In Germany, where German is the dominant language, English is taught as a foreign language, making EFL (English as a Foreign Language) the most appropriate term. ESL (English as a Second Language) is more suited for countries where English is the primary language spoken.
![]() |
Learn why EFL (English as a Foreign Language) is more suitable than ESL for language instruction in Germany's TESOL sector. | tesolschool.com |
Germany is home to a diverse population, with a significant number of expatriates, migrants, and foreign workers. As the country’s dominant language is German (Deutsche), English is learned as a foreign language by many individuals. In the context of language instruction, the terms ESL (English as a Second Language) and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) are commonly used. However, in Germany, one of these terms is more appropriate than the other, depending on the context of language learning. Click here to read about the difference between EFL and ESL.
What is ESL (English as a Second Language)?
ESL refers to English language instruction for individuals whose first language is not English, but who reside in an English-speaking country where English is the dominant language. ESL learners are typically immersed in an environment where English is used in daily life—such as in schools, workplaces, and social interactions. In these countries, English becomes a "second language" for non-native speakers.
Why ESL Doesn’t Fit Germany
Germany, while culturally diverse and home to a sizable foreign population, does not have English as its first or dominant language. As a result, ESL is not the most appropriate term for the language learning environment in Germany. In fact, the term ESL is more fitting for countries where English is the main or state language (like the United States, the UK, or Canada).
Even though many expatriates and migrants in Germany may need to learn or improve their English skills, they do so in a German-speaking context, where their first language is not English. Hence, the ESL label does not accurately reflect the learning environment in Germany.
What is EFL (English as a Foreign Language)?
EFL refers to English instruction for individuals whose first language is not English and who live in a country where English is not the predominant language. In this context, English is taught as a "foreign" language. The EFL term is commonly used in countries where learners study English in schools, private language institutes, or universities, but English is not the primary language spoken in daily life.
EFL: The More Relevant Term for Germany
In Germany, EFL is the most fitting term because English is taught as a foreign language in educational institutions, workplaces, and other contexts. German speakers, along with migrants and expatriates, often learn English for personal, professional, or academic reasons. Language schools, universities, and businesses offer English language programs to meet the growing demand for proficiency in English.
The use of EFL in Germany reflects the reality of learning English in a non-English-speaking country, where learners primarily use German in their daily lives. Whether for career advancement, international communication, or travel, English language learners in Germany engage with English in a foreign language context.
Why EFL is More Appropriate in the TESOL Sector in Germany
In Germany’s TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) sector, EFL is the terminology that best represents the needs of English learners. Teachers in Germany who are qualified to teach EFL focus on helping students improve their English skills, which can range from basic conversational English to advanced professional language proficiency.
EFL teachers in Germany work in schools, universities, corporate settings, and language schools, where students typically learn English as a non-native language. Therefore, EFL is a more accurate descriptor than ESL, as it acknowledges that English is being learned in a non-English-speaking environment.
Final Words
In the context of Germany, EFL is the appropriate term for English language teaching and learning. While ESL is used in countries where English is the dominant language, Germany’s linguistic landscape, where German is the primary language, aligns more closely with the concept of EFL. For both learners and teachers in Germany, the focus is on English as a foreign language, and this term captures the reality of English language education in the country.