ABSTRACT
The scientific study of English language and cultures, as well as the teaching and learning of English in schools and other contexts, have been salient features of the history of the humanities and of education in Germany. English was taught as a foreign language in schools mainly for educational purposes, to a far lesser extent, to enable pupils to communicate with native speakers of the language. However, due to its growing use as a global language, English is employed more and more as a means of communication among non-native speakers of English. Furthermore, several scientific journals brought out in Germany are published entirely in English. On the other hand, owing to the bilateral relationships between Germany and the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries in which English is spoken as a native language, it is also important to consider the function of English as a foreign language.
