High Managing to land a joke in German

Low I misunderstand “wer” (who) as “where” said in a German accent. A bunch of times.

High Learning the lyrics to ’99 Luftballons’

Low Failing to understand German TV even after becoming conversational

High Understanding German standup comedy

Low Understanding German standup comedy

High Entering the first evening class and understanding everything the teacher is (slowly) saying.

Low German grammar

High Literally gaining the vaguest understanding of German grammar

Low Discovering the preterite past tense

High Finishing Lemony Snicket in translation.

Low Trying to read Thomas Mann in the original.

High Feeling emotionally connected to a German-language novel for the first time (Der Trafikant).

Low Realising my German might never be perfect!