It sounds like the OP isn't even at a conversational level though. I don't know about where the OP is at because they don't get into much detail, but I do know

It sounds like the OP isn't even at a conversational level though. I don't know about where the OP is at because they don't get into much detail, but I do know of some people who have lived here around that long and can barely order their lunch in German, let alone have a rough conversation. And yeah, I'm much more understanding if someone just has functional, but poor German skills after a long time. Mastering a language is a legitimately difficult thing. But I find it rather difficult to not be judgemental towards people who have been here for a long time and don't seem to have made any effort at all.