German online teacher (all levels) for school children and adults of all ages. Preparation for the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate German, Goethe Institut, EPSO and TELC

Find out more about Anabel

• 1) Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  Spanish is my mother tongue, and German is my adopted language. 😊

• 2) Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  It would be very difficult to choose just one among all of them- our culture is made up of a little piece of each and every one.

• 3) Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  There are many, but as a nod to my students, the expression that, according to them, best defines us is: "Genio y figura hasta la sepultura" (Character and style until the grave). 😊
  And the first expression I learned in German was "Übung macht den Meister" (Practice makes perfect), which is quite fitting, don't you think?

• 4) Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Spanish is an essential part of who I am-of my identity and my story. It allows me to connect with my people, my friends, and millions of others around the world. Plus, being one of the most widely spoken languages and one of the most used on the internet, speaking Spanish opens many doors, both personally and professionally.
  German, on the other hand, is the language I've adopted over time and has had a profound impact on my life. Living in Germany has given me the opportunity to fully integrate into a rich culture and enjoy its literature, cinema, music, and history. Moreover, it's a key language in Europe, especially in academic and professional fields, which has broadened my opportunities for personal and career growth. For me, speaking German is a way to connect not only with Germany but also with many other cultures that share the language.

• 5) What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  In my opinion, the main difficulty for Spanish learners is the use of the subjunctive mood-even more than ser and estar, por and para, or accentuation. Throughout my teaching career, I've met many students with a very high level of Spanish in all aspects (grammar, vocabulary, fluency, diction, etc.), yet they still make mistakes with the subjunctive.
  As for German learners, once they overcome their fear of pronunciation and declensions, the greatest challenge is the gender of nouns. Similarly, I've met advanced students who speak fluently and use the language well, but still struggle with noun gender.

• 6) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  Oh, there are so many... The most recent one was on my birthday. An American student gathered a group of Spaniards in Miami to sing Happy Birthday to me along with them. It was the best gift!

• 7) How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Without a doubt, it was my first trip to Germany. I went for three months and ended up staying to live there. 😊 Immersing myself in the culture and integrating as one of them allowed me to learn the language in a simple and natural way.
  Now, as a teacher, I love being able to share that same enthusiasm and help my students learn German in an enjoyable and approachable way-even through online learning.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof in language?

  The best people to answer that question are my students, but for those who don't know me yet, I'll say this: I love my profession, and I'll be by your side to support and help you with anything you need.