*forewarning! I tryped this entry on a German computer so hopefully I didn't make too many mistakes that I didn't catch.
So before coming to Germany I thought that I would learn some German. I tried to learn simple frases to help with the move and to help adjusting to life in a new country. I failed misserably trying to teach myself, bu t then again I have never been one to be able to learn on my own (being a teacher I would have thought otherwise). So after I finally made the move I gave in quicky and signed up for a German course through the local university.
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| Possibly what I looked like before moving to Germany. |
Luckily in Germany to take classses at a university is not as expensive as in the United States. I was nervous that not only would this be so tough but also break the bank. Coming out of a four year university myself I am well aware of the costs of one class especially being a guest to the University. I sucked it up and paid the fee that came out to around 140€ (while it is still not cheap it is doable) for the semester. This was the best descion I could have made. I was able to meet some new people who are also new to the culture. And I was able to start from square one and learn all of the basics and rules of German that are not easily self tought.
In Europe there is a system called
The Common European Framwork of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This system classifies a persons knowledge of a language from A1(little to no prior knowledge), A2, B1, B2, C1,all the way to C2(Master and profeciency of the language). After completing a test you are recognized with a certificate stating your profcency.
Needless to say I started at the very beginning. I started with class A1.1. I was able to learn the basics and being able to practice my german daily I have really been able to see an improvement in my skills. I still cannot speak well but I am understanding more and more each day. I recently finished my first semester with a final grade of 1.0 (which for Americans probably sounds bad). In Germany 1.0 is the best and 6.0 is the worst. A well deserved pat on the back if I do say myself.
We are always told that it helps to learn a language being emersed in the country itself... I must say its true. In the past I have tried other languages especially three years of Spanish in high school.... I probably couldn't even introduce myself properly. I was happy to see that this time around I am doing much better. I do truly think that it is a gift to be able to speak more than one langauge. I feel that, often, native English speakers find no point in learning another language unless they plan on visiting or they have family that speaks another language. But the truth is once you learn one new language it then becomes a little easier to pick up on other languages as well. I think it is important to try a new language and then mab take a trip where you actually need to use the language.
I must say I practice German everyday with my boyfriend and that helps but the best practice I get is when I try to talk with the students at the school I work at. they are brutally honest and they also get very excited if I speak correctly. It feels quite rewarding.
As of now I am signed up for an intensive course through the same univversity. This class is four weeks long but it is Monday through Thursday 4 hours a night. This starts next week! Hopefully I can complete this course without becoming to stressed. This class is the A1.2!
Tschüss!
