Part 1: The Decision

At that time, I was in Greece, actively pursuing my own German language challenge and preparing for a move to Germany. Upon his return, I eagerly inquired about his trip. To my astonishment, he declared, “Maria, I want to learn German. Show me how.” I couldn't believe my ears! I was overjoyed and congratulated him on his newfound desire.

I shared insights from my free 5-day course on language learning and provided him with some extra tips on when to abandon methods that weren’t effective. He took it from there, and the outcomes were incredible.

Part 2: The Journey and the Surprise

A few months later, I relocated to Germany, where I was searching for a full-time job while working part-time as a language coach. One day, an elderly German gentleman, let’s refer to him as Walter, reached out to me for guidance on improving his Greek, knowing I was of Greek descent.

This felt like the perfect chance for a language exchange involving my father! I immediately contacted him and asked how his learning was progressing. To my amazement, he informed me that he had become one of the top users on Duolingo and Clozemaster!

“I started small, just like you suggested. But I got hooked and now I can't stop. Look at this guy, he’s overtaken me. He’s retired, just like I am. After our call, I’m going to outdo him again!”

When I suggested he might practice with Walter, he admitted he was nervous about speaking German. “Don’t worry, Dad,” I reassured him. “Walter is also anxious about speaking. You can both face that fear together.” I chuckled at my own advice, but it seemed to resonate with him. He promised to consider it.

Part 3: The Results

Fast forward to today, and my father and Walter now meet weekly to practice German and Greek. “We enjoy learning new things and promptly forgetting them,” my father jokes.

We had the pleasure of dining with Walter and his wife during our visit to Germany, communicating solely in German since Walter's wife doesn’t speak Greek. My father has since abandoned Duolingo and Clozemaster, as they no longer challenge him. Instead, he has curated a personal collection of language materials and created his own updated textbook.

He has watched countless German shows, compiling a list of his favorites. His proficiency in German has surpassed his English, and he now uses it multiple times a week, having found additional online partners and even speaking it with my fiancée.

Each week, I am surprised by the new slang and expressions he has picked up. It feels as though he has lived in Germany, even though he hasn't. His love for the language is evident, as he seizes every opportunity to use it—even conversing in German by chance with Australians during his travels!

Now at 67, he thrives as a German speaker and frequently travels abroad, particularly to Germany. It's astonishing to see how a man who once had no interest in languages or international travel has embraced his new passion. Though he wishes he had started learning earlier, he believes that retirement is the ideal time to pick up a new language.

My aunt has followed suit, now speaking Spanish and revitalizing her French skills.

What I Learned

• You're never too old to learn a language.
• You won't know if a skill suits you until you try it; if you don't attempt it, you'll never find out.
• It's never too late to forge new friendships.
• Language learning can be transformative—not only for me but for my father as well.
• Perhaps it wasn't that people disliked learning languages; they simply found school methods unappealing.
• My father now knows more German expressions than I do, which I have to accept.

Start your language journey! Who knows, you might discover a passion for it and find a new friend—like Walter—waiting to connect with you.

Happy language learning,

Maria

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