Translation of abschrecken

I have started learning only one month ago, that was during the summer holidays, I want to go to Canada for three weeks and then participate in a course. I hope that I will improve it more or less.
In order to quickly become successful, one would have to change certain points, at least in my opinion: After 5 months of learning, I have still not found the grammar practice on which I should concentrate.
My name is Julio and I live in Santiago, which is in Chile. I speak a little German, but I want to improve. Where are you from? Where do you live? What is your favorite music? Auf wiedersehen!