Dänisch oder Deutsch? Die Ergebnisse einer Fragebogenaktion unter norddeutschen und dänischen Manager_innen zum Sprachgebrauch und -bedarf ihrer Unternehmen

The present article first defines the terms language choice, the need for foreign language competence and the need for knowledge about foreign cultures. Then, attention is focused on empirical material, which is discussed against the background of these terms. In order to gather the data dealt with in this article, German and Danish (hotel) managers were presented a questionnaire. Taking the case of German companies/hotels which are in regular contact with Danes, the questionnaire investigates their need for Danish and whether knowledge about Danish culture is required of employees. The German managers were also asked about the frequency of German, Danish and English language use by their employees and about their own language behavior when communicating with speakers of Danish. Also data on Danish language knowledge and knowledge about Danish culture are collected. The present article compares the results of the survey in Germany with the results which were obtained in Denmark: Which need for German and for knowledge of German culture do Danish managers perceive?/How do they rate their own proficiency in German and that of their employees?/How often do they choose German, English and Danish in communication with Germans

German language needs in Danish companies

The first section of my paper provides a definition of the need for foreign languages in the business context and catalogues types and indicators of this need. In the second section the methods that can be employed in needs analysis studies are presented. Section three provides illustrative material from a questionnaire-based pilot survey. Taking the case of German companies, I investigate their expectations with regard to linguistic and cultural adaptation by their Danish business partners. Contrary to expectation, knowledge of German culture is regarded as more useful than German language knowledge. The educational implications of the findings of needs analysis studies are then dealt with in the fourth section