From: Germany

Occupation: Retired. Owned a real estate development business in Germany.

Why they came to the United States: To be closer to their daughter and their infant granddaughter.

Why they are taking ESL classes: To improve their English skills well enough to get a job in the United States and to do everyday tasks such as reading a newspaper. They also want to meet people from other countries and learn about their cultures.

What they have learned from ESL: They have learned how to speak in American English after learning British English, which they use with other people, including their son-in-law and his family; about other cultures, including Russia and North Africa; and about American culture, from real-life scenarios in textbooks, and slang terms, such as “dishing it out.”

How they practice outside of class: They speak English with some family members, including their son-in-law. At home, Markus reads “New Science” magazine, and Inge reads “National Geographic” and crime stories. Together, they watch C-Span.

Family: Their daughter and granddaughter live in Columbia. Their other daughter and two grandsons live in Germany.