Which is more difficult to learn: classical Greek or German?

philosophy September 13, 2019 at 12:40 6250 views 9 comments

I am a native English speaker and this year I am starting a Masters in Philosophy. I have the opportunity to learn through seminars either classical (ancient) Greek or German, but not both. My research interest touches on both the ancient Greeks and German Idealism and so either of the two languages is relevant. My main concern is with difficulty. I wonder if someone on here can advise as to which of the two is more difficult for a native English speaker to learn and why?

Comments (9)

Shamshir September 13, 2019 at 12:48 #328299 0 likes

Do you know Latin?
If you don't I'd suggest Deutsch.

Galuchat September 13, 2019 at 13:04 #328301 0 likes

Reply to philosophy
English and German belong to the Germanic subgroup of the Indo-European language family. They are analytic languages, whereas; Greek is a synthetic language. So, due to these similarities and differences, German should be easier to learn than Greek for a native English speaker.

Deleted User September 13, 2019 at 14:30 #328328 0 likes

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unenlightened September 14, 2019 at 11:49 #328632 0 likes

The best way to learn a new language is to take a lover, and I think you will find the Germans more attractive than the ancient Greeks. So take the Greek course, and the German lover.

iolo September 14, 2019 at 12:21 #328639 0 likes

Well, once upon a time I learned to read classical Greek, whereas German has been way beyond me. The thing is mixed up heavily with matters like emotional reactions to Germany, I reckon, partly because I find their novels-in-translation almost unreadable. Both are highly inflected languages, of course, which are tough for English-speakers: I found Chinese hugely easier. Would that not do?

Deleted User September 14, 2019 at 19:11 #328707 0 likes

I would say Greek, but I'm not entirely sure. German and English come from similar families, but that doesn't make it more easier to learn. I've heard that Norwegian is the easiest for native English speakers to learn.

god must be atheist September 15, 2019 at 02:44 #328828 0 likes

German is easier to learn for a native speaker of English than Ancient Greek.

god must be atheist September 15, 2019 at 02:46 #328829 0 likes

Quoting Swan

I've heard that Norwegian is the easiest for native English speakers to learn.

Right. @philosophy, forget Kant, Hegel, and the Continentals, and forget Socrates and Aristotle. Cross the corridor and attend lectures on Kierkegaard.

god must be atheist September 15, 2019 at 02:47 #328830 0 likes

Quoting Swan

but that doesn't make it more easier to learn

Especially when your English is not perfect, either.