Deciding whether to move from the UK to Germany

Hi everyone,

I currently live in England with my husband who has been offered a job in Nuremberg. The company and post sound very good, but we are both worried about the fact that neither of us speaks any German currently. We are obviously willing to learn, but it may be a slow process! So I am just looking for some advice really from people who have found themselves in a similar situation and how they found the move, particularly with regards to the language and culture. Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks, Sara.

We came here 3 years ago, spoke NO German. First thing you have to do is learn your numbers, do that before you get here. Then buy a couple German english dictionaries, a big one for the house and smaller ones for the car, the purse, etc. Also start on Rosetta Stone, it takes awhile to feel like you getting anything, but trust me it is well worth an hour or 2 a day to do the program.

When you get here, only use the german menus. Don't take the easy way out, use the dictionary and learn menus quickly. Also get a Saturday paper and "read" an article a night through the week. You will be comfortable within a few months. We alo refused to speak english (not to each other,but to German speakers) after we got somewhat proficient in German. In any case, you can usually find someone who speaks english at most shops and offices, we have had very few problems.

Germany is great and Nurnburg is a cool town in the best area of Germany. You should definitely move.

Come on in, the water's lovely.

You'll be fine, really.

The language is not a major problem in big towns and cities and the locals are delighted to try out their english on you.

Whilst this is true its worth making some friends who don't speak English (of don't let on) if you want to learn the language.
As has been stated numerous times in various threads - get out & join local activities such as a club (Verein) or sports centre.
I got introduced to a local German flying club, learnt to fly gliders, learnt the language and made many good friends...

Why learn German?

Don't be surprised if you find yourself going through a few "stages" once you get here

1. Everything is new and strange and wonderful. You're still feeling like a tourist and love going out for schnitzel.
2. Everything is extremely complicated and difficult and horrendous. You're getting settled in with new apartment, getting various official paperwork done, dealing with red tape. Too stressed out and tired to cook, so go out for a schnitzel
3. Still figuring out how everything works. Have started learning the German alphabet. At least you can now order schnitzel in German.
4. Starting to feel a bit more comfortable. Made a few friends. Meet up for beer and schnitzel.
5. Getting homesick. Temporarily hate everything to do with Germany and Germans. Go to McDonalds.
6. Family or friends come to visit. You enjoy showing them around, playing tour guide. Take them out for schnitzel.

And in the second month...

Naw... c'mon over, keep a sense of humour and you'll be fine.

This being the most important part!

Bipa is right - if you are a strong couple you can cope with anything - just keep your sense of humour and you´ll be fine!!

One thing I learnt the hard way though, is that the Germans put relatively little value on minding your P´s and Q´s, and much, much more on being greeted, so if you feel happy saying "Hello" to just about everyone you see, you´ve already got a headstart!!

Good Luck!!

Learning the language doesn't have to be a slow process. Go on an intensive course and you should have a reasonable grasp in 3-6 months.

It all really depends on whether you want to live the "Brit abroad" life (ie. sticking to English, relying on your employer, expecting to get by on English, watching Sky/BBC by sattelite) or to go down the motre integrated route (learning the language, adopting the local culture). I know English speakers down each route. You can do it but it takes time.

Personally, I wouldn't hang my hat on the "lots of people speak English" line. I found the old cliche to be true - that people are far keener to speak to me in English as soon as I address them in German. I got far less help at the start when I just had English. It's also limiting. You will miss out on so many opportunities - friends, basic stuff like understanding official letters, going to the cinema, reading displays at mseums etc.

Critical imho is to make local friends and networks - who can tell you how local processes work, how to to access stuff, the quick and easy ways to do things etc.

I second that. There's a certain courtesy you are paying when you can speak german. It automatically lifts that "Ach, die Amis" vibe (even though you're english and not american, it seems everyone who speaks english natively is an Ami)

It's in your best interest to learn the language, and learn it well. Not saying german culture is one where you really want to go deep into it, but it's also no fun remaining on the outskirts, and always requiring people to translate for you. That's especially annoying after people finish laughing themselves to death (well, ok, that doesn't often happen either in germany), and then they say "oh, uh, yes, we were just saying that... <blah blah>" i.e. not funny for you - you missed out on the moment.

And put another way, when people come to your country and don't bother learning your language, how would you feel about them? ("but everyone speaks english" is no excuse! :-) )