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Month: February 2018

Meet the team: Francesca

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Francesca imageCiao, I’m Francesca and I’m one of the Coffee Break Italian podcast co-hosts. I joined Radio Lingua in 2014 when I witnessed the birth of Coffee Break Italian and since then I have been involved in so many other exciting projects! I have also been teaching Italian for more than a decade at university in beautiful Scotland. I’m so lucky to have jobs I’m very passionate about!

What is your role in Coffee Break?

My role is varied as I am not only the Italian voice you hear in the podcast, but I also deal with the design of course outlines and content. In other words, I’m responsible for deciding which grammar points, vocabulary and communicative aspects are included in each episode of Coffee Break Italian. I also contribute to the creation of all Italian content for CBTV and, when possible, join the Coffee Break team at events where we get to know our listeners in person.

Francesca and Pierre-Benoît at the Language Show in London

What experience have you had speaking and learning other languages?

I started learning English in Italy when I was about 11 and it was love at first sight! I think it provided me with a different way of looking at the world, so I decided that I would never abandon it! When it came to choosing my secondary school, I opted for Liceo Linguistico where, amongst other subjects and English, I learned French, German and Latin. I then studied English and Russian at the University of Trieste, where I specialised in Translation and Interpreting. As part of my degree I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to spend some time abroad: I did my Erasmus year near London and I took part in an exchange programme at the Moscow State Linguistic University. I must say that my love for foreign languages includes my own beautiful native Italian which I have been teaching for years after obtaining a Masters in Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language (DITALS) from the University of Siena. I taught Italian in Kyiv for a year and I have been teaching Italian in Scotland since 2009. I never tire of learning new things about languages and I try to keep actively using the languages I know, including the recently added Spanish and my dialect, Piedmontese!

Francesca in Ukraine
Francesca in Ukraine

What are your favourite memories of working with Coffee Break?

I have so many nice memories with the lovely people at Coffee Break Languages, but two in particular are very dear to me. The first one dates back to April 2016 when Mark, Katie and I were at Lake Maggiore filming and recording the last ten episodes of Season 1 of Coffee Break Italian. One day we decided to visit Pettinengo, the mountain village where I grew up and where all my family still live. We went around interviewing the locals (the pharmacist, the barista, the owner of the only grocery shop), chatting with familiar faces and visiting my parents. It was very emotional being back home and listening to the tales from the past that everyone had to tell. Despite being away from Pettinengo for so long, on that occasion I felt I belonged there and I could never thank Mark enough for giving me such a privileged way to rediscover my roots! The other special memory is in 2017 when Coffee Break Italian won the British Podcast Award for the category ‘Smartest podcast’! Mark and I attended the event in London and I still remember those never ending seconds prior to the announcement being made! Che emozione!

Interviewing native speakers on the shores of Lake Orta

Where would your ideal coffee break be, and with whom?

My ideal coffee break is very simple but very special to me. It’s sitting under the wisteria tree on the terrace back at home in Italy chatting with family and friends in the long summer evenings.

What’s your best language-learning tip?

Language learning must be a pleasure and it only happens when you are enjoying it and you are highly motivated. My tip is try not to be afraid of making mistakes and accept them as part of the learning process. Once you have overcome that barrier, things will get easier. Grab every single opportunity to speak and do something with that language. Don’t leave it in the grammar book! Learning by doing is the best way to put all those hours of study into practice.

Francesca and Mark winning the British Podcast Award for Coffee Break Italian

Quick-fire round

  • Favourite language: English
  • Favourite word/phrases in that language: I have a full list of words and phrases which I love in English. Here are three of my favourite ones:
    • Bob’s your uncle!
    • Whatever!
    • Glaikit (in Scottish!)
  • Favourite film: Pane e Tulipani
  • Favourite TV show: any cooking programme!
  • Favourite book: La casa de los espíritus by Isabel Allende
  • Favourite singer: Belle and Sebastian
  • Favourite destination: I don’t have a favourite destination, but that magic of abandoning mainland to reach Venice by train is unbeatable

Do you have a message for the Coffee Break community?

If you are reading this page it’s because, like me, you are also a language enthusiast. It’s great to see that the world is not monolingual and hopefully more multilingual people will contribute to making this planet a better place where we can all learn from one another and understand each other better!

CBG 2.24 | Wovor fürchtest du dich?

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In this episode you’ll learn to use reflexive verbs in German. In addition to being able to talk about “washing yourself” and “scratching yourself” (among other things!), you’ll also learn to talk about looking forward to things, relaxing, deciding, catching a cold, getting annoyed, remembering things and complaining! Reflexive verbs are hugely important and this lesson will equip you with everything you need to know!

5 Films for German Learners

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Have you been looking for some German films to supplement your language learning? The variety within the German movie industry really is astonishing, but we have managed to find some of the most highly-rated films to give you a taste of what’s produced for the silver screen there. They can be enjoyed with or without subtitles.

One thing, just before we get started. Did you notice the title of this blog article? Ab Donnerstag im Kino means “from Thursday in the cinema” and it’s a common phrase associated with films because new films are traditionally released on a Thursday in Germany. Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s sit back and relax. Schnapp’ dir eine Schüssel Popcorn und los geht’s!

1. Good Bye, Lenin! (2003)

Set against a time of great change, der Mauerfall and die Wiedervereinigung, “Good bye Lenin!” relays the tale of a young man’s efforts to hide the true events of German history from his mum. He does this with the best of intentions, as she is not to receive any shock that may have a detrimental effect on her health, after being in a coma. Consequently, Alex goes to great lengths to maintain the pretence that everything is as it was, never letting on to his Mum that the Berlin Wall has fallen. How far will Alex go in contriving elaborate schemes in order to shield his mum from the reality of the outer world?

 

2. Sophie Scholl – Die letzten Tage (2005)

Based on the life of anti-Nazi heroine, Sophie Scholl, played by Julia Jentsch, this story is set in 1943 in Munich. The plot deals with the interrogation process and the last 6 days of Scholl’s life. Genuine incarceration records were used to help make the film. She and her brother were members of the student resistance group “The White Rose”. They have been detained after distributing leaflets which criticise the regime. The police inspector Robert Mohr, played by Alexander Held, is unsuccessful in retrieving the information he needs from Sophie. With her firm idealist values, Sophie does not budge on her stance for a lighter sentence in return for accomplices’ names. At its core, the film is a debate over which side is freer: those who bow down to the regime in fear or those who defy it and remain true to their beliefs. The former may conform to survive, but can anyone truly ‘live’?

3. Die Fälscher (2007)

In 2007, this picture won best foreign language film at the Oscars. A Jewish prisoner of war has skills that are valuable to the camp commandant. His counterfeiting abilities are used by his captors against the Allies. Do the prisoners go along with the guards’ plan for their own self-preservation in a desperate situation, or do they try to outsmart the guards and remain loyal to the Allies?

4. Oh Boy! (2012)

This black and white comedy introduces the viewer to Niko. He’s unemployed, having dropped out of his Jurastudium 2 years ago, but didn’t let his dad know this important detail about this change in his life. His dad isn’t happy to learn he’s been funding his son’s carefree lifestyle. Niko begins to learn that his dry wit will only get him so far in life. When he strikes up a romance with a former school friend, he confides in her, Kennst du das, wenn man so das Gefühl hat, dass die Menschen um einen herum irgendwie merkwürdig sind? Und dir wird irgendwie klar, dass vielleicht nicht die Anderen, sondern dass man selbst das Problem ist? Is Niko beginning to look at his choices in life again?

5. Honig im Kopf (2014)

Til Schweiger has not only written and directed this movie, but stars in it too, alongside his daughter, who plays his daughter in the film. It makes it clear that family is a core theme of the film, revolving around the grandfather’s Alzheimer’s disease. As the grandfather’s condition worsens, Niko, his son, decides he cannot keep sidestepping the inevitability of putting his dad in a home. Tilda, the granddaughter, has different ideas and in a bid to save her grandfather from this fate, sets off with him in an adventure to Venice. It’s a place full of fond memories as this is where he spent his honeymoon with his departed wife.There are laughs to be had in the granddad’s inappropriate remarks which raise a few eyebrows, and tears when reliving the past proves to be tough with a fading memory.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this small selection from the huge array of films produced in the German-speaking world this century. Es ist für jeden etwas dabei! Whether you’re a seasoned movie buff, looking for an exciting way to develop your language skills further or just fancy watching a different kind of film for a change, we hope something from this selection appeals to you – just in time for die Berlinale too! Let us know of any other films you would recommend: the more, the merrier!

Want to watch even more foreign-language films? Click here to see our film recommendations for French, Italian and Spanish learners too!

Practice makes perfect: 1-on-1 lessons with italki

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Since 2006 we’ve been providing language courses for learners around the world and we believe that Coffee Break provides the perfect solution for learners starting out with a language, or building their comprehension skills to take their learning further. Through Coffee Break French, German, Spanish, Italian and Chinese, you can build a solid understanding of the language and learn to use it in a wide variety of situations. However, one area we can’t help you with directly is with your speaking skills, and that’s why we’ve teamed up with italki, a leading provider of 1-on-1 language teachers and native speakers with whom you can practise what you’ve learned on Coffee Break.

italki offers lessons and practise sessions from the comfort of your own home. You can connect with hundreds of teachers and native speakers of your chosen language and schedule a live 1 on 1 session to put into practice the language you’re learning in your Coffee Break course.

How does it work?

Scheduling an italki lesson couldn’t be easier.

  1. Browse the italki profiles of professional teachers and tutors and select a teacher based on their experience and reviews from other learners. Many teachers and tutors offer a trial session so that you can decide if they’re a good match for you.
  2. Choose a time and date which suits you for your live lesson.
  3. Connect with your chosen teacher at the appointed time via Skype or other video chat software.

Watch the video below for more information on italki.

 

Why do we recommend italki?

Learning a language is about both “receptive skills”, or “input”, where you learn to understand the written and the spoken language. The Coffee Break lessons will help you develop your understanding, your knowledge of grammar and the patterns of the language, and your ability to use the language yourself. It’s also about “productive skills”, or “output”, where you’re “producing” the language by talking and writing it. Through our lessons and particularly our bonus audio materials, we help you to train yourself on knowing the right word or phrase to use at the right time. The missing element is getting the all-important feedback on whether what you are saying is, in fact, right. That’s where a friendly native speaker or teacher comes in, and that’s why we’ve partnered with italki.

A special offer for Coffee Break learners

We’ve also been able to put in place a special offer for Coffee Break learners: when you purchase your first live lesson with a teacher or native speaker on italki, you’ll receive a voucher for $10USD in italki credits. Please note that this offer is only available for new italki users.

Coffee Break language courses provide you with the best language training on the planet, and italki connects you with the best teachers and native speakers to practise what you’ve learned!

CBI 2.23 | Cosa facevi quando ti ho telefonato?

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In this lesson we’re focusing on combining the Perfect and the Imperfect which together allow us to tell stories in the past. You’ll consolidate what you already know about each of the tenses and you’ll recognise certain words and expressions which trigger the Perfect or the Imperfect. Francesca also has some mystery Italian personalities for us to identify in the Caffè Culturale.

Introducing the Coffee Break Reading Club

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Here at Coffee Break Languages, we’ve been very busy putting together a brand new course in response to the Coffee Break community’s requests for more reading content. We’re delighted to launch the Reading Club today in French, German, Italian and Spanish!

The Coffee Break Reading Club has been designed to help intermediate learners build their vocabulary and comprehension skills, while learning about many aspects of culture of the countries and areas where the languages are spoken. There are texts on sporting activities, cultural events, tourist attractions, customs and traditions, and many more topics.

How does it work?

It couldn’t be easier to take part in this new course: we simply send you an email every week for the next year. If you can put aside 10-15 minutes – the perfect coffee break! – once a week, then you’re well on your way to improving your comprehension skills in the language you’re learning.

The basic version of the Reading Club is absolutely free: you can sign up and we’ll send you the weekly texts. If you prefer, there’s also a premium version of the Reading Club. If you’d like vocabulary lists, a comprehension exercise, and the exclusive audio version of the texts where you can listen to a native speaker reading the text at a normal speaking speed and a slower version, then you can access the premium version of the Reading Club.

Interested? Read on!

It’s really easy to access both the free version and the premium version of the Coffee Break Reading Club. Simply click on the links below:

We’re sure that you’ll enjoy building your reading skills with the Coffee Break Reading Club.

¡Es intraducible! Our 10 favourite untranslatable Spanish words

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Have you ever learned a new word in a different language and wondered how on earth you would translate it into English? Have you then started to doubt your translation skills, thinking that you no longer even know your own language very well? Well… fear not! In every language there are words which are ‘untranslatable’, meaning that they cannot be translated into another language using just a single word.

Often, the reason for a word’s ‘untranslatable-ness’ is rooted in the cultural differences between the speakers of each language, as some cultural concepts which exist in the Spanish-speaking world simply don’t exist in the English-speaking world, for example.

In this article, we’re focusing on Spanish words which can’t be translated easily into English, although some of them do have direct equivalents in other languages, such as French or Italian. All of the words on the list are used relatively frequently in conversation, so listen out for them next time you’re practising your Spanish. You might even come across some of them in an episode of Coffee Break Spanish! ¿Estamos listos? ¡Vamos!

 

1) Estrenar

Familiar with the feeling when you’ve bought a new outfit and can’t wait to wear it? Well, fashion-conscious Spanish-speakers have a single word to perfectly describe the 11-worded English equivalent “to wear a new item of clothing for the first time”: estrenar.

  • Meaning: To wear something for the first time / to use something for the first time.
  • In context: Esta noche voy a estrenar el vestido azul que compré ayer.
  • Translation: I’m going to wear the blue dress I bought yesterday for the first time tonight.

 

2) Tapear

tapear - to go out for tapas

Everyone who has visited Spain will be familiar with the concept of going out for tapas. While in English we say “to go out for tapas” or simply “to have tapas”, in Spain it’s more common to hear the phrase ir de tapas – literally “to go of tapas”. For example: vamos de tapas con José y Lucía esta noche. However, if this phrase is too much of a mouthful (excuse the pun), the Spanish have a verb to describe the activity of going out to eat tapas: tapear.

  • Meaning: To eat tapas, often with the idea of moving from bar to bar
  • In context: Este bar es uno de los mejores para tapear en Granada.
  • Translation: This bar is one of the best bars to go out for tapas in Granada.

 

3) Quincena

Although this next word does have a direct equivalent in French (quinzaine), the closest word we have in English is “fortnight” or “two weeks”.

  • Meaning: A period of 15 days, sometimes used in reference to the working calendar, as people are often paid bi-monthly in Spain. Commonly used to talk about the first or the second half of a particular month.
  • Context: En la primera quincena de julio llega la feria al pueblo.
  • Translation: The festival comes to town in the the first fortnight of July.

 

4) Friolero/friolento

Are you one of those people who always seems to be shivering while everyone around you is complaining about the heat and opening all the windows in the house? In Spanish, the words friolero/a and friolento/a are used to describe those who feel the cold more than others.

  • Meaning: Somebody who gets cold very easily.
  • In context: Javi es muy friolero, prefiere el verano al invierno.
  • Translation: Javi really feels the cold; he prefers summer to winter.

 

5) Puente

puente - a long weekend

You may have come across the literal meaning of the word puente before (bridge), but puente is also used in another very common context.

  • Meaning: A special type of long weekend, when a holiday falls on a Thursday or a Tuesday so you only need to take off one extra day off work to turn it into a four-day weekend, thus “bridging” the gap from Thursday to Monday, for example.
  • In context: ¿Qué haces el puente de Mayo? Yo me quedo en casa, las vacaciones son para descansar.
  • Translation: What are you doing during the long weekend in May? I’m staying at home, holidays are for relaxing.

 

6) Soler

Out of all of the words on this list, soler is probably the most commonly-used in everyday conversational Spanish. To describe habitual actions in English, we tend to use the structure “subject + usually + verb (infinitive)”, but in Spanish, we use the structure “soler (conjugated) + secondary verb (infinitive)”. Take a look at the example below to get your head around this unusual grammatical structure.

  • Meaning: To usually do something / to do something habitually / to tend to do something
  • In context: Suelo ir de vacaciones en junio.
  • Translation: I usually go to the beach in June.

 

7) Tocayo/tocaya

This one will come in useful for those of you who have a common first name!

  • Meaning: Somebody who has the same name as you / your ‘name-twin’, or namesake.
  • In Context: Me confundes con otra Elena, es mi tocaya.
  • Translation: You’re getting me mixed up with the other Elena, we have the same name.

 

8) Entrecejo

Ever wondered what that little space in between your eyebrows is called? No? Well, the Spanish clearly have, as they have a word to describe it!

  • Meaning: The space between one’s eyebrows.
  • In context: Pablo tiene muchas arrugas en el entrecejo.
  • Translation: Pablo has lots of wrinkles between his eyebrows.

 

9) Almorzar

El almuerzo is a light snack eaten between breakfast and lunch, and almorzar is its verb form. Some people think of el almuerzo as “lunch”, but when you consider that the main meal in the middle of the day in Spain rarely starts before 2:30 or 3:00, you’ll understand the need for almuerzo.

  • Meaning: Similar to ‘elevenses’ in the U.K.
  • In context: Almuerzo cada día sobre las 11 de la mañana. 
  • Translation: I have a snack every day at about 11am.

 

10) Sobremesa

sobremesa - after-dinner chit-chat

This may be one of the most well-known words on our list, as it refers to an inherent aspect of Spanish culture: the act of taking the time to sit around the table after a meal, talking to the people you’ve shared it with and enjoying each other’s company.

  • Meaning: The after-dinner chit-chat people share whilst still sat at the table. It can also literally mean “tablecloth”.
  • In context: Mientras los padres hacen sobremesa, los niños juegan en el parque de juegos.
  • Translation: While the parents take some time to chat at the table after eating, the children play in the playground.

 

We hope this list of ‘untranslatable’ words will help you on your way to sounding more Spanish in conversation! Remember that these words may vary from country to country in the Spanish-speaking world, so it’s always a good idea to read up on a country before visiting, just to ensure you’re saying the right thing! Let us know what you thought of this article in the comments section below. ¡Hasta la próxima!

CBF-ER 1.05 | Sur la Moyenne Corniche

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In this episode Mark is travelling from Nice to Monaco, along one of Europe’s most impressive roads, la Moyenne Corniche. Clinging to the cliffs with sheer drops to the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean on one side, this road travels through Villefranche-sur-Mer, Èze, Cap d’Ail, Beausoleil and on to Monaco. As you join Mark en route, you’ll listen to a series of informative conversations he has with people visiting the region and working there.

Listen to the lesson

The audio lesson is free, as are all the main audio lessons of En Route avec Coffee Break French. Use the audio player above to listen to the lesson, or subscribe in Apple Podcasts to receive this lesson and all future lessons automatically. If you can’t see the player above, click here to access the lesson.

Accessing the Premium Version

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In the full course of En Route you’ll get access to every episode as it’s released. The premium version includes additional materials which will help you move forward more effectively with your French studies:

  • transcripts: read every word of French included in the conversations;
  • vocabulary lists: in addition to the transcripts, we’ll provide vocabulary lists to help you understand everything that’s said;
  • bonus audio materials: where an edited version of an interview is included in the main lesson, we’ll provide the full recording in the course to allow you to develop your comprehension skills further;
  • exclusive video content: in addition to recording interviews in the south of France, the Coffee Break Team also filmed some video content and this video material is included in the course. Please note that these are not video versions of the interviews.

The En Route course can be accessed on the Coffee Break Academy.

Subscribe links

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | RSS Feed | Purchase full course

CBG 2.23 | Hilfst du deinen Kindern bei ihren Hausaufgaben?

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We’ve already covered the topic of family in Coffee Break German, but in this lesson you’ll learn how to talk about your extended family, and deal with possessive pronouns in the nominative, accusative and dative cases. Is it mein, meine, meinen, meinem or meiner? By the end of this lesson, you’ll know!

5 reasons why learning Hungarian is “csodálatos” (wonderful!)

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Hungarian is spoken by roughly 14 million people in eastern Europe. It’s the official language, of course, in Hungary, and it’s also spoken in parts of Romania, Slovakia and other bordering countries. Some people find Hungarian difficult to learn, but as even just a little language can go a long way, we’ll show you why you’ll instantly fall in love with Hungarian!

1. Beauty from within

Most people will find the sound Italian or Spanish very melodious, whether they understand the language or not. Hungarian, even though it sounds nice to begin with, is a language that gets increasingly beautiful the more you learn. There are countless puns and twists in the Hungarian language, not only in poetry and idioms, but also in everyday speech. Very often these defy translation and are guaranteed to entertain any language learner.

2. A logical language

Every language has its own system, its own “logic”. When you learn a new language, it’s not just about the words, it’s also about understanding that logic. Learning a language based on a different logic helps you better understand how your own language works. Hungarian grammar is very different from English grammar. In Hungarian grammar, words are linked together through the way they sound which also gives the language a really nice flow and melody. Although it can be very complex, the grammar itself is mostly logical and, once you manage to get your head around it, it becomes second nature.

3. Overcoming the challenge

Hungarian is very different from most European languages. If you’re the type of person who likes a challenge and to do something entirely new, learning Hungarian is a wonderful option. The great news is, many aspects of the language are easier than you may think. For example, the alphabet is mostly phonetic, which means that once you learn how to pronounce each letter, you’re good to go. There’s even more good news: you only have to learn three tenses (past, present, future) and wait for it … there’s no gender!

4. A helping hand with the language

It goes without saying that Hungarians are a very friendly and welcoming people, but if they find out you’re learning their language, they will be even more delighted and eager to help you embark on this adventure. While English is spoken in larger cities, a knowledge of Hungarian, even just a few words, will unlock some of the most beautiful parts of the country, taking you off the beaten track and allowing you to meet people, make friends and learn more Hungarian.

5. A cultural wonder

From Aggtelek’s magnificent limestone caves, to the lively shores of the Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, from the fascinating Hortobágy National Park to one of the most beautiful European cities, Hungary’s capital, Budapest – Hungary has countless wonders to see. However, experiencing Hungary is so much more than the tourist attractions. Hungarian culture is one of the richest and most well-preserved in all of Europe. Catching a performance and táncház (lit. dance house) of Hungarian folk dances, as well as trying traditional food like the töltött káposzta or a proper pörkölt (stew) are essentials on a trip to Hungary. But most of all, they are going to make you fall in love with Hungary and leave you with a desire to learn Hungarian.

Talking of which, now that you know why it’s “csodálatos” learning Hungarian, if you want to take your first steps in getting to know this wonderful language, One Minute Hungarian is the place to start. While it won’t make you fluent in the language, if you follow each lesson and learn all the words and phrases covered, you will be well on your way to interacting with native Hungarian speakers. Click here to access One Minute Hungarian and start learning this beautiful language today!

 

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