Why is English the Second Language in Groningen, Given Its Proximity to Germany?

Wouldn't it make more sense to learn the language of the big neighbor, like German or French? This question often arises, especially considering the geographical and economic proximity of the Netherlands to Germany, where cities like Bremen, Hamburg, and Aachen are just a stone's throw away. However, the reality on the ground is quite different, as we'll explore in this article.

A 40-Year Transformation in Language Education

Forty years ago, the language landscape in the Netherlands was different. Every Dutch teenager received lessons in French, German, and English. But the 1980s marked a significant shift when right-wing neoliberal governments introduced English in elementary schools and changed the curriculum to prioritize either French or German for five years, with English becoming a mandatory subject for the remaining years of secondary school (6-8 years).

Why Choose English?

Given the importance of Germany as a trading partner, with half of the Dutch exports and imports coming from and going to Germany respectively, one might expect a strong push for German language education. However, the reality is more complex. The strong presence of German nationality in the Netherlands (being the biggest foreign nationality) and the ease of communication in German-speaking cities like Bremen and Aachen often bypass the choice of German for many Dutch students.

Language Dynamics in Aachen and Groningen

The situation in neighboring cities like Aachen and Groningen is quite revealing. In Aachen, the local dialect is so similar to Dutch that it's almost impossible to tell the difference. Local workers use Dutch in factories where they work, but switch to German when communicating with managers from other parts of Germany or when dealing with higher-level business. Similarly, in Groningen, speaking English has become the standard for international communication, far beyond what might be expected based on geographic proximity.

English in Everyday Life

Language is not just about formal education. In the real world, knowing English is crucial. Even if French is taught in schools, proficiency in English is what most people consider essential for navigating everyday life, whether it's business or social interactions. As one Dutch individual humorously puts it, 'Je parle couramment fran?ais mais ce nu2019est pas le cas de tout le monde,' meaning most people find English easier to use.

National Curriculum and Language Choices

The national curriculum plays a crucial role in determining which language education will be prioritized. While subjects are flexible to some extent, the topics within each language are fixed. Thus, English becomes a mandatory subject from an early age, just as French starts in the first year of high school and German in the second. This structure encourages a widespread adoption of English as a second language.

Recognizing the benefits of being multilingual, learning German or French would still be useful for specific travel purposes or local business. However, in a globalized world where everyone uses English as a second language, the practicality of speaking English often outweighs the advantages of learning a second European language, even in contexts where a neighboring language might seem more advantageous.

Therefore, while the proximity to Germany and France makes these languages highly relevant, the current curriculum and practical necessities have made English the de facto second language in the Netherlands, including in cities like Groningen where the German influence might be expected to be stronger.