Oscar & Daniel

Oscar & Daniel

From: 🇨🇱 Chile + 🇩🇪 Germany

Ages: 40 & 42

Languages Spoken: Spanish, German

Current Location: Munich, Germany

Children: Leo & Tomás (adopted twins, age 5)

Story: Gay dads raising their sons with both Spanish and German using a hybrid routine. They rely on audiobooks, rotating bookshelves, and frequent travel to Chile.


Can you describe your family’s language background?
Oscar is originally from Santiago and speaks Chilean Spanish. Daniel is from Munich and speaks German as his first language but also speaks fluent English and some French. Spanish and German are the main family languages.

Which languages are you using, how and where, and how did you decide on that mix?
German is dominant outside the home, so we decided to prioritise Spanish inside the home. Daniel speaks German at bedtime and during routines, while Oscar uses Spanish throughout the day. We both switch depending on context — it’s a hybrid, not strict OPOL.

Why is teaching those languages important for you?
For Oscar, Spanish is a bridge to his family and cultural identity. For Daniel, it’s about ensuring the boys are rooted in Germany but with open doors to the wider world. Being bilingual will let them feel they belong in both places.

When did you first decide to raise your children bilingually?
Even before the adoption was final. We knew we wanted our kids to grow up with both languages as part of their foundation.

Did you follow a specific strategy (e.g. OPOL, ML@H), or did it evolve naturally?
We started with OPOL, but it evolved into a more fluid routine. Oscar does most daytime routines and uses Spanish, Daniel handles night routines and school contact, which are in German. We call it “structured flexibility.”

What were your biggest concerns at the beginning — and how did those play out over time?
We were worried they’d reject Spanish since everything around them is in German. At first, it was slow going, but once we introduced Spanish audiobooks and started regular trips to Chile, things clicked.

What helped you stay consistent in using both languages? What’s your routine?
We use rotating bookshelves — German books one week, Spanish the next. We also play Spanish-language audiobooks during breakfast and use German at school and with local friends. Visual cues help us stick to the pattern.

Has your approach changed as your child got older?
Definitely. As they grew more social, German took over naturally. We’ve doubled down on Spanish time at home and now FaceTime Oscar’s family in Chile every Sunday to keep it alive.

How do you handle resistance or when your child favours one language?
We don’t force it. If they reply in German, Oscar just continues in Spanish. The key is not making it a “rule,” but something normal and loving. We also make Spanish “special” with games, music, and treats from Chile.

Have you experienced any moments of breakthrough or pride in their language development?
Yes — the first time they translated a sentence for a friend at school. One of them said, “My daddy said that in Spanish, now I’ll say it in German for you.” That was a proud moment.

What role has extended family, or your community played in supporting (or challenging) your goals?
Oscar’s family in Chile is fully supportive and sends books, voice messages, and songs. Daniel’s parents were sceptical at first but now love hearing the boys mix both languages. Our local Munich community is generally positive but surprised.

Got a funny or unexpected story from your bilingual journey? We’d love to hear it.
One of the boys called a raccoon “el ladrón peludo” (the furry thief) after reading a Spanish bedtime story. It stuck — and now our neighbours use the term too!

Have you ever felt pressure (internal or external) about your bilingual goals?
Yes, sometimes it feels like we’re “fighting the tide” because everything around them is in German. But we remind ourselves: progress is slow but real.

Do you feel like your child connects emotionally or culturally to both languages?
Yes — when we’re in Chile, they light up. They’re proud they can understand and speak with their cousins. At the same time, they feel secure in German, which is crucial for school and social life.

What’s been the most unexpected challenge?
Realising how much effort it takes to make the minority language fun. It’s not just about speaking — it’s about making memories in that language.

What has surprised you most in a positive way?
How the boys help each other. Sometimes one twin will correct the other gently in Spanish, or cheer when the other remembers a word. Their teamwork keeps us going.

What technology or other resources do you use to support language learning?
Audiolibros (storytime apps), Spotify playlists, Spanish cartoons on YouTube, and a rotating bookshelf. We also use WhatsApp to get weekly voice notes from Oscar’s family.

Have schooling or childcare settings helped or hindered the process?
Mostly neutral. Their kindergarten is 100% in German, but staff are supportive. One teacher even started learning Spanish greetings to say hello properly to them.

If you could do one thing differently, what would it be?
Introduce more real-life community earlier — maybe a Spanish-speaking playgroup. We focused too much on books at first and missed the social side.

What advice would you give to other parents just starting out?
Pick a method that fits your lifestyle, not one that sounds perfect. Be flexible, be playful, and celebrate the small wins. Language isn’t just grammar — it’s family, culture, and connection.


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