When do German students start to learn a foreign language?

German students typically start learning a foreign language in primary school, usually around age 9 or 10, depending on the specific federal state and school curriculum.

Here's a breakdown:

* Primary School (Grundschule): Foreign language instruction usually begins in the 3rd or 4th grade, which is when students are around 9 or 10 years old.

* Secondary School (Gymnasium, Realschule, Hauptschule): Foreign languages are a core subject in all types of secondary schools.

* Choice of Language: While English is the most commonly taught foreign language, other popular choices include French, Spanish, Latin, and sometimes Russian.

Important Notes:

* State Variations: Specific age ranges and language choices may vary slightly depending on the federal state (Bundesland).

* Individual Schools: Some schools may offer foreign language classes earlier, particularly those with specialized programs.

* Early Start Programs: Some students may have the opportunity to learn a foreign language even before primary school, through private lessons or extracurricular activities.

Overall, Germany emphasizes the importance of foreign language learning from a young age, making it a common and integral part of their education system.