Weekly review cw 33

New training project

Over the past few weeks, I've experienced several times how my limited vocabulary has been a hindrance. I consider myself well-versed in German. I'm able to express myself effectively. Claiming the same in writing would be bold, but I'm working on that, too.

Unfortunately, the world looks wholly different in English. Of course, I can express myself in a professional context and participate in technical discussions. I don't feel truly confident or comfortable. Generally, it seems wooden and ponderous. Especially when it comes to detailed requirements' management, I wish I had more language options. As we all know, complaining doesn't help, so it's time to address the issue.

My first approach is app-based learning. Accordingly, I asked Perplexity which apps are good for learning English. I couldn't decide by simply reading the recommendations from Perplexity. So, all I had to do was try it out:

• Vocabulary was my first attempt. I was initially enthusiastic. The app's chic and simple design won me over. What bothered me after a few words was the lack of a German translation. The descriptions in context are helpful, but when I want to know the translation at the end, I'm lost in the app.
• PONS is a familiar name to me, along with Langenscheidt, from my school days. The green with the dotted lettering evokes a vague memory of that time. There was a free learning lesson, and the translations I wanted were available. After the short training lesson, it was over. I would have had to buy different classes, like books. That wasn't enough for me to test it. I wanted to study for a few days to understand how the app supports my motivation over time.
• Duolingo has often been mentioned as an example of the reward and motivation system. At first, I was impressed. The introductory test seemed consistent. It was a mix of reading, listening, and translating in both directions. After a few minutes, I was annoyed by the constant clicking and confirming: 5 correct answers in a row, earning extra points, or whatever other cool things were unlocked. That was over the top and irritating. Moreover, like with some games, energy accumulates over time to allow for further practice. That would limit my learning enthusiasm. I could get around that with the paid version – I think.
• Babbel was my next attempt. It combined the advantages of the previous apps and annoyed me the least—a big plus. The trial period is seven days, allowing me to test it thoroughly.

Now it's time to develop it into a habit. To accomplish this, I use the knowledge from the 1% method: First, I enter the days on which I study in my bullet journal. Second, I look for the appropriate period for training as part of my daily reflection. I need enough mental capacity at that moment to ensure that the study is beneficial in the long term. Ideally, I can link it to another positive habit to make it easier for me.

Summer break made the most of

At NTSV, we made intensive use of the summer break. An event was held to introduce young people to various sports. Children up to twelve years old were able to try out a sport each morning and afternoon for two weeks. Table tennis was, of course, part of this program. Two volunteers from my team dedicated themselves to this wonderful sport on two dates, each with over 20 children. The children were creative, and not only in the true sense of the word. I have two impressions for you:

In addition, there was the opportunity for intensive training four days a week to ensure we get off to a good start in the upcoming season. But we didn't just explore new avenues in terms of play. Since the beginning of the year, we've been practicing race tournaments, which we run under the name Ditsch. So far, these have been fun events without any official competitive character. However, this will change in the second half of the year. The first point-based race tournament will take place on October 22, 2025, at 7:45 p.m. in the Sachsenweg sport hall. Click here to register. I appreciate your dedication, Martin Scholz!

Story of the Week

I'm sitting in a small café on a side street in a big city. My cell phone is in my backpack. It's a good place to be because I don't need it. I'm not sitting alone here, and I want to chat. It's mid-afternoon. The sun is shining—the perfect time for a fika. So, coffee and a delicious slice of cheesecake are in front of me. I'm sitting with a view to another table, facing two persons, which look like friends having a lively conversation. I can't hear the content of the conversation, but both are present and listening to each other. But then something must have happened. One of them reaches into her bag and takes out her cell phone. I watch the spectacle.

She makes an apologetic gesture. The other nods understandingly. The conversation dies down. There's frantic typing on the phone. Thereafter, she'll surely put it away. At least, that's my impression of what she expected from her friend's gaze. But not at all – in addition to the phone, a pair of headphones is pulled out of her pocket, plugged into the phone, and apologetic words are addressed to her friend. I was wrong. She's not listening to a voice message, but making a phone call.

Thus begins the awkward drama of bridging time, killing time, and somehow not appearing embarrassed. To do so, the friend silently drinks some water. Then she had some juice, which she had previously used emotionally to buy time in many small sips. When her friend's call still doesn't end, she pulls out her phone. First, she checks messages with concentration. Then she randomly swipes back and forth between apps. Time stretches endlessly—the perfect moment to go to the restroom.

So more minutes pass. Upon returning, the person on the phone looks up—a desperate expression, indicating that she can't interrupt the conversation. The expectation is clear: an understanding nod from my friend should follow. And of course, it came. Followed by a reflexive reach for her phone. More minutes pass like this. One is on the phone, the other is silent.

As I enjoy my cake and coffee, fifteen minutes pass, and the tension suddenly dissipates in seconds. The cell phone and headphones are put away. The conversation resumes. I can't hear the content, but it looks like they're continuing seamlessly. No apology. Nothing.

I gather my things, place everything on a tray, which I carry to the café to leave, and lose myself in my thoughts – I would have provoked a confrontation and not let myself be fobbed off like that. At least, I hope so. I think about it more carefully. I'm not entirely sure. It certainly depends on who I am sitting with. Either way, I realize again what cell phones do to us and our attention. I resolve to be more mindful in the future when I'm not alone and pull out my phone, that I'm dealing the death blow to my attention.