Language schools in Iranian cities report steady demand for German courses. Many learners are students preparing for a German university, but nurses, doctors and engineers who hope to work in Germany are also filling the classrooms.

Persian on Saturday mornings

In Germany, the movement goes the other way. Weekend schools run by parents and associations teach Persian reading and writing to children who grow up speaking German. Teachers say the biggest challenge is keeping the language alive beyond the classroom.

Adults rediscover their roots

Adult education centres and universities in several German cities also offer Persian courses. Participants include people with Iranian roots, partners in mixed families and travellers who want to read poetry in the original.