Why are you learning German?

I learn German for many reasons. I love the subject, I would like to study in Germany for a year, and I want to be able to speak many languages so that I can communicate with lots of different people.

What is your favorite German word and why?

My favorite German word is “bitte” because I love saying it—it just rolls off the tongue easily.
In my native language, my favorite word is “lekker.” In German, it can mean “nice,” “fun,” or “tasty,” and I like it best because we use it so often. We use it to describe almost everything.

Which foreign language(s) do you learn besides German and why?

I learn Afrikaans and English at school. Afrikaans is my native language and English is my second language. It is a useful language.

What would you like to take back home from the IDO in Mannheim?

I am really looking forward to going to Germany. I want to improve my German speaking and understanding skills. I would like to get to know and experience German culture, and I want to make friends from different countries.

“ZusammenWachsen” is the new motto of IDO 2026. It is a play on words and can mean both “coming together” and “growing together.” What does it mean to you?

For me, ZusammenWachsen means that people from different countries and with different native languages come together to learn German and grow in the language. We are all in the same situation and all want to learn from this experience.

The answers have been reproduced authentically.

Why are you learning German?

I am learning German because it opens up opportunities for me.

What is your favorite German word and why?

My favorite German word is “Kartoffel” because I like the way it sounds.
In my native language, my favorite word is “koekemakranka.” In German, it means “Gethyllis,” and I like it best because it has such an absurd name.

Which foreign language(s) do you learn besides German and why?

English, because it is very important to know the universal language.

What would you like to take back home from the IDO in Mannheim?

The experience of meeting new people and maybe some souvenirs as well.

“ZusammenWachsen” is the new motto of IDO 2026. It is a play on words and can mean both “coming together” and “growing together.” What does it mean to you?

For me, ZusammenWachsen means working together to create a better future.

What can we do for our shared future?

We should try to stay in contact with each other and be friends. We should learn more about one another so that we can understand, accept, and support each other.

The answers have been reproduced authentically.

What is your favorite German word and why?

My favorite word in German is “Eichhörnchen” (squirrel), because I love animals and because the word simply sounds so cute.
 
In my native language, my favorite word is “knus.” It means “cozy” or “snug” in German.
 
Which foreign language(s) are you learning besides German, and why?
A few years ago, I learned Chinese.
 
What would you like to take back home with you from the IDO in Mannheim?

I am very much looking forward to seeing the joy and enthusiasm of the young people who are all getting to know a new language and culture, and I hope to take a bit of their energy and hope back with me.
 
“ZusammenWachsen” (Growing Together) is the new motto of IDO 2026. It is a play on words and can mean two things: coming together and moving forward together on new paths.
What meaning do you associate with it?

For me, “ZusammenWachsen” means that we help each other pursue and achieve our goals, and in doing so, we also grow together.
 
What can we do for our shared future?

We can invest in our youth and teach them to treat others with kindness and compassion.