Finding My Drive: How Learning German Helps Me Talk About Motivation at Work

Okay, so here I am, six months in Berlin. Six months of navigating U-Bahn schedules, trying (and mostly failing) to order Kuchen correctly, and slowly, painfully, learning German. It’s been incredibly challenging, and honestly, at times, I felt like giving up. But you know what? It’s also completely changed how I approach work, specifically when it comes to talking about motivation with my colleagues. It started with just trying to understand what they were really saying, and it’s become so much more.

The Initial Confusion – “Motivation?”

Initially, the whole concept of “Motivation” felt…weird. In my previous job back in London, we’d talk about targets, KPIs, and “boosting morale.” Here, it’s different. When I first started at the Möbelhaus Schmidt (a furniture store – exciting, right?), my supervisor, Herr Lehmann, asked me, “Wie sieht es mit Ihrer Motivation aus?” (How is your motivation looking?). I completely froze. I blurted out, “Ja, sehr gut!” (Yes, very good!) because honestly, I was terrified of saying something wrong, or even worse, admitting I wasn’t feeling it.

Later, I overheard a conversation between Herr Lehmann and another colleague, Klaus. Klaus was complaining about his sales targets. He said, “Ich habe keine Motivation, um die Zahlen zu erreichen!” (I have no motivation to reach the figures!). It sounded so dramatic! I thought, “He’s just complaining!” But then I realized – he was actually expressing a genuine feeling about his job.

Understanding the Nuances – It’s Not Just “Yes, I’m Fine!”

The biggest difference is that Germans don’t typically offer simple affirmations. Saying “Ja, ich bin motiviert!” (Yes, I’m motivated!) feels… hollow. It’s not a genuine reflection of their experience. My Deutsch teacher, Frau Müller, emphasized this. “Es geht nicht nur ums Sagen, sondern ums Sehen,” she said (It’s not just about saying, but about seeing). She explained that German conversations are often about exploring feelings, understanding the why behind a situation.

Because I’m learning, I’m starting to ask more questions. After Herr Lehmann asked me about my motivation, I wanted to understand his perspective. I asked, “Was motiviert Sie, Herr Lehmann?” (What motivates you, Herr Lehmann?). He explained that he enjoys helping customers find the perfect piece of furniture for their homes. “Es ist schön, wenn jemand sein Zuhause mit etwas Schönerem gestalten kann,” he said (It’s nice when someone can make their home a little more beautiful). That actually made me feel a bit more connected to my job.

Useful Phrases – And How to Avoid Saying the Wrong Thing

Here are some phrases that have been invaluable for me:

• “Ich fühle mich nicht so motiviert im Moment.” (I don’t feel so motivated at the moment.) – This is a much more honest and appropriate response than a simple “Ja.”
• “Könnten Sie mir erklären, warum Sie das so sehen?” (Could you explain why you see it that way?) – This shows you’re genuinely interested in understanding their perspective.
• “Was sind Ihre Erwartungen an mich?” (What are your expectations of me?) – This is incredibly helpful for clarifying roles and responsibilities.
• “Ich brauche mehr Unterstützung.” (I need more support.) – Don’t be afraid to ask for help! It’s seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

A Small Mistake (and a Lesson!)

Last week, I was struggling with a particularly complex sales presentation. Feeling overwhelmed, I said to Klaus, “Das ist schwierig, aber ich bin motiviert, es zu schaffen!” (That’s difficult, but I’m motivated to get it done!). He raised an eyebrow and said, “Ja, klar! Aber vielleicht sollten Sie sich erst mal einen Kaffee holen.” (Yes, of course! But maybe you should get yourself a coffee first.) It was a gentle ribbing, but it highlighted how I needed to be more authentic. It’s about acknowledging the difficulty, not pretending everything is sunshine and roses.

The Bigger Picture – Communication and Connection

Learning German isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary. It’s about building connections. It’s helped me understand that motivation isn’t about forced enthusiasm; it’s about finding purpose and value in your work. And it’s definitely helped me communicate that more effectively – and honestly – with my colleagues. Weiterhin viel Erfolg beim Deutschlernen! (Keep up the good work with learning German!) – I’m certainly doing that!