Learning the German language is really hard and super frustrating at times. I studied it at school for a few years and was always top of the class, though that’s partly because most people chose to study French instead. However constantly comparing myself to my classmates gave the false impression it was going to be relatively easy. After school I stopped studying German for 6 years while I did my upper school studies and then my bachelors. When I came to Vienna I had forgotten almost everything so had to begin again at A2.2. Learning isn’t perfectly linear, rather like a staircase, and when you’re stuck on a step it’s so demotivating. During these times I try to remind myself of two things; firstly, my goals, and why I wanted to learn German, focusing on this makes me feel like the frustration is worth it. Secondly, that there have been many other parts of German grammar that I never thought I would understand, and somehow without even noticing, I’ve managed to get to grips with it. These two things are what keep me going when I feel like there is no way on earth I’ll ever be able to speak this language! After only being in Austria 8 months I am pretty pleased with where I’m at now.