I’ve been asked this question quite a few times since beginning this course! My partner is from Vienna (German is his first language) and we often visit his family in Austria. During our previous trips to his home, he kindly takes the time to translate nearly everything for me. After a year and a half, I wanted to become an active member in the conversation, not telling him how to reply to someone on my behalf or asking him to translate everything on a menu! I also love learning new languages. I have learned Spanish, French and Italian in the past two years. My goal by the end of the course is to be able to order on my own in a restaurant and to be able to hold a basic conversation with his family and friends! I’m excited for the freedom that comes with learning a new skill and look forward to meeting new people in Austria with my German. Perhaps the next time I’m at an ice cream parlor, I will be able to order a sundae in German!