My First Cracks at Talking About Role Models in German

Okay, so here I am, six months in Munich, and honestly, I still feel like I’m wading through a particularly thick fog sometimes. It’s not just the rain – though that’s a factor – it’s learning a new language and trying to navigate German culture. One of the biggest hurdles, and something I’ve realized is way more important than just ordering a Bier, is actually talking about people you admire. Specifically, discussing role models and famous figures.

The Initial Panic: “Wer ist dein Vorbild?”

I had this horrible interview at my current job – I’m a translator, which is amazing, but the initial weeks were… intense. One of the first questions the manager, Herr Schmidt, asked me was, “Wer ist Ihr Vorbild?” (Who is your role model?). My immediate reaction? Pure panic. I froze. My brain went blank. I mumbled something about… Einstein. Seriously? It felt incredibly awkward.

I later found out that “Vorbild” isn’t just about a huge, historical figure. It can be anyone you look up to – a family member, a colleague, even a celebrity. But saying “Einstein” felt…big. Too serious.

Building a Small Vocabulary

After that embarrassing interview, I started actively trying to learn the right phrases. I realized it’s not just about knowing the word “Vorbild,” but also knowing how to ask about someone’s. I started with:

• “Wen bewunderst du?” (Who do you admire?) – This felt a bit less formal than “Vorbild.”
• “Ich finde [Name] sehr inspirierend.” (I find [Name] very inspiring.) – This is a great way to talk about someone without immediately declaring them your Vorbild.
• “Er/Sie ist ein gutes Beispiel für mich.” (He/She is a good example for me.) – Useful if you want to explain why you admire someone.

I even practiced with a colleague, Alice. We were having coffee, and she asked me the same question. I took a deep breath and said, “Ich finde Angela Merkel sehr stark. Sie hat Deutschland viele Jahre geführt und das war sehr wichtig.” (I find Angela Merkel very strong. She led Germany for many years and that was very important.) Alice just smiled and said, “Ja, das stimmt. Sie ist eine sehr wichtige Persönlichkeit.” (Yes, that’s true. She’s a very important personality.) It felt a lot less terrifying.

Common German Phrases & Mistakes

Here are a few other phrases I’ve picked up, and a couple of mistakes I’ve made (and learned from!):

• “Ich bewundere seine/ihre Leistungen.” (I admire his/her achievements.) – Always make sure you use the correct “sein” or “ihr” depending on the gender of the person you’re talking about. I accidentally said “seine” when referring to Angela Merkel – Alice gave me a little, friendly correction! “Ach, aber Merkel ist eine Frau!” (Oh, but Merkel is a woman!)
• “Er/Sie hat mich inspiriert,…” (He/She has inspired me,…) – I’ve used this a lot when talking about artists or musicians.
• “Ich finde ihn/sie sehr talentiert.” (I find him/her very talented.) – Pretty straightforward.

Talking About Famous People – It’s Not Just About Heroes

It’s important to note that Germans don’t necessarily automatically view famous people as positive role models. It’s more about admiring their skills, dedication, or accomplishments. I’ve heard people discuss Fußball stars like Thomas Müller – not necessarily because they agree with everything he does, but because he’s clearly incredibly talented and committed.

I was talking to my flatmate, Luke, about Klaus Mann, a famous journalist, and he said, “Er war ein sehr scharfer Kritiker. Auch wenn ich seine Meinungen nicht immer teile, respektiere ich seine Intelligenz.” (He was a very sharp critic. Even though I don’t always share his opinions, I respect his intelligence.) It’s a really interesting perspective – it’s not about blindly following someone, but about appreciating their abilities.

My Ongoing Journey

Honestly, it’s still a work in progress. I still stumble over my words sometimes, and I definitely need to expand my vocabulary beyond just “Vorbild.” But I’m learning that this isn’t just about grammar; it’s about understanding a whole different way of thinking about people and influence. And that’s something worth a lot more than just a Bier. Next week, I’m going to try and talk about my favourite musician, David Guetta, – wish me luck! Ich drück die Zähne zusammen! (I’m taking a deep breath!)