So when we work in small groups in German class, I always get assigned to the group with my teacher in it. I hate being in her group because she's intimidating as all get out. I can't stand making errors in front of teachers, and in most classes where I don't really know what I'm doing, I think of that saying attributed to Abraham Lincoln: "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." But I know errors are part of learning the language. She acknowledges that. But I really don't think she means it.

So we worked on plural and accusative forms. After sitting in front of her for 5 minutes I'd become intimidated enough to lose any knowledge I might have retained from studying all weekend. Make a mistake, like you're bound to do, and she pulls the choke chain. No, it's not a literal one, but it might as well be. Afterward you're left silent and ashamed, yet it'll be your turn to read a sentence using the correct form of Sein very soon.

She also plays favorites. Li'l Pammy Goodykins* read a sentence her perfect pronunciation, after which the teacher announced, "Class, don't you think Li'l Pammy has the best pronunciation? Out of all the students in here, I think she has the most ability to master this language. Don't you agree, class? Don't you agree?" Li'l Pammy is a German major. She'd better master the language.

Sigh. I haven't been in a class like this since middle school.

*Name has been changed to protect the innocent (me) and also entertain (me).