German in the UK

Keith Brown, Minister for Schools and Skills, was the keynote speaker at the high-level language conference for different stakeholders to discuss the state of language learning in Scotland. This conference takes into account the outcomes of the Think German Conference in London.

Consulate General in Edinburgh and Goethe-Institut Glasgow supported by German Academic Exchange Service and UK-German Connection organised a high-level language conference for different stakeholders to discuss the state of language learning in the country, identify critical junctions and, most importantly, strategic trigger points for improvement; to showcase and celebrate examples of good practice and to provide a platform for networking, as a basis for discussion of positive and innovative ways forward; to discuss the state of German language skills and to showcase the economic and cultural benefits of learning German in a globalised world.

In the context of the growing awareness of the importance of foreign language learning in the UK over 150 participants from British industry (e.g. Siemens), the UK government (Department for Education), UK Higher Education (AHRC, UCML, LLAS, and universities), the UK schools sector (CILT, ALL, QCDA, ISMLA), the British Council and the European Commission came together for a conference.