Hi, I'm Birte Harring!

Languages and cross-cultural communication have been a central theme all my life.

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Born in Aachen, Germany, and raised across Germany, the USA and the Netherlands, I not only learned English and Dutch quickly as a child to join in and connect, but also witnessed different communication styles first-hand. That early experience sparked a lifelong fascination with language, communication and understanding how people think and interact across cultures.

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After studying at Marburg and Göttingen University, Germany and qualifying as a teacher in the UK, I’ve worked with hundreds of learners who want to feel confident communicating with German speakers:

not just in small talk and on the street, but in meetings and with prospective clients - in all moments that matter.

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After teaching in schools and offices, I founded Better German in 2017 to support English speakers working with German colleagues and wanting to communicate confidently and effectively - in German and in English.

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In 2024, I launched the Better German Community Hive, a fully comprehensive, one-stop platform for professional German learning and cross-cultural communication. The Hive combines 1:1 communication coaching with German language self-study and community-backed learning, helping you practise, connect and grow - because mastering German and understanding how to communicate with German colleagues is easier, more effective and more rewarding when you’re not doing it alone.

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Having lived in the UK for over 20 years now, I’m very familiar with different communication styles. I’ve consistently observed where misunderstandings happen and how small shifts in language and approach can make professional interactions smoother, more effective and more confident. At Better German, I help English speakers communicate clearly with German colleagues - in German and English - so they can give and interpret feedback confidently, build professional influence and thrive in German working environments.

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Better German’s unique pedagogy is LPA – Learn, Practise, Apply:
 

• Learn a new concept through coaching, text, video or audio

• Practise the new concept

• Apply in your 1:1 sessions and in real life contexts

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Our approach builds real-life language and communication skills from day one. Producing language actively is the most effective path to confidence and allows me to provide meaningful feedback to you.

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Language is the key to genuine connection, trust and professional influence. My goal is to help you communicate confidently, build stronger professional relationships and thrive in German-speaking  workplaces.

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I look forward to welcoming you to the Hive!