Considering a move to Germany from the UK

Hi

I am new here, my partner is German and we currently live in the UK, although we are considering a move to Germany. I dont speak German because he speaks excellent English (lazy, I know) so am a bit worried about the language barrier. Do people generally speak enough English to understand what I want in shops etc and are ther plenty of opportunities to learn the language? We have looked at properties in the rural bits of Northern Germany, so we would be a bit isolated I suppose. It's not so bad for my other half, who has a trade (baker and patisserie) so he will be able to find a job and mix. My hobby is dog breeding and showing, so my next question is - does anyone know if there are plenty of dog shows (here, I go to at least one a week)

Sue

The North of Germany has more of a "British" influence than the South... However, I would be suprised if normal shop people speak English. To be honest it wont take too long to learn enough. Supermarkets are everywhere although at bakers/butchers its good to be able to communicate. Learn & practice - its like speaking in code.

As for dog shows - I cannot say that in my 25+ years here I have noticed ANY dog show. Plenty of horse shows/riding events or event rabbit shows. But if you GOOGLE for Hunde & Austellung various links pop up. There are dog breeders about (I dont have a dog - have a rabbit).

Opportunities to learn the language - plenty - just get involved in some activity away from work & other English speakers. Worked for me

BTW: What do you define as "rural bits of Northern Germany"?

Finally, if you use the SEARCH function you will find much about proposed moves to Germany but some of the content should be taken with the proverbial pinch of NaCl.

Rural Northern Germany is probably a place where you need to speak German. In general people in rural areas are less likely
to be able to communicate in English than in urban areas. A good example of an area where you can get pretty far without
speaking any German is Stuttgart (and in particular Stuttgart-Vaihingen). There's the University with several thousands of
foreign students and the US Army garrisons. Clerks in banks, shops, etc.. and waiters/waitresses have adapted to the situation
of frequently having English speaking customers. I guess in rural Northern Germany (in fact in ANY rural area) you'll make
people pretty stumped by addressing them in English. Most of them have learned English at school some decades ago and
have never used it since.

But then, isn't that the perfect motivation to learn German as quickly as possible?