I want to go to or move to Germany someday...?

Question

I'm just wondering some questions...

I am German, but I'm a little afraid as to what people out there will think of me since I have lived in the U.S. my whole life. My uncle tells me that they do not like Americans or something, and that he plays with Germans on XBOX Live and it's creeping me out a bit. I'd love to go to Germany but I don't know. He's just telling me Germans hate Americans, and I wouldn't believe they ALL do, but I'm just wondering what you think. I don't want to go out there to find that I'm not welcome.

Also, how is it really different from America? What are the basic changes? I'm really interested with everything out there and I want to learn more and learn the German language. I've been told it's very similar to the U.S., just better. And different languages.

So bitte informiere mich, ich möchte wissen. :)

Answer 1

Germans don't hate Americans!  I mean, there is the occaisonal jerk who might, but generally speaking, they are fine with people from the US- don't worry about it at all.  I lived in Germany for two years, and absolutely loved the country, and the people.  It's very different from America, but I don't always know how to describe how...generally, it's more liberal and progressive, but that's just one facet...I would do some reading and maybe watch some German movies to get an idea.  If you want to go there, look into a study abroad program if you are in high school or college.  I worked for this outfit: www.afrceurope.com, and consider it an excellent way to live and work in Europe.

Answer 2

you can visit the place if you want to from there you learn the answer to your questions, about the people their culture then eventually you can decide if you want live there

Answer 3

I am a German and have lived here almost my whole life so far, and what your uncle tells you simply isn't true: Most Germans disagree with the American government and their policies (as most Americans also do, or so I've heard), but they like the American people.

What's possibly the point about playing on XBox live is that Germans tend to use very blunt speech in daily life, and even more so on the internet. That's maybe a thing you must get used to when coming to Germany. What is considered as "honest" here will most probably seem utterly unfriendly to you, at least in the very beginning. But mind, once you've stayed a year or two, your use of language will have adapted, and maybe U.S. citizens will find YOU unfriendly when you return home for a vacation.

Talking about language, forget everything you learnt in school or at home. German colloquial language is very much different from the written language, and Germany has many different regions with different dialects. But I'm sure you'll pick up the vernacular quite quickly.

As to culture, it really isn't much different from the U.S.: As a matter of fact, you won't starve when you arrive, as there's McDonald's', Burgerkings and Pizzahuts alot, everywhere throughout the country. We even have KFC in some places, so if you don't trust German food, stick to them for a while.

You will soon find out that most Germans are open-minded and friendly-hearted, and make friends with the locals. They'll tell you all you need to know. I could write a couple of books about the tiny little details, but as long as you haven't been here, you won't get the notion. Feel encouraged to try it out; if you don't like it, there's always a return ticket.

Answer 4

Germans don't hate Americans.  Just as with any culture or country, there are a few people who hate some other group of people.  On that point, you don't have any reason to worry.

I wouldn't say Germany is better.  I also wouldn't say the US is better.  I am an American living in Germany.  I have nothing to do with the military and very rarely meet other Americans where I am, so I think I have a less American-structured life here.  

Some daily differences that I encounter and my thoughts on them:

- less fast food (thank goodness!) which makes me eat better

- more restricted business hours for stores, banks, etc. which makes it difficult to shop when you work all day (not just clothes shopping, all shopping)

- more, smaller shops that are closer together which means 1) you don't have to drive everywhere 2) you get more exercise by walking/bike riding 3) there tends to be less variety in grocery stores b/c they don't have the space

- food items are less expensive (subsidised by high taxes)

- very poor customer service

- excellent roadways (usually), paid for by...

- very high taxes which means you have less disposable income to do/buy what you want

- friendly people, but not nearly as friendly as Americans

Remember that whatever people say on Y!A should be taken with a grain of salt.  It's all opinion that can only guide you so far.  Then you'll have to make your own decisions.

Answer 5

with best regard.

Answer 6

I am German and married to an American! And I can tell you: I'm not the only one! Germans like Americans, and I know they were always sad when an American Military Base closes down! If you speak/write a little German why don't you post your question on the German Yahoo? It's called Clever. All you have to do is scroll down and select Germany! Then you can hear/read  it from the Germans!!

Answer 7

Don't worry, Germans hate Americans the way Americans hate the Brits or the Yankees hate the Southern folks.

It is more a grudge than real hate and not directed at any person in particular (with the exception of George W. Bush maybe). Only the general attitude and world view of a significant number of US citizens that the US takes up 98% of the world really grinds lots of Germans the wrong way. Hollywood contributes to this. Take movies like "Independence Day" or "X-Men 2"  - it is like other countries outside the US do not exist. The president of the USA is portrayed as the top dog with only god above him. Blegh. I also found myself pretty disturbed by meeting a 10-year-old girl in Boston who had trouble grasping the concept of another language and a country outside the USA. So you've already got an advantage over these people - you know that Germany exists. ;-)

Germany is different from the US in the following aspects:

1) Germany is more crowded. It's the same size as California or all the New England states, but is home to 80 mil. people. That is about a quarter of the US population.

2) Because Germany is so crowded there is by comparison more and better public transport. It is possible to live in Germany without owning a car. You can get almost anywhere by rail, bus, bike and your own feet.

3) Because mom doesn't have to drive the kids everywhere, German kids are more independent.

4)Because Germans drive less and walk and ride the bike more than Americans the average body weight is lower and they have less heart diseases and less diabetics.

5) Because so much wildlife has already been destroyed by people crowding into places, Germany has a one of the most radical pro-environment movements. The Green Party is a political force to be reckoned with.

6) Germany has about 2000 years of history. Due to this there is about ten times as much to see for a tourist in a 50 mile radius as it would be in the US.

7) Germans have decent beer.

There are many more aspects how Germany is different from the US, but best find them out for yourself. Get your German passport from the embassy, save some money and just come over.

Answer 8

German's don't hate Americans. I think, what your uncle telling you is not true. There is always some "stupid" people on this world, they don't like nobody.

So about Germany: German's are thankful during WWII the Americans saved their life. Also in Germany living so many Americans (Air force, Army) they are friendly, helpful, I see that every single day, we are here in South Germany (Army)and Germans/American work all together, like at schools,  Shopping Centers, constructions. I don't see any problems. I know one thing too, the Americans here love Germany.

Answer 9

Your uncle plays x-box live ??? Sounds like a real mature guy...He is wrong and needs to get a life. Germans don't like your uncle but I suspect a lot of people from all over the world probably don't like you uncle. It's your uncle, not Germans, that is the problem here.I love Germans and they have always been exceptionally nice....Scheesch...

Answer 10

You should come here and see for yourself. Alwin already gave you a good answer and the others, too.

Due to the fact that there were American bases in the western part of Germany ever since WW2, Germans are very used to Americans. Most of us speak English, as this is the first foreign language we learn. The American music and movies are well known over here, also plenty of soaps (of course translated), so you can feel home easy if you are used to the German language and seemingly you do know German.

Come visit and see!