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Germany is Sweden's largest trading partner, but few students choose to learn this language at school. Only 18% of ninth grade students read German, which is half as much as 20 years ago. Higher up in the education chain, less language will read.
This concerns the German-Swedish Chamber of Commerce, when German knowledge is sought in business. Even if you do not speak German fluently, basic knowledge is still important for understanding the company culture, according to Malin Johansson, head of communications at the German-Swedish Chamber of Commerce.
– English works very well in the vast majority of cases, but not in everyone and this is noticeable when you enter the professional life. You have to start early by informing the children of the importance of the language.
"Being aware of this German corporate culture is often the biggest obstacle to doing business," she says.
A total of 109 schools chose to seek the help of the German-Swedish Chamber of Commerce, of which 80 were selected. That's about two million crowns this year and 4.5 million crowns will be awarded for a period of three years.
The money is used for study trips, exchanges with German schools, equipment, business visits and speakers. During the selection, they chose to give priority to schools that have long-term projects. At the same time, the German-Swedish Chamber of Commerce has set up a part-time service to help schools with contacts and information.
As students who chose German has declined, Spanish has increased and in 2017, 39% of the ninth grade Spanish read.
"I think it's because Germany is not perceived as equally attractive.You go on holiday in Spain with the sun and the bath.In Germany, you can only pass when you go to France or Italy, "explains Malin Johansson.
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