Our Winners Igor and Tomasz in Berlin, Part 26. August 2025 by Humboldt-Institut
Im June we could welcome two winners at the Humboldt-Institut in Berlin-Mitte. Last December, Igor won the first prize in our Advent Calendar competition and Tomasz was one of the lucky finders in the Course Catch. We talked with both of them about their experiences and learning German in Berlin. We started in part 1 with Igor, and continue with Tomasz in part 2:
Can you please introduce yourself?
Yes, of course. I’m Tomek from Poland and I like to speak German! Here in Berlin, I’m currently attending a B1 German course at the Humboldt-Institut.
When and why did you start learning German?
I think it was about six years ago, when I was doing a voluntary service in Berlin. I wanted to speak the language. German just sounds good!
How did you find out about the Course Catch?
I follow Humboldt on Instagram. So I saw it one day and was really surprised that the Course Catch was in Katowice in Poland and not just in big cities like Dublin or Sao Paulo.
Congratulations on catching the course!
Thank you!
Why did you choose Berlin and what do you think of the city?
I lived in Berlin for ten months, that was six years ago, and I have really good memories. I wanted to come back and see the city, go back to Kreuzberg and revisit all the cool places.
And how do you like the language and what challenges – you’ve been here for three days now – are there in terms of learning?
Well, it’s an intensive course and you have to be really focused every day to improve your language skills. It takes many hours every day and you get a bit tired in the afternoon. But that’s normal and you can improve step by step and really quickly.
Is there also a lot of homework?
Yes, there is a lot of homework and yes, there is even more and more to learn every day. Not just lessons, but you have to work and study to be successful.
Yes, that’s true. I hope you still have a bit of time for yourself?
A little bit. A little bit.
Do you have a favorite German word?
I actually have three favorite words. All three words are connected: The words are Vergangenheit [past], Gegenwart [present] and Zukunft [future].
Why is that?
They come from my favorite series on Netflix. This series is called Dark. It’s very mysterious and exciting. There’s a lot of stuff about time and past, present and future. So it’s really cool!
Will you continue learning after this one week? Or what will you do with your German skills?
Yes, now I’m very motivated and inspired. I want to keep learning and I need to think a bit. Maybe find a job in Poland, part-time, so that I can practise German every day.
Would you recommend a German course in Berlin?
Yes, of course! I can really recommend Humboldt. Well, I only know the institute in Berlin, but I’m sure it’s good for everyone. It’s really exciting here, my room is great and the food is fantastic! They even had Berlin-style Currywurst on my first day.
Have you already had beer at a Späti [late night shop]?
Yes of course, you have to have one in Berlin, it’s part of the Berlin culture. My favorite Späti beer is Berliner Kindl.
Do you have anything else to say to our readers?
Yes, thank you very much for everything! It was really important that I felt comfortable here and was able to learn German. The level and quality of teaching is very good and all the people were friendly and helpful!
Thank you very much for the interview, Tomasz!
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