The celebrated author John le Carré's love affair with the German language began at 13, in an English public school where his teacher, Mr King, ignited a passion for its 'beauty' despite widespread wartime anti-German propaganda. This early immersion sparked a lifelong affinity that would shape le Carré's life and writing.
Le Carré recalled being captivated by Mr King playing cracked gramophone records of classical German actors reciting romantic poetry, an experience that provided an escape from the tumultuous times. He went on to study at Bern University in Switzerland aged 16, a rare move for someone with such a strong anti-German sentiment surrounding him.
During national service in Austria and later as a student at Oxford University, le Carré's fluency in German solidified his conviction that linguistic understanding is key to forging deep connections. He delighted in the language's unique characteristics – from its compound words to the simplicity and beauty of poets like Hölderlin and Goethe.
For le Carré, learning a foreign language was an 'act of friendship', a gesture to understand another culture's social customs and way of thinking. Teaching German, he believed, was not just about education but also about committing to build bridges between cultures, awakening pupils' insight with the 'flame' of linguistic proficiency.
As le Carré reflected on his experiences, it became clear that language skills are fundamental to fostering a 'decent and civilised' European debate – an idea he passionately advocated for until his passing. His legacy lives on through those inspired by his advocacy and love for the German language.