Living in Germany?

Question

I would like to know from an American point of view, if it is easy to integrate into the German culture as an American.

I intent to live in Germany for a couple of years and I don't know if those people are friendly to Americans and if they might not want to talk to me because I speak German with a strong accent.

Answer 1

I have lived in Germany off and on for 9 years. I was very open to making German friends, but found that it was easier to befriend other foreigners. I ended up with allot of other American friends, a friend from the Philippines, a few Turkish friends, and a friend from South Africa. I did have some German friends, but they were harder to get to know, guarded I guess. They are a bit judgmental and seem annoyed if you do not speak German very well. They of course usually speak great English and seem frustrated that most American's don't speak German well. If you do speak German and try your best they are pretty friendly. As far as getting around dealing with them on a day to day basis, they are polite, smart, very clean, and like to have in depth conversations about important issues. I did feel out of place at times for example I went over to German's house for dinner one night (invited by an American friend), when I was introduced to the man of the house, I shook his hand setting down. This was a big no no and he was none to pleased, so lesson learned. Another thing is they are very independent. you could go out with them, but don't think that they are going to lead you around or even stay close thru the night, its very common for them to just up and leave and show up later. I loved Germany though and have tons of respect for their country and people. You will find that they are more easy going in northern cities like Berlin or Frankfurt, or college areas like Heidelberg. They are more clicky in the south by the Alps. If you befriend them be prepared to have convo's about the government (namely ours) and to explain why Americans voted for Bush and things like that. They sometimes see us as a whole and forget that each of us is different from the rest.

Answer 2

they are very friendly people i am only 13 and have been to germany 7 times they are the most friendly people it might be a little hard to intergrate into the culture there are little things but they should be easy to pick up, and you will learn german very quick (without the accent) its wonderful

Answer 3

i would say it wont be too hard! there will be a few who do not like americans but most germans will be friendly as most of them like the u.s. culture. i would not worry! ask me more if you like, i grew up in germany!

Answer 4

I just moved to Germany in December and, while the cold weather's been a bit hard for me, the people have been friendly and welcoming. I've only had a month of German lessons (courtesy of the German government since I became a permanent resident), so as soon as I open my mouth I stumble over pretty much every grammar rule. Generally this produces (after amused smiles) interest in where I'm from and small talk about why I'm here, etc. My in-laws and others are always eager to help me practice, so that also helps.

I wouldn't worry about your accent or being American. I think trying to speak and practice the language is most important. I'm looking forward to the day when I can finally communicate (like you) in German.

Answer 5

I'm an American that moved to Germany in 1996 and have been  living here since. I'm a permanent resident and plan on staying here the rest of my life. If you speak German, accented or not, you will have no problems integrating into society here. Unfortunately, most Americans in the military here don't make much of an effort to speak German, so when I speak German the Germans around me are always ready to chat for a while. As Alwin said, the accent probably won't be noticed. I hate to say it, but I still don't understand several of the German dialects. My wife is a native "Fischkopf" (she's from a town near the North Sea) and it took her about 6 months before she could readily understand the German spoken here in Bavaria. The biggest obstacles to overcome when coming to Germany are getting used to the different hours of operation of stores and businesses. They've expanded a lot in recent years, but you still won't find 24 hour supermarkets on every corner, with a fast food restaurant next door.

It's easy to come here and fit in, though it may be faster in larger cities. My son had a few problems in school, because he's half "Ame" (American) even though he's lived here since he was 4 months old. This was in a small farming town, plus school kids can usually be pretty mean. He's fitting in fine now and isn't having any more than the normal school kid problems.

By all means, come to Germany and enjoy a very interesting and varied culture. I've been happy since I moved here and haven't regretted it yet.

Answer 6

What d'ya mean by "those people"? h**l, I'm German, and it's something past 5 a.m. here, and I'm listening to an American radio staion via the internet.

Does that tell you enough?

Most of us here like you Americans. Most of us here don't like the American president. But you can believe one thing: Germans usually know that difference.

And don't worry about the language or the accent. There isn't one "German" spoken here, but a lot of dialects. I've never been to the U.S., but as a comparison, Germany is as small as California, or even smaller (but colder), and it has some 40 or 50 dialects within this small country, each with variations.

There's a guy here, born American, married to a German, with two kids, who keeps explaining us the American way of life, in German:

http://usaerklaert.wordpress.com/uber-di...

I like what he writes, because, h**l of a shame, THAT GUY SPEAKS GERMAN BETTER THAN I DO, and I'm native!

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edit:

thx rdrnnr, for your support. It's always a wonderful thing to read that U.S. expats like my country and even want to stay here. You're welcome.

Answer 7

One thing you have to understand before you go to live in Germany;

Jobs are VERY short. There are more jobless people in Germany then anywhere else... The job market is very very bad.

I grew up in Europe and moved to America a little over 2 years ago. Here, in the USA, we are spoiled with opertunities to make a living. If you loose a job today, you go out and find one tomorrow  - even if it is just flipping burgers. In Germany, it is a whole diffrent story... Thousands of people stand in line at the government to apply for 1Euro-jobs, because that is all they can get... and if there is an opening for a decent position, you deal with hundrets of people that apply for the exact same position you are applying for.

So, unless you are relocating for a company and have a secured job, I would not recomand that you move to Germany.

About your fear that Germans would not accept you for your accent; Naaaw, that should not be a problem. They are rather tired of the imigrants coming from eastern Europe, that not do **** and live of other peoples money and refuse to learn the language of the country they live in... So, as long as you try, you are good to go. Germans are pretty open minded when it comes to that... They might even find your accent cute :)

Well, whatever you decide to do, think also about the negative sides that come along with this big step... it is not all sunny, warm and fuzzy... believe me, I have been there... It is hard to leave a known country behind and break into something strang... Live is compleetly diffrent, and so are the mentalities...

If you ever want to know about my experiances I made when I first got to the states, feel free to email me and ask me whatever you wan, ok?

Good luck!!!!

Answer 8

live is what you make it ! step back a bit, do'nt be to boisterous and for ones listen to people ! do'nt teach them how to dance as they have their own rhythem. i guess you understand what i mine. you be getting on fine if you follow my little advice. an old saying goes: in rome you do what romans do.............in ? you do what ? do !!

p.s this is a german point of view ! happy stay in good old germany

Answer 9

I lived in Berlin for 7 years.  I had a love-hate relationship the whole time I was there.  You should have no problem with the people.  They tend to love Americans and will try to speak English to you if they can.  They will compliment you on your German and tell you how good it is.  It is a real ego booster when your are learning!

The one thing I did find a bit difficult about the people was that they tended to be a lot more reserved/cold but outspoken in the same token.  Not many people will be "friendly on the street" but they will tell a stranger in a minute if they are doing something wrong.  I heard fights on busses and subways between complete strangers all the time.  However, it was always quickly over. Just letting off steam.  Again, this was Berlin.  I dont' know, maybe NYC is the same.  I am from Texas - the South - and we are a bit different! I did respect how direct Germans can be - they speak their minds -  and find myself missing that here in the States.

The only other difficult thing there was the weather.  Again, coming from a warm/hot state to Germany was quite a shock.

However, I wouldn't trade my 7 years there for anything!  I was homesick a lot, but loved it too.  And now that I am back in the States, I sometimes dream of moving back.  Who knows, my husband is German and we may some day!

Go for it, enjoy it, treasure the time you have there!