It’s that time again… a big warm welcome to our newest intern Alex Patterson!
What attracted you to the German language?
I started studying German at the beginning of secondary school at 11 years old and always found it far more interesting than subjects like Maths or Science. The logical nature of German definitely appealed to me, even if it sometimes seemed like there were so many rules to follow regarding the grammar! I also really enjoyed studying music at school, an area in which a knowledge of languages is also very useful, so my two passions went hand in hand.
What made you decide to enrol in your university degree programme?
I wanted to continue learning a language beyond secondary school, and at university, I could also pick up a new language (I chose Italian) from a total beginner’s level, with dedicated teaching – an opportunity that I had never had before. Being able to spend a year living in two new countries, studying or working, also really stood out to me as an option, as it gives the chance to immerse yourself in totally different cultures.
You’re completing a mandatory overseas internship placement as part of your course of studies. Why did you choose to come to Berlin?
Berlin is a very multicultural city, much like my home city, London. Everyone I had spoken with, who had previously visited Berlin, thought very highly of it, and especially as a student, there’s so much to do and see here. I also wanted to go somewhere where my knowledge of both English and German could be applied in a professional environment, and Berlin was the perfect place for that.
What are you hoping to get out of your 12-week internship?
I would really like to develop my German speaking skills and understand more about the world of interpretation, as this is a field I could see myself working in later on in my life.
What’s your favourite quote in German? Explain it to us and tell us why you like it.
“Übung macht den Meister” – I think this quote is particularly true when learning German, as the only way to get better at a language is to practice as much as possible and put yourself in situations, perhaps out of your comfort zone, to really challenge your language skills.
What kind of tasks do you enjoy the most? Why?
Anything that involves meeting new people, for example, observing the interpretation of meetings. But I also enjoy the variety that working in translation offers, as every day you learn something new, regardless of the subject matter.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I would love to live abroad, either in Germany or Italy, to make use of the languages that I am currently studying as part of my degree. Anything that allows me to travel more and discover as many places as possible!
Name an interesting fact about yourself that you’d like to share with our readers?
I have played the trumpet since the age of 7, and had to choose between pursuing a career in music or studying languages! Despite going for the language option, I still enjoy playing as part of a band when I have free time during university life.
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