Number of Speakers:
* French: Has more native speakers worldwide (around 274 million), making it more popular in that regard.
* German: Has a smaller number of native speakers (around 95 million), but is more widely spoken in Europe and parts of Africa.
Learning:
* French: Is often chosen as a second language in many countries, particularly in Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
* German: Is less frequently chosen as a second language, but is growing in popularity in certain areas, particularly in technical fields.
Culture:
* French: Has a significant global cultural impact, with its influence on fashion, cuisine, art, and literature.
* German: Has a strong cultural influence, particularly in music (classical and contemporary), philosophy, and engineering.
Overall:
* French: Has a wider global reach and is more commonly learned as a second language.
* German: Has a strong regional presence and is increasingly relevant in certain fields.
Ultimately, the "popularity" of each language depends on the specific context and how it's measured. Both languages are important and offer unique cultural and professional opportunities.