My German

Here i wanted to share with you my story of getting close to the local life, and particulary in language. I truly and honestly believe that if you move to other country, doesn't matter for studing or living, it is your respect for the country and people to get into their life, language, life style. Well, at least try)). That is why I don't understand people who move and then living in  a group of the same people, use only their language and don't want to learn or take something from the place they moved to.



I ve studied German before for some time, then forgot it for about 3 years. All i remembered was:
Wie geht's? Hallo, danke,  and about 20 other words/expressions which could not be put in 1 sentence or help me to live free. Well and that time I didn't need it.

In Basel, actually, there are so many people who doesn't know German and live here for years. It is very international and multi language city. Most of big companies have English as a major language of communications. So, other languages here are most as a preferred or your bonus in searching job.

BUT, as i am staying here for loooong time)), and my kids probably will speak German/ or Swiss german from the start, i need and honestly want to learn it.

I ve started to search for a school, and there were different offers. Some tests showed that I need A2, others that I need B1 level. But there was always something: wrong time, too big groups, not enough people, too less lessons in a week, too far, too high level, too low level.

Finally, I found and started Intensive cources in Academia. 5 days a week/ 1.5 hours. It was only 6-8 people in the group and only 3 of them spoke English, so we had to speak German even before and after lessons. And we had 2 amaaaaaazing teachers!!! Love them both!

I think in a week of lessons they already could stop me talking!)) it was such a fun when you can say what you think finally)), not just eeee...mmm... aaa...)).
In 3 months in November we had an exam. And in a month i ve received a certificate for B1.
Here it is.

As you can see the oral part is very high)), yes, i am der Papagei!))
It was a pity to stop it actually, i liked the group, teachers, learning, but the next step was to search for a job, as i ve got the permission.

Now, I am trying not to forget all i ve learned. I speak a bit in the office, a bit at home, i read (slowly but thought ...). When I am out for some services I speak only german. I take in use more and more swiss german words and understand swiss German more and more).
And probably soon I ll start also personal lessons!))