[Mike Billings]

I thought my plan was infallible.

Had a year and a half of German in school.

Then, to get some practice, I started one of those multiplayer games where you communicate constantly with other people. The game was set in Germany, so mostly native speakers. I got by using my limited knowledge plus Google translate.

The plan should have worked. I communicated (similar to social media) for several hours at a sitting. Three times a day. For nine months.

Didn't sink in. I'm just too old. And dense!

Funny one time of the Germans asked if I could improve my communication. Then the other German said "He's English you fool". I learned some profanity as well.