Dagmar Förtsch

Name: Dagmar Förtsch
Age: 56
Born: Germany
Lived in Scotland: 27 years 

It was a year spent in Scotland as a student between 1974-75 which first awakened Dagmar Förtsch's passion for the country which would go on to become her home for over 25 years.

"When I first arrived in Scotland in 1974 I was teaching German in one of the secondary schools in Glasgow," recalls Dagmar. "The main purpose of my year abroad was to improve my English language skills and it came as quite a shock when I didn’t understand a word at the beginning. However, the more I could communicate the more I liked it."

After completing her university degree in Germany – the equivalent of an MA in English Applied Linguistics – Dagmar decided to return to the country she had enjoyed so much just a few years earlier.

"The Scottish people and the Glaswegians in particular are very special people, they are extremely friendly, warm and caring," says Dagmar, "and because they were so helpful and generous when I was first here I knew Scotland could be like a second home to me."

"When I arrived in 1981 I initially worked on a freelance basis as a tutor, translator, interpreter and language consultant. In 1983, together with my German business partner, we started our business German Language Services which later became GLS Language Services." 

Since then the company has provided translation and interpreting services to a wide range of professional and industrial organisations throughout the UK, continental Europe and the USA. GLS Language Services provides translations into most languages covering a vast range of subject areas, including commercial, technical, medical and legal.

From 1998 until 2006 Dagmar served as Honorary German Consul in Glasgow, a position she remembers with great fondness: "It was a great privilege to represent my country in Scotland and at the same time a wonderful opportunity to be an ambassador for Scotland."

In recognition of her exceptional contribution as Honorary Consul, and also in appreciation of her special commitment to Germano-Scottish friendship, the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Herr Horst Köhler, has awarded Dagmar Förtsch the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic in April 2008.

Dagmar has been branching into something quite different in 2008, dedicating part of her considerable energy to promote the exciting and innovative natural skin care range and business opportunity of ARBONNE.

"Glasgow/Scotland has such a multicultural society, with so much going on all the time, that the many people who have come to visit over the years fully understand why I love this country and its people – they are excellent storytellers, brilliant singers and musicians and they know how to enjoy themselves.
 
"I think Scotland is such a beautiful country and offers so many opportunities that I'll be happy to stay here for another 25 years!"

Information correct at November 2008

Related links

• GLS Language Services
• Do I need to be able to speak English before I come to Scotland?