10 years of DIALOG: Daniela & Renate tell their story
If you know DIALOG, you know them too: Daniela and Renate – two true veterans who have been helping to shape, contribute to, and support our work for many years. Anyone who meets them quickly realizes: this is where experience meets passion, humor meets expertise, and commitment meets a genuine love for language and people.
Daniela is much more than a German trainer. She leads workshops – especially on the topic of applying for jobs in German – and is a fixture in course management. For many in the team, she is the first point of contact for questions, uncertainties, or sudden changes of plan – a true crisis manager with a cool head and a warm heart.
Renate radiates calm and confidence – and passes this sense of ease on to her students. With her many years of experience, she ensures that everyone feels welcome and supported. At the same time, she is a true multi-talent: cabaret artist, director, and actress. She combines creativity, stage presence, and language skills in a unique way in her teaching.
In this portrait, we take a look behind the scenes and give a voice to two people who have shaped DIALOG for many years – with integrity, humor, and a great deal of humanity.
Do you also want to learn a new language? Find out here how Daniela’s and Renate’s course participants have benefited from the German course offerings at our language school. Let’s get started!
About the person & motivation
DIALOG: Who are you & how did you come to DIALOG?
DANIELA: I’m Daniela, a German trainer for many years, also active in office & course management. At the end of 2017, I applied proactively to DIALOG because the website looked friendly and appealing. The job interview felt just the same, and now I’ve been a happy member of the DIALOG team for 8 years. 😊
RENATE: I’m an Austrian director, author, filmmaker, dramaturge, and actress. Since you need a second profession in the independent art scene, it was natural to look for something where the German language is at the center.
DIALOG: Why do you teach German – what motivates you?
DANIELA: I’m motivated by the people you meet and what you learn from them in return. I love finding ways to make things “click” – when participants understand, apply knowledge, and enjoy their own progress.
RENATE: I really enjoy working with the German language as well as with people from all over the world. For me, language is an essential tool, not only for expression but also for conveying emotions.
DIALOG: Is there a moment you particularly like to remember?
RENATE: Museum or coffeehouse visits with students.
Everyday life & experiences in the classroom
DIALOG: What is most important to you in class?
DANIELA: The “why” – understanding why something works the way it does, and also why it is important to learn (or sometimes not). I like to teach through practical application and interactive exercises that are fun. Above all, a good group atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable is essential.
RENATE: Communication.
DIALOG: What was your funniest or most beautiful moment with students?
RENATE: Misunderstood phrases that led to funny situations.
DIALOG: Is there a phrase you’ve said in class a thousand times?
DANIELA: Don’t apologize for a mistake – mistakes are good, we learn from them. If you don’t make any anymore, you don’t need me. Also: “That’s an exception.” 😅
RENATE: The verb goes in position two!
Between cultures
DIALOG: What have you learned about other cultures through your work?
DANIELA: That I keep learning new things, and it enriches my life.
RENATE: Basically, we humans are all the same.
DIALOG: What have you learned from your students?
RENATE: That there really are differences in mentality.
Personal & approachable
DIALOG: What does DIALOG mean to you?
RENATE: A kind of home.
DIALOG: What do you do when you’re not teaching grammar?
DANIELA: Reading 🤓📚 and gardening 🌱.
RENATE: I write screenplays, plays, and sketches, make films, and perform as an actress in cabaret programs and readings.
DIALOG: Is there something that still surprises you after all these years?
DANIELA: Always – and that’s a good thing. Life would be boring without surprises.
RENATE: Not really.
DIALOG: What do you wish for DIALOG’s future?
DANIELA: That daily life there remains as personal and true-to-life as it is now.
RENATE: Many more successful years – or decades – as one of Vienna’s most renowned language schools.
Here you can gain an insight into our supplementary material: Lernmaterial für A2
October 2025
