My Journey into Human Rights – And My German

Okay, so here I am, five months in Berlin, and let me tell you, it’s been a rollercoaster. I’ve moved here for a job as a translator – perfect, right? – but honestly, the biggest challenge hasn’t been the language (though Ach du meine Güte it’s been a struggle at times!) it’s been understanding how things really work here, especially when it comes to things like human rights. I realized that simply knowing the words wasn’t enough. I needed to talk about them, and that meant tackling the German.

Getting My Feet Wet with “Menschenrechte”

The first few weeks, I was mostly fumbling through ordering coffee (“Ein Cappuccino, bitte”) and asking for directions (“Wo ist die Hauptbahnhof?”). Then, at work, I started encountering the word “Menschenrechte” a lot. It wasn’t just in legal documents, which were completely baffling. It was in conversations about tenant rights, about fair wages, even about access to healthcare.

I started to realize that simply translating “human rights” wasn’t the same as understanding the German context. The legal framework is obviously different, and the way people talk about these issues has a very specific tone.

A Mishap at the Bakery – “Diskriminierung”

This happened last week. I was trying to order a Kuchen (cake) at a small bakery in Prenzlauer Berg. I asked if they had gluten-free options, and the baker, a lovely older man named Herr Schmidt, responded with, “Na, wir haben nur Kuchen, keine Probleme!” (“Well, we only have cakes, no problems!”).

It took me a moment to realize he was using “Probleme” (problems) to subtly suggest that offering gluten-free options wasn’t a “problem” for him. Later, a colleague explained to me that in German, phrases like this can sometimes be a coded way of dismissing concerns about discrimination – particularly against people with disabilities or dietary restrictions. The word “Diskriminierung” (discrimination) felt huge and weighty, but this little conversation showed me it wasn’t just a legal term. It’s a real, everyday interaction.

I wanted to say, politely but firmly, “But isn’t offering diverse options a human right to choose?” But I panicked and just mumbled, “Okay, thank you.” I need to work on my responses!

Useful Phrases to Know

Here are a few phrases I’m actively using, and that I’ve found really helpful:

• “Das ist nicht akzeptabel!” (That’s not acceptable!) – Use this if you witness something unfair.
• “Ich finde das nicht fair!” (I don’t think that’s fair!) – A good general phrase to express your feelings.
• “Haben Sie sich mit dem Arbeitgeber/der Arbeitgeberin abgesprochen?” (Did you discuss this with your employer?) – This is crucial when talking about issues like unfair treatment at work.
• “Ich weiß nicht, wie ich das lösen soll.” (I don’t know how I can solve this.) – Don’t be afraid to admit you need help! It’s a good starting point for a conversation.

Navigating Discussions About Asylum

I’ve been volunteering at a local refugee center, helping newcomers with basic German and navigating the bureaucratic maze. It’s incredibly intense, but also incredibly rewarding. One evening, a young man from Syria, Ahmed, was feeling really frustrated with the process of applying for asylum. He was saying things like, “Es ist nicht richtig! Warum macht man das?” (“It’s not right! Why do they do this?”).

I realized the importance of phrasing things carefully. Simply saying “That’s not right” felt dismissive. I responded with, “Ich verstehe, dass Sie sich verzweifelt fühlen. Wir können versuchen, die Situation zu erklären und zu sehen, was möglich ist.” (“I understand you’re feeling desperate. We can try to explain the situation and see what’s possible.”) It felt more empathetic and productive.

Learning the Nuances of “Verantwortung” (Responsibility)

Something I’ve noticed repeatedly is the German emphasis on “Verantwortung” (responsibility). When discussing issues like poverty or inequality, it’s often framed as a matter of individual responsibility rather than systemic issues. It’s a very different perspective than what I’m used to. I’m learning to push back gently, saying things like, “Aber ist es nicht auch die Verantwortung der Regierung?” (“But isn’t it also the responsibility of the government?”)

My Next Steps

I’m planning to take a German course specifically focused on legal and political vocabulary. I also want to delve deeper into the history of human rights in Germany – understanding the past is crucial to understanding the present. And, honestly, I just need to keep listening, keep asking questions, and keep practicing my German! Viel Glück! (Good luck!)

I’m still figuring things out, but I’m determined to not just hear about human rights here, but to truly understand and participate in the conversation. It’s a long road, but I’m ready for the challenge.