Arthur: I speak to the physios in German

In an interview with bayer04.de, Arthur - already in German, it should be noted - spoke about his regular language classes at the works club, day-to-day life in Germany and the differences to Brazil, as well as which German word he finds the most difficult.

04 questions to… Arthur

Arthur, why do you find learning German so easy?

Arthur: "I just like learning new things. The fact I get to learn a new language here is a great chance for me. It's very important, both for work with my teammates but also for my future. You should take advantage of these things. I currently take lessons three times a week for half an hour, either before or after training. At the Werkstatt [the Bayer 04 rehabilitation and training centre] I speak to the physios in German."

Is there anything you find particularly difficult about it?

Arthur: "Definitely words with 'R'. In German it's a sharp 'R', whereas we pronounce it in a more rolling way. The worst word for that is 'Eichhörnchen' [squirrel], but I'll probably never forget that now (laughs)."

How do you use the language in day-to-day life?

Arthur: "My sister and brother recently visited me for a while. When we were at home, I always tried to speak German with my sister because she's also doing a course at the moment. Then every evening we asked each other: 'What have you learned today?' I also try out my German at the supermarket or at the hairdresser - slowly, but I give it a try. My parents are coming in April, so hopefully I'll surprise them with some new German words - 'Eichhörnchen' for example (laughs)."

How are you finding life here in Germany?

Arthur: "The people and the lifestyle here are completely different to in Brazil. So is the weather - I don't think I've seen the sun for three months (laughs). In the winter, I saw real snow for the first time in my life and also built my first snowman. So, I'm experiencing completely new things here, which is nice. I can also go on walks with my dog in big parks here. I have a lot of nature, animals and a nice canal close to my house. It's a different world but I like it a lot."