GERMANS Do a lot of people in Deutschland speak English?

Question

I know a little German, but is it worth it for me to learn if I want to visit Germany, or do many people speak English? It's really hard to learn German because there is no one around to practice speaking it with.

Answer 1

Yes and No. depends who you talk to. it really varies a lot. I know this because I am going to Germany every 3 months. I have a German boyfriend. Most young adults will know atleast some english. Some are very good and some only know basics. The older the people get the less likely they are to know english or know it very well. Although some older people do. And also I met some younger people who did not know engliash at all.  When I first went here I also thought everyone would know english but I was surprised how much it varies. If I didnt have my German speaking boyfriend I would have been in trouble on many occassions. I would reccomend atleast knowing some very basics and how to ask for english speaker. Even though many of the Germans realized I was only knowing english non of them were eager to try to speak english to me. If your going somewhere very touristy like to the bavarian alps than you will find very much more english speaking. Go to the bookstore and buy a German phrase book. Than if you find you need to say something in German it will show you what to say and how to pronounce it. These books are super easy to use.

Answer 2

If you are going for vacation, you will be fine.  If you want to move there, you need to learn German.

Most Germans speak a good amount of English, and most LIKE speaking it.  however, don't just assume they speak english.  Learn the common phrases and they will be happy.  Then most likely hear your accent and switch to English anyway.

For vacation know how to:

Ask for food/drink

Ask where the bathroom is

Ask how to get somewhere

Say thank you, please and your welcome

Ask if they speak English

Answer 3

yes alot of german people speak english as its taught to us in high school. The same as french. So dont panic you will be fine. But its always good to learn another language.

Answer 4

yes, its a compulsory subject in school, and even when you try to speak german, they interrupt you and show off their english skills, but you may get an old person or a rural place or an old person in a rural place that doesnt speak english, but i would be very surprised if that happened

Answer 5

Most Germans, especially the younger generation, speak English. However, don't just assume that they know it and start speaking English to them...I think it's kind of rude. Make sure you ask them if they do first "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" Try to use German phrases wherever possible. Like another person said, once they hear your accent they'll probably switch to English anyways but they appreciate the attempt.

Answer 6

Most German's know english the question is whether or not they'll speak it to you. I know when i went to Munich Oberamigau (sp?) and Lindau (on the Boden Sea) They all for the most part spoke english but some people in the smaller cities only spoke German, or knew minimal english.

It doesn't hurt to learn as much German as you can though, people will automatically talk to you more and respect you more if you know german though and your from a foreign country

Answer 7

you don´t have to learn german for a trip to germany. The most people here understand a little bit englisch.

Answer 8

Just for visting Germany it is not worth to learn German for the most of th Germans do speak English to day, but you must a little bit patient, for me I always need an hour to switch from German to English. If it is more "where is the bus to ...?" I need some time, except you ask me something about electronics or old computers. Please be patient. If you want to learn more about Germany then "where is the bus to...?" you must learn German, but don`t be afraid we know English and the rest we shall solve the Italian way with hands and feet.

Greetings from Hamburg, Germany

Heinz

Answer 9

Well nearly all of them do speak English, but learning it is always great too!

Answer 10

YES they do but that does not mean that you should not attempt to learn and speak German though.

Think about it in your own nation, what annoys you when a small group are talking and you cannot understand them because it is another language. So with this in mind you will find yourself far more receptive and liked if you try to learn and speak as often as you can.