize
Philippines
United States

It is also the easiest language I've learned so far.

You need to watch how you say things, dear. In 2050, Hispanics will be the majority of the US population. What would you think if I said, "I live sort-of in the middle of the USA so I don't encounter many ebonic speaking Blacks like everyone complains about."???? complains about? who is everyone, and why are you listenting to such ignorant people? when you go to france, do you speak french or do you hunt to city for english speakers?

Answer 4

Spanish is a more common language in the world, though knowing either could make you a more marketable person for a job, fend off Alzheimers, and make you more interesting in general. If you're still a student, knowing the roots of languages can help you on SAT and ACT exams.

Plus- it's fun to travel when you speak the language!

Answer 5

I personally love Japanese (which is not similar to Chinese at all,) but my second option out of your two would be Spanish because its so widely spoken

Answer 6

Any one might do for a job with the government.
Been to the Social Security office lately?
Not many caucasians there.
Umpteen different languages. Wow!

Answer 7

Chinese.
If not that, Spanish.

Answer 8

Spanish would benefit you more in america

Answer 9

Chinese since they are the next economic superpower.

Answer 10

spanish. when you get a job you will understand.