Mastering the complexities of Germany

From: Jennifer Hunter, Farfield Avenue, Knaresborough.

On this occasion, I have been inspired to submit a contribution with regard to not one, but two letters which were published in the Yorkshire Post on November 21. John Gordon advocates learning German and I feel inclined to agree with him.

I achieved postgraduate qualifications in German and German was my main subject at university many years ago.

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However, may I point out that learning German requires self-discipline, fortitude, patience and perseverance because German grammar is complex and, in short, very difficult for the average person to master.

I still refer to my old German Grammar and Usage’ manual compiled by A E Hammer and my copy has been well thumbed through over the years.

German has become less popular in schools because it is often perceived as being difficult to learn compared to other European languages such as French or Spanish. It is far easier to make a mistake in German and lose marks due to the precision required when writing the language. There are three genders, various declensions (including mixed declensions), and adjectives must agree with nouns. Judging by current trends and standards, I cannot imagine German becoming a language which will be welcomed back into the curriculum with open arms by very many schools.

The education system, generally, has frowned upon rigour and hard work in recent years and has given preference to subjects which are regarded as “easier options”. Pupils are able to achieve the highest grades far more easily in subjects such as media studies and high grades boost school league table places.

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David Quarrie (Yorkshire Post, November 21) maintains that Britain should learn from Germany. With regard to commerce and the work ethic, I wholeheartedly agree. Writing from personal experience, and I used to spend a lot of time in Germany during my younger days, I feel compelled to admit that we can learn a lot from the Germans.

After the Second World War, the Germans strove to achieve and maintain a successful political equilibrium which was extremely difficult after the extremism of the national socialist era and its aftermath. High unemployment and desperation amongst the German people led to the rise of National Socialism and its evils.

A similar series of events could just as easily lead to the same set of political circumstances in this country, although all rational people would surely pray and hope that this never happens.

The Germany I have spent time in during the past three decades is a wonderful country and its people are generally conscientious and welcoming. I am pleased that educational standards have remained good and solid there, compared to the decline I have witnessed in my own country.

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No country is perfect and I am sure that the Germans have many problems of their own including financial ones. However, Germany is undoubtedly to be applauded for having retained a lot of industry as well as an educational system which is far superior to ours. Additionally, Germans have earned their good reputation for being hard-working.

This country could and should take a leaf out of the German book by promoting higher educational standards, aiming to manufacture top-quality goods and emphasising the importance of heavy and light engineering instead of social engineering. This would be a good starting-point for enhancing this country’s status, not just in Europe, but in the world generally.

From: Godfrey Bloom, UKIP MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire

Prime Minister David Cameron has classed himself as a Eurosceptic.

Here are 10 reasons why he is not a Eurosceptic:

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He reneged on cast iron guarantee to hold EU treaty referendum.

Changed Tory fisheries policy, and no longer calls for repatriation of UK territorial waters.

Supported EU regulation of the City of London.

Supports entry of Turkey to the EU – encouraging mass immigration.

Supported creation of the EU External Action Service.

Failed to reduce EU budget / allows increase despite promises.

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Supports the creation of eurozone core which would leave the UK in a permanent minority position.

Prepared to have 40 billion pounds UK money go via the IMF to the eurozone bailout.

Forced three line whip on EU referendum debate in the Commons.

Rolled over to agency worker directive and other EU laws which harm UK business and jobs.

Proof indeed, I think.

From: Robert Reynolds, Dixon House, Harrogate.

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What gets my goat more than the bleatings of a clueless British politician are the bleatings of a German one.

As the euro continues its death rattle, the blame game begins and so we “self interested” Brits are not the flavour of the day in Berlin.

Volker Kauder accuses us of being too self-centred: “Just looking out for their own advantage and not being prepared to contribute – that cannot be the message we accept from the British.”

Oh really?

May I remind this German that while we British kept out of the disastrous euro, the Germans took the opportunity to hoodwink the rest of the eurozone members.

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They did this by linking their strong currency at a lower level, to the euro. Their exports instantly became more affordable and their trade surpluses have increased. Other nations linked their weaker currencies at a higher level, again benefiting Germany.

What I cannot accept from the Germans is why they think the rest of Europe should keep Germany in its bountiful standard of living while others suffer massive unemployment and economic crisis. Oh I forgot, it’s to Germany’s self-centred advantage.

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