<p>In eighth grade, I decided to take German over Spanish, due to the fact that German Club actually visited Germany, while Spanish did not make any international trips. I stayed in German all four years of high school, and I think I can speak it fairly fluently (had little trouble last summer conversing while in Germany). The problem is, I don't think it will help me at all in the real world. Now I really wish I had taken Spanish since I'm from a Spanish heritage and everyone in my family knows Spanish. Realistically, Spanish would definitely help me more once I'm done with school (hope to be a doctor). So basically, what I'm asking is.... should I stick with German in college or switch to Spanish? Would I have enough time to fluently learn Spanish or should I focus on really nailing down German? I'll be attending Notre Dame if that makes a difference.</p>
<p>German is very useful for technology, science, and academia. Are you planning on being a premed? I wouldn't start a new language while doing it- it's too much stress as intro language courses can be time consuming. Since you're familiar with Spanish, you would do better if you can take intensive Spanish courses over the summer as not to interfere with your science work.</p>
<p>If you're from a Spanish-speaking background, why not learn on your own time? That way you speak both German and Spanish, without having to worry about it in school. Either way, continue with your German in college. You can always learn Spanish outside of school. A friend of mine's mother is from Germany, and she says it's been easy for her to find a job because she speaks a language that most people in the working field do not, but plenty of people speak around here.</p>
<p>I'm a sophomore chem major and premed who took Latin in high school. I too am from a spanish background, and I started taking Spanish this year. I'm loving it and learning a ton! I say go for it!</p>
<p>German is useful if you want to get a PhD in a field that requires a reading knowledge of German. That's about it - and I am saying that as someone from Germany. Every educated person in the German-speaking part of Europe knows English: students start learning English in elementary school (usually between 2nd and 5th grade) and continue until high school graduation, and almost every university department teaches some of its courses in English because they think that college students should be able to have an academic conversation in English. Unless you want to settle down in Europe, Spanish will definitely help you a lot more than German!</p>
<p>I am not concerned about the workload that comes along with a first-year language in college. It is very manageable (just think about how many people start a new language in their first year!) and it would be even easier for you if you already knew a few things about the language. Students who start a new language often struggle distinguishing sounds in that language or grasping basic grammar rules. If you have had some exposure to the language already (given your Spanish background), you are way ahead of the game!</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! I think I will try Spanish. I've been considering taking an Intro Spanish class this summer at the local Comm. College, just to get a grasp on things, so hopefully that will help in the fall.</p>