德国前总理格哈德·施罗德离职后并不轻松。日前，他正在英格兰和威尔士交界的一个小镇上，为提高自己的英语水平进行着不懈努力。不过，这位德国政坛曾经的大忙人现在却可以在学习之余，忙里偷闲地喝上一些自己钟爱的啤酒。

    据法新社12月6日报道，11月22日，德国前总理施罗德正式离开总理府，让位给德国历史上首位女总理默克尔。日前，他正在威尔士蒙哥马利镇的一所18世纪建造的房子中苦学英语，而且课程安排一点也不轻松。对此，施罗德自己也坦白承认，在他长达7年的总理任期中，自己的英语水平并不是很理想。

    报道还说，除了下苦功提高自己的英语水平之外，现年61岁的施罗德在学习之余，偶尔还会到当地一家酒吧喝上几杯啤酒。

    离职后，施罗德曾于上个月宣布，将到瑞士规模最大的媒体集团担任顾问工作，主要负责一些“国际政治方面的问题”。

    Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder is reportedly improving his English language skills and sinking a few pints of beer in a small town on the border of England and Wales.

    Schroeder, who left office last month, is taking intensive lessons in the small Welsh town of Montgomery in an 18th century country house, the reports said.

    The website of the company offering courses at the house promises lessons "for business and professional people".

    Schroeder, 61, was also reported to be occasionally enjoying a pint at the local pub, The Dragon Hotel.

    A member of staff at the pub told AFP she was not prepared to comment on the report. Schroeder freely admitted during his seven-year term in office that his English was not strong.

    He announced last month that he was to work as an advisor to leading Swiss media group, Ringier, on "issues of international politics".