Spent the last week developing the new nine-year German Language curriculum for Alberta Learning. I have to say that we Albertan's really know what we are doing with respect to curriculum! If you do not speak German you are really missing out. All students in Alberta will be required to have a second language when they graduate, and if you are interested in technology or working in Europe or over the Internet, I would reccomend German!
For a good introduction to german, check out german.about.com.