My First Time Responding to a Recommendation in German – And Why It Was a Disaster (and How to Fix It!)

Okay, so let me be honest. Learning German has been… challenging. I moved to Munich six months ago for a job as an English teacher, which sounds amazing on paper, but actually navigating everyday life feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube with oven mitts on. I’m doing okay, I get by, but my German is definitely not fluent, and that’s particularly noticeable when I need to just talk. But I’m pushing myself, especially with my TELC exams – they’re a huge motivator. Right now, I’m focusing on the B1.2 writing test, specifically the task about responding to a recommendation. And let me tell you, my first attempt was a mess.

The Situation: Herr Schmidt’s Recommendation

My colleague, Herr Schmidt, a wonderfully grumpy but brilliant engineer, highly recommended a local restaurant called “Zum Goldenen Hirsch” (The Golden Stag) to me. He said, “Du musst das unbedingt probieren! Es ist sehr gut, die Würstchen sind fantastisch!” (You absolutely have to try it! It’s very good, the sausages are fantastic!). Honestly, I wanted to go – I was tired of the office canteen and the bland hotel breakfast. So, I decided to write a short email responding to his recommendation.

My Initial Email – A Complete Train Wreck

Here’s what I actually wrote:

• Betreff: Ihre Empfehlung (Subject: Your Recommendation)

• Sehr geehrte Herr Schmidt,

• Vielen Dank für Ihre Empfehlung. Ich finde das Restaurant sehr gut. Ich werde es besuchen. Ich habe gehört, dass die Würstchen sind sehr lecker. Ich hoffe, es ist nicht zu teuer. Ich mag Würstchen sehr.

• Mit freundlichen Grüßen,

• [Mein Name]

(Dear Mr. Schmidt,

Thank you for your recommendation. I think the restaurant is very good. I will visit it. I heard that the sausages are very tasty. I hope it’s not too expensive. I like sausages very much.)

Seriously, cringe-worthy, right?

The Feedback – And My Shock

When I showed it to my Tandem partner, Lena – she’s a fantastic German student – her reaction was… cautious. “Okay,” she said slowly, “it’s… functional. But it’s so basic. You’re just repeating what he said. And the ‘Ich mag Würstchen sehr’ bit? It’s a bit… odd. You don’t need to tell him you like sausages!” She then explained that in a response to a recommendation, you need to express gratitude and perhaps briefly explain why you’re interested, and show you’ve understood the recommendation.

What I Should Have Said (And What I Learned)

Here’s a more natural response, based on what Lena suggested:

• Betreff: Re: Ihre Empfehlung (Subject: Re: Your Recommendation)

• Sehr geehrte Herr Schmidt,

• Vielen Dank für den Tipp! Ich habe schon von “Zum Goldenen Hirsch” gehört und bin sehr gespannt darauf, das Essen auszuprobieren. Die Würstchen klingen besonders gut, und ich freue mich, dass Sie es empfehlen. Ich habe gehört, dass es ein traditionelles bayerisches Restaurant ist, was mir sehr zusagt.

(Dear Mr. Schmidt,

Thank you for the tip! I’ve already heard about “Zum Goldenen Hirsch” and I’m really looking forward to trying the food. The sausages sound particularly good, and I’m glad you’re recommending it. I heard it’s a traditional Bavarian restaurant, which I really like.)

See the difference? It’s still simple, but it’s much more thoughtful. I added a bit about why it appeals to me (traditional Bavarian food) and expressed genuine interest.

Useful Phrases for Responding to Recommendations (B1.2 Level)

Here are some phrases I’m actively trying to use:

• Vielen Dank für den Tipp! (Thank you for the tip!) – A polite and standard way to begin.
• Ich bin sehr gespannt darauf… (I’m very excited about…) – Shows enthusiasm.
• Das klingt gut! (That sounds good!) – Simple agreement.
• Ich habe gehört, dass… (I heard that…) – Demonstrates you listened.
• Das finde ich interessant… (I find that interesting…) – Shows you’re engaged.
• Ich werde es gerne ausprobieren. (I’d gladly try it.) – Expresses willingness.

My Next Steps – Practice, Practice, Practice

This whole experience was a huge wake-up call. I realized I was focusing too much on getting the grammar ‘right’ and not enough on actually communicating naturally. I’m going to practice responding to recommendations with Lena, and even with other people I meet. I’m also going to look at more examples of German emails – maybe a few I find online (but carefully vetted, of course!). I need to focus on building a vocabulary of useful phrases and, most importantly, just talking more.

The TELC exam is looming, but honestly, this whole process is teaching me so much more than just the writing task. It’s teaching me how to actually connect with people in German. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll actually enjoy eating those fantastic sausages at “Zum Goldenen Hirsch.” Fingers crossed!