Do you think immigrants who want to stay in Germany should speak German?

Question

@@ El Chimpo

Well we talk about people who want to stay not only for a few years, as most Germans or other europeans do in Asian countries, but permanently.

In France these tests are obligatory since long time and though I have to admit Petra is right they did not prevent discrimination totally at least the people are able to speak the local language which to my humble opinion is a necessity to start integration at all.

Answer 1

I've recently been on business trip in Shanghai and met with a large contingent of employees of all levels of a large German corporation there. Some of them had been in Shanghai for a good number of years, liaising with the Chinese government for a joint venture there. Not one of them spoke Chinese, yet they are integrated into the local community - their kids go to local international schools and they play golf every weekend and even drink Löwenbräu at a  stammtisch whenever they can.

I've been in Germany for 10 years, I speak German. That was my choice.

It is up to the individual whether they want to thrive by integrating and adapting or just being carried along.

Tests? You want to tell that contingent of German businessmen they can't have a car factory outside of Shanghai that they wanted so badly, that they can't inject an obscene amount of money into that economy until their reps pass a piddly test in China?

Edit: How not? It's the flipside to the same coin.

If ýou introduce tests, you introduce for everyone, not just for those you deem necessary? How and where do you draw the line?

Edit#2: So, to introduce tests like in Hessen, where the questions were so difficult even a German University student would have difficulty answering?

(thanks for the envigorating question!)

Answer 2

I think they should make some effort.. and the USA should follow as well. I shouldnt have to press one for english!!

Answer 3

I think that the citizens of Germany would greatly appreciate that. When I visited my aunt at her military base in Butzbach, Germany, we tried our best to speak as much German as we could.Most of the Germans would smile when we mispronounced something, and they were glad that we made an attempt to speak it. I know I would aprreciate it if more Mexican immigrants spoke English.

Answer 4

I think an attempt should be made by the immigrants to learn the language. It will only help them assimilate

Answer 5

Definitely they should speak German.

One thing I cannot stand is when I have to be with a group and cannot understand them or vice versa they are here and don't speak English.  

So yes I think if you are going to stay you must!! Sheep talk doesn't count either! =]]

Answer 6

d**n right!! if you are willing to forsake your country for the privileges/opportunities offered in another country the least you can do is learn the language and try to adopt the way of life there, not necessarily lose your own identity or culture but have a go at  fitting in, the first step to multiculturalism is acceptance of other cultures and relaxing the boundaries you have subconciously been programmed with from your own culture

Answer 7

Hello George,

Yes I think we should follow the example of France though even this does not prevent discrimination of immigrants as the events in Paris 2 years ago have taught us.

Answer 8

Yes they should. By the way in Germany is the same they need to pass a test too. I think this is OK, if you stay longer in some country you need to learn their culture, language and you can communicate and understand all that, if not you will be so lonely. People need to show some interest. This is my opinion.

Answer 9

Ja sollten sie Deutsches sprechen