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

Question

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

Answer 1

Yes. It will be better for communicating easily with the locals.

Answer 2

I moved to Germany 8 months ago and speak fluent German.

Answer 3

It's not a question whether they SHOULD. As to my experience, whenever you spend some weeks in a foreign country, and mostly in the same place, you automatically start learning the local language. It starts with picking up some words from your neighbors, while shopping, things you read on road signs, and so on. Then you buy some newspapers in the local language, and then you start learning.

It's not that you're required to, but you'll soon see the advantages it has. It's just inconvenient to have to ask for help whenever you don't understand a sign, and you can never be sure whether the translation given to you by a passer-by is correct.

That's the way I learned some French, by the way. (I'm German.)

---

@osaycany:

I'd like to add to your answer that at some hotel receptions in my area of Bavaria, there are people from Eastern Europe working (Czech Republic, Poland) who have a working knowledge of German, but none of English. It's changing with the younger generation, but might take some time.

In former times, they used to employ staff with knowledge of German, English, French, and possibly Italian. Nowadays, they don't any longer, because Eastern Europeans work for cheaper wages.

Answer 4

Not really. If somebody try to do so is just good for them.

Answer 5

My rule of thumb is 6 months and more you better at least try no matter what the country. Less than 6 months - whats the point unless you just like to learn and try and be respectful of the host country

Answer 6

It's easier of course but I don't think it's required.

Germans generally speak good English.

You should however always be aware that

depending where you go in detail not everyone

speaks or is willing to speak English. Not

speaking the hosts language at all makes

a lot of trivial things unnecessary complicated.

Answer 7

Looking on your previous questions on YAHOO which were

"Is there a club of sheep lovers in Frankfurt"

"What is the meaning of "shlerf shean""

"Is Eisinach near Weimaa"

"Try in to locate Eisinach"

I really don't think you are expecting an answer and therefore say it's a tragedy that people misuse the yahoo system instead of benefit from it.

Answer 8

If they plan to stay any length of time, or visit frequently, they should make an effort to at least become conversational in the native language.

Answer 9

IMHO, even if it helps, I would say it's not absolutely necessary to be able to speak German as a tourist here as long as you don't intend to discuss quantum physics and you are prepared for some communicative bumps - and as long as "stay" doesn't imply applying for permanent residence :-).

Most Germans will be able to understand you if you're asking for directions or want to buy something in a store; many will be able to keep up a conversation on basic issues, too. Even if I'm German myself, I don't think I'm boasting, and neither would my English speaking friends who came here with no German at all. As a matter of fact, some complain that it's difficult to pick up more German because people love to try out their English.  

All Germans start learning English in school in 5th grade, and the subject is mandatory for at least four years. These days kids already start in elementary school, beginning in 3rd grade; and English is becoming increasingly ubiquitous in many areas of life. That doesn't mean folks are fluent by any means (some are terrible, I know - I teach them...), but you should find it fairly easy to find someone with a working knowledge of English in most places. Keep in mind, though, that in the eastern part of Germany that used to be the GDR, Russian was the first foreign language of people who went to school before reunification, so you might encounter a few more blank faces there.

Of course, there is never any guarantee that the lady at the reception or the guy behind the cheese counter will understand you or that you will be able to make sense off zee shtrong eksent :-)

Answer 10

If you're going to a major city, I would imagine most hotels, restaurants, and other tourist-related places will have someone who can speak English well enough to help you.  However, you'll probably be better off if you can speak some basic phases, like being able to ask where the hotel/museum/bathroom/etc. is, ordering at a restaurant, asking if someone speaks English, etc. in German.

Answer 11

Well, it helps. While the big hotels will probably have people who speak English, if you get off the beaten path you will find not everyone speaks English. I've been twice, and was glad for my 3 years of high school German because I really needed it. However, if you are traveling in a tour group you can probably get along without it, as all the guides will speak English.

Answer 12

tourists no, but if someone wants to work here, he will not get very far without the language. I don't think he would even find a job.