Your language training is complete, now the real work begins: excelling in the new language! But how do you maintain your language level when you no longer have lessons with your language coach? Our German language trainer Antje gives you 5 tips to learn the language after your training, for B-level students. Antje's speciality is German, but of course many of these tips also apply to other languages.
From now on, do not avoid situations to speak German, but rather seek them out. English, as an international working language, is of course obvious. Yet many German CEOs, especially in SMEs, prefer to be confident that their business partner in Belgium understands German laws and standards as well as the nuances of a negotiation in German. That is much more important than a minor grammar error.
Apply your speaking skills in bigger and bigger steps and set realistic goals. Start with simple phone calls with a friendly customer/colleague, later on you can tackle the slightly more difficult ones: first the small talk at the coffee machine, later the introduction to your presentation, and finally the discussion in the target language. And above all, don't forget to celebrate your successes!
Language manuals often warn about false friends between Dutch and German, such as "bubble", which means "bark" in German, and "cute", by which Germans mean "in the shade". But remember that there are also a lot of good friends; the sentence structure and vocabulary of both languages are related. Sometimes it helps to use an international word - dare to try it out!
Write personal e-mails, blog posts, reviews of a purchase in a German online shop, a thank you for your ski hotel in Austria ... really write it yourself. Yes, it will probably be slower than using a translation app. But if you save your texts, you will see your progress yourself later. And most recipients undoubtedly appreciate that you remain authentic.
If you are (finally!) travelling in the language area again, wrap up all conversations with service staff in the target language anyway: the risk of dramatic consequences is relatively small, it doesn't take much extra time and effort, and they MUST listen kindly. Nice bonus: you usually get a fantastic compliment!
Do you have a lower language level than an ECA level B?
Then be sure to read Antje's blog 5 tips for maintaining language at A-level.
No idea at all what level you have or what that A or B level means exactly?
Then we can also help you. Read more here.
Do you need a few individual sessions with a language trainer after your BLCC language course? Would you like to have the opportunity after your training to improve your language skills for crucial moments such as an important presentation, a telephone call, a negotiation, etc.?
With Squidll, you have 24/7 access to on-demand language support from our BLCC language coaches.
So you can continue to develop your language skills even after your BLCC training.