How I became Fluent in GERMAN

Summary

In this reflective video, the speaker shares their personal journey of adapting to life in Germany, focusing on the challenges of learning the German language and integrating into a new culture. From initial struggles with communication and cultural differences to the eventual success in a German-speaking job, the narrative highlights the frustrations and rewards of becoming fluent. The speaker emphasizes that fluency doesn't mean perfection, but rather making progress, learning from mistakes, and building relationships in a foreign environment. It’s a story of resilience, personal growth, and finding belonging in a new world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Language and culture are inseparable: The culture of the place we live in shapes us, whether we like it or not.
• 😀 Fluency doesn't mean perfection: The speaker embraces their English accent while speaking German, highlighting that fluency is more about comfort than perfection.
• 😀 The struggle of moving to a new country: Adapting to a new culture can be stressful and isolating, not always as glamorous as it seems.
• 😀 Language as a key to integration: Learning the language of a country is a critical step to connecting with its people and culture.
• 😀 The challenge of learning a new language: The speaker experienced frustration and embarrassment, especially in their early days in Germany when they struggled with communication.
• 😀 Practical application aids learning: The speaker found that using the language in real-life situations, such as work, was essential for improving fluency.
• 😀 Language barriers lead to isolation: Early miscommunications in the workplace made the speaker feel misunderstood, yet they persevered.
• 😀 Persistence is key: Despite early difficulties and setbacks, the speaker continued to push forward and eventually achieved fluency.
• 😀 Cultural and professional hurdles: Navigating a new job in Germany was difficult, especially with the language barrier, but it helped the speaker improve their German.
• 😀 Fluency is a lifelong journey: The speaker views language learning as a continuous process and emphasizes the importance of enjoying the learning journey itself.

Q & A

What does the speaker mean by culture leaving an indelible mark on individuals?

The speaker suggests that culture deeply influences and shapes individuals, whether they acknowledge it or not. The environment and people around us mold our identities, often transforming us in ways we can't easily escape.

Why does the speaker mention that fluency in a language doesn't necessarily mean perfection?

The speaker emphasizes that fluency is about effective communication rather than perfect grammar or accent. For them, fluency in German means being able to understand and participate in conversations, even if it's not flawless.

What challenges did the speaker face when first moving to Germany?

Initially, the speaker struggled with language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and feelings of isolation. Communication was particularly difficult, and they often had to switch to English to be understood, which was frustrating.

How did the speaker's attitude towards learning German evolve over time?

At first, learning German was an arduous and frustrating experience, but over time, the speaker grew more comfortable and developed a genuine appreciation for the language and the culture, despite the initial struggles.

What role did the speaker’s job search play in their language learning process?

The speaker’s job search in Germany required them to improve their German, as they needed to communicate effectively for work. Despite difficulties, they found incremental progress in their language skills, which helped them feel more integrated into German society.

How did the speaker cope with the initial embarrassment of speaking German in a work setting?

The speaker was often frustrated by miscommunication and felt embarrassed when they made mistakes, but they persisted. They acknowledged the learning process and even found some clients found their efforts charming, though others were frustrated by their mistakes.

What is the significance of the six-month probation period in Germany?

The six-month probation period in Germany is a trial period where both the employer and the employee assess whether the job is a good fit. The speaker faced challenges during this time but ultimately managed to secure a permanent contract.

How does the speaker contrast their experiences learning German with their previous experience learning Chinese?

The speaker highlights that learning Chinese involved rote memorization, which left them feeling burnt out. In contrast, they took a more practical approach to learning German, focusing on real-life application rather than purely theoretical learning.

What cultural differences did the speaker find challenging when they first moved to Germany?

The speaker struggled with cultural differences such as humor, social norms, and language barriers. These small yet significant differences contributed to feelings of isolation and misunderstanding.

What does the speaker believe is key to successfully learning a new language?

The speaker believes that a passion for learning and a willingness to embrace the challenges of language acquisition are crucial. They emphasize that it’s a lifelong journey where the initial difficulties eventually lead to greater clarity and opportunities.