I'm an American going to Munchen, Deutschland/Munich, Germany, would I be looked down on for being American?

Question

In other words, would people there treat me friendly or are they hostile toward Americans. I hear that a lot of Americans go to Europe and are obnoxious and arrogant but I am not, I try to be friendly. Also, would I be able to get by without being able to speak German/Deutsch? I can say a few basic things like numbers plus like thirty or so other words but that's it.

Answer 1

I live in Munich and my parents

come from britain so... I know

plenty of  Americans live here and soooo

many people here can speak English,

I'm sure you'll be fine!

I hope you enjoy your visit!

Answer 2

I visited Germany last October/November and met many German folks--they were all lovely people and happy to have me visiting their country.  

I got into a political discussion with one older woman who told me "German people love Americans, but think GWB is the next Hitler." LOL

At times i was wary to admit i'm from the US, but everyone i met seemed to be happy and friendly :-)

As for speaking German, just learn the basics, "guten tag," "bitte," "danke," etc. and locals will be pleased you're at least trying.

Answer 3

take it easy man.

German people are the most friendly people I have ever known so far.

I am Saudi Arabian and I came here(to Germany) 3 weeks ago

I dont speak German but a lot of people here speak English and everything is OK

have fun man...

Answer 4

When you are friendly Germans are friendly too! In our town are often Amercan tourists...most older ones and they are all nice. They often try to speak German in the shops but mainly the shop assistants reply in English and the Americans are always a bit disappointed because they tried hard to learn and speak German but most Germans  speak English!;-)! So there won't be a problem when you can't speak much German! I bet you will enjoy your stay in München! It's a great city!

Answer 5

As long as your name is not Bush/Rice or Cheney, you are fine. German people are gracious hosts and in major cities its easy to get along with only english.

Good luck, you will find it interesting and fun.

Answer 6

We Germans are going to growl at you, snap at your heels and force-feed you with Weißwurst at breakfast!! ;)))

Jokes aside: There are so many Americans here in Germany that we are quite used to it. Yes, we all learn English in school, but with everything combined, some people speak better English, and some not so. However: Munich is a big city (meaning: employers looking for sales personell have a bigger group to choose from) with loads of tourist attractions in itself as well as closeby. People who are working in close contact with customers are expected to speak at least English, if not more foreign languages.

And as for people being hostile to Americans: There's a German saying: "Wie man in den Wald hineinruft, so schallt es heraus!" (lit.: Whatever you yell into the woods, you'll hear coming out of the woods, too.) In other words: Be friendly, and people will be friendly to you.

Have a good time in Munich. I am sure you will have a great time, especially this time of year. (I'm gonna be in Munich next week! 30 seconds to Mars!! Yay!)

Answer 7

Depends. I myself met an American guy in Berlin and some East German guys wanted to beat him up but Berlin and even more East Germany has another history than the rest of Germany. And there's a certain unfriendly attitude towards Americans though this is mainly connected with the current Bush administration and it's supporters.

Generally it shouldn't be a problem though. I think you won't notice any hostile behaviour in Munich. There's also the fact that all Europeans usually speak English when they travel to another country. So most people won't automatically assume that you're American. That's of course if you don't have a heavy accent.

So you will get along fine just speaking English, I guess. Only some of the old folks maybe won't understand you at all.

Answer 8

I am an American and lived in Munich for 4 years.  It was wonderful and the German people are so nice.  You'll have a great time.

Answer 9

Munich is a huge town and you will not believe how many Americans you will meet.

Noone will look down on you and most people speak at least a little English.

Have fun!