Jorge

I am 63 years old. I was born in Bula, Guinea Bissau. In 1970 I came to Germany (Güstrow former GDR) for my education as a car mechanic. At the same time I have also learned German at the RDR Institut (comparable to the Goethe Institut). For me German is very difficult, the many articles are particularly difficult. After I finished my education I returned to Guinea, Bissau. Before I was deployed in 1987 in the embassy in Germany. I was active in Senegal and Algeria. My 3 children were born there. My embassy and my residence were in east Berlin. My children went to school, a french school in West Berlin. They were welcomed at Checkpoint Charlie by French Soldiers, accompanied to school and brought back home. My children learned to speak German quickly. They were also active in sports clubs and now have solid jobs. My daughter is an educator, she is married and has 3 children. One of my sons is married to a Turkish woman, and they live in Solingen. It was impossible for me to return to my home country, because of the political situation in Guinea Bissau, and my ailing health. I think it is very important to know the language. That’s why there should be more German courses. On the other hand its very important that you want to integrate. Typical German for me are diligence and punctuality.