2/3 Contrary to his judgment, the Vietnamese student was not attempting to “force something” she was incapable of doing. Instead, she spontaneously expressed her thoughts — shaped by her two academic subjects — without being excessively hindered by a language barrier. Grammatically, she used nearly perfect inflexion, employed linguistic tools such as complements, infinitive constructions, and a wide range of connectors, and was fully capable of speaking spontaneously and appropriately about complex topics with highly suitable vocabulary. The second candidate’s question, about a negative experience in Germany, was difficult to answer — especially since the student from Vietnam demonstrated a reflective, mature approach to experiences in general, whether positive or negative. She not only addressed the content of the question but did so in a culturally sensitive (!) and socially intelligent way: she framed the negative experience in terms of her self-perception of her own German language skills. What could more clearly demonstrate an excellent command of language than the ability to express both intercultural tact and a complex personal life situation in an entirely appropriate and comprehensible manner?