Words and photos by ASA Barcelona alum, Aneas Potts.
When I studied abroad in Barcelona, I quickly learned that effort counts for a lot. My Spanish wasn’t bad—decent enough to get through conversations without too much fumbling—but it wasn’t perfect either. Still, every time I tried to speak the language, I felt doors open that would’ve stayed shut if I’d defaulted to English.
It wasn’t just in Spain, though. I also traveled to Germany during my time abroad, where my German vocabulary was laughably small. But even knowing a few words made all the difference.
FREE COFFEE AND INSIDER TIPS IN BARCELONA
In Barcelona, I made it a habit to use Spanish as much as possible. One morning, at my favorite cafe, I had free time and decided to go beyond my usual, “Un té con leche, por favor.” Instead, I said, “¿Puedo practicar mi español contigo?” (Can I practice my Spanish with you?).
The barista (the sweetest person ever) grinned and said, “Claro que sí” (Of course). We ended up chatting about her favorite spots in the city—places I’d never seen in any guidebook. When I pulled out my card to pay after our conversation, she waved me off. “Hoy, no,” she said with a smile. That coffee was on the house.
Moments like that became common. Locals appreciated that I was trying, and it often led to unexpected kindness, like a free drink or a recommendation to a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. I even got invited to a small flamenco performance at a venue I never would’ve found otherwise. The crowd was mostly locals, and the energy in the room was unforgettable—authentic, passionate, and nothing like the typical shows marketed to tourists.
GERMAN BASICS = BIG OPPORTUNITIES
Then there was Germany, where my language skills could barely get me through a grocery store. I knew Bitte (please), Danke (thank you), and a handful of random phrases. I was in Munich on the morning of my birthday. Feeling bold, I asked the barista in broken German, “Haben Sie besonderen Kaffee?” (Do you have any special coffee?).
She laughed at my effort but took me seriously. “Ja, ich habe etwas,” she replied, bringing out her “favorite drink” which wasn’t even on the menu. While I sipped it, she told me (in a mix of German and English) about the non-negotiable spots to visit for an epic birthday weekend. Naturally, I went, and it ended up being one of my favorite nights in the city.
WHY EFFORT MATTERS MORE THAN PERFECTION
As a Black man traveling abroad, I was used to standing out a bit. But, I realized that making the effort to speak the local language helped break down barriers. People didn’t expect me to be fluent; they just appreciated that I cared enough to try.
Those small attempts created connections I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I wasn’t just a tourist passing through; I was someone who wanted to understand their culture, even if my grammar was shaky.
You don’t need to be fluent to make meaningful connections. Whether it’s “¿Dónde está la
playa?” or “Wo ist die U-Bahn?”, those little phrases can lead to big adventures. So, when you travel, don’t shy away from trying the local language. You never know what—or who—you might discover.
Thanks Aneas!