Learn German in Munich
The capital of Bavaria, Munich is an ideal city for learning German in complete immersion. Stereotype or reality, in either case there is no city that embodies the German culture as well as Munich. But if a typical environment awaits you in Munich, you will also be surprised by the cultural richness and modernity underlying this metropolis.
Economic vitality, a high quality of life, a major international airport and flourishing tourism: everything required for making your stay as pleasant as possible. A tour of the city, a few beers in a Biergarten and you will have already made new friends. And German grammar, which seemed so impenetrable, will reveal its mysteries without effort…
Munich is located on the elevated plains of Upper Bavaria in the northern part of the Alps. Its name is from an Old German word which means “monks”. That is why the figure on Munich’s crest is a monk which refers to The Child of Munich. Munich has a continental climate strongly modified by the closeness of the Alps. The city’s proximity to the northern edge of the Alps and its altitude denote that precipitation is quite high. Summer lasts from May until September, while winter lasts from December to March.
Munich was founded in the earlier part of the twelfth century when the Duke of Saxony and Bavaria built a bridge over the river Isar next to a settlement of Benedictine monks. Almost a score later, Munich was granted city status and was developed. In the following centuries, Munich went through many changes in architecture, way of life and governance brought because of the Gothic revival, Counter Reformation, the Renaissance, and some wars. Since the end of the Second World War, Munich has recovered and now its residents enjoy a high quality of life and a flourishing economy. Compared to other German cities, the crime rate in Munich is very low and its employment rate is quite high.
Munich has sights and events recognizable more or less worldwide. The most famous building in Munich’s city centre is the Frauenkirche or the Cathedral of Our Lady which also serves as the cathedral for the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising. Munich also has other grand churches done in Gothic, Rococo, Renaissance and Baroque styles. One of the largest and oldest science museums in the world, the Deutsches Museum, is in Munich. The Deutsches Museum shows an expanded state collection of geology, mineralogy, palaeontology, zoology, anthropology and botany. Munich is also a major European cultural centre and the realm of many prominent composers, writers, and artists. Among them were Wolfang Amadeus Mozart, Richard Wagner, Thomas Mann, Rainer Maria Rilke, Bertolt Brecht, Paul Klee, Franz Marc and Wassily Kandinsky.
Munich is a green city with various parks. Close to the city center is the English Garden which is one of the world’s largest urban parks and it stretches from the city center to the northern city border. The former royal Hirschgarten was founded in the eighteenth century and is known for the largest beer garden in the city and for the deer which still live there. Munich’s zoo, Tierpark Hellabrunn, is in the southern part of the city.
The Olympic Park which was the site of the 1972 Summer Olympics is a landscaped park with lakes, bicycle paths, sports facilities, concert areas, its landmark tent-style roofs and a football stadium. The BMW headquarters and its museum are also located in this area.
The Allianz Arena which was constructed in just three years is a three-tiered football arena with the biggest membrane shell in the world of inflated foil panels for its roof and façade. The most amazing aspect of this revolutionary construction is its lighting effects. The façade of the arena lights up in a red and white, or white and blue pattern depending on which of the two Munich Bundesliga teams is playing in the arena. It was the site for the opening ceremony of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Munich is the birthplace of the sixteen-day festival, the Oktoberfest. It is the world’s largest fair and one of the most famous events in the city. About six million people attend this event annually and it is a very important part of the German culture. You do not know how to ask for a beer in German? Grab the chance to come and study German in Munich. There is no better place to learn the German language and its wonderful culture than here.
Over the years Munich has developed into a modern metropolis while maintaining its traditions. Experience both the old and the new in this diverse city. Visit Munich now and feel the warmth conveyed by its town motto: Munich loves you!
