Do the majority of the population of Germany speak English or German?

Question

Do the majority of the population of Germany speak English or German?

Answer 1

As an American living in Berlin I had absolutely no problem speaking English. That was back in the 80' prior to the wall coming down so there may be a renewed wave of patriotism there and a move away from English and French, but I doubt it. After being occupied for more than 40 years by the US, UK, France and the USSR I doubt if there would be a quick push to make Haupt Deutsche the official language. Enjoy your trip!

Answer 2

German.

Answer 3

In Berlin I found that most people had a little understanding of English.  English and German are both Anglo Saxon so they are similiar in style compared to the romantic langauges of France and Spain.

Answer 4

German.The second language is English.

Answer 5

While most adults in Germany speak predominantly in Deutsch..they can understand English.  Children in Germany have been taught English in class for last 23 yrs...so many x'ers speak english.

Answer 6

Actaully it's both. Mainly because they do learn how to speak english in school and also because now there r more ppl going there and tourists.

Answer 7

They speak spanish.

Answer 8

German, of course.  It is their national language.  You will find, however (especially in the cities) that many people can also speak King's English and Parisian French.  These languages are automatically taught in most European schools while the children are still in 1st to 6th grade.  They also pick it up from TV, magazines and music.

Answer 9

both, but German is their native language but nearly everyone there speaks at least some english

Answer 10

most definately German.  I travel there a lot through work.

However you'll find that a lot of germans will be bilingual.  Around Frankfurt region english is well spoken.  If you start moving into Bavaria (southern part of Germany) English is less spoken.  Again the North near Bremen or Hamburg is a bit restricted in English.

Over by Berlin English is quite well spoken as well I believe.

Answer 11

I just moved from Germany where I lived several years.  I have traveled to most every nook und corner and I disagree strongly with anyone who says "everyone" speaks English!  True, English ed has been compulsory for some time, but not everyone was a good student.  I had math for 14 years (college) and can't remember much beyond the basics because I rarely use it. Many German adults may have once had the ability to converse with you fluently, and many could still give you directions to the next gasthaus or kaffe joint, but are as rusty through lack of practice as I am with  algebra.  Many people over 40 probably know about as much English as you know Italian.  And  many who could answer your English questions will choose not to out of sheer contrariness, especially if you are seen as rude or loud.  To be polite, ALWAYS ask (in German) every shopkeeper, waitress,and hot babe if they speak English.  The standard answer is either "nein" or "a little".  In the latter case, it's likely the person can actually engage you in any discussion on any topic, especially movies, food and politics.  Avoid the last one, though, unless you really hate our current administration, in which case you might become very popular and drunk when everybody in toasting distance buys you a bier!  But, basic German phrases are really helpful and very easy to learn, and most Germans will be charmed by you and will melt at even your clumsiest attempts at Deutsche. Beware, though, because it may well be assumed that you are also bilingual.  If you hope to improve your chances at getting good service and making friends, never be loud and don't dress like a slob.  Do NOT plaster yourself with American flags or other attire that would make you undeniably Yankee. Nearly all Germans, as well as most Europeans, are very suspicious of nationalistic displays and what is know everywhere as "Ugly American"-type behavior.   If you encounter a German who is hostile to Americans, as so many are these days, mumble alot and pretend to be Canadian, British or Australian! It worked for me hundreds oftimes!

Answer 12

German

Answer 13

German is the national language. English is widely spoken as is French. Turkish, Serbo-Croat and Polish are also becoming more widely spoken in recent years.

Answer 14

German of course! Its Germany so obviously they all speak German! but most Germans in the cities can speak English and French as well. In secondary schools, u can choose to study English, Frewnch Latin or sometimes even spanish. So the Germans cna speak quite a few languages. in the cities mostly. :)

Answer 15

I'd go for German. But, you know most educated German speaks English pretty well, only the gas station coffee shop attendants that can't speak English. Unlike French, they all understand English, but talk back in French!

Answer 16

spruken de deutch !

Answer 17

Everyone in Germany speaks at least some English, and many other languages too. Last year I went to Italy to study Italian and most of the people on the course were German. They all said that they found English the most difficult language to learn. Personally I think German is a nightmare. Most of the German people I know speak English extremely well.