My First Month in Munich: Talking About Feelings (and Almost Blowing It!)

Okay, let me start by saying this is so overwhelming. Moving to Munich was the biggest thing I’ve ever done, and while I’m ridiculously excited about the job and the Bavarian beer, navigating daily life, especially the emotional side of things, has been… well, a rollercoaster. I’m still learning so much, and honestly, I’ve made a few embarrassing moments (that I’m now trying to laugh about). Today, I want to share what I’ve learned about talking about feelings in German, and maybe save you from some of the same stumbles I’ve had.

The Initial Confusion: “Mir geht es gut” vs. “Ich bin okay”

When I first arrived, I kept defaulting to phrases I’d learned in those basic German courses. I’d say, “Ich bin okay!” when someone asked how I was. A lovely woman named Frau Schmidt, my colleague, gently corrected me. “Nein, nein, das ist nicht richtig,” she said, with a patient smile. “’Mir geht es gut’ ist viel natürlicher. It means ‘I am well’ – a more genuine response.”

She then explained that “Ich bin okay” can sound a bit… well, hesitant. Like you’re trying to downplay something. It’s the kind of thing you might say if you’re avoiding a deeper conversation. “Mir geht es gut” felt much more comfortable, and honestly, more truthful.

I’ve since learned that context matters a lot. I used “Mir geht es gut” when I was feeling generally positive, and it felt right.

Describing Specific Feelings: Beyond the Basics

It’s not just about saying “I’m fine.” Germans really delve into the feeling itself. When my boss, Herr Berger, asked how I was on Monday, I blurted out, “Mir geht es gut!” Again, a slightly awkward response. He pressed a little. “Ach, was ist denn los? You seem a bit… distrahrt.”

That’s when I realised I needed a better vocabulary. “Distrahrt” (distracted) was a good starting point, but I wanted to be more precise. I remembered seeing the word “traurig” (sad) and “ängstlich” (anxious) in a leaflet about mental health services at the Arbeitsamt.

I tried, “Ich bin traurig, weil ich so weit von zu Hause weg bin.” (I am sad because I’m so far away from home). It felt… vulnerable, but honest. Herr Berger nodded, a small understanding in his eyes. He then asked, “Und was machst du, um dich zu beruhigen?” (And what do you do to calm yourself down?) – which, let’s be honest, I didn’t have an answer for at that moment.

Common Phrases & Situations

Here are a few phrases that have become essential for me:

• “Ich fühle mich…” (I feel…) – This is your go-to for almost any emotion. For example, “Ich fühle mich müde” (I feel tired).
• “Ich bin…” (I am…) – Often used to describe a state of being. “Ich bin nervös” (I’m nervous) before a presentation.
• “Es geht mir nicht gut.” (I’m not doing well.) – Use this if you’re genuinely struggling.
• “Ich brauche eine Pause.” (I need a break.) – Very useful when the German efficiency starts to feel a bit overwhelming!

I’ve also found myself using phrases like: “Das macht mich traurig” (That makes me sad) and “Ich bin froh, dass…” (I’m happy that…).

A Small Mistake & a Helpful Correction

Last week, I was talking to a group of colleagues after work at a Biergarten. I was venting about a difficult report I’d been working on, and I said, “Das ist total frustrierend!” (That’s totally frustrating!). One of my colleagues, a student named Luke, quickly corrected me. “Es ist ‘Diese Situation ist total frustrierend’,” he explained. ” ‘Das’ is for things, not situations.”

It’s things like that – these small corrections – that have been invaluable. It’s not just about saying the words correctly, it’s about understanding the nuances of the language.

Moving Forward

Talking about emotions in German is still a work in progress for me. I’m learning to be more open, to be more honest, and to accept that it’s okay to not always have the perfect answer. I’m definitely not afraid to make mistakes – especially when it helps me learn. And I’m definitely embracing the fact that sometimes, a simple “Mir geht es gut” is perfectly fine.

Anyone else have any tips for navigating feelings in German? Let me know in the comments! Ich freue mich darauf zu hören! (I look forward to hearing from you!).