Sarah had lived in her hometown for her entire life. She knew every street, every shop, and almost every face in town. But at thirty years old, she felt stuck in her routine. One evening, while browsing job listings online, she saw an opportunity. A marketing company in Berlin was looking for someone with her exact experience. The salary was twice what she earned now, and the position sounded exciting. Her heart started racing as she read the job description. She applied that same night, not expecting to hear back. Two weeks later, an email arrived inviting her for a video interview. Sarah was nervous, but the interview went surprisingly well. The hiring manager seemed genuinely impressed with her portfolio. One week after the interview, she received the job offer. Sarah stared at the screen for a long time, unable to believe it. This was the change she had been dreaming about. But accepting meant leaving everything familiar behind. She called her mother that night to discuss the decision. 'You have always wanted something more,' her mother said gently. 'This might be your chance to find it.' After a sleepless night, Sarah accepted the offer the next morning. The next six weeks were a whirlwind of preparations. Sarah had to pack up her small apartment and sort through years of belongings. She donated most of her furniture since shipping it would be too expensive. Her friends organized a farewell dinner at their favorite restaurant. That evening was bittersweet, filled with laughter and tears. 'Promise you will video call us every week,' her best friend Lisa said. Sarah promised, knowing it would be hard to keep such close contact. The morning of her departure arrived too quickly. Her mother drove her to the airport, holding back tears the entire way. 'Call me when you land,' her mother said, hugging her tightly. The flight to Berlin took only two hours, but it felt much longer. Sarah looked out the window as the plane descended over the city. Berlin was enormous, with buildings stretching in every direction. A mix of excitement and fear washed over her. At the airport, she collected her two suitcases and found a taxi. She gave the driver the address of her temporary apartment. The company had arranged a furnished place for her first three months. As the taxi drove through the streets, Sarah observed her new surroundings. Everything looked so different from her quiet hometown. There were cafes on every corner and people walking quickly everywhere. The apartment was smaller than she expected but clean and modern. She unpacked her belongings and sat on the bed, feeling exhausted. The first night was difficult because the street noise was unfamiliar. She woke up several times, wondering where she was. Monday morning arrived, and Sarah prepared for her first day at work. She chose her best outfit, wanting to make a good impression. Finding the office was challenging because she did not know the metro system yet. She arrived fifteen minutes late, her cheeks red with embarrassment. Fortunately, her new manager was understanding and welcomed her warmly. 'Berlin can be confusing at first,' he said with a smile. The first weeks at work were overwhelming but rewarding. Sarah learned new systems, met dozens of colleagues, and adapted to a faster pace. Making friends outside of work proved to be more difficult. She spent most evenings alone, watching television or reading books. Sometimes she felt incredibly lonely and questioned her decision. After two months, a colleague named Maria invited her to a language exchange meeting. 'It is a great way to meet people and practice German,' Maria explained. Sarah hesitated at first, but decided she had nothing to lose. The meeting was held in a cozy bar near the city center. There were about twenty people from different countries. Sarah talked with a woman from Brazil who had also recently moved to Berlin. They exchanged phone numbers and agreed to explore the city together. That weekend, they visited museums and walked through beautiful parks. For the first time since arriving, Sarah felt genuinely happy. Slowly, the city began to feel less foreign and more like home. Sarah found her favorite coffee shop, where she spent Sunday mornings reading. She discovered a running path along the river that became her daily route. Her German improved steadily, though she still made embarrassing mistakes sometimes. One evening, she accidentally ordered five kilograms of potatoes instead of five potatoes. The shopkeeper laughed kindly and helped her understand the difference. Six months passed faster than Sarah could have imagined. At work, she received excellent feedback and a small promotion. Her social circle had grown to include colleagues, language partners, and neighbors. Her mother visited in spring, and Sarah proudly showed her around the city. 'You seem different,' her mother observed. 'More confident, somehow.' Sarah smiled, knowing exactly what her mother meant. Moving to a new city had pushed her outside her comfort zone. She had learned to adapt, to be patient with herself, and to embrace uncertainty. There were still difficult days when she missed home terribly. But she had also discovered a strength she never knew she had. One year after her arrival, Sarah found a permanent apartment near her office. It was small but bright, with a balcony overlooking a quiet courtyard. As she hung pictures on her new walls, she realized something important. Berlin was no longer just a place where she worked. It had become her home, and she had become a different person. Sometimes the biggest adventures are the ones that begin with fear.
English Story (B1)Moving to a New City
This B1 English story is designed for intermediates learning English. It includes simple vocabulary and short sentences to help you improve your reading and listening skills. Click any word to see translations and hear pronunciation.
About this story
Sarah leaves her hometown for a new marketing job in Berlin, facing loneliness and challenges before finding friends through a language exchange group and building a new life.
Translations in English
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Why did Sarah decide to apply for the job in Berlin?
2
How did Sarah start making friends outside of work?
3
What happened when Sarah's mother visited Berlin in spring?
4
What embarrassing mistake did Sarah make while learning German?
Vocabulary
40 words from this story
