Comments on: The German 3 month mission: Sit C2 exam http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/ Unconventional language hacking tips from Benny the Irish polyglot; travelling the world to learn languages to fluency and beyond! Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:51:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Marteria Finch http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-16867 Marteria Finch Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:42:00 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-16867 I still think it’s possible in three months from my starting point (vague familiarity). However it has been a stressful and anti-social three months for me so I won’t be doing it this way in future and I’d recommend people give themselves more time because of that What about the accent part of the mission? Well, since I was focused so much on the exam, my spoken German suffered and, despite speaking very well, I still definitely have an accent. I could actually eliminate the main foreign aspects of my accent in my last two weeks with some intensive work, but I have worked very hard recently and need a break – so I will not be pursuing the accent reduction part of the mission. In future I will aim for just one crazy 3-month objective at a time! I still think it’s possible in three months from my starting point
(vague familiarity). However it has been a stressful and anti-social
three months for me so I won’t be doing it this way in future and I’d
recommend people give themselves more time because of that
What about the accent part of the mission? Well, since I was focused so
much on the exam, my spoken German suffered and, despite speaking very
well, I still definitely have an accent. I could actually eliminate the
main foreign aspects of my accent in my last two weeks with some
intensive work, but I have worked very hard recently and need a break –
so I will not be pursuing the accent reduction part of the mission. In
future I will aim for just one crazy 3-month objective at a time!

]]> By: Benny Lewis http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-14627 Benny Lewis Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:46:00 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-14627 This post is from over a year ago, please read through the archives to see how it turned out here: http://www.fluentin3months.com/c2-exam-results-and-analysis/ This post is from over a year ago, please read through the archives to see how it turned out here: http://www.fluentin3months.com/c2-exam-results-and-analysis/

]]> By: tim m http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-13944 tim m Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:49:00 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-13944 When learning German as a foreigner, the accent one should learn is the Standard German dialect. This is true in many other languages. In Germany, a regional accent is a part of your identity and where you come from. A foreigner speaking Standard German in a regional accent sounds for the most part rather silly but most Germans are too polite to laugh in their faces. In the GDR you had the "Herder Institut" which was in charge of teaching foreigners who came to the GDR for work. The Herder Institute used Standard German from the radio is radio is often a very good example of the Standard Language and the language which foreigners should learn.  When learning German as a foreigner, the accent one should learn is the Standard German dialect. This is true in many other languages.

In Germany, a regional accent is a part of your identity and where you come from. A foreigner speaking Standard German in a regional accent sounds for the most part rather silly but most Germans are too polite to laugh in their faces.

In the GDR you had the “Herder Institut” which was in charge of teaching foreigners who came to the GDR for work. The Herder Institute used Standard German from the radio is radio is often a very good example of the Standard Language and the language which foreigners should learn. 

]]> By: Scott http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-13806 Scott Sat, 16 Jul 2011 15:49:00 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-13806 This has made me think more about these exams as part of my progression, but maybe as a future goal. I'll stick to the one I've set myself for now in Swedish which is why I started my blog, documenting it.  Taking the exam is definitely part of the plan now :) This has made me think more about these exams as part of my progression, but maybe as a future goal. I’ll stick to the one I’ve set myself for now in Swedish which is why I started my blog, documenting it. 

Taking the exam is definitely part of the plan now :)

]]> By: Scott http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-13807 Scott Sat, 16 Jul 2011 15:49:00 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-13807 This has made me think more about these exams as part of my progression, but maybe as a future goal. I'll stick to the one I've set myself for now in Swedish which is why I started my blog, documenting it.  Taking the exam is definitely part of the plan now :) This has made me think more about these exams as part of my progression, but maybe as a future goal. I’ll stick to the one I’ve set myself for now in Swedish which is why I started my blog, documenting it. 

Taking the exam is definitely part of the plan now :)

]]> By: Scott http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-13808 Scott Sat, 16 Jul 2011 15:49:00 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-13808 This has made me think more about these exams as part of my progression, but maybe as a future goal. I'll stick to the one I've set myself for now in Swedish which is why I started my blog, documenting it.  Taking the exam is definitely part of the plan now :) This has made me think more about these exams as part of my progression, but maybe as a future goal. I’ll stick to the one I’ve set myself for now in Swedish which is why I started my blog, documenting it. 

Taking the exam is definitely part of the plan now :)

]]> By: Benny the Irish polyglot http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-13057 Benny the Irish polyglot Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:17:00 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-13057 http://fi3m.com/finding-accommodation/ Finding a job abroad depends on too many factors to summarise in one comment, but you'll find lots of info online if you get specific ;) http://fi3m.com/finding-accommodation/
Finding a job abroad depends on too many factors to summarise in one comment, but you’ll find lots of info online if you get specific ;)

]]> By: Benny the Irish polyglot http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-13058 Benny the Irish polyglot Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:17:00 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-13058 http://fi3m.com/finding-accommodation/ Finding a job abroad depends on too many factors to summarise in one comment, but you'll find lots of info online if you get specific ;) http://fi3m.com/finding-accommodation/
Finding a job abroad depends on too many factors to summarise in one comment, but you’ll find lots of info online if you get specific ;)

]]> By: Benny the Irish polyglot http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-12485 Benny the Irish polyglot Thu, 26 May 2011 07:34:00 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-12485 The Spanish C2 is less expensive than most other European equivalent C2 exams. I say go for it, force yourself to do as well as you can, and if you don't pass entirely (as was the case in my German) you will have forced yourself to improve in a dramatically short time and be very likely to pass on the second attempt. If you don't need the diplomas for a particular purpose (CV or studying), then doing lower levels if you really want to have the C2 is too slow a process in my opinion. Glad you're enjoying the blog! The Spanish C2 is less expensive than most other European equivalent C2 exams. I say go for it, force yourself to do as well as you can, and if you don’t pass entirely (as was the case in my German) you will have forced yourself to improve in a dramatically short time and be very likely to pass on the second attempt.

If you don’t need the diplomas for a particular purpose (CV or studying), then doing lower levels if you really want to have the C2 is too slow a process in my opinion.

Glad you’re enjoying the blog!

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-1/#comment-12006 Anonymous Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:59:00 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-12006 With so many celebrities having babies these days, it is only natural that fashion designers are coming out with fashionable diaper bags. Designers such as Kate Spade, Burberry, DKNY, and many others have released new diaper bags as of late. <a href="http://www.guccibagshoppes.com/" rel="nofollow">gucci purses</a> These bags are as stylish as they are useful, and they are enough to make a girl want settle down and start a family. While researching this article, I discovered that these bags come in countless shapes and patterns. They are not only being marketed to new mommies, but to their husbands too! A company called Diaper Dudes has an awesome collection of bags for sale. They are simple messenger bag-type designs, with various pockets for diapers, wipes, and baby bottles. They even come with a padded changing pad. These bags are available in a distinct camouflage pattern. Timi and Leslie diaper bags have been photographed countless times, as of late. They have almost become as popular as the celebrities that sport them. Celebrities using these fine products include Hillary Swank, Jennifer Garner, and Faith Hill. Timi and Leslie have a number of designs available, ranging from backpack-style to smaller purse-like bags. They also come with matching diaper changing pads, and carrying cases for smaller items. Isabella Fiore also has some brilliant designs. She has been one of my favorite designers for some time now. She has a diaper bag that would be simply perfect for summer. It has a bubble-like design printed on it, and it is very colorful and fun. <a href="http://www.guccibagsshoppes.com/" rel="nofollow">gucci outlet stores</a> It is approximately 16 inches long, 10 inches high and 6 inches deep. I love it because it is large enough to accommodate all of your baby's necessities, but it is no bigger than the average purse. <a href="http://www.guccibagshoppes.com/gucci-classic-c-87.html" rel="nofollow">Gucci Classics</a> This bag has FUN written all over it! Coach is another company that is starting to produce some wonderful products with this demographic in mind. They, however, <a href="http://www.coachbagshoppes.com/" rel="nofollow">coach bags</a> have taken things a step further. Not only do they design and manufacture some wonderful diaper bags, they are now selling baby clothes and toys to match the diaper bags. What a brilliant and thoughtful innovation! <a href="http://www.guccibagshoppes.com/gucci-shoulder-bags-c-85.html" rel="nofollow">Gucci Shoulder Bags</a> All this talk of babies is starting to make me think about starting a family. Now if only I could meet a decent man Cathy Feldman always wanted to be a famous supermodel. When she is not fantasizing about strutting down the runway with her favorite Gucci purse, she writes for designerhandbags101?an online designer handbag resource, with extensive information on Prada Handbags, Gucci Handbags, Vera Bradley Purses and more. With so many celebrities having babies these days, it is only natural that fashion designers are coming out with fashionable diaper bags. Designers such as Kate Spade, Burberry, DKNY, and many others have released new diaper bags as of late. gucci purses These bags are as stylish as they are useful, and they are enough to make a girl want settle down and start a family.

While researching this article, I discovered that these bags come in countless shapes and patterns. They are not only being marketed to new mommies, but to their husbands too! A company called Diaper Dudes has an awesome collection of bags for sale. They are simple messenger bag-type designs, with various pockets for diapers, wipes, and baby bottles. They even come with a padded changing pad. These bags are available in a distinct camouflage pattern.

Timi and Leslie diaper bags have been photographed countless times, as of late. They have almost become as popular as the celebrities that sport them. Celebrities using these fine products include Hillary Swank, Jennifer Garner, and Faith Hill. Timi and Leslie have a number of designs available, ranging from backpack-style to smaller purse-like bags. They also come with matching diaper changing pads, and carrying cases for smaller items.

Isabella Fiore also has some brilliant designs. She has been one of my favorite designers for some time now. She has a diaper bag that would be simply perfect for summer. It has a bubble-like design printed on it, and it is very colorful and fun. gucci outlet stores It is approximately 16 inches long, 10 inches high and 6 inches deep. I love it because it is large enough to accommodate all of your baby’s necessities, but it is no bigger than the average purse. Gucci Classics This bag has FUN written all over it!

Coach is another company that is starting to produce some wonderful products with this demographic in mind. They, however, coach bags have taken things a step further. Not only do they design and manufacture some wonderful diaper bags, they are now selling baby clothes and toys to match the diaper bags. What a brilliant and thoughtful innovation! Gucci Shoulder Bags All this talk of babies is starting to make me think about starting a family. Now if only I could meet a decent man

Cathy Feldman always wanted to be a famous supermodel. When she is not fantasizing about strutting down the runway with her favorite Gucci purse, she writes for designerhandbags101?an online designer handbag resource, with extensive information on Prada Handbags, Gucci Handbags, Vera Bradley Purses and more.

]]> By: Benny the Irish polyglot http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-11785 Benny the Irish polyglot Wed, 06 Apr 2011 06:36:00 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-11785 Please read the conclusions to the mission. I decided that the C2 exam was enough work so I didn't work on my accent at all. I'm very glad I did. There'll be plenty of time to work on my accent next time I'm back in Germany :) In future I'll only aim for one major goal when it's such a bold challenge, not two. Please read the conclusions to the mission. I decided that the C2 exam was enough work so I didn’t work on my accent at all. I’m very glad I did. There’ll be plenty of time to work on my accent next time I’m back in Germany :)
In future I’ll only aim for one major goal when it’s such a bold challenge, not two.

]]> By: More bloggers should do this http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-11286 More bloggers should do this Mon, 21 Feb 2011 05:39:22 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-11286 [...] into this life experiment / case study category: Steve Pavlina’s polyphasic sleeping posts, Benny the Irish polyglot’s language learning missions, A. J. Jacob’s article on radical honesty and any of his other stuff [...] [...] into this life experiment / case study category: Steve Pavlina’s polyphasic sleeping posts, Benny the Irish polyglot’s language learning missions, A. J. Jacob’s article on radical honesty and any of his other stuff [...]

]]> By: Benny the Irish polyglot http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-10935 Benny the Irish polyglot Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:02:00 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-10935 Bogus excuse number 17 "I'm not naturally talented in languages". Then how the hell are you writing in a language right now? :) These excuses are what should stop. Bogus excuse number 17 “I’m not naturally talented in languages”. Then how the hell are you writing in a language right now? :) These excuses are what should stop.

]]> By: Benny the language hacker http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-10133 Benny the language hacker Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:28:00 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-10133 Thanks! You too :) Thanks! You too :)

]]> By: Benny the language hacker http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-10134 Benny the language hacker Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:28:00 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-10134 Thanks! You too :) Thanks! You too :)

]]> By: cheerfulmum http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-10089 cheerfulmum Sun, 19 Dec 2010 21:35:00 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-10089 I love your attitude! i have only a german gcse (A) from years ago, i have a busy job & 4 kids but i have achieved learning spanish, french, a little polish & hebrew just by trying & being positive. keep up the good work! x I love your attitude! i have only a german gcse (A) from years ago, i have a busy job & 4 kids but i have achieved learning spanish, french, a little polish & hebrew just by trying & being positive. keep up the good work! x

]]> By: cheerfulmum http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-10090 cheerfulmum Sun, 19 Dec 2010 21:35:00 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-10090 I love your attitude! i have only a german gcse (A) from years ago, i have a busy job & 4 kids but i have achieved learning spanish, french, a little polish & hebrew just by trying & being positive. keep up the good work! x I love your attitude! i have only a german gcse (A) from years ago, i have a busy job & 4 kids but i have achieved learning spanish, french, a little polish & hebrew just by trying & being positive. keep up the good work! x

]]> By: PAul http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-8540 PAul Thu, 16 Sep 2010 03:58:00 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-8540 Heh. I wish you luck and I"ll be following. Well then again I don't see a date on this post so you might be finished. But the whole convincing someone you're German reminds me of when I was in Berlin and studying German. I barely qualified as intermediate but I'll never forget one train ride where I met two young German girls. They were sweet and and really out going. I am naturally a bit introverted and don't talk a lot. I was sitting across form these girls and they struck up a conversation with me. It's been a while so I forget the details. But basically one girl would go off talking to me and then after before I got a chance to respond (and declare that I didn't speak German) her friend jumped in basically answering for me with what she thought I was going to say. This actually went on for like 5-10 minutes where the other girl would literally supersede on my behalf to answer for me. It was amazing. I achieved your goal without any skill in German at all! I'll never forget it. The girls were really nice me when they found I was American and suddenly they were the shy ones after that. I should have tried to hook up but I'm terrible at that. Heh. I wish you luck and I”ll be following. Well then again I don’t see a date on this post so you might be finished. But the whole convincing someone you’re German reminds me of when I was in Berlin and studying German. I barely qualified as intermediate but I’ll never forget one train ride where I met two young German girls. They were sweet and and really out going. I am naturally a bit introverted and don’t talk a lot. I was sitting across form these girls and they struck up a conversation with me. It’s been a while so I forget the details. But basically one girl would go off talking to me and then after before I got a chance to respond (and declare that I didn’t speak German) her friend jumped in basically answering for me with what she thought I was going to say. This actually went on for like 5-10 minutes where the other girl would literally supersede on my behalf to answer for me. It was amazing. I achieved your goal without any skill in German at all! I’ll never forget it. The girls were really nice me when they found I was American and suddenly they were the shy ones after that. I should have tried to hook up but I’m terrible at that.

]]> By: TorukMaQto http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-6721 TorukMaQto Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:39:03 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-6721 Und? Wie ist es gelaufen? Haste den Test ganz einfach so bestanden oder gab es Probleme? <br>Der Juni ist schliesslich vorbei! 3 Monate ohne Vorkenntnisse und dann in die C2 - Prüfung - Du bist echt WAHNSINNIG :) Und? Wie ist es gelaufen? Haste den Test ganz einfach so bestanden oder gab es Probleme?
Der Juni ist schliesslich vorbei! 3 Monate ohne Vorkenntnisse und dann in die C2 – Prüfung – Du bist echt WAHNSINNIG :)

]]> By: Robert Robbins http://www.fluentin3months.com/german-mission/comment-page-3/#comment-6564 Robert Robbins Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:45:10 +0000 http://www.fluentin3months.com/?p=1836#comment-6564 I've been studying German for several months to prepare for a trip to Berlin so I'll definitely read your blog. I recently bought a lot of material on "Englisch". I find it useful to see how Germans translate English for language learning. I know a little French so books on "Allemand" are also interesting. That really helps me to abandon English. I've been studying German for several months to prepare for a trip to Berlin so I'll definitely read your blog. I recently bought a lot of material on “Englisch”. I find it useful to see how Germans translate English for language learning. I know a little French so books on “Allemand” are also interesting. That really helps me to abandon English.

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