English-speakers in and around Backnang

Hey everyone! I've been in Germany for over a year and a half now, and despite attending language courses and now working I've yet to break into any social circles. My sole friend went fleeing back to the US this week . Looking to meet some new people closer to home if possible! S-bahn gets pricey..

you are deep in foreign territory, but i have some english speaking german friends in Crailsheim (that is 64 km from your place) and I know an Indian Family in Schwaebisch hall and few english speaking Germans. I can help you contact them if you like.

Hi there! I'm about 60km east of Backnang and recall there being an Irish pub right in the centre of town not far from the train station. I was there once, and immediately found a group of friendly folks to chat with in English while sipping my cider. Has it closed?

It is still open, if we're thinking of the same place. Never ventured inside yet though . I'm a bit too shy to go strike up a conversation with a group. Anytime I've been out alone I've certainly had some friendly people, English-speaking and otherwise (I can speak decent enough German to hold a conversation) approach me on their own, but unfortunately it's only ever been single guys with ulterior motives who, once I let them know I'm married, have no further interest. That said, I'm always interested in a simple friendly chat..but I'd really love to have a friend (preferably a girl) in the general area just to hang out with, go shopping etc. I honestly have yet to receive even a friendly look from any of the local girls. They all seem somewhat hostile for whatever reason. I thought I was paranoid until my friend (who fled back to the US for that reason, among many others!) said the same! Weird.

In that case, definitely take a deep breath and venture inside the pub. Go stand at the bar and start chatting with the bartender. There was a friendly gal working there when I went, same one as in the photo on the web site I linked to. Even if the person behind the bar is a guy, it is usually quite safe to chat with them since it is part of their job description. Once people heard my Canadian accent, I got the inevitable question about where I'm from and what I'm doing here so far away from Canada. The conversation just naturally evolved from that, and soon I was amiably speaking with a few of the regulars who had no ulterior motive other than enjoying a drink and a chat with a newcomer. Really friendly, and no trouble at all.

If you are really that shy, then bring along a prop like a tourist guide book or a map of Backnang and the area. Someone is bound to take interest. If you go in the afternoon then you might run into a few older guys who might even tell you all sorts of interesting trivia about the area and local places of interest to visit. I love using pubs as "tourist info bureaus" when I'm off playing tourist on my own without my husband.

Or else go with your husband the first time. Then you'll find it much easier to go a second time alone since you'll have met the bartender at least and won't feel like such a stranger. I wouldn't place too much importance on the "hostile looks" you feel you've been getting. Heck, there's a whole thread here about it: Staring Germans, why do they do it so?, Stares seem to be an annoying national trait here. With over 300 posts, you can tell that it really is a German thing and nothing to be taken personally.

So ignore the stares, go in the pub, order a beer or cider or coke, and say hello to the bartender. If you absolutely hate it there, then you can just leave after the one drink and no harm done. But you'll probably end up spending a few hours having a nice chat, meeting a few of the locals and making new friends. Can't be more difficult than arranging a "blind date" (or simple meeting) with someone here on TT, can it?

wow! Very good thread, thanks! . Hah and I thought it was only me. About the pub..I think I'd do better with a drink or two BEFOREHAND to brace myself . Will definitely have to give it a go though!

Is Backnang in North or South Vietnam?

Let's play "Find Backnang"

I thought so, just south of Schwäbisch-Hall which used to be a Vietcong outpost. I love geography

Hi there,

I don't live too far from Backnang and know exactly what you are going through. It took forever to meet other English speakers. Oddly enough, I've met quite a few at the grocery store of all places. Anyway, I didn't even know that Backnang had a pub. If you don't want to go alone and want to meet up for a chat and a drink let me know.

(-: stgtLainey