My First Marathon – And My German Sports Struggles (Reflexive Verbs & Time!)

Okay, so let me start by saying this: moving to Berlin was the best thing I’ve ever done. Seriously. But learning German? That’s been… a challenge. It’s beautiful, complex, and makes my brain hurt sometimes. I’m trying to get more involved in the local fitness scene – mainly running – and honestly, it’s highlighted a few key areas where my German is… well, let’s just say it needs work. It’s not just about knowing the words for ‘Socken’ (socks) or ‘Schuhe’ (shoes)!

The Running Group Mishap

Last week, I finally joined a local running group. They meet at the “Grunewald” – it’s gorgeous, all forest and trails. I was so excited! We started the run, and the group leader, a really friendly guy named Steven, shouted, “Okay, Leute, wir machen jetzt auf Tempo!” (Okay, people, let’s pick up the pace!). I understood the words, but then I completely froze. I wanted to say I was having trouble keeping up, and instead, I blurted out, “Ich bin zu langsam!” (I am too slow!).

Steven looked at me, puzzled. Then another runner, Alice, explained, “Nein, nein! Du musst sagen: ‘Ich komme nicht mit.’ (No, no! You have to say ‘I can’t keep up.’)” It felt so embarrassing, but Alice was so kind. That’s when I realised it’s not enough to just know the words; you need to know how to express yourself, especially when you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Reflexive Verbs: “Ich fühle mich…” (I feel…) and “Ich bin…” (I am…)

Reflexive verbs are everywhere in conversations about fitness. They’re used constantly to describe how you’re feeling. I’ve been struggling with them, honestly. I keep getting them mixed up with regular verbs.

For example, yesterday, after a particularly tough run, I said to a fellow runner, Thomas, “Ich fühle mich müde!” (I feel tired!). He nodded, and then he said, “Du solltest dich ausruhen!” (You should rest!). See? ‘Ausruhen’ (to rest) is reflexive – you rest yourself. It’s not just about resting in general.

And then there’s “Ich bin…” – “Ich bin gestresst” (I’m stressed) after a long work week, or “Ich bin fit” (I’m fit) after a good workout. It’s crucial to understand the reflexive nature of these phrases.

Time Expressions – “Jedes Mal” (Every time) and “Anfangs” (Initially)

Time expressions are also a huge problem! I keep getting confused about when things happen.

Last week, I asked Steven if we always run at the Grunewald. He said, “Jedes Mal laufen wir hier.” (Every time we run here.) But then, the next week, I asked again, and he said, “Anfangs ran wir im Park, aber jetzt laufen wir hier.” (Initially, we ran in the park, but now we run here.) It’s so frustrating! I need to be more careful with my questions and listen more closely to how he uses time phrases.

Practical Phrases for the Gym/Running

Here are a few phrases I’ve found really useful, specifically when talking about exercise:

• “Ich trainiere regelmäßig.” (I train regularly.) – Useful for talking about my fitness routine.
• “Ich mache Yoga.” (I do Yoga.) – I went to a class and it was really good!
• “Ich bin dabei!” (I’m in!) – Used to express enthusiasm about joining an activity.
• “Ich schaffe es!” (I can do it!) – A little encouragement for myself (and maybe for others!).

My Biggest Lesson So Far

Honestly, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it’s okay to make mistakes. I’ve completely butchered conversations, mispronounced words, and accidentally said things that made no sense at all. But everyone is so patient and helpful. Alice corrected me about “Ich bin zu langsam!” and Steven patiently explained the difference between reflexive verbs. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about trying, and learning, and not being afraid to ask for help.

I’m still a long way off from fluent German, but every run, every conversation, every little correction brings me closer. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll even be able to confidently shout, “Auf Tempo!” without completely embarrassing myself.

Ich glaube, es wird mir gelingen! (I believe I will succeed!)