In my German translated comic reading era.
To refresh your memory
My 2026 polyglot language goals
Language Goals 2026 | Study Update #1
My study plan for German ’26
What is my language goal for this year?
German – B2
Why do I study the language?
– Because I like the language, so just for fun. There is no pressure behind it.
– Useful for my work as a manuscript reader, I am already picking up German manuscripts, but I would like to learn more nuances to become better at my work.
– Being able to do some business in Germany and Austria in the long run.
– Watch German speaking tv-shows without (German) subtitles and fully understand everything.
– Having conversations with German speakers when travelling.
Where was I at the beginning of this year?
My reading skills are already at C1 level, but most of my other skills are at B1 level, so I need to get those other skills to B2. I have a business trip planned in March, by the time that rolls around I want my speech to an advanced B1 level. Using the momentum of my business trip I hope to get my speech even at a higher level. But I will for sure take the rest of this year to get to a complete B2 level.
Which goals did I set for the first quarter?
My goals for Q1:
– Expanding my vocabulary.
– Practice conversations.
– Read a book and comics in German.
– Prepare for my business trip to Germany.
Did those goals from the last quarter work out?
Everything except for reading a book worked out. During my time in Leipzig I got the chance to practice conversations and grow my vocabulary. To be honest, I had hoped to be able to do even more. But my appointments were very different from last year’s and speaking English in most of those meetings was the norm. Nevertheless, I am happy I had the chance to speak even if it was just a little. On the same trip I got inspired by lots of comics. Manga Comic Con was happening at the same time as the Leipziger Buchmesse. And I found so many comics I think I would like, that have been reading them ever since I got back.
Where am I now?
Where do I start? In some ways I consider myself a polyglot, but I am also very much aware of all the work that still must be done to get better at the languages I already speak. I got reminded of just that when I went on that business trip to Leipzig last March. My knowledge in the language has gotten broader, but at the same time I did find out what I lack.
During that trip I got to practice German a lot, and that is when I noticed that I am completely plateauing on level B1 for speech. People understand me better, but my accent is very Austrian (cause I lived there in the winter of 2025) and Dutch. Which isn’t that big of a deal, but it does lead to some very confusing situations, haha.
So I want to work on speech even more so in the upcoming months. My vocabulary is for sure getting there as well, but I notice when I speak sometimes it takes time for me to get the words out. I want to find a way for me to let it come out more naturally, like I do when I speak on A2 level.
My reading skills are already at C1 level, nevertheless I even saw progress when I read. The way I grasp a scene or sentence has changed a lot I noticed. It’s faster. I don’t know how else to explain. I have been able to understand different layers in a story for a while, but I think how fast I get the whole picture is now at a native level. So I guess I am at an advanced C1 level. I think it will stay there for while which I am fine with, cause speech really should be my main focus. Especially since I have another trip to Germany coming up and that will be to Bavaria. Let me tell you, they speak very different German over there. So getting to advanced B1 level is very important to me.
How am I going to continue studying the language?
My goals for Q2:
– Expanding my vocabulary.
– Practice conversations.
– Keep on reading in German.
– Prepare for my summer holiday to Germany.
Love,
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