Translation of alternatively in German

My mom and dad used to speak English when they wanted to say something I shouldn't understand. In this way I have learned English. I did not tell them till late, but I did understand every word they said.
Thank you for your inquiry. Your Italian is very good. How long have you learned it? Last year I studied Spanish, which is very similar to my native Italian, but it also confuses you sometimes.
I want to apologize to you for my late response. It was important for me to meet first with Mr. Kaufler in Zurich and to discuss the situation between the two companies. Now I know more.