For me too. I just said that people would appreciate that. When I go to a country I don't know the language of, I learn at least the most basic phrases like "good morning", "Thank you", "good bye" and so on. I found that this helps breaking the ice :)
That area is SO gorgeous! I recently took the train back from Munich to Cologne and it drives for about 1.5 hours alongside the Mosel. Stunning with all the castles and vineyards. :)
Hi Deborah! Thank you so much. I'm German and I love your clip. You mention many important things that I would like to comment on. 1. Yes, many Germans, especially the younger ones, speak English. Not necessarily older Germans (40yrs. and older). 2. Yes, I, on my part, am offended when people just start talking to me in English without even having tried before to communicate in German. It is rude. It is not necessary to be fluent or speak perfectly German, but it is respectful to try.
Living anywhere in the world - outside your native language area - means learning the language of the people there. I visited a great number of countries around the world, it's the same everywhere: Learn the basics of their language, be polite, accept the people like they are... that's it. Just saying "hello, how are you" in local language is easy and opens hearts. Everybody wants to be treaten with respect.
You seemed really excited about your stay in germany, lovely :) Next summer to fall I will travel the USA with a few friends of mine and I am excited like a little boy just before christmas already. To everyone: If you ever have the chance to see and expierence another country just do it, it is something that you will never forget :)
That's what I actually meant. Even a "Entschuldigung! Do you speak english?" would break the ice. And thank you for taking up the cudgels for us Germans and Germany in general :)
Wow - and I was thinking I'm talking really fast! ;-) But seriously: Thanks for this Vid! We really like to welcome American soldiers and their families here in Germany. Actually I grew up in Bad Homburg (which you might know - it's not that far from Friedberg) and you are right: There are so many nice places to visit. I'm glad that you had a good time here ;-)
Thank you for this video, made me smile to hear your opinion and attitude :) Thank you for staying in an european country, hope you visit again soon :D
I'm German and I wouldn't say we are offended if beeing addressed or asked by a foreigner in English. But it's always a nice gesture to try it in the language of the country, even if it's just something like "Guten Tag mein Herr ;-) "
my grandma worked at the ray barracks in the 90´s :D ive been at the base a few times, always was fun to meet the ppl around there nice to hear you had a good time in Hessen ;)
I believe that the message that he wanted to convey was the following. Germany has a different school system than the US. In Germany, pupils are attending an elementary school first and are then split up in accordance to their capabilities after 4 or 6 years. Depending on your performance in school, you have different courses and different contents that you've to master. If you go to a grammar school (Gymnasium), you'll have more English than on a school that is ranking below a grammar school.
Don't worry about speaking to us in english. Most people know that not everyone speaks German, especially foreigners. On the other hand, at least trying to speak German is hugely flattering and will get you miles with whatever you want from that person. ;)
I'm german living in Germany and must say you made a good video with a lot of great tips for behaviour and hints on what to do and what 2 get used 2 living here :-) But on the part of the german Autobahn I must say it's important for foreigners 2 learn the rules of behaviour on it. Like staying on the right or the center lane (if exists) as much as u can and only takeover others on the left & such things as a lot of people getting annoyed if they are forced 2 slow down.. Greetings from Germany!
loved this!!! I can't wait for the rest!!! would you recommend going overseas to people with kids? Like now that you are a mom would you do another 3 years in Germany? if yes, why? and if no, why not
Hello that was really interesting, because i'm from Butzbach and live near the military housing area.. but in the last months it has been demolished and now there are just 10 buildings left.. thats really a shame because these buildings were in a good shape and could have been rented greets from germany =)
Full support for your post. I'm not offended if sb comes to me speaking english as I don't expect anybody learning (even basics) of an foreign language if just being on holidays. If living abroad (and this counts everywhere), even if just for a year, it is necessary though to show your respect to your new home (even if it is just for a limited amount of time) and making things more easy in daily life.
Woho, need more people like you ;) I'm german and for me it's not offensive when people start to speak english - it's just very confusing. I need a second to "switch" between german and english, and if you start a conversation with something like "Sprechen Sie Englisch?", the other one has these 4-8 seconds to change to english. BTW, I LOVE speaking english. It's a beautiful language, and since I'm living in Frankfurt, I can use my english skills very often :)
You learn English in every school starting form 5th Grade. Depending on how ambitious the student is he picks up on something or not. Going into 5th Grade you can decide which of the basic three schools you want to go to. The three type of schools vary on how many years you go there and depending on what you want to become later you choose one of those. Subjects like: German, English, a third language in 2 of those schools, Math are always taught! Hope I could help you out!
such a nice monologue. I enjoyed your story :) But the Autobahn should be no problem for "newbies" even if there are aggressive drivers. Just stick to the right lane and only use the middle lane for overtaking and everything will be fine and stressless.
You learn English in all German schools since the 70/80s or so. When you meet someone aged 30 or younger you can be 99% sure they learned at least a little bit of English.
tires in germany are specified for certain speeds. if you have a car that goes a certain high speed, you also need specific tires for it. also you are only allowed to drive as fast as you want/can in certain areas of the autobahn, not everywhere
I never knew that the Americans are still stationed in Germany ! American army wives are really nice ladies I met a couple of them in Kuwait & Qatar and some were fellow airmen wives of the US military !
When you went home while hubby was deployed, did you leave your stuff in storage in Germany or did you move it all back to states on your dime? Bc I may be in the same situation someday..
In Butzbach, did you live in those large housing units, I think one of the roads up there is called New York? I havent lived in Germany for a long time, but have heared of of whats its been like over there.
Were currently in Baumholder, Germany. Its not the best area but we enjoy it. Like you said, it is what you make it. =] And Stairwell housing sucks! lol We are first level as well, but I can't wait to be stateside and in a house again lol
When you are in germany it is recommended to introduce oneself before speaking to strangers. Just say: "Hello im a tourist and got a question." You will receive guidence!
i live in Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia, Ruhrgebiet, and i can tell you, traffic Jam is a daily issue. My way to Work leads to the A42 where a travelspeed above 120km/h is utopia ;) But you are right, at night on the A3 feels like flying :D
I like that video! Regarding language I wouldn't say it's disrespectful to approach germans using English because lots of Germans do speak English. But being German I think Germans generally appreciate the effort of learning at least the basics of our language.
You have to make a difference between older and younger people if you aproach someone here in germany. The older people, about 60 years or older, didn´t have that kind off english education the younger generations get today. Younger people also use foreign languages, especialy english, more often because of their higher contact to new media, like the internet for example.
Usually every school offers english as the first foreign language. Many schools offer a second language like french, spanish or russian as well. Latin is still very much around, too. The problem with everyone learning the same is that Germany is like the US a federal state. Every single one of the 16 states have their own educational system. The only thing that's consistant are some general subjects like maths (the fact that they exist, not what's being taught) and the level of graduation.
No. The recommended speed limit is 130km per hour. That is common. Sometimes you´ll see signs in blue with 130 on it. Besides, blue round signs are recommendations. What you mean are round signs with a red marginal and 120 printed on them. THAT is the legal speed limit. Limitations end by a grey sign where the previous limit is crosed out. In cities the speed limit is 50 km/h, outside 80, if not declared otherwise (again in these round white signs with a red margin).
I'm german too and she is right. It is considered rude, like in almost every other country, if you arrogantly think everybody hast to speak your language. It's much more polite to just ask, even if you ask in English (that sentence does everybody understand ;).
As she said, it's in Hessia, near Fraankfurt. But it's not a town you need to know. I live in that region too, but I've never been to Friedberg, since I just didn't find any reasons to go there.
I´m releived to hear that.To be honest,i was a little bit concerned that i never recognized any signs with recomendations on it ;).I was in a german driving school and i´ve been driving on german autobahn up to 7 years now,so i should certainly know that too.Thank´s for clearing things up for me.You´re right about the last sentence,not everyone does exceed the recomendet speed.But for the most of them it is´t a question of safety,it´s simply their cars.Of course the exception proves the rule.:D
That is a very complicated an delicate issue. Education is responsability of the Bundesländer (States) and those differ in their opinions on how to do it. Most people say they want a unified educational system, but that's quite difficult, because standards differ too much from state to state. It's like unifiing college and high school - just not that easy. Allthough I guess English is tought in mostly every school in Germany nowadays, many of the older people just didn't get that opportunity.
Interesting, I was in Freiburg Brisgau, stationned at the french base, drafted as a french american young man in 1985. I loved Freiburg. Did you go to swim in the small lake out of town.
saw what exactly? there are no signs for the recommended 130km/h. that's something you learn in german driving school. the autobahn has regular speedlimit signs like any other street and those you have to obey. but if there's a "no speed limit" sign or no sign at all, the recommended speed is 130km/h. you are allowed to surpass it though, but not everyone does.
Every German school teaches English. Some of them also teach another language as an addition (mostly French, Spanish or Latin, but there are also other possibilities), in some schools you even learn 3 foreign languages or more. I'm German and I don't know anyone (not one single person) who doesn't speak English. My 6-year-old cousin just started first grade and he already knows the numbers and colors. So I don't know what was going on in that game, maybe they were kidding? I don't know...
Well, usually you learn english in school. It depends also a little bit on the region you live in and when you go to school. In the past, when germany was spluttet, the first foreign language people learned in the east part was russian, but as a second foreign language you could learn english. Than later, when I came to school the first foreign language that we learned was english. Later you could also learn french as first language.
i completely agree with that. and when approached on the street or whereever, i also suggest speaking english when it might be probable that someone's english is better than their german - it's a tough language, after all; or so many people seem to agree ;)
Oh wow. Now I know why there was a Jet flying over Marburg on 31th of july at 8am which completely ruined my sleep rhythm for the ongoing week haha, it's because there is/was an Army station near Friedberg =D
I'm also an immigrant in Germany, and as for the English issue: 1) Germans tend to freak out when faced with stressful situation, 2) they are also perfectionist on the edge of being obsessive, so they tend to shut up until they speak English really well. Just start with a friendly "guten Tag" and be kind enough to ask "do you speak English?", then feel free to ignore then answer and continue :)
The school system in germany is actually not uniformal. Basically, what you learn in school is decided on a state-level. So what you're going to learn in a school in Berlin is different to what you'll learn in a bavarian school. It doesn't matter what school in bavaria you are going to - you'll pretty much learn the same. And it doesn't matter what school you are going to in Berlin - you'll again learn pretty much the same stuff. But it does matter in which STATE you're going to school.
hehe..you are very welcome to visit..you wont offend anybody..the max would be that you confuse someone who dont speak english..but today even 5yo kids speak english. Just start a conversation with "Sorry, do you speak english?" and everything is fine. Enjoy your stay if you find a way to visit =)
u know i'm from cologne, or better a small village from Cologne... if ppl start asking me how i can find this or this... indeed we are shocked we have to start thinking by speaking! so its cooler when u come and say: Sorry sprechen Sie Englisch .. then we can start with english and fell much more secure and comfortable! I guess the most Germans say no sorry or lil bit cuz they dont wanna fail and send u the wrong why... I love your video! Danke Danke Danke!
Hi i really think it is great how you think about culture and traveling and so on. Because usually people from usa think they live in the center of the world. So i like that you travelled europe and that you tried to learn a little german. I think americans could do way better if they are little bit more open minded.
The German school system isn't centralised, the federal states decide what is tought to the students in their state. And we have three different kinds of highschool graduations: you can leave after nine years (minor), ten years (average) and also after twelve or thirteen years (mayor). And of course your English level depends on the amount of years you've learned it and how often you use it at work, during freetime etc.
the "autobahn" isn't completely speed limit free about 40% have a limit but these areas are on dangerous places like the "autobahn" exits, sharp curves and construction sites. there are like 10% temporarily limited because rain, storms or snow. btw nice video ;)
in fact, there are only few Autobahn's were unlimited driving (~250-350km/h) is possible because of traffic and design and lay-out of the road. But still faster than anywhere else ;)
Imagine a german reporter in the US, trying to speak german with a politician. What would be the reaction? Also, if I go to france, I speak french. If I go to Holland, I speak dutch.. In my opinion, it has something to do with good education, politeness and respect, to use the language that is spoken in the country, you are staying in.. -- Even if my english isnt the best, at least I try and dont put that problem on my "conversational partner"..
No worries! Just come over and enjoy it. Almost everyone you'd ask: "Hi, do you speak English?" will understand that question and I doubt anyone would be offended. Some might need 2 or 3 seconds to parse that question though. ;-)
If there's a speed-limit sign in germany you do of course have to obey it. but if you're in an area of the autobahn without a speedlimit sign, there is still a recommended speedlimit of 130km/h. that's what she meant, even though she said 120km/h.
that might be. even if i never recognized one of them while driving, but i wont say they arent existing either. ...but still kind of strange - you should mean i saw one once at least. will have a look for them next time driving. ;-)
ic couldn´t overhear what you said about the german autobahn. the speedlimit is NOT a recomendation. if there is a speed limit it can be quite expensive if you go faster. there are parts of the autobahn where it is possible to drive as fast as you want, but there you will find specific road signs.
i wouldnt say theyll be offended- i think the older folks simply dont understand enough to recognize whats going on when you ask for something..thats all but the younger ones should understand- so much that u´ll get an answer to what ever..
Also some people who went to school in East Germany before 1990 didn't even learn English because Eastern Germany was part of the Eastern Block and the students there learned Russian as first foreign language.
120 is not the recommended speedlimit its the law, everytime you see a speedlimit you have to stick to that. If there is none - then there is none and you can go as fast as you can ( Only on the autobahn, in towns its 50km/h outside of towns but NOT on the autobahn its usually 100km/h. ;-)
It's a line from a movie called "The Big Lebowski" I meant nothing directed at you. I did originally watch most of the video and thought it was ok. Sorry if I offended. Love your food!
This is so cute. I've always wanted to visit Germany because my father is from Upolu Samoa, so he has a bit of German blood in him. I'll have to see though, because I don't even know the basics of speaking German. I don't want to offend every German I meet :/
well actually there are street signs for the "recommended speedlimit"... google "richtgeschwindigkeit schild" on google pictures and you'll see a blue sign with white digits on it. but you will encounter them rarely.
never heard of someone got offended because approaching him in english... the only thing that can happen is that the people are so surprised to hear english that they need a minute or two to realise it and respond correctly or adjust themselves
well you can drive on the Autobahn as fast as you want when there is no speed limit but when there is no speedlimit you should drive around 130 "km/h" with the right car you can easily drive over 150 "mph" the german Autobahn is way saver then the interstates or highways in USA
I do not find it particularly offensive, but indeed it IS appreciated if you ask people before talking to them in English - not only in Germany. I am from Berlin btw.
For me too. I just said that people would appreciate that. When I go to a country I don't know the language of, I learn at least the most basic phrases like "good morning", "Thank you", "good bye" and so on. I found that this helps breaking the ice :)
Dear Deborah, it's really nice to hear you talk about Germany. You are always welcome to come back! :)
That area is SO gorgeous! I recently took the train back from Munich to Cologne and it drives for about 1.5 hours alongside the Mosel. Stunning with all the castles and vineyards. :)
Great video. My husband and I are thinking about Germany for his next station but I'm both scared and excited, as you were. Now I'm just excited, lol!
Hi Deborah! Thank you so much. I'm German and I love your clip. You mention many important things that I would like to comment on.
1. Yes, many Germans, especially the younger ones, speak English. Not necessarily older Germans (40yrs. and older).
2. Yes, I, on my part, am offended when people just start talking to me in English without even having tried before to communicate in German. It is rude. It is not necessary to be fluent or speak perfectly German, but it is respectful to try.
Stationed British Troops increased my english knowledge sooo much !
Welcome to Germany .. and have a great time here !
As an american living in germany for more then 43 years, i like your flick.
Living anywhere in the world - outside your native language area - means learning the language of the people there. I visited a great number of countries around the world, it's the same everywhere: Learn the basics of their language, be polite, accept the people like they are... that's it. Just saying "hello, how are you" in local language is easy and opens hearts. Everybody wants to be treaten with respect.
You seemed really excited about your stay in germany, lovely :)
Next summer to fall I will travel the USA with a few friends of mine and I am excited like a little boy just before christmas already.
To everyone: If you ever have the chance to see and expierence another country just do it, it is something that you will never forget :)
That's what I actually meant. Even a "Entschuldigung! Do you speak english?" would break the ice. And thank you for taking up the cudgels for us Germans and Germany in general :)
Wow - and I was thinking I'm talking really fast! ;-) But seriously: Thanks for this Vid! We really like to welcome American soldiers and their families here in Germany. Actually I grew up in Bad Homburg (which you might know - it's not that far from Friedberg) and you are right: There are so many nice places to visit. I'm glad that you had a good time here ;-)
Thank you for this video, made me smile to hear your opinion and attitude :)
Thank you for staying in an european country, hope you visit again soon :D
I'm German and I wouldn't say we are offended if beeing addressed or asked by a foreigner in English. But it's always a nice gesture to try it in the language of the country, even if it's just something like "Guten Tag mein Herr ;-) "
my grandma worked at the ray barracks in the 90´s :D
ive been at the base a few times, always was fun to meet the ppl around there
nice to hear you had a good time in Hessen ;)
I´m german and visited the U.S. several times, i would say that the states and germany has the same cultural rules. The basics are the same i´d say.
I believe that the message that he wanted to convey was the following. Germany has a different school system than the US. In Germany, pupils are attending an elementary school first and are then split up in accordance to their capabilities after 4 or 6 years. Depending on your performance in school, you have different courses and different contents that you've to master. If you go to a grammar school (Gymnasium), you'll have more English than on a school that is ranking below a grammar school.
Germany is very beautiful
Don't worry about speaking to us in english. Most people know that not everyone speaks German, especially foreigners. On the other hand, at least trying to speak German is hugely flattering and will get you miles with whatever you want from that person. ;)
If you ever want to come back to germany we would be glad to have you back here =)
I'm german living in Germany and must say you made a good video with a lot of great tips for behaviour and hints on what to do and what 2 get used 2 living here :-) But on the part of the german Autobahn I must say it's important for foreigners 2 learn the rules of behaviour on it. Like staying on the right or the center lane (if exists) as much as u can and only takeover others on the left & such things as a lot of people getting annoyed if they are forced 2 slow down.. Greetings from Germany!
loved this!!! I can't wait for the rest!!! would you recommend going overseas to people with kids? Like now that you are a mom would you do another 3 years in Germany? if yes, why? and if no, why not
Hello
that was really interesting, because i'm from Butzbach and live near the military housing area.. but in the last months it has been demolished and now there are just 10 buildings left.. thats really a shame because these buildings were in a good shape and could have been rented
greets from germany =)
Full support for your post.
I'm not offended if sb comes to me speaking english as I don't expect anybody learning (even basics) of an foreign language if just being on holidays. If living abroad (and this counts everywhere), even if just for a year, it is necessary though to show your respect to your new home (even if it is just for a limited amount of time) and making things more easy in daily life.
I love Germany as well..i´m from Thailand .-))
Woho, need more people like you ;) I'm german and for me it's not offensive when people start to speak english - it's just very confusing. I need a second to "switch" between german and english, and if you start a conversation with something like "Sprechen Sie Englisch?", the other one has these 4-8 seconds to change to english.
BTW, I LOVE speaking english. It's a beautiful language, and since I'm living in Frankfurt, I can use my english skills very often :)
You learn English in every school starting form 5th Grade. Depending on how ambitious the student is he picks up on something or not.
Going into 5th Grade you can decide which of the basic three schools you want to go to.
The three type of schools vary on how many years you go there and depending on what you want to become later you choose one of those.
Subjects like: German, English, a third language in 2 of those schools, Math are always taught! Hope I could help you out!
such a nice monologue. I enjoyed your story :)
But the Autobahn should be no problem for "newbies" even if there are aggressive drivers.
Just stick to the right lane and only use the middle lane for overtaking and everything will be fine and stressless.
Hi. I really appreciated your attitude towards respect. Matters a lot to me. Regards, a German.
You learn English in all German schools since the 70/80s or so. When you meet someone aged 30 or younger you can be 99% sure they learned at least a little bit of English.
tires in germany are specified for certain speeds. if you have a car that goes a certain high speed, you also need specific tires for it.
also you are only allowed to drive as fast as you want/can in certain areas of the autobahn, not everywhere
Hey Deborah! It was really nice, what you say about Germany! You are welcome at any time!
I never knew that the Americans are still stationed in Germany !
American army wives are really nice ladies I met a couple of them in Kuwait & Qatar and some were fellow airmen wives of the US military !
good that you had a good experience in germany cuz mine sucked
When you went home while hubby was deployed, did you leave your stuff in storage in Germany or did you move it all back to states on your dime? Bc I may be in the same situation someday..
strongly agreed!
In Butzbach, did you live in those large housing units, I think one of the roads up there is called New York? I havent lived in Germany for a long time, but have heared of of whats its been like over there.
Were currently in Baumholder, Germany. Its not the best area but we enjoy it. Like you said, it is what you make it. =]
And Stairwell housing sucks! lol We are first level as well, but I can't wait to be stateside and in a house again lol
When you are in germany it is recommended to introduce oneself before speaking to strangers. Just say: "Hello im a tourist and got a question." You will receive guidence!
i live in Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia, Ruhrgebiet, and i can tell you, traffic Jam is a daily issue. My way to Work leads to the A42 where a travelspeed above 120km/h is utopia ;)
But you are right, at night on the A3 feels like flying :D
I like that video! Regarding language I wouldn't say it's disrespectful to approach germans using English because lots of Germans do speak English. But being German I think Germans generally appreciate the effort of learning at least the basics of our language.
Have you ever visited Heidelberg? Its about an hour and a half southern of your location and there are also Barracks here.
You have to make a difference between older and younger people if you aproach someone here in germany. The older people, about 60 years or older, didn´t have that kind off english education the younger generations get today. Younger people also use foreign languages, especialy english, more often because of their higher contact to new media, like the internet for example.
Usually every school offers english as the first foreign language. Many schools offer a second language like french, spanish or russian as well. Latin is still very much around, too. The problem with everyone learning the same is that Germany is like the US a federal state. Every single one of the 16 states have their own educational system. The only thing that's consistant are some general subjects like maths (the fact that they exist, not what's being taught) and the level of graduation.
No. The recommended speed limit is 130km per hour. That is common. Sometimes you´ll see signs in blue with 130 on it. Besides, blue round signs are recommendations. What you mean are round signs with a red marginal and 120 printed on them. THAT is the legal speed limit. Limitations end by a grey sign where the previous limit is crosed out. In cities the speed limit is 50 km/h, outside 80, if not declared otherwise (again in these round white signs with a red margin).
I'm german too and she is right. It is considered rude, like in almost every other country, if you arrogantly think everybody hast to speak your language. It's much more polite to just ask, even if you ask in English (that sentence does everybody understand ;).
enjoyable video
Thank you(; Take care and God bless
That's nice to hear :) Enjoy your stay :) Greetings from a Student of Bamberg University
As she said, it's in Hessia, near Fraankfurt. But it's not a town you need to know. I live in that region too, but I've never been to Friedberg, since I just didn't find any reasons to go there.
glad that you enjoyed your time in our country :-)
hope i can visit the usa one day.
I´m releived to hear that.To be honest,i was a little bit concerned that i never recognized any signs with recomendations on it ;).I was in a german driving school and i´ve been driving on german autobahn up to 7 years now,so i should certainly know that too.Thank´s for clearing things up for me.You´re right about the last sentence,not everyone does exceed the recomendet speed.But for the most of them it is´t a question of safety,it´s simply their cars.Of course the exception proves the rule.:D
That is a very complicated an delicate issue. Education is responsability of the Bundesländer (States) and those differ in their opinions on how to do it. Most people say they want a unified educational system, but that's quite difficult, because standards differ too much from state to state. It's like unifiing college and high school - just not that easy. Allthough I guess English is tought in mostly every school in Germany nowadays, many of the older people just didn't get that opportunity.
I am German and from the area. Why did you drive by Münzenberg to get to Friedberg? ;)
There are shorter ways :)
Interesting, I was in Freiburg Brisgau, stationned at the french base, drafted as a french american young man in 1985. I loved Freiburg. Did you go to swim in the small lake out of town.
saw what exactly? there are no signs for the recommended 130km/h. that's something you learn in german driving school. the autobahn has regular speedlimit signs like any other street and those you have to obey. but if there's a "no speed limit" sign or no sign at all, the recommended speed is 130km/h. you are allowed to surpass it though, but not everyone does.
my wife and I are thinking about requesting Germany,
thanks a bunch for the advice
und was ist mit Cologne statt köln?
Every German school teaches English. Some of them also teach another language as an addition (mostly French, Spanish or Latin, but there are also other possibilities), in some schools you even learn 3 foreign languages or more. I'm German and I don't know anyone (not one single person) who doesn't speak English. My 6-year-old cousin just started first grade and he already knows the numbers and colors.
So I don't know what was going on in that game, maybe they were kidding? I don't know...
Well, usually you learn english in school. It depends also a little bit on the region you live in and when you go to school. In the past, when germany was spluttet, the first foreign language people learned in the east part was russian, but as a second foreign language you could learn english. Than later, when I came to school the first foreign language that we learned was english. Later you could also learn french as first language.
i completely agree with that.
and when approached on the street or whereever, i also suggest speaking english when it might be probable that someone's english is better than their german - it's a tough language, after all; or so many people seem to agree ;)
Oh wow. Now I know why there was a Jet flying over Marburg on 31th of july at 8am which completely ruined my sleep rhythm for the ongoing week haha, it's because there is/was an Army station near Friedberg =D
I'm also an immigrant in Germany, and as for the English issue: 1) Germans tend to freak out when faced with stressful situation, 2) they are also perfectionist on the edge of being obsessive, so they tend to shut up until they speak English really well.
Just start with a friendly "guten Tag" and be kind enough to ask "do you speak English?", then feel free to ignore then answer and continue :)
Yeah, I didn't know either. And I live in the region she talked of. I had really no idea there were american soldiers so close by...
Your husband must be a very fortunate man ^^
The school system in germany is actually not uniformal. Basically, what you learn in school is decided on a state-level. So what you're going to learn in a school in Berlin is different to what you'll learn in a bavarian school. It doesn't matter what school in bavaria you are going to - you'll pretty much learn the same. And it doesn't matter what school you are going to in Berlin - you'll again learn pretty much the same stuff. But it does matter in which STATE you're going to school.
hehe..you are very welcome to visit..you wont offend anybody..the max would be that you confuse someone who dont speak english..but today even 5yo kids speak english. Just start a conversation with "Sorry, do you speak english?" and everything is fine. Enjoy your stay if you find a way to visit =)
u know i'm from cologne, or better a small village from Cologne... if ppl start asking me how i can find this or this... indeed we are shocked we have to start thinking by speaking! so its cooler when u come and say: Sorry sprechen Sie Englisch .. then we can start with english and fell much more secure and comfortable! I guess the most Germans say no sorry or lil bit cuz they dont wanna fail and send u the wrong why...
I love your video! Danke Danke Danke!
Hi i really think it is great how you think about culture and traveling and so on. Because usually people from usa think they live in the center of the world. So i like that you travelled europe and that you tried to learn a little german. I think americans could do way better if they are little bit more open minded.
i love your German Pronounciation it´s sound epic
The German school system isn't centralised, the federal states decide what is tought to the students in their state. And we have three different kinds of highschool graduations: you can leave after nine years (minor), ten years (average) and also after twelve or thirteen years (mayor). And of course your English level depends on the amount of years you've learned it and how often you use it at work, during freetime etc.
the "autobahn" isn't completely speed limit free about 40% have a limit but these areas are on dangerous places like the "autobahn" exits, sharp curves and construction sites. there are like 10% temporarily limited because rain, storms or snow.
btw nice video ;)
in fact, there are only few Autobahn's were unlimited driving (~250-350km/h) is possible because of traffic and design and lay-out of the road. But still faster than anywhere else ;)
Imagine a german reporter in the US, trying to speak german with a politician. What would be the reaction?
Also, if I go to france, I speak french. If I go to Holland, I speak dutch..
In my opinion, it has something to do with good education, politeness and respect, to use the language that is spoken in the country, you are staying in..
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Even if my english isnt the best, at least I try and dont put that problem on my "conversational partner"..
No worries! Just come over and enjoy it. Almost everyone you'd ask: "Hi, do you speak English?" will understand that question and I doubt anyone would be offended. Some might need 2 or 3 seconds to parse that question though. ;-)
stairwell houses are only in "old" towns ect...i only can imagine that it sucks to live in one of those...grüsse aus dem Schwarzwald... :-)
If there's a speed-limit sign in germany you do of course have to obey it. but if you're in an area of the autobahn without a speedlimit sign, there is still a recommended speedlimit of 130km/h. that's what she meant, even though she said 120km/h.
that might be. even if i never recognized one of them while driving, but i wont say they arent existing either.
...but still kind of strange - you should mean i saw one once at least. will have a look for them next time driving. ;-)
ic couldn´t overhear what you said about the german autobahn. the speedlimit is NOT a recomendation. if there is a speed limit it can be quite expensive if you go faster. there are parts of the autobahn where it is possible to drive as fast as you want, but there you will find specific road signs.
You are so nice, Deborah. :D
wow i live in gambach its a town next to Butzbach do you know it ???
the recommend speed limit is 130km/h
and yes, there are lots of limited parts. But.. not THAT much.
Cheers good vid danke was in Germany at Baden 4 Wing Baden Canadian base Salute !!
We are NOT offended by people speaking to us in english. If your friends in germany are, then look for new ones :P
i wouldnt say theyll be offended-
i think the older folks simply dont understand enough to recognize whats going on when you ask for something..thats all but the younger ones should understand- so much that u´ll get an answer to what ever..
6:54 bless you
Also some people who went to school in East Germany before 1990 didn't even learn English because Eastern Germany was part of the Eastern Block and the students there learned Russian as first foreign language.
120 is not the recommended speedlimit its the law, everytime you see a speedlimit you have to stick to that. If there is none - then there is none and you can go as fast as you can ( Only on the autobahn, in towns its 50km/h outside of towns but NOT on the autobahn its usually 100km/h. ;-)
It's a line from a movie called "The Big Lebowski" I meant nothing directed at you. I did originally watch most of the video and thought it was ok. Sorry if I offended. Love your food!
I'm not quite sure, but I think the people in the UK would understand you as well.
hugs from Butzbach! ;-)
This is so cute. I've always wanted to visit Germany because my father is from Upolu Samoa, so he has a bit of German blood in him. I'll have to see though, because I don't even know the basics of speaking German. I don't want to offend every German I meet :/
well actually there are street signs for the "recommended speedlimit"... google "richtgeschwindigkeit schild" on google pictures and you'll see a blue sign with white digits on it. but you will encounter them rarely.
Actually it is mandatory at German schools to study English!
never heard of someone got offended because approaching him in english... the only thing that can happen is that the people are so surprised to hear english that they need a minute or two to realise it and respond correctly or adjust themselves
there are not many speed limits on the autobahn ! in the most cases speed limits are in construction zones
real words dude! ;-)
well you can drive on the Autobahn as fast as you want when there is no speed limit
but when there is no speedlimit you should drive around 130 "km/h"
with the right car you can easily drive over 150 "mph"
the german Autobahn is way saver then the interstates or highways in USA
I do not find it particularly offensive, but indeed it IS appreciated if you ask people before talking to them in English - not only in Germany. I am from Berlin btw.
What a coincidence I'm from Butzbach.
I think it's more about going to another country automatically expecting everyone there to understand English rather than asking first.