Why Learn German? Benefits of a Bilingual Education
Benefits of a Bilingual Education
GSB strives to empower every student to reach their fullest potential as citizens of the world, and being bilingual is an important part of realizing this vision.
Enhanced Cognitive Skills
Bilingual students exhibit improved cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving and critical thinking. They develop a deeper understanding of language structure and are more adept at learning additional languages.
Cultural Competence
Bilingual education fosters cultural awareness and empathy, as students gain exposure to different perspectives and traditions. This prepares them to navigate a globalized world with more ease and open-mindedness.
Career Opportunities
Bilingualism is a valuable skill in the job market, opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities. GSB’s German-English program offers thorough preparation for universities in both
North America and in Europe, especially Germany, Austria and Switzerland!
Why Learn German?
There are many reasons to learn German!
- Learning German fosters analytical thinking. German is the language of poets and philosophers.
- Learning German gives you access to Europe via three countries: Germany, Switzerland and Austria!
- Germany has some of the best universities in the world and studying in Germany is free!
- Germany, Switzerland and Austria all have strong job markets.
- Germany is the 3rd strongest economy in the world. All three countries provide a high standard of living. (Skiing anyone?)
Entering the bilingual learning path: No German? No problem!
What is the process. ELL, GLL?
Our immersive program supports students to become fluent in German and English, even if students are learning one of these languages for the first time. Our teachers work with the “German Language Learners” and “English Language Learners” by joining their classes to support and/or offer targeted lessons in small groups.
Common questions regarding a German-English Bilingual education answered
Q: I am interested in German for my child, but we don't speak German at home. Is GSB still an option?
A: In short, yes!
Q: How can I ensure my child learns German fluently?
A: The earlier your child starts to learn German, the easier it will be. In GSB's Preschool and Kindergarten, children learn through play. Our immersive language environment and experienced native-speaking teachers provide daily opportunities for natural language acquisition. Consistent exposure and practice help build fluency and confidence in speaking German.
Q: How do you ensure that the English language instruction is still at a high level? If my child is learning both languages, won’t one of them be stronger?
A: We employ experienced teachers who follow a comprehensive reading and writing curriculum aligned with New York’s educational standards, ensuring that students receive a robust English education alongside their German studies.
While it's natural for students to have varying strengths in different languages, our balanced approach and small class size ensure that students can thrive in both English and German. Our graduates who have gone on to competitive NYC high schools tell us that they’ve been more than equipped for their English language subjects!
Q: What types of assessment do you use to assess language development?
A: Teachers use assessments integrated within our curriculum to monitor and demonstrate students' language progress in both German and English.
In 8th grade, our students take the Deutsches Sprachdiplom I (DSD I) exam, which assesses their level of German fluency in reading, writing, speaking and listening. This exam provides a formal certification of their language proficiency, demonstrating their ability to communicate effectively in German.
Q: Will my child feel comfortable at GSB?
Although our focus is on German and English, our program fosters a multicultural environment where all students feel welcome and valued. We celebrate diversity, ensuring that every student feels seen and included. In fact, collectively, our families speak over 21 different languages!