Going to an international school and being surrounded by people from such diverse backgrounds and cultures has made me realize how important and valuable languages are. Growing up, I never realized what a gift and privilege it was, to be able to communicate in such a variety of languages. I’m very grateful for my parents, to whom I owe my ability of speaking Czech. Being born in Switzerland meant that German immediately became my second language, helping me communicate with everybody on a daily basis. And while I must admit that German is definitely not my favourite language (considering my personal preference for French, Italian and English), mainly because of how complex it is, I still believe that it should be admired for it’s beauty. Its literature, poetry, and rich history reflect a depth of thought and emotion that deserves greater appreciation.
One of my favorite aspects of German is its ability to capture complex emotions in unique ways. A great example is the word Vorfreude. This word, which translates to the joyful anticipation of something yet to come, has no direct English equivalent. It perfectly describes the spark of excitement and happiness before an anticipated event. Vorfreude is something we all experience daily, whether it’s the thrill of planning a trip, the anticipation of a celebration, or the joy of knowing you’ll see a friend after a long day at school. Vorfreude can always be found in the simple moments.
The word ‘Vorfreude’ always reminds me to savor the build-up and not just focus on the outcome. These layers of excitement to ordinary moments have made me look for joy in the everyday.