More than just learning vocabulary - language courses become an experience

Learning foreign languages is more popular in Saxony than it has been for a long time. Hundreds of courses are being offered at adult education centers (vhs) in Leipzig, Dresden and Chemnitz this year, according to a survey by the German Press Agency. "We are heading for a record year. You could also say that learning other languages is more popular than ever at the vhs," said a spokesperson for vhs Leipzig. Teachers are increasingly moving lessons to unusual locations.

In the state capital of Dresden, courses are sometimes held outside. English is learned in the countryside, the Japanese language is introduced as part of the cherry blossom festival, Midsummer is celebrated together in Swedish, there are Polish wine-reading evenings or French courses with the songs of Édith Piaf and a good sip of Sauvignon Blanc for connoisseurs.

Language opens hearts and helps combat loneliness

"It's mainly the prospect of socializing on vacation that attracts people to the courses," said Jana Möbius, head of the language department at vhs Dresden. Beforehand, learners can practise ordering their food in the respective language in restaurants around the corner. "Using the language in the respective country opens the hearts of the locals. You get into conversation more quickly," explained Möbius.

In addition, the social aspect of learning a foreign language is important. The language makes it easier to meet and understand people. It is also a positive development that more and more older people are attending foreign language courses. "This also helps to combat loneliness in old age."

La Dolce Vita: Italian music supports learning

In Leipzig, participants can learn the language by singing Italian hits together with guitar accompaniment. English courses are offered for knitting, comic drawing or board games.

In addition to the perennial favorite English, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, French and Arabic are particularly popular in the trade fair city. The age structure generally corresponds to Leipzig's population. A noticeable number of teenagers and young adults are registering for Japanese and Korean. In English, more and more courses are being attended by senior citizens.

Learning unusual languages in Chemnitz

Courses in 29 languages are being offered in Chemnitz in the current semester. These include very rarely taught languages such as Welsh, Greenlandic and Northern Sami, according to the vhs.

Course groups also frequently incorporate the changing exhibitions in the vhs gallery into their lessons. The exhibition "My favorite Finnish word", developed by the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre itself, was particularly popular, as a spokeswoman emphasized. The State Museum of Archaeology is also involved. The learners meet in their own vhs cooking studio to cook and eat together in the respective foreign language.

Japanese and Korean are particularly popular with younger people in all three cities. This is due to the ever-growing fascination with anime films, manga comics and K-pop, said Möbius. "But it's also a longing for the exotic. People like to dream themselves far away."

Polish and Czech are in demand among men in Dresden. According to the information, this is also due to the respective partners, who come from neighboring countries. "Of course, men also want to know the language better," said Möbius.