Tuesday was my first Translation Skills course. Though it said that the course is supposed to be taught in English, the entire first class was in German. Of course that's fine, I was just expecting English. The professor is an older, funny guy. During the class he was explaining the course and how we would be tested. We will have two short tests where we will translate some texts. We will only be able to make a combined total of 14 mistakes between the two tests, or we fail the course. At this point, I'm not confident that I'll pass. He also explained how we could only use a one-language dictionary. It was then that I really started freaking out. However, he then pointed to me, and said (in German), "unless German isn't your mother tongue, then you can use a two-language dictionary. Oh, and if you have any questions, feel free to stop me and ask." I wanted to hide under a rock. I had emailed him with some questions before class began, hence why he knew that I was an exchange student. I think that this may be my most difficult course. He let us out 45 minutes early, so I had some time to kill. I ended up turning in my registration form and then sat with Marcella and Matt for a little before I headed to my language course. After my 2.5 hour language course, I headed into town. I wanted to find a good German-English dictionary, as I have left mine in the US, but I couldn't find one. Two bookstores didn't even have anything other than pocket-sized dictionaries, and the other bookstore was too expensive. I did, however, learn that "American" is apparently its own language. In one bookstore, I found a grammar book about "English," and one about "American." While I do understand that British English and American English are different (Clare, Marcella and Matt are constantly reminding me), I do not understand how there need to be a book on the grammar. I would understand if the books said, "English" and then "American English," but this one just said, "American."
Today I had my German grammar course, titled "Übung zu Grammatik des Deutschen." This was the first time the course met. I can already tell that I'll like the professor, but I think the course will be challenging. My German grammar is a bit rusty as I haven't done any grammar in years, so learning more German grammar in German will certainly prove difficult. Luckily, Clare and Matt are in the course with me, so that'll help. Today we already began reviewing some basic German like different verb tenses and parts of speech. As exchange students, we don't have to take any tests in this course, just do all homework he assigns and attend every lecture. At one point, the girl in front of us turned around said to us, "Are you American?!" I said yes, but that Clare and Matt aren't. She said, "OH THAT'S SO COOL THAT YOU'RE AMERICAN! I LOVE IT!" I only laughed, as all the British kids do is make fun of me for being American. After class, Matt and I went to buy the grammar book that we needed for class. I splurged and bought a mini German verb book, as well as a book of German poems about the sun. I really just can't help myself.
My long weekend has now begun. Tomorrow is a holiday, Tag der Arbeit, which is their Labor Day. Since I don't have class on Friday, I have a four day weekend! I'm excited to see what adventures I'll have in my four days. I'm going to a 90's party tonight. Tomorrow I may be going on a hike a few towns over, as well as a Finnish party showing how they celebrate May 1st in Finland. I may head over to Frankfurt on Saturday too.
Also, I found these chips in Rewe. I'm still trying to figure out how the flavor of the entire continent of African can be packed into a single flavored potato chip.
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