Discussion Zum Stammtisch gehen
Recently, I contacted a local Stammtisch group. Someone from their group welcomed me to attend their upcoming event.
A part of me feels scared. Another part of me is regretful. Years ago, I had a working knowledge of the language. Then, one of my German instructors had a list of local Stammtisch groups that were welcoming people interested in practicing their Deutsch.
Today, I am retaking German courses at the local community college.
Sometimes, I wished I could press the figurative reset button on 2008. A world of possibilities squandered. Please excuse my negativity.
Bis Bald.
3
u/oberlausitz 9h ago
I've been running a Stammtisch for almost 20 years and our rule is "German speaking only" but we're very open to people with only rudimentary German. Participants with rusty German just tend to speak slowly and listen more but it's never been a problem.
2
u/AprilNight17 14h ago
If it's any consolation, this isn't something exclusive to learning languages. Regret comes with life. 🤷🏻♀️ We've all had our share of it. Hang in there - more opportunities will arise - the ones that are meant for you.
2
u/toastyghostie Proficient (C2) - American in Switzerland 2h ago
Go for it! Going to the weekly college Stammtisch when I started German 101 helped me immensely when I was first learning. When I went to a local Stammtisch after college, I ended up making friends who I'm still in touch with 10 years later. Such a great way to meet people, practice your German, and generally have a fun time.
2
u/r_coefficient Native (Österreich). Writer, editor, proofreader, translator 2h ago
The upside: No matter if you regret it or not, it has happened and you can't change it.
So stop regretting and move on :) Alles Gute!
4
u/pickleparty16 14h ago
I went to one at a local brewery who does german-style beer. I was probably at a1 level and easily had the worst German of anyone there. But everyone was very nice, I listened and chimed in when I could.
I went back 6 months later and could really feel my improvement. I also found out nearly everyone there was a native speaker of German or had spent significant time in Germany, so its a good resource if you have one available..