I'm going to germany next summer and i'm worried about my german!?

Question

i've been taking it for a year, and then until now and then i'll get another year of it in. but will it be like offensive if i don't speak it right? i know it won't be perfect, but i really, really don't want to be the "dumb american"

Answer 1

It will never be offensive, even if you do make mistakes. That is how you learn, and people are going to appreciate you learning, especially since you sound very serious about it. Some people will try to correct you after every "mistake" you make (Americans tried to do that to me when I first got there), but simply tell them that while you appreciate their help, you would really feel better if they'd correct you after you are done with your sentence. In case that ever happens to you.

About not being perfect: I know an American who spent a year of high school here in Germany, and than came back for a year during college. She studied German for I don't know how long, but for a long time, and she is able to have scientific conversations in German as well as English, she even applies German dialect, and still she stands there messing up "der", "die", "das" and "(m)einer", "(d)einer", "(s)einer". German is tricky, especially with that and all the "er", "sie" "es" issues and traps it has. Never fear, people will understand you. And "dumb" americans are not the ones already worrying now about their language skills they will have to apply in a year!

Another tip: for vocabulary, why don't you try and read German books or German newspapers/articles on line? For the speaking, well, nothing but the real thing will help, but for Grammar and vocabulary issues, reading is great. It helped me a lot with my English.

Answer 2

Most Eastern Germans know English, so don't sweat it.  And when you try to speak their language, it shows a lot of respect to their country because a lot of Brits don't take the time to learn it.  So just go with the flow.  Remember that everyone has to start somewhere in there lives.  It'll be an experience for you.

Answer 3

Perhaps you should watch German TV via satellite, just to train your ears and your sense for correct grammar.

Answer 4

No Need To Worry! First off even if you speak the basics, Germans will be pleased. Well(Doch), as pleased as a German can be. Meaning do not wait for a smiling face, more likely they will correct you. Also depending on where you travel and who you meet up with they will try to speak English with you.

I am sure all the 'experts' will give you good advice in regards to culture things or whatever.

My advice, come on over and have a good time!

Good Luck!

P.S. I have lived in Germany for over 20 years and my German is an awful South Hessen dialect, but Germans understand me......  

Answer 5

I went to Germany this summer.   dont worry everyone speak English there.  I think you will be alright.   have fun

Answer 6

I have gone a few summers in a row now and have been taking German for  going on 7 years, that being said my German isn't the best it can be still. But it would be best to atleast try speaking German, you will learn alot more this way. Don't be offended when some respond in English, they will know your American, just keep trying, youll make progress as long as you make sure to try and use the native tongue.

Answer 7

dbdoit is right, we love to correct you if you get something wrong. Take it as a chance to improve your english and don't get offended by it. It looks like we are just like that and love doing that. It's meant in a nice way. ;-)

Just try it the best way you can and don't stop.

Answer 8

Don't worry! Germans will appreciate that you try to learn the language. No-one will feel insulted if you say something wrong. Even if you would accidentally really say something insulting, people would understand that you're American and wouldn't feel offended.

It's true that most Germans speak English, but you'll find more in western Germany (contrary to Soy_El_Guapo's answer). In former East Germany (GDR) kids in school learned Russian instead of English.

Answer 9

Offensive?  Not at all!  Quite the contrary!  I've been to Germany three times, with increasingly good German skills, and my experience is that Germans are very pleased by an American speaking even mediocre German.  My theory is that they meet so many English-speakers who don't know a word of German that any German at all seems wonderful by contrast.

You may feel frustrated by not being able to accomplish much using your German, but making the attempt is the polite thing to do, and nurtures goodwill in all your encounters.  Don't be afraid to, as an acquaintance of mine put it, "open your mouth and let bad German come out."