When it comes to Germany, music lovers might immediately think of Bach's or Beethoven's classical works, and soccer fans would call the Bundesliga one of their must-see events.
But how much do Germans know about China and Chinese culture? Three learners at the China Cultural Centre in Berlin recently shared with us their stories of learning Chinese and
Chinese culture.
Andreas Pietsch is a history professor at the University of Münster. While learning Chinese at the centre, Pietsch, a music lover, was gradually drawn to traditional Chinese instruments. Two years ago, he began to learn to playguzheng. Having travelled to China several times, Pietsch said he planned to visit all the six sites on the Renminbi notes. So far he has visited five, except the Potala Palace in Tibet.
"My interest in Chinese started during my second trip to China," said Alexander Straβmeir, president of State Office for Refugee Affairs. " Chinese has the most beautiful characters in the world. I chose to practise Chinese calligraphy because it shows the beauty of Chinese culture. "Though he finds the tonal system in Chinese really challenging, Straßmeir says he enjoys learning the language as it is like a mirror in which he could see a different way of thinking behind the language itself.
Keno Budde is an undergraduate* student at the Free University of Berlin. Asked why he's learning Chinese, Budde answered, "I made the decision after l saw clearly what would happen in the future." Budde is impressed with some of the latest technologies coming from China, such as the high-speed trains, mobile payment and Huawei's leading position in the 5G race. ＂Learning a language gives you the insight into a country's culture. Learning Chinese can give us more chances in the future as China will go on growing," Budde explained.
