Halt die Klappe, Ich hab Feierabend!

If you are moving to Berlin, becoming a regular at your local Spätkauf is a great way to learn the language (and make some local friends).

Including some self-study, my German was better at 6 mos than my coworkers taking immersion classes.

Berlin is so international, so it's doable with only English (especially in Tech, where jobs require English instead of German).

But I didn't realize the downside. People want to practice their English, so switch right away.

Others have no patience to slow down while I learn.

Berlin's Späti-kultur has an ideal setup.

• Low ambient noise

• Stammtisch = same people daily

• Casual German by default (English optional)

• All Inclusive: newbies and weirdos are welcome

Ich lernte Deutsch in meinem Spati!

You can too!