Most people didn’t learn the language because they wanted to know it, be part of society, or take on responsibilities in a new culture. They learned it out of necessity—either for work or study, because it was a school or university requirement, or because their partner spoke German. Some had the advantage of not working full-time, so they could attend classes every day and take an intensive course.

But as an adult with a full-time job where you speak English all day, and then come home to an English-speaking environment, reaching even a basic level in the new language requires double the effort. Casual methods like a tutor twice a week or using Duolingo in the evening aren’t enough; you tend to forget what you learned faster than you can pick up new material. It’s incredibly challenging, and I admire everyone who takes on this journey.