From gaining an insight into German culture and increasing employment opportunities, to reading the great Romantic writers in the original language and visiting hip cities like Berlin, there are plenty of reasons why you should study German.

When Arthur Ciantar was 42, he decided that he was finally going to do something about his passion for German.

An engineer by profession, Ciantar had long wanted to study the language but had no knowledge of it except for a limited vocabulary of basic words. Now, a few years later, not only has he reached a near native proficiency in German but he is also president of the German-Maltese Circle, the centre where his passion for German first turned into reality.

“Learning the language and gaining an insight into the German culture was an enjoyable experience for me,” he says. “Eventually I came to see it as a part of my life. Learning German at our centre is a lifelong and life-changing experience.”

As the main centre for learning the German language and culture for all age groups, the German-Maltese Circle is the only centre in Malta to offer Goethe examinations, from beginner to near-native C2 level equivalent to post-graduate MQF level seven. Apart from its library facilities, the Circle also offers a full cultural and social calendar, allowing students to meet others wanting to learn the language and enjoy the learning experience.

Reasons for learning German vary. Not only is Germany the biggest exporting nation in Europe, but it’s also Malta’s largest trading partner. While in the past, employment opportunities were focused mainly around tourism, these have now expanded to other fields, particularly in the sciences, technological and pharmaceutical sectors. Moreover, in many parts of eastern Europe, German is the language of business.

Arthur Ciantar and Claire Scicluna evaluating Goethe Institut examination results. Photo: Alison Ciantar

A language incorporates its own worldview and German culture can only be truly accessed through the language. And for those who are not seduced by the benefits of being able to read some of the German greats – from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe to Thomas Mann and Friedrich Schiller – in the original, the prospect of visiting Berlin, which is one of the hippest cities in Europe, is certainly attractive.

However, certain barriers still exist. The German language is frequently misjudged as being harsh or difficult to learn – this means that students might still give up early in their learning process.

“Understanding the language is liberating and it helps you gain different insights and perspectives,” Ciantar says.

German language courses at all levels from A1 to C2 referenced by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) to MQF levels one to seven, are delivered at the centre. Classrooms are well equipped with all facilities that are to be expected in an institution of this level. Regular audits by the Goethe Institut also ensure that teachers, examiners and facilities maintain high standards.

While it is true that, at 60 per cent, the pass mark for Goethe examinations is higher than the usual 50 per cent, results have been very encouraging.

“We have a very good pass rate, especially for children,” says Claire Scicluna, one of the teachers at the centre. “At the moment we are very pleased as we have reached the highest ever number of students who sat for their exams and the highest pass rate ever.”

Goethe Institute certificates are internationally recognised as certificates of competence at the respective levels in the German language. This does away with any requirements to undertake further equivalency tests.

It’s never too late to learn a language. The oldest student at the Circle is 76 years old, while the youngest are schoolchildren. The centre offers a range of courses for the right age. The German for Fun course, for instance, doesn’t use books – rather, it focuses on playing games. Other courses are specific to corporate students, from individuals to groups. Lessons are conducted in German and all adult weekly courses are based on weekly three-hour sessions.

Despite the range of courses, Ciantar is keen to dispel the notion that going to classes alone is sufficient.

“You have to work hard and expose yourself to the lan-guage through television, films and literature. Moreover, you need motivation.”

Scicluna agrees. With a Masters degree in German, Scicluna is the officer in charge of courses and is responsible for the coordination of the technical content of the courses and respective examinations. She is also one of the teachers at the centre – at one time, she also used to teach Ciantar.

Founded in 1962 with the aim of promoting a closer understanding between Germany and Malta in all appropriate fields of activity and relationship excluding political activities, the German-Maltese Circle started off modestly and has since grown into a respected academic and cultural establishment.

Situated in the splendid 400-year old Messina Palace in St Christopher Street, Valletta, the ambience is welcoming despite its grandeur, also thanks to its popular courtyard coffee shop.

Apart from its language courses, the Circle takes pride in its varied social and cultural calendar.

The most promising students for each year receive scholarship courses to Germany. The Circle also offers translation services by certified translators from Maltese and English to German and vice versa. Moreover, the centre is a gateway to Germany.

“If students are interested in the German language or culture, they can speak to us and we’ll help them find the right opportunities,” Ciantar says.

Membership is extremely affordable and offers access to the library, which is well stocked with books and DVDs, as well as to various cultural and social activities. Art exhibitions are held regularly at the premises while film evenings showing German films with English subtitles are held monthly. The calendar includes the Classical Evenings group, a German Film Festival – also for schoolchildren – in November, social evenings, concerts and recitals as well as other events held in collaboration with the German Embassy. The Circle also publishes a magazine which is distributed in primary schools and to students of German in secondary schools, as part of the centre’s German language awareness programme.

“We are an enthusiastic team and wish to share our enthusiasm with others,” Ciantar says. “Choosing to learn German, or attend the cultural activities organised by the German-Maltese Circle, will open new perspectives on this major central European culture. I encourage everyone to visit our website and Facebook page and also to call at Messina Palace for further information on our courses and activities.”

The German-Maltese Circle is at Messina Palace, 141, St Christopher Street, Valletta.

For more information call on 2124 6967, e-mail gmc@germanmaltesecircle.org and visit www.germanmaltesecircle.org and www.facebook.com/GMCValletta.