Is Munich as conservative as its surroundings?

Question

I'm a black American living in Germany for 17 years now and have a terrific job opportunity awaiting me in Munich. While the move to Munich would be an excellent career move, I am concerned about the degree to which this area is "conservative", being in the heart of Bayern. I've thoroughly enjoyed my life in Germany so far, and it's been of a much greater quality than anything I could wish for in the U.S. I've never been to Munich before, so I would like to know if it is generally tolerant towards those of us who are obvious "foreigners", or will I feel as though I am living in Texas, Alabama, or some other southern state in the U.S. ?

Thanks in advance for your input!

Answer 1

Hi,

you shouldn't worry about moving to Munich.

We are used to seeing lots and lots of foreigners. Almost 20% of Munichs population is not German.

We have plenty of tourists as well as people  living here: Black, Indian, Turkish, Asian, Arab, Latin American....

As long as you don't look obviously like a beggar or some kind of "bad" person, nobody will ever frown upon you or treat you badly.

One thing though is quite difficult here: people don't speak a lot of English, so you better had learnt some German during your 17 years in Germany :-)

Even then it can be a bit difficult, because many people speak dialect and even though they try to speak "Hochdeutsch" when Non-Bavarians are present, they don't always know very well.

Good luck!!

Answer 2

Your story is very interesting. I am a white guy from Southern USA but I would have been the only white dude in the panthers had I been born at the right time!

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my life in Germany so far, and it's been of a much greater quality than anything I could wish for in the U.S." It pleases me to see you write this because my heritage is German and it makes me glad to see that this has been true for you. I can't say enough good things about my experiences in Germany. It sucks that people in America and Britian are so blinded by these mindless circles of hate towards Germany about the past when they don't even know how amazing it is and how the way of life there is so uplifiting. Ironically Germany/Germans have historically have been one of the MOST tolerant peoples. Only one catherdral in all of Europe has a black saint sculpture in it and it is in Germany. The people of Germantown in Philly were the first to publically critisize slavery and there was none in the settlement.

Wish you'd tell me why your quality of life has been so great.

To answer the question though (I am drinking German kaffe right now, which you know is like speed), I am first gonna say that I am angry at you! Some of the most beautiful women I have ever seen are in Bayern and Munich specifically. These folks are correct in what they say, don't worry and better by your condoms in bulk. Munich is a paradise, more green space and things to make you forget the military then you can imagine.  AND Bayern Munich is a great team. d**n need a roomate?!

Peace.............

Answer 3

A clear no.

Munich is the most liberal city in all of Bavaria, lots of students and young people.

Oh yeah...check this expat-forum, most of them are in Munich :

http://www.toytowngermany.com/

Answer 4

Indeed, Bavaria is a conservative (and a very catholic) German state-but, you don't have to worry at all.  People of all races, nationalities and of all colors lives in Munich and I also have many African and Afro-American friends living down there in Munich.   Yes, some Bavarians are very conservative (and too catholic), but that's really all....you don't need to worry!

Enjoy!

Greetings from Germany...

Answer 5

Munich is by far not as conservative as the rest of Bavaria (I'm not not talking about Franken and Schaben!). For centuries Munich has been ruled by the social democratic party, so it's pretty unlike the rural areas of Bavaria. If you speak german I wouldn't mind going to Munich in your place. Okay, you will have to get used to the dialekt to a certain extend (as in any other region in germany), but there are many people from outside Bavaria living there, so it won't be such a grat deal for you.