Final thoughts before leaving Berlin

It is my last day here at Kapitel Zwei and I am reflecting on so many wonderful moments over the past month here in Berlin. I am very sad to be leaving Berlin and already concocting ways for me to stay longer and perhaps live here for the long term and continue learning German. It is rare that I am wanting so much not to leave and continue onward — I have loved it here.

I think the thing I love the most about the experience of living in Berlin and learning the language is the exercise it gives you in self-expression. When you undertake learning a new language, you are back at square one – you start from the basics and learn how to read, write, speak, and think all over again. This is a humbling and exciting experience for anyone whose mind is open to it.

Language is a tool for self-expression, and so is living somewhere new. When you are in a new environment, you can ask yourself so many new questions and get so many new answers: Who am I today? What do I want to fill my days with? What do I care about? Where do I want to go, and who do I want to spend time with?

Berlin is the kind of place that, as I’ve written about last week, has something for everyone. The “try it” attitude and non-judgmental, open and creative energy here is very inspiring for the kind of person who wants to feel totally at ease to be themselves, even if they are a newcomer. This is what makes me want to come back again and again here – because I feel like I can be myself.

German is a really fun language. I have enjoyed listening to the sounds and reading the signs and putting myself in the mindset of a Berliner. I am taking with me lots of new vocabulary, grammar, and speaking practice that I will use to further my studies when I get back to the states and definitely when I come back to travel in Germany and around Europe.

There is something very valuable about language learning and travel which can really only be gained through showing up for a course and being in a classroom setting day after day. Consistency is key. It is so important to open your mouth and speak to get better, and that in
and of itself is a great way to become more self-expressed and overcome fears.

That being said, I don’t think it has to be a difficult or long process – with a great teacher like the one I had the opportunity to study with at Kapitel Zwei, plus supportive classmates who enjoy practicing – you can be on the road to speaking German far sooner than you may think, and with far greater ease and enjoyment than you might have thought possible.

Thank you so much for joining me over these past couple weeks in exploring what this city and language has to offer. It has been an absolute highlight of my year to participate in this program and I am leaving with many great memories – and hopefully a plan to come back as soon as I can. Dankeschön, Kapitel Zwei!