A developer learns a new human language

As software developers, we’re constantly learning new programming languages to stay up to date. But what about learning a new human language, like German? Why not! Challenge accepted!

I enrolled in a German language course. Not online, a physical one. The course participants range from 24 to 47 years old, including singles, mothers, and fathers with various jobs and lifestyles. Among us, there are three software developers, I’ll refer to us as “we.”

Just as we adapt to new programming languages, learning German requires a whole new set of syntax and structure. But, unlike code, human languages come with nuances, emotions, and, oh yes, endless exceptions to the rules. We all know there are grammar rules. While others often question why these rules exist, we just accept them. We accept exceptions also because we know, there are always exceptions. After all, no system is without its quirks, right?

While some of my classmates hesitate, worrying about mistakes, we developers push forward. We know the only way to succeed is to fail first, repeatedly, if necessary.

I think developers are used to learn and make mistakes. We obey the teacher and embrace the rules, knowing full well that more exceptions will come our way. We do our homework, search for extra resources, and devour anything we can read or watch to help us learn. No one has to force us. We have the motivation. We are ready for the challenge. We accept the pain. Bring it on!

We complain about how hard learning a new language is. But we are not stuck at complaining. We learn and we forget, learn and forget … But we never give up. If we find useful information, we share the information.

Why do we developers keep pushing forward, despite the challenges? Because while we may be older, our minds remain flexible, adaptable. In every new language, whether code or spoken, we rediscover our inner curiosity, our childlike ability to absorb and grow.

With a family, job, and life’s endless demands, I’ve realized that learning German isn't just about acquiring vocabulary or grammar. It’s about pushing my mind beyond its comfort zone, much like when I learned my first programming language. It’s filled with both terror and joy.

In the end, it all comes down to mindset. That’s what sets us apart.