Worthwhile learning German as a Signaller in the British Army?
November 29th, 2009 | by admin |Hi,
I’ve been planning on learning german for a while, mainly for self interest more than anything else. I’m due to start basic training soon in the British Army as a Signaler (not officer), so I’m wondering how beneficial knowing German would actually be in this role. More specifically, I’m joining as a Systems Engineer and don’t plan on delving too deep in to the new study until I’ve passed all the training first (fingers crossed).
Cheers
Matt
Speaking a foreign language is always a good idea and learning German is easier then many because it is the root base of English but at the same time widely spoken. The reason for the widely spoken is much of the early space programs were using German engineers after WW2 so much of the newer scientific work uses German instead of Lation based words. I would think while it might be a direct help to you it wouldassist you in other areas and possibly make things easier either in or out of the service.
8 Responses to “Worthwhile learning German as a Signaller in the British Army?”
By Allison L on Nov 29, 2009 | Reply
I’m not in the forces, but language skills and indeed any ’specialist’ skills are highly sought after and could even help with career advancement. If you’re about to start BT then ask someone in recruitment how helpful it might be…
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By arron p on Nov 29, 2009 | Reply
I wouldn’t worry about it no and wait until you have passed your Basic Infantry Training. You wont have time during your training to learn another language. But once you’ve finished you can learn in your spare time and the army will help you do this, you can also go on course’s to learn other language’s, Gujarati and Bengali are pretty popular as as other Language’s using in the middle east. It would also help if you get based in Germany.
Good Luck and see you out there Soldier!
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I’m a British Army Recruit.
By Carroll Patriot on Nov 29, 2009 | Reply
I think you’ll get some rewards out of learning german. and plus if ur in england and u get a break off work you can fly (or drive i guess) to germany and stay on vaca. It’s such a cool country.
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By allen555 on Nov 29, 2009 | Reply
Good luck with the career, excellent choice. In the Army a second language is a very good asset to possess. If you are a fluent German speaker it would be a big help in signalling as you can translate at NATO level. Also it would help you get a plum posting at NATO HQ possibly.
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Retired plod ex RE
By GunnyC on Nov 29, 2009 | Reply
Speaking a foreign language is always a good idea and learning German is easier then many because it is the root base of English but at the same time widely spoken. The reason for the widely spoken is much of the early space programs were using German engineers after WW2 so much of the newer scientific work uses German instead of Lation based words. I would think while it might be a direct help to you it wouldassist you in other areas and possibly make things easier either in or out of the service.
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By Thomas H on Nov 29, 2009 | Reply
Do like i did learn just enough to order the beer
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CHEERS. OR PROST
By Motorhead Fan on Nov 29, 2009 | Reply
Yes it is, you’ll get posted out to Germany at some point in your military career (usually within the first 4 years). It’s well worth learning German, as you will come into contact with the locals, and you’ll probably want to order a few beers when you get stationed out there!
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Serving British soldier
By Scouse on Nov 29, 2009 | Reply
It is always worth while learning a foreign language because
niether you or the army know when it will become useful. I have been told thathe MOD language courses are very good but the forces have not had the misfortune of my presence so I do not know if they are officer only courses or not
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