Delhi government schools to introduce German language

• Image Credit: Internet

• Apr 9, 2022 | Dhupali Das

The German language will be launched in 30 schools under the Directorate of Education, including Schools of Specialized Excellence, during the pilot phase (SoSEs).

Digital Desk: The Delhi Board of School Education (DBSE) signed an agreement with the Goethe Institute to provide German language classes to students in Delhi government schools.

"We are devoted to provide worldwide recognition to all of its students enrolled in Delhi government schools and to give their dreams wings. German is one of the first languages that students will learn as part of our programme to introduce a noteworthy global language in government schools," Manish Sisodia, Delhi's Deputy chief minister, said.

"Learning a global language entails procuring a skill and becoming acquainted with the culture of a specific country. In the future, this collaboration with Goethe Institut Max Mueller Bhavan will create many new jobs and academic opportunities for students from Delhi government schools, " Sisodia, who is also Delhi's Education Minister, said at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

German Ambassador to India Walter J. Lindner expressed gratitude to the government for providing students in state-run schools with the opportunity to learn global languages. "This linguistic partnering with the Delhi government will pave the way for future collaborations in culture, art, education, and other fields. Learning German will open doors to job opportunities in many EU countries, not just Germany, for Delhi government school students," Lindner said. 

Reportedly, the German language will be launched in 30 schools under the Directorate of Education, including Schools of Specialized Excellence, during the pilot phase (SoSEs). Students will be trained in communicative German language by faculty from the Goethe Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan as part of this partnership, which will help students strengthen their professional skills and explore a new culture.

"Along with students, Goethe Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan will also teach and assist teachers and resource persons teaching the German language in DoE schools, gradually enabling them to take over German language education independently, with Max Mueller Bhavan acting independently as an advisor," Education Director Himanshu Gupta said.

Last year, the German embassy reached out to the Ministry of Education to explore potential ways to boost German lessons in all Kendriya Vidyalayas, noting that the number of students studying the language in KVs has reduced significantly, resulting in the layoff of over 270 language teachers. The development follows the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan's decision two years ago only to teach German outside of the classroom.