Why you will struggle to live in Germany and why I don’t (anymore)

This video is a broad general overview of certain elements of culture, economics, climate etc. There are huge regional variations and personal preferences.

Watch this response video;

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
02:08 - Cynicism Vs. Sincerity
05:21 - Weather
06:32 - Economic Situation
08:24 - European Culture
10:05 - Learning German

#movingtogermany #germanylifestyle #culturaldifferences

[ErikBramsen]

Denmark here. You can get by with English well enough if you're a tourist or a visiting professional, but unless you learn the language, there's a social glass ceiling you'll never break, a secret level, and you might never even know it's there. Failing to learn the language is by far the biggest reason expats throw in the towel and go home.

[nowayjose]

If you do not speak the local language, you will forever be a tourist.

[gwh]

Moving to Germany and not trying to learn German, only existing among a bunch of ex-pat Anglos, just seems like a waste to me.

[FlowinEnno]

You don't need german to survive in Germany, but you need german to thrive in Germany.

[AmiAbroad]

American living in Germany for 25 plus years. 🙋🏻‍♀️Moved here for my husband, we were happily married, but he died a few years ago and now I find myself reevaluating my stay here. The advantages: First off, my job is secure, my health insurance is fantastic, and my German friends are my friends for life. I still get taken aback by German "honesty" which I view as tactlessness. Gotta have a thick skin, but I give as good as I get. 😊 Learning German is, I think, essential...it opens SO many avenues. Sounds like I'm staying here. 🤔

[edeltraudk.]

I am German myself, so unfortunately I can say that in order to live and be successful in Germany, you need to know the German language. Many people don't know English. They have never needed it. Another point is the German bureaucracy. It's difficult to manage, even for Germans. Likewise, without German language skills, you are left out of many job opportunities.

[castanzes]

Sorry, saying one doesn't need to learn German is a very bad advice.

[herrgoldmann]

I once knew a Canadian guy, who had lived in Germany for two years and didn´t bother to learn the language. He defended his not learning of German by " I will not live here forever, so it is not worth while." Apart from being very intelectually lazy, it also is English language chauvinism to expect and force everyone around you to speak English ( I am not talking about tourists of course, I will gladly speak English to them). When the Canadian complained that he had only international and no German friends I told him honestly that it is no wonder : Imagine a group of several Germans talking to each other in Germany....and than a random Canadian comes along and wants them ALL to talk in English, so he would understand....that means Germans talking English to other Germans. No country in the world would accept this.

[bluerisk]

I have no problems with with tourists, or people who live and work one or two years. But in case of someone who lives here for 10 years and does not know German, he or she will be ignored.

[trace_element]

As an American living in Germany for 2+ years, I can say—sure, you don’t HAVE to learn German to get by, but you will always be an outsider and cannot fully absorb and enjoy experiences being had with Germans. I lived in Hamburg for one year and now live in a small northern city where it is even more important for me to keep learning German. It’s a struggle (to learn) but I see it as a necessity.

[Bertie_Ahern]

It's outrageous that if you move to a new country, you wouldn't want to learn the language (and culture). It's the most basic respect and should be an essential commitment from every immigrant.

[ppfvvdz]

As a foreigner, in my opinion, you might be able to survive in Germany without speaking german but you won't be accepted fully as a member of the society and can face quite alot of struggles. It's totally understandable cause german is still the official and native language of the country and I or we have to adjust as someone trying to live in a foreign country(cause it's our choice). But still it's quite a challenge cause learning a new language especially being fluent with it takes time.

[thegreatreverendx]

Why on Earth would anyone move to a country and not learn the language there? If I had to live in Germany, I would grab onto the opportunity to learn German. It would be so much more comprehensive than learning it on Duolingo or in a classroom.

[schmetterlingsfrequenz]

Thanks a lot for this video. I am German, living in Germany, and it helps to be reminded from time to time on how “external” people view Germany and its culture. And: Your English is so pleasant to listen to. I understood every word clearly, and I was feeling like sitting in front of you having an interesting and mindful conversation. Thanks again and have a good day.🦋

[frankcorr]

I spent a lot of time in Munich, Mainz and the Ruhr gebiet. I loved every minute. Learning the language was part of the experience.

[Bluegrassriver]

I have toured Germany three times and I always want to use the little German I have learned and know as a tourist. It's certainly respectful to try.

[tjb]

I cannot stand it when I go into a restaurant, want to order, and the waiter does not speak German. It is simply disrespectful. If someone wants to live and work here they f*cking need to learn the language. This coming from a english mother tongued immigrant

[patrickmoan]

Our son is in Germany (grad school- program delivered in English). Six months in, he's working in a bar where only German is spoken. He's fully committed to learning the language and is already well on his way. Although he's plenty aware of some of the cultural differences raised here, overall he values the culture.

[berulan]

If you want to work in Germany you may not need to learn german, but if you want to live here, you do.

[dapengu]

Great Video. As a german i strongley agree with the comments. If you want to be a part of the german society and german cultur you need to learn German!