Note 32 - Language Skills
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen
Language learning has always been part of my life. I grew up in a French-speaking household, and I realized early on that learning English would broaden my world. I remember watching One Tree Hill and H2O, hoping to become fluent, and eventually convincing my parents to let me go on an exchange in London so I could attend an English-speaking school the following year (and, admittedly, because I was fascinated by the British monarchy).
That feels like a lifetime ago. Since then, I’ve attended university in English, lived abroad, and worked almost exclusively in English. So much so that it’s now the language I feel most comfortable using. And perhaps it got too easy; I decided to add German to the mix when I met my boyfriend, since it’s his mother tongue. It was challenging at first, especially since I had previously dabbled in Scandinavian languages. Swedish and German share similarities, which made things both helpful and, at times, confusing.
Over the past three years, I’ve committed myself more seriously to German, and only recently have I started to feel real progress and confidence. I’ve taken dozens of group classes, spent the past year in weekly private lessons, and more recently completed an intensive immersion program in Hamburg. Learning a language takes time unless you’re fully immersed full-time, but I’ve never felt more motivated to keep improving and reach true fluency.
I’d love to hear about your experience. Have you learned a new language? What does your routine look like? Which resources have you found helpful, and what keeps you motivated? At the end of this post, I’m sharing a curated list of tools that have helped me with my German (and could apply to other languages as well). In the meantime, here are three ‘truths’ that have made a real difference for me:
1 - Don’t be afraid to speak.
It can feel intimidating, but the fact that you’re communicating in another language at all is already something to be proud of.
2 - Make it part of your daily routine.
Consistency matters. The more you surround yourself with the language (podcasts, music, even your social media feed), the faster it starts to stick.
3 - It’s never too late to start.
Learning a new language opens the door to discovering music, books, and films you might never have encountered otherwise, and that alone makes it worth it. I’ve spotted so many literary fiction books I wanted to read in different languages, and I can’t wait to be able to seamlessly read them one day.
What I Wore This Week
I felt a hint of warmth this week and immediately reached for a tank top…classic April behaviour, right? This neckline is easily my favourite, and I love how effortless this Aritzia top feels. It’s simple in the best way and pairs perfectly with my go-to white Filippa K jeans and my Loewe basket bag. If it were truly summer, I’d finish the look with a pair of easy slip-on sandals.
Top - Aritzia / Jeans - Filippa K / Bag - Loewe
Everyday Delights
Brodflour buns
Illustrated dinner journal by Jacques Pepin
The highlight of my week was hosting friends for a “healthy BBQ.” Lately, we’ve been trying to get more creative with eating well and feeling our best ahead of summer, and honestly, grilling just makes everything more fun. I put together a fresh, spring-inspired menu with a sesame snap pea salad (so good), chicken skewers, and a homemade berry sorbet to finish (this recipe, but with berries instead and half the sugar).
My friend even brought back cardamom buns for me from Toronto, which turned out to be the perfect breakfast the next morning.
This week, I’m also excited to host a friend visiting from London and to play tourist around the city with her for a few days. I’ll share everything we get up to next week, but in the meantime, if you have any must-see spots or recommendations, send them my way on Instagram @effortlessedited.
Our course, throughout this, I’m keeping up with my German learning, and here’s where my edit of the week comes in helpful…
The Language Learning Edit
I discovered Italki about a year ago after spending way too much on online group classes that didn’t feel very effective. Being able to book private 1:1 lessons with teachers from all over the world has been a game-changer. I love that you can choose your teacher based on shared interests, reviews, and teaching style. I’d recommend going with someone who has the “professional teacher” badge rather than a “community tutor”; I’ve found the lessons to be much more structured and worthwhile. I now have one session booked every week, and I genuinely look forward to it because my teacher is the best!
Language exchange (I’ve tried EF and Goethe Institut)
I’ve done two language exchanges so far: one in London back in 2013 and another with the Goethe-Institut in Hamburg more recently. Both were such impactful experiences. Being fully immersed and pushed out of your comfort zone makes a huge difference. I’d recommend this to anyone who’s serious about learning.
Short Stories in … by Olly Richards
For something more flexible and on-the-go, I love these short story books. They’re available in different languages and levels, and each chapter includes a suggested reading method and comprehension questions. It’s incredibly satisfying to finish a chapter and realize how much you’ve understood.
This one is more German-specific for me (unless you watch the English version), but it applies to any language: find a show you actually enjoy. I’ve been watching season 2 of Maxton Hall; it’s such a fun, comforting series, basically a German take on Gossip Girl. It makes practicing feel effortless.
Love, S.
