Foreign Language: A requirement for Mathematics Ph.Ds?

[Dakure]

Though still an undergrad in my early stages, I've been looking at graduate school programs and requirements just for kicks. In a significant amount of universities learning or knowing a foreign language (French, German, and/or Russian seem to be the most common choices) is a requirement.

So I was wondering, seeing as how I can get started on learning a language while still in my undergrad years, which language(s) would be the most useful to learn for a Ph.D in Mathematics?

Thanks in advance,
Alex

 

[axeae]

I don't think you really need to be fluent in a language, I always heard you just had to translate a page of a document using a dictionary, or something similar to that.

 

[mgb_phys]

It's not generally required for the work - it's a general entry requirement for some universities. It promotes well rounded students = keep out the uncouth scientists and engineers who might use the wrong fork at a formal dinner.
Generally you only need minimal high school (the which way to the post office stuff) french/spanish/german

 

[Vanadium 50]

My PhD foreign language exam went something like this. "I see you took German in college. Sprechen Sie Deutsch?" "Si, Senor." "Close enough. Next!"