GERMAN STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: ANNIKA
“Learning German has taught me that no matter how different a language is, we are all human. Being able to communicate with a person from a different culture or place shapes you as a person by allowing you to see other people’s points of view and giving you a greater understanding of the world.”
— ANNIKA, GERMAN STUDENT
Our Interview with Annika
Annika with our German teacher, Helga at Speak!
When Annika Braun-Wahlin decided to spend a year of high school in Germany, she had just one summer to prepare—and she was starting German from scratch. Over three months of intensive private lessons with Speak!’s native German teacher, Helga Hiss, Annika built her skills and confidence at an incredible pace. By the end of their course, she had gone from knowing virtually no German to having full conversations entirely in the language! Now, as she gets ready for her year abroad, Annika shares what she learned, how Helga helped prepare her, and why she’s no longer afraid to speak up and make mistakes.
Annika and Helga in action!
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Annika Braun-Wahlin. I am entering my sophomore year in high school. Some things I love to do are read, play the violin, and run. I also love learning about other people’s cultures and ideas.
What inspired you to spend a year studying abroad in Germany?
I chose Germany because of its rich culture and history. German people are also very passionate about helping and caring for the environment. I am most excited to get to meet new people with new perspectives and ideas.
Why did you decide to take German lessons before leaving?
I had never taken any German before so I wanted to be able to learn some to make my transition into Germany as easy as I could make it. I came in just really hoping to gain a good basic knowledge of the structure and sound of the language.
4. Looking back, what has been the most rewarding part of learning German?
The most rewarding part of learning German has been being able to speak in full sentences and have conversations in German. It has forced my brain to work in new ways.
What was your favorite part of working with Helga?
My favorite part of working with Helga has been the conversations we have been able to have. I came in knowing not a single word and now I am able to have deep conversations with Helga. She is always patient and it has been so nice to work with her and it feels like she almost understands how my brain works because we worked so much together.
How do you feel your German lessons have prepared you for your year abroad?
I think that the German lessons broke a barrier that if I had not taken them I would have had to overcome in Germany. Because of the lessons I don’t feel embarrassed to speak with people. The lessons have given me a new confidence and knowledge that I know will carry me very far.
What are you looking forward to most once you arrive in Germany?
I am most looking forward to being able to use German everyday.
What do you think will be your biggest challenge, and how do you hope your German will help?
I think that the biggest challenge will be making friends and communicating with kids my age when there is a language barrier. But knowing German will make it immensely easier to be able to communicate with people my age I see every day.
What advice would you give to another student thinking about studying abroad or learning a new language?
One piece of advice I would give to another student thinking about studying abroad or learning a new language would be to not be scared to speak and make mistakes. No matter how many times you open your mouth to speak in the language you're learning, you are bound to mess up. The most important thing is to keep speaking as much as you can anyway even if you feel embarrassed or unconfident.
Complete this sentence: "Learning German has taught me..."
Learning German has taught me that no matter how different a language is, we are all human. Being able to communicate with a person from a different culture or place shapes you as a person by allowing you to see other people's points of view and giving you a greater understanding of the world.
