foreign language
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foreign language
A language that is not a person's native language and is learned.
Englisch ist für viele Deutsche die erste Fremdsprache, die sie in der Schule lernen.
For many Germans, English is the first foreign language they learn at school.
The word is a clear compound made up of 'fremd' (foreign/strange) and 'Sprache' (language). So it literally refers to a language that is foreign to you or that is not your own native language.
Für mich ist Japanisch eine sehr faszinierende Fremdsprache.
For me, Japanese is a very fascinating foreign language.
'Fremdsprache' (foreign language) is very often combined with verbs of learning and ability. Common phrases include 'eine Fremdsprache lernen' (to learn a foreign language), 'sprechen' (to speak), 'verstehen' (to understand), or 'beherrschen' (to master).
Es ist nicht leicht, eine neue Fremdsprache fließend zu beherrschen.
It is not easy to master a new foreign language fluently.
'Fremdsprache' (foreign language) is often the first part of longer words related to the topic. Examples are 'der Fremdsprachenunterricht' (foreign language lessons/classes), 'die Fremdsprachenkenntnisse' (foreign language skills), or 'der Fremdsprachenlehrer' (foreign language teacher).
Gute Fremdsprachenkenntnisse sind im Beruf ein großer Vorteil.
Good foreign language skills are a major advantage at work.
native language
'Muttersprache' and 'Fremdsprache' both describe a person's relationship to a language. A 'Muttersprache' is the first language someone grows up with as a child. A 'Fremdsprache' is learned later and is not one's own native language. Learners may confuse the words because both often come up in language learning. The important thing is the perspective: for one person, German can be their native language; for another, it can be a foreign language.
Für die Bewerbung lernt du eine Fremdsprache besonders gründlich.
For the application, you study a foreign language especially thoroughly.
Der Gast hat erzählt, dass Arabisch seine Muttersprache ist.
The guest said that Arabic is his native language.