Did you know that Afrikaans:

With approximately 7 million home language speakers, is the third-most used home language in South Africa? Is used by 10,3 million learners as a second language at South African schools? Is still understood and used by a great number of Namibian inhabitants?

Did you know that Dutch:

Is the home language of most people in Flanders and the Netherlands, which is smaller than the Free State, but one of the most progressive countries in the world? The Netherlands, for instance, is the second-largest food exporter in the world and its inhabitants comprise some of the best savers on the plant!

Did you know that German:

Is the language spoken the most in Europe? Approximately 24% of the European Union’s inhabitants speak German as their home language and 31% can speak and understand it. Is recommended for all students by all scientists in the USA? In Japan, 68% of all Japanese students learn to speak German.

Did you know that French:

Is spoken by 150 million people worldwide and, next to English, it is globally the most widely spread language? Used by 30 million people in African countries as the language for governance, commerce and education, while another 40,6 million Africans sometimes use French?

Division Afrikaans and Dutch

Afrikaans today

What do authors such as Karel Schoeman, Antjie Krog, Alexander Strachan and Jaco Jacobs have in common?

They are all alumni from the University of the Free State’s Department of Afrikaans and Dutch, and thus form part of a proud tradition reaching back to 1919, when the author DF Malherbe became the very first professor in Afrikaans in country. You can also become part of this tradition! If you love linguistics and literature, Afrikaans and Dutch is the course for you.

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Division German

The acquisition of a new language is an exciting and enriching experience. It is also an investment in your future. Good knowledge of German can give you a head start in the world of:

• International and Constitutional Law
• International Commerce and Economy
• Diplomatic Services and Foreign Affairs
• Science and Technology
• Communication and Journalism
• Translation and Interpreting
• Philosophy and Theology
• Music and Art
• Tourism and Travelling

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Division French

The Division French has already existed under various names since 1912 (then as part of the Department of German). The Department of French was officially instituted in 1959. Although the most attention is still paid to language, culture and literature, the course also includes a strong business component.

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