From family gatherings to fluent conversations

Rediscovering a childhood connection

Lisa Marie’s relationship with Croatian began long before she could articulate why it mattered. Growing up in Friedberg, near Frankfurt, family celebrations always featured a familiar linguistic dance – German mixed seamlessly with Croatian as her father spoke with her grandmother and aunt, who had also lived in Germany, even in their same city. “The language was always present in my life,” she reflects, remembering how Croatian formed the soundtrack to family gatherings throughout her childhood.

During primary school, she even attended Croatian lessons – the kind of mother tongue instruction that required staying after regular classes. But teenage priorities shifted her focus elsewhere, and like many adolescents, she lost interest in the additional commitment. Now, years later, she recognises this as a missed opportunity that she’s determined to reclaim.

Teaching, motherhood, and finding balance

As a qualified teacher specialising in German, history, and art at a Catholic gymnasium, Lisa Marie understands the discipline required for language acquisition. Her academic background spans multiple qualifications – she initially studied art, then Germanic studies, before completing her teaching certification. This varied educational journey has given her unique insight into different learning approaches and the patience needed for mastery.

Currently on maternity leave with six-month-old twins, Lisa Marie is navigating the complex juggle of new motherhood alongside caring for two-year-old Henry. The little boy has already been exposed to Croatian through his mother’s learning journey and conversations with Lisa Marie’s Croatian friend, creating an early foundation for potential bilingual development. “When Henry was small, he would always listen, and I would count with him in Croatian,” she explains, noting how she shared the Croatian words she knew with her eldest child.

Life beyond the classroom

When time permits between teaching and motherhood, Lisa Marie pursues her passion for dance and visual arts. She practises classical ballet and show dance with jazz influences, even teaching men’s ballet during carnival season – a unique role that showcases her versatility as both student and instructor. Her artistic side extends to drawing and painting, currently working on animal illustrations for Henry’s bedroom.

These creative pursuits aren’t separate from her Croatian learning journey; they’re part of the same drive for cultural expression and connection. Her art studies inform her teaching approach, while her teaching experience helps her approach Croatian with systematic dedication. “I always try things out and consider whether they might work for my students too,” she notes, showing how her various interests interconnect and enrich each other.

Holiday breakthroughs and practical victories

The true test of Lisa Marie’s progress comes during annual family trips to Croatia, where abstract learning transforms into real-world communication. Last holiday marked a significant milestone when she successfully tried on a dress in a Croatian shop, conducting the entire interaction in Croatian. Her father, who hadn’t fully grasped the extent of her progress through their home conversations, was visibly impressed by this practical demonstration of her abilities.

These moments of linguistic success extend beyond shopping. Lisa Marie can now engage with locals, navigate supermarkets using Croatian produce names, and contribute to family conversations rather than remaining a passive observer. “It was such a great feeling when it really clicked,” she remembers, describing how vocabulary lessons translated into confident real-world interactions. The ability to identify tomatoes and cucumbers might seem basic, but for Lisa Marie, it represents independence and genuine connection to Croatian daily life.

Learning through loss and continuing dedication

Lisa Marie’s Croatian journey carries deeper emotional significance following the recent death of her brother, who shared her pride in their Croatian heritage. He often claimed to speak Croatian well, though Lisa Marie playfully doubted his abilities, suggesting they take classes together. His sudden passing left unfinished plans but strengthened her resolve to continue learning, partly in his memory.

This personal motivation adds layers to her language acquisition beyond practical communication goals. “I do this a bit for him too,” she explains, describing how Croatian learning has become both a healing process and a way to honour their shared cultural identity. She continues attending online classes despite the challenges of managing twins, recognising that consistency matters more than perfection. Her advice to new learners reflects this philosophy: regular practice, even in small amounts, builds the foundation for long-term success.