Has anyone ever been to Germany? What can I expect and how much German do I need to be able to speak?

Question

Has anyone ever been to Germany? What can I expect and how much German do I need to be able to speak?

Answer 1

yah i speak germany and i cant even understand them all the time

Answer 2

I just got back from my first visit to Germany--Munich. We spoke no German, except for Please and Thank you really. Most everybody spoke English though and we could even muddle through with the few that didn't to get what we needed.

The only thing we wished we had is a translation of food names. German is so completely different than English that we'd just stare at menus without a clue what we were trying to order. Restaurants weren't a problems, since they often had an Englishcarte (menu), but if you were trying to order from a food vendor on the street, or from one of the wonderful pastry shops, it was a little nerve racking to have hungry people in line behind you but have no idea what to say! You'll be fine though...and you'll eat well--Great food over there-- hope you like pork!

Answer 3

If you remain in the big city, many speak broken english. In the country is gets a little tricky. If the villages are near military bases the rate of people that speak english will be higher. This is because they've had alot of interaction with americans for the last 70 years.

Older people (the elderly) are the tricky part. They may understand english, but they'll answer you in german. If you speak german you might not get far with them either, because they have a tendency to speak with hard dialekt esp. if they're not educated beyond the 10 grade.  High German wasn't really enforced till like one to two generations later. It's really sad because most city kids can't understand or speak their native dialekt. You will encounter the same difficulties in Bayern (Bavaria) outside of large cities, but pratically with everyone not just old people. Don't feel bad, most Germans can't understand them either. The TV reports always seem to have subtitles underneath when the reporters are interviewing people down there. However they, do understand high german!

If your german is not perfect, don't worry no one will ever hold that against you (France is a different story). Germans are very helpful. Most times they will not correct you out of respect, but if you asked them, they will help you. As a American they won't stick you for the Sie's and Du's so much. But REALLY try to stick to Sie. Some find it a little offensive.

Answer 4

I've been there multiple times, and even though I speak passable "tourist German",  I could easily get by without it.  Englilsh is mandatory in German schools,  so most people have a passing familiarity with it, and many are fluent.

That said, try to pick up a few of the basics, like:

Thank you-- Danke

you're welcome/ please --Bitte

Hello-- Guten Tag

Trying a few words in German will get you much father than just automatically assuming everyone speaks English.  

Also, a side note--pull out your 'Sunday church' manners.   Germans are often very formal.  Hoestly, you can't be too polite.  The Germans are warm, friendly people who (generally) like Americans.   I like to say that 5 minutes of being very formal and polite with a German will earn you a friend for life.  :o)  

Germany is a wonderful place to visit, and the Germans are warm, and friendly, but it helps if you approach them on their terms a bit.  Many people think that the Germans are cold and standoffish, but that's not really true-- they're just very formal.  Don't be afraid to ask for help; just do it with a smile and a "Bitte", and you'll be fine.

Answer 5

You don't need to speak German . . . good idea to learn a few words out of politeness . . . but all German's learn English in school and most speak it quite well.

Answer 6

I've lived in Germany for the past year and it really depends on what parts of the country you'll be visiting. Many people in the bigger cities speak English very well but in smaller towns you may find that English isn't as widely spoken, especially by the older generations. It's generally a good idea to learn a few basic words in the native language, wherever it is you're going, and to bring a phrase book. I really like the Rick Steves German phrasebook...it has a great menu decoder in it and lots of commonly used phrases and words. Also, never assume that the person you're speaking to understands and speaks English. Always ask if they do first "Sprechen Sie Englisch?". I think it's kind of rude to just launch into English and expect them to speak it. I mean, you ARE in Germany :)

Germans have a bad reputation for being rude but that's not the case at all. As one of the other answerers said, they're just more formal than than some other cultures, especially Americans. If you attempt the language and are polite (remember to say please "Bitte" and thank you "Danke") you'll do great!

Answer 7

I live in Germany, but in a smaller town where less people speak English. In general, in larger cities most people will speak English, but out of courtesy you should know some key phrases to help you along. There's a great pocket books that has some really useful phrases by Berlitz. Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/34...

OH, by the way, if you go shopping to supermarkets, remember that you'll have to bring your own bags, or purchase them at the counter. I didn't know this when I first arrived, and wished someone would have warned me! Have a great time here!

Answer 8

As far as language goes, in major cities, by far the majority speak English as well.  In rural areas, it is a different story.

What to expect.  High standard of living, great service, politeness, clean cities, fantastic public transportation, not a great night life, not the best food (but try a few of the public markets).

And if you like speed, the best highways in the world.

Answer 9

I have both traveled their over 18 times and lived there as well and I absolutely love it!!

People are so more down to Earth and less materialistic than most in the USA and they are also more loyal with friends overall.

The transportation system is incredible compared to what we have in many places, such as mine, NONE!

As far as speaking goes I suggest trying what I did. I had no formal school training either so I bought some books and cd

s and made myself learn some basics like phrases and words so I could at least ask for a drink, the bathroom, the bill and a few other things.  Well those few lessons opened the door so when I was there I made it my point to learn all I could by listening and asking questions of my friends and after two years I was talking fairly well.

Now today I am still not fluent but I am far better than most americans less they are born dual language or fluent. Many have said I have very good German and make only a few grammar errors now.

So I say learn what you can and use it for you will gain their respect far faster that you care about thier language and culture. Blend in. As in Rome be Roman, well as in Germany be German as best you can.  Try all the foods stay away from McD's or BK and try only native local dishes.

Different areas depending the time of year have large festivals and markets that are some what like Okoberfest one in Weimar is called the Zweibal Markt or Onion Market and its one big city festival.

I find these to be a lot of fun!!

It is safe and as long as you try to speak and learn the language you will make friends easy as I did I am sure.

Viel Spass!! Have a lot of Fun!!