In the 1920's, Peter Harlan experimented in Germany with a different fingering. This would allow an easy fingering for the f (on the Soprano). This development was called the "German fingering". It can only be used for recorders which are constructed for this fingering. The size of some holes are different from the recorders for English fingering. These differences can be used to determine whether a recorder has English or German fingering. See my next Q&A "How do I know whether to use English or German fingerings ...".
For beginners the German fingering looks easier. However, it has a big disadvantage. The high F# (Soprano) is not in tune. This can be ignored for beginners, but not for experienced players and particularly not in an ensemble. In a consort it becomes a serious problem. Whoever starts with the German fingering, sooner or later will switch to the English system.
In music schools, conservatories, or universities the English fingering is the only one taught. High quality recorders are available with English fingering only.