Studying in Germany?

Question

I am going to be studying abroad in Germany soon, and I was wondering if there are some things I should know about their culture and such. Like, I know to use Sie when talking someone older than me or someone I don't know, or if they haven't invited me to use du. Are there any books I should read before going? Thanks

-Sarah

Answer 1

Which program are you going on?

I am an American and have studied and worked in Munich.  I have been back in the States for two months.

Use Sie with anyone older anyone you don't know, anyone of authority or professional distance (profs. waitreses, librarians...etc.)  Old people like Sie too.  Things have gotten a little looser in recent years. People may offer Du fairly quickly. All students (save some law students) are by Du.

Once by Du, stay by Du.  I would forget and then begin with Sie again.  Sometimes this makes the person think something has happend and you have recinded the Du, which leads to an awkward do-we-have-a-problem moment.  This is a eunique construct for English speakers.  So it seems complicated at first.  You'll get the hang of it.  There is also the Su (ha ha I am a dork).

Know that the universities there tend to be on a higher academic level.  Not better, just more academnic. There is lots of reading, discussion and papers.  It is hard.  Professors in Munich always had this acedemic overloard personallity.  Some don't think it is their job to help you, but to break you.  Students and profs alike may be impressed by an American taking a genuine interest and showing real effort with the language.   They may also be willing to provide extra explination, but do not be surprised if a prof. does not give good "service".  German universities are (sort-of) free so there is no obligation for profs. to be helpfull.  In the US, our tuition costs create an expectation of acessability.  German profs' office hours can be speratic.  If you go know what you want to discuss.  Saying simply "I don't get it." tends not to go over well.  I know this from experience.

Alomost everyone in the academic scence in Germany is very interested in English.  They want to use it.  They see you and this look comes across their face that says:  "I have practiced my whole life.  Now it is for real.  It is OK to throw them a bone once in a while, some take it too far.   Be ready to tell them no, and stick to it! You will be respected by most for it. This pays off huge in the long run.

Access to computers in the university have improved, but is still behind US university standards.  When I was at Univ . of Munich in 2001, the whole thing was like a secret club with flimsy ID cards and complicated user rules.

Remember that you are you, not all of America.  Germans as of late like to be very critical of America (international policy, eviromental policy, etc.).  Some of the arguments are unfair.  Feel free to express your opinion. Don't feel obligated to "defend" America.  They know a lot about America, but the view can be unbalanced.   If an argument gets to heated just walk away.  Feel free to tell them to f-off if that is your bag.

One "argument" I hate is that we don't know how to cook.  This is BS and any German who has ever lived here will tell you that in addition to having awsome junk food, we have great food, the problem is that almost none of it belongs to us. This tends to be at the core of this lame salm.  I wonder if they would think the same after tearing into some KC BBQ or Pancakes.

Travel.  There are lots of braeks.

Germans have less clothes, pack occordingly.

You can find good pre-paid cell phones too.  Look online.

Don't miss American things too much.  Find exceptible subsitutes.  America isn't going anywhere.  It will all be there when you get back.  That first bowl of Lucky Charms will tast great after one year off.

Remember what my prof told me before I left:



1.  Germans are not necessarly raised to be polite. They are raised to be correct.

2.  An American will like you until you give tem a reason NOT to like you. A German will be indifrent to you until you give them a reason to like you.

Feel free to contact me by e-mail.

Have a Good Time,

ARG

Answer 2

yeah, Germans are firstly considered ''rude people''  They will push by you at the store and they dont beleive in customer service.  Second the word sie is only in a professional manner example:- job interview---germans are modest people and they will use Du when talking to you.  They will k now your an Auslander when you talk because you will mess up the Der, Die, Das,-  Its the same as the in English.  The last thing is there are many different cultures here.  Most of the ''Real'' Germans are old or almost all gone.  There are many many russians, Turks Polish and Italiens here....Kinda like the mexicans in the U.S.I have lived in Germany since 1999 and If you have any more questions I can give you answers just E-mail me....there is to much to post on yahoo answers...Where will you be studying?

Answer 3

This is a nice opportunity and enjoy it. Germany is a nice place, you can see here so much, travel, learn the culture, history, learn new people and learn also the language.

This is a multicultural place and some rude people you find here also, just go away from them.

There is so many books about Germany, you better get one and just look over it. The young people are very take it easy and the elderly people are friendly. Don't worry so much, just make your own experiences, when you are here.

Look by the amazon.com or at the book stores about some books. It's always good to learn from the place something before you go there.

I wish you good time here in Germany.....

Answer 4

Their culture isn't really too different but some things are good to know.

A lot of Germans have problems with sarcasm. They just don't get it.

You can talk about WW2 with Germans but it's better not to joke about it, it's still a sensitive issue.

I'm not sure where you're from , are you English? People are really polite in England. In Germany, if you bump into someone and apologise or say thank you to the bus driver when you get off or stuff like that people might think it's a bit strange.

Germany is ultra-bureaucratic. It's good to be organised and know what you have to do. For example when you go there you have to register at the Einwohnermeldeamt in order to do things like open a bank account, it can seem complicated and daunting but you get used to the 'Ordnung' and it seems to work most of the time.

These are just a few things I can think of. Have a good time in Germany!

Answer 5

Some books I would recommend:

Culture Shock: Germany

http://www.amazon.com/Culture-Shock-Germ...

When In Germany:

http://www.amazon.com/When-Germany-Do-Ge...