Echtes Deutsch im Alltag – Verstehst Du Alles? (+ Quiz)

So, Theresa is sitting here again today next to me on my interview couch. That means, Theresa, I have a few questions for you that I will ask you right away. For you, this means it's time to train your listening comprehension. Theresa and I are speaking quite authentically, and hopefully she will answer my questions. Let's see. At the end of the video, you can test how much you understood, as there is a listening comprehension quiz there. Also, if you want to train to understand real, authentic German, then you're in the right place. And I'd say we're starting, right? Yes. Let's go? Certainly. My first question for you, Theresa, is to name something that annoys you. Boah, something that really gets on my nerves. I think there are already many things like that. What bothers me, for example, is being in a group of friends or traveling with a few people. And the phone is very present. Also, if one happens to sit together at the table, for example. And then there's a person who is on their phone the whole time. But one is actually having a good conversation right now. And one has the feeling that the person is not mentally present at all. But somewhere else, somehow. I find that annoying. Yes, annoying. I don't like that. And actually, in a way, kind of impolite, isn't it? Yes, exactly. I find that annoying. Are you generally someone who gets annoyed very quickly? No. Well, I guess it always depends on the situation. When you already have a full day, a stressful day, or something like that. And one is very irritable. Then I'm naturally also occasionally quick to get annoyed. But I'm trying, even when I'm annoyed, to always keep it to myself. And not omitting others either. Exactly. Very good. Okay, second question. That is interesting. Something that has gotten better with age is my ability to stay calm and composed in difficult situations. Also, as you said, from 30 onwards. What has improved compared to your teenage and young adult years? Okay, I think that by your twenties, you're already going through a huge transformation. And I think I can already claim, with some confidence, to know who I am or even how I am. And that one is no longer so easily shaken. Also, I find that one is already somewhat more solid in one's opinion, in one's views, in one's very being, so to speak. That applies to me at least. Definitely, if I now look back at how I was in my twenties, that's when you really start to develop. And perhaps does things that one wouldn't do now, simply because one didn't have the mental strength until now. You would say it's gotten better, that it's better to simply be more present within yourself and know what you want? Yes, exactly, that's precisely what I would say. And that one probably also cares less about what others think of oneself, accordingly. Yes, I find that very important. I can still work on myself. Also, this isn't anything that's suddenly gone now. But overall, I know who I am. I know what I like, what I don't like, and so on. But that sounds very good. You sound satisfied. I sound so wise. Then tell me something for which you wouldn't spend any money. Cars No, basically everything somehow related to luxury items or the like. Also, I somehow keep thinking about fat cars or something like that. That gives me nothing at all. Also, I do have a car that is very old. Really, the air conditioning isn't working, and I'm just glad it gets me from A to B. But I did that just because it means nothing to me. Or branded clothes. Those are all somehow things I wouldn't spend money on right now. Expensive handbags or the like. I understand people who say they're happy to spend their money on it. That's fine too, but it's kind of nothing I'd actually spend money on. Yes, I understand. Okay, good, then perhaps the other question, something that is very important to you. What is very important to me? Okay, my family and all my girlfriends and guys and so on. And I believe that one should spend a lot of time with family or with one's dearest people. I find that important. And I find that beautiful. Yes, very good. And then a little bit the opposite. Is there anything that is not important to you, but rather something you cannot understand? Cannot understand. There are also many things I cannot understand there. I think it's also somewhat related to the first question, to feeling annoyed, that just because one might not be satisfied with one's own life at the moment or that one has problems letting it go with other people. Or somehow also unreasonably rude, or takes out his anger and frustration on other people and becomes unfriendly or rude toward them or the like. I don't find that beautiful. And that you don't understand it? I don't understand it either, yes, exactly. I like it. Because I also consider it important to be empathetic, reflective, and to know, Okay, just because I'm having a problem right now doesn't mean I have to blame my baker for it. as they say so nicely, just kind of stupidly turn it on or something. He can't help it. I like it, very nice. Alright, then tell me something you remember very well. I really enjoy remembering our family vacations. From earlier, yes. Also, one must truly say that we really had a lovely childhood. and I fondly remember those family vacations so much how we were there with the camper at the campsites and had so much fun somehow. Played football, inline skating, and so on. That was always just wonderfully beautiful. Yes, that's correct. I gladly recall that. Those are lovely memories, and I can confirm that. Then tell me something, what are you afraid of. Oh, I think losing someone close to you is what I really mean. Also, I think this is probably the greatest fear that every person likely has. simply losing people, whether through illness or in any other way. That's already my biggest fear, I would say. Yes, understandable. Because that's something I don't have power over, somehow. Of course, you can't do anything about it, surely. Okay, then one more question, something you would like to change. What I would like to change? Not necessarily about you, but perhaps in general, if you could change things. Boah, I need to think about that for a moment. Do you also think that way on a large scale? Of course, everything, if you could change anything. If someone were to say to Theresa, "You may change one thing in the world." Changing the world, for example. Okay, then I think this has now become very political. Well, but I think I would increase the offer of psychological support. Okay. Well, because I believe that many problems could perhaps also be resolved, but somehow could be circumvented if people who have mental health issues if help had been given to them. I think that would make a big difference somehow. And we have the problem that we don't have enough psychotherapeutic services available. And I believe that prioritizing mental health is something very, very important. Yes, something that affects everyone, after all. Anyway, it doesn't matter now whether they're small people or big people, I mean influential people. Whether it's politicians, when one looks at the world. I think some people could also benefit from therapy, I believe, it wouldn't hurt. But even so, in a way, on a small scale. Nice, huh? Great idea. Definitely. That was just the first thing that came to mind. I think that if one reflects on it, one could probably change a thousand things. But it would at least be a good beginning, for sure. Very good. Okay, what else do I have here? Tell me something you've never done but would really love to do. The first thing that comes to mind is that I've never been on vacation alone. I have never traveled alone before. And I imagine that to be very, very exciting and intense. You're welcome to write in the comments whether you've ever done this before. I've never done that before. I think it's because I've simply never dared to. I also don't think I'll ever do something like that. Also, so that I can now say, okay, I'm flying alone to South America for five weeks and traveling around there. Because that just seems too big to me. But I've firmly decided that I'll do it someday. Whether it's just for two or three days, maybe traveling within Germany to another city or something like that. Simple, just to experience it. Because I believe this can be a very intense and extremely valuable period. But that will occur to me now. Yes, I find it beautiful. Have you ever done that? Yes, already. Spain. I've done that a few times already. Spain, that's where I was, because you said five weeks. I think I was really in Málaga for five weeks. Or were it even six weeks? Málaga was it, yes. I don't even remember anymore. And I can definitely recommend that. That is really, really fun and a great enrichment. But it still takes effort to do that alone. I understand that already. Yeah, totally. One must first learn again how to be alone with oneself. Yes, exactly. Okay. And one final question. Something you always tell your students in class. What I keep telling them over and over again? Also, where? How deep? Where to? Accusative I believe that the fundamental thing is, don't be afraid of making mistakes. Just do it. Simple? It's not easy, after all. But just try this—you have to give it a shot, otherwise it won't work. Be bold, don't fear making mistakes. They belong here just as much. Growth is possible only through mistakes. And I believe that's already something of a creed. And above all, that one shouldn't lose the fun of it all. Yes. German is a difficult language. And it's exhausting. And with the articles. This and that. Also, I understand that. But perhaps one can also manage it a little with enjoyment, staying light-hearted throughout. That was a beautiful closing remark just now. Thank you. You're very welcome. Very good. Now, as mentioned, listening comprehension follows next. That means you can now check how well you understood everything. If you're interested in more authentic conversations like this one, be sure to visit our German Campus. Because that's exactly what we're doing: helping you understand authentic, correct German better and enabling you to use it more effectively yourself. Exactly. Then thank you and see you in the next video. Goodbye.