What I learned while learning German

Learning is fun

This is a free version of Woody’s World. As always, thank you for reading.

We underestimate our potential

When I got to Europe, I felt dumb and embarrassed for being monolingual. I wanted to change that but the problem was, in high school, I had branded myself a "bad language learner." Then I finally learned to speak German and later Chinese. 

There is nothing special about what I did. It took a lot of time and effort, but I now believe anyone can learn a second or third language, given the proper guidance.

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The Big Secret

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What other skills might our self-doubt rule out?

Learning compounds— Just like Investing (be patient)

Compound interest is a powerful force. Investing in a stable country over many years looks something like this:

Just like in investing, compound interest is powerful for learning. However, this also means there is a long middle period where the gains haven't been fully realized yet. During that time, we must remain patient and confident in our direction.

From “Atomic Habits”

There were a few breakthrough moments where I noticed my compounding returns were finally coming in. For example, my first conversation solely in German was with a random man at a Munich Biergarten. I realized all those hours of studying and consuming German content had been bubbling below the surface and building to something special.

Habits are good

Building on that point, habits are the best way to leverage time and compound interest. During my most effective learning period, habits were essential. 

At 9 am, I began my vocab and writing practice. Afterward, I went for a walk with a German podcast. I also had a few conversations blocked into my week.

Over the weeks, this became automatic, like a machine. I created this habit tracker to make it feel fun, like a video game.

The German “Points” were awarded for certain activities

Curisoity is a great motivatior

I was learning German because I wanted to. Therefore, I attacked the problem with an intensity and work ethic that had been missing from most of my previous endeavors. We should follow our curiosity.

Language skills and intelligence are not the same

Many times while learning German, I felt dumb. For example, I couldn't pronounce the "r" for over a year, and I still sometimes get outed as a foreigner here in Germany. Before, I had only experienced other people trashing my language, English, but now I’ve had the humbling experience in reverse.

I thought back to my childhood impressions of Chinese restaurant employees and realized how much must be behind those thick accents and misunderstandings. Of course, intelligent people will probably learn languages more easily— adjusting for good technique and resources, but it is a mistake to assume someone who speaks a second language poorly is unintelligent.

Wealthy is a good start

Germany has the largest economy in Europe. Many Eastern Europeans learn German, yet few Germans learn Serbo-Croatian (excluding for family reasons). Further, America has the largest economy in the world. People all over the world learn English and want to come to America. Economic prosperity seems to be an essential foundation for nations and languages to flourish.

Building on that, I decided economic stability is also the foundation of a functioning household. Therefore, becoming financially independent has become a central priority for me.

Everyone will speak English

I believe within a few generations, almost everyone in the world will speak English. When I got to Europe, it became obvious English skills are a must for young people. Also, I was shocked by international relationships between non-native speakers who use English at home—for example, a Frenchman and a Mexican woman. 

I do not see this trend slowing down any time soon.

It is good to be an American

Despite the stereotypes— dumb, fat, lazy, arrogant, I have found much of the world still admires America and Americans. This comes with many benefits, such as easier friendships and high purchasing power abroad.

Further, in normal times, Americans can enter Germany visa-free for 90 days while a Chinese person needs a visa just to step foot into the country. Also, I never got the Euro-Covid pass, but no one gives me a hard time with my CDC card. I wonder if that would be the case if I came from a different country.

Lastly, speaking native American English creates a sort of halo effect. For example, I have had young German students tell me,

"But you must be a genius; you speak perfect English."

They have yet to learn the previous point.

I am not sure how long that will last

At the same time, I've noticed this dynamic eroding all around me. Young people from all over the world (America included) seem to blame the US for the world's problems, and reckless Federal Reserve Policy combined with the rise of Crypto and China pose a threat to the dollar's hegemony. So we will see what happens next.

We overemphasize national identities

We love to say things like "typically American" or "typically German," and sometimes there is merit in that. However, we often oversimplify things and make up patterns in our heads because it is convenient to put things into boxes. Additionally, there is a tendency to confirm our suspicions and ignore counter-evidence.

Ex. "Germans are punctual."

Now, you might notice that I play into this dynamic on YouTube, and admittedly I do, but it is within the hope of breaking down barriers.

Summary

Learning German was a great decision because I learned many things. Most importantly, I learned to trust in my ability and pursue my interests. Before I learned German, I followed a path I thought I should take, not one I wanted to take. Don't do that. Follow your curiosity, and you will become much more effective.