Choosing your second language in first-year Bachaloria

First: this choice follows you

The second foreign language is outside the first-year total — pass or fail only. But:

In year two, on the Arts & Humanities track, you may take it instead of psychology, and then it counts.
In the general secondary system the rule is that a student may not change the language they sat in years one and two. Ask your school which rule applies before you choose.

So choose once, properly.

Which languages

Egyptian schools usually teach French, German and Italian, and some offer Spanish or Chinese. What is available depends on your school — no single official list for Bachaloria students has been published, and Ahram Gate, writing about first secondary, named French or German.

An honest comparison

French

The most widespread in Egypt: more schools, more teachers, more books.
The grammar is logical and comes quickly; pronunciation is the challenge.
In July 2026 the French ambassador said there are about 60 French and francophone schools in Egypt with a target of 100, and that France allocated 49 university scholarships and 10 doctoral grants to Egyptians.

German

Hardest at the start: longer grammar, compound words. Students in June 2026 called its exam the hardest because the questions are indirect.
The best return if you are thinking of studying in Germany: the Goethe-Institut says German is essential for most tuition-free German universities, except English-taught programmes.

Italian

Students call it the easiest and most familiar; the June 2026 paper was described as "easy and direct".
Less widespread, so fewer teachers and books.

Three questions that decide it

What does your school actually teach? That settles half of it.
Planning to study abroad? German for Germany, French for France and the francophone world.
Want a lighter load this year? Italian or French are usually quicker at the start.

How it is examined

In general secondary 2026 the second-language paper was 25 questions, one mark each, entirely multiple choice, pass mark 12.5 (50%), not added to the total. Treat that as a guide to the shape, not a rule for first-year Bachaloria, and check the paper specification with your school.

On GoBachaloria

When you sign up and choose your year, first-year Bachaloria asks for your second language: French, German or Italian. Spanish is listed as "soon" until it opens.

Sources

← All articles