Germans in general?

Question

Hey guys, I am about to go to Germany and I am being serious are they friendly to most Americans?

Answer 1

They like Americans. Try and learn a little German, they respect that when someone trys. See Bavaria beautiful, Bamberg, Bayreuth, Nuremburg, Munich, and then go see Berlin. Loved it when I was stationed there for 8 years.

Answer 2

YESSSSSSSSS.

Answer 3

99% of them are.  At least that's been my experience.  I've lived in Germany, off and on, for the past 23 years, and have had VERY few instances of anti-Americanism.  I've lived in Hessen, Bavaria, and Rheinland-Pfalz, and have traveled extensively throughout Germany as military member and as a civilian.

Answer 4

In general, yes.  Germans tend to be a bit more formal than Americans, though-- good manners & being polite will get you everywhere in Germany.   :o)   If you can, learn a few phrases or words in German-- the more of an effort you make, the better the impression you make, and the more friendly you'll find everyone.  At the very least, learn this:  "Bitte, Sprechen Sie Englisch?"     It's always good form to ask if someone speaks English first, rather than just assuming they do.  (Frequently, I found that even if they didn't, they'd then point you to someone who does.)

I'm not trying to be insulting or anything, just sharing my experiences; but really, if you make an effort to be polite and perhaps a little more formal than you might be at home, you'll find the Germans to be a very warm, friendly, and *helpful* people.  I grew up in a German family, and have been to Germany several times, and always kind of explain it this way:  ten minutes of being overly polite and  formal in Germany can easily earn you a very good friend.  :o)

Best of luck, and have fun!!!

Answer 5

Yes. We have so many Americans here from the Army, Air Force all that. I'm living right now in a little town and 1/2 from this town is US Army and their families and here is any problems. Everything is fine. US Army Family Member. We love Germany.

Answer 6

Yes they are!!! They should even all speak at least enough english to help if you need any, 'cause they all learn it in school!!!

Answer 7

Avoid some areas in the eastern part of Germany. It also depends how your appearance looks like in these places. But in general, it is fine...

Answer 8

Yes they are friendly!!

Answer 9

I'll be blunt with you. They usually are but only if you attemp at speaking their language. It's like in US we will help someone out if they try to speak our lang. but if they speak their lang in the US we don't hellp them out (most of the time) because we think they should speak our lang. in our country. They expect the same courtesy. Once you get to know them, they are wonderful people. Some may hesitate at first because your new and different and american (because of WW2) but they will warm up to you. I lived there for 2 years and I really enjoyed it. Good Luck

Answer 10

Hello,

I am from England, and my opinion is that you will be fine here.

Many Germans are happy to meet people from other countries, espeically when they get to practice their English Skills!

You will have no more problems than you would in other countries in Europe - probably less!

Relax and have fun

xx

Answer 11

I am American and lived in Germany for 4 years. They were all very friendly.

Answer 12

I visit Germany a lot - I am learning German and want to speak it fluently, so I have been over for months at a time to take classes at the Goethe Institut.  I have found Germans very friendly to me - but I am very interested in and respectful of their culture.   They are also very interested in our politics, particularly now, and about our culture.

Answer 13

>Beate< is absolutely right!

Most of us are friendly!

Come to Hamburg!It`s the best city in Germany :)

Answer 14

Not all Germans are alike.  I live in Hessen (but am not German) and the Germans here are generally polite to Americans, but not particularly friendly.  Their nature is more reserved than Americans; for example they will generally not greet you on the street if they do not know you well.

Answer 15

I have lived in Germany for almost a year and I haven't had a problem yet.  They all seem to like us.  Just respect their country pick up after yourself, and try to learn a little German such as thank you, please, good bye, and numbers.

Answer 16

I'm German and I can tell you that in general, we are friendly. Be aware, that smiling is not as common in Germany as you are used to in the States. This does not mean, that people plan to look mean, it's just their normal face.  :-)

Most of us speak English, as we learn it at school. Some of us are out of practice or too shy to speak, but even my grandmother (born 1896) learned a few words like "would you like some bread?", and my mother was fluent in English.

Germans are critical about the US politics, but they are aware that people who visit are not the politicians in charge.

I wish you a lot of fun and some great time, here.

Answer 17

Generally...yes. They will be more friendly if you can speak a little German...even if you stumble over 2 words, they will then help you and speak whatever English they can. As long as you don´t give off that arrogant "I´m an American and we´re better than anyone else on the planet and everyone should speak English and accept US Dollars" attitude you should get along fine here.

Answer 18

They are about as friendly as can be expected. Germans aren't the most outwardly kind and friendly people, but they are good people, you shouldn't have any problem with them, just show them the respect that you would anyone else.