How can I to remember names of people better?
Especially in conversations in a foreign language, it is difficult to remember names your conversation partners. But it is always a plus to be able to call others by their right names from the beginning. This is important in small talk as well as in introduction rounds at a presentation. It is always a sign of attention and respect towards the other person.
Generally, names which bear a relation to your language are easy to remember. Names that originate in professions, such as Müller, Schuhmacher, Becker, Schneider, Schreiber etc. are easy to remember – all you need to know is that they are German words for Miller, Shoemaker, Baker, Taylor, Clerk etc. - the translation can be your mnemonic device!
When the meaning of the name refers to archaic words it gets more difficult. Even worse are names which are simply made-up words:
We have a few tips to make remembering names without a clear meaning easier:
- Create a tiny tale using the name or part of it. Example: the name "Merkel". A similar-sounding word is "mercurial". So your mnemonic sentence could be "She is rather mercurial".
- Voice the name a few times to retain it better.
- Imagine a visual clue that helps you remember the name. By the way: if you don't understand the name of your conversation partner clearly immediately, the best thing is to clarify it at once. Few things are more embarrassing than asking, after an hour's animated discussion: "So, what was your name again?"
This article is part of the monthly newsletter of the Learn-German-Online.net.
Further tips for working life and dealing with profession situations can be found in our book.
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