Sprechen Sie Deutsch

Part of the reason that we come to Berlin is so that I can have an inmersive aspect to learning German (although the main reason is that we love it).

So, this afternoon, while the Minx was still working and I had a little time on my hands, I took a stroll out around the area where we're staying. I spend most of my time when I'm wandering translating street and shop signs, taking photos of the ones I really struggle with, so that I can work them out later.

But I also need to be braver about talking to people, i.e. actually using my German, which I resolved to do today. Eventually, I found a quiet café on the edge of Leon-Jessel-Platz, which looked like somewhere that I could practise my German without anyone other that the waiter listening in.

And it was fine, actually. I mean, we didn't swap life stories, but I ordered a coffee, understood that he was asking if I was going to sit outside, and, at the end, managed to order the bill.

So, sure, no big deal, but I was still feeling pretty pleased with myself as I sat in the sun, drank my coffee, and enjoyed this view of the square.

And do you know what? It really made a difference. That evening when the Minx and I returned to Café Tatou, I felt much happier using little bits of German. It was a tiny step, but a significant one!