Regrets on making a permanent move to Germany

[HEM 11,164]

 

Thanks for prompting me, HEM - I've updated my profile.

Hmm - you are in my age group.

[Lexicon 81]

"meet a few Americans"

 

 

Tis an odd comment alright. Maybe Americans are more sympathetic towards the lonely and depressed whereas all other nationalities don't care or just take the piss.

Actually, i can understand the comment about meeting a few Americans. I am American, so I'll admit my bias, but I think Americans actually have a little bit easier time integrating with Germans.

 

I'll give a pro and anti american comment to justify that statement:

 

First, (the anti)...American culture seems to permiate (sp?) every culture at least a little. Even places where the popular opinion is to hate everyone and eveything American, it's there. This is probably just because the American culture is less one that belongs to Americans and America, as it is a culture that belongs to the world. Certainly it has most of its roots in the US, and you'll be both in the middle of it, and around the perpetuators of much of that culture (the companies, singers, movies, etc). But, the whole point of American culture is that it is not supposed to be a separate culture (although one certainly has come to exist), but instead an amalgamation of all of the cultures of all of the different peoples that make up America (the melting pot theory). So American culture is inately affected by other cultures. Plus, the global reach of most things American means that wherever we go, we are likely to find something American. So homesick somtimes yes, but completely separated from our culture -- no way.

 

Second (the pro)...America is by its nature a multi-cultural society. Again, I admit that there is a very established 'American culture', but even that culture as unique as it is, is still made up of all the other cultures in the world. We also have many many immigrants. Now this is of course true of England and any other well-off country. But, the difference with the US is that we have always had these large numbers of immigrants. Immigration and the resultant encounters with other cultures has been in continuous effect in the US for its entire history. This is not to say we're perfect, in fact we have a nasty history of expecting people to adapt to 'being American'. This is sometimes referred to as the 'we were here first' mentality and is apparently strongest among the newly immigrated (say second generation citizens) toward new immigrants. OK, I'm getting off point. What I'm trying to get at is that because Americans are trained as part of our culture to be aware of other cultures, concious of their needs and contributions, and sensitive to the differences between groups, we probably have an easier time integrating into a foreign country's culture.

 

So yes, I can see why meeting a few Americans might help. Plus, I have to say that as an American one of the things I hate (and this is much much more common with other English-speaking expats than it is with Germans) is that every time I open my mouth, it's as if I'm speaking for all 300 milllion Americans. And, one of the first things that happens at a pub or just in a conversation is that I suddenly find myself (or if other Americans are around, all of us) defending myself (personally) and the American people as a whole against the policies of out government, George Bush, Coca-Cola, Wal-Mart, IBM, or whomer else has been blamed for the world's woes at the time. I wish this wasn't the case, but it happens all the time. And, as an American living abroad, you have to learn very quickly to have thick skin, and to take things with a grain of salt and to realize that it's probably not personal.

 

But hey...in the words of Rodney King...'why can't we just get along' (pronounced Kay-nt in that case)

[sarabyrd 18,767]

 

see, its not as bad as you thought - you live in a city with a pointy building. Enjoy

Actually, it looks like a freighter coming into harbor.

 

Its BAVARIENS in your area!!!

Don't let them hear that, they think they are Swabians (Schwaben).

[fnkygbn 3]

 

What I'm trying to get at is that because Americans are trained as part of our culture to be aware of other cultures, concious of their needs and contributions, and sensitive to the differences between groups, we probably have an easier time integrating into a foreign country's culture.

!!! That explains quite a lot then, esp. those geniuses in Washington dreaming up foreign policy towards less enlightened nations.

[HEM 11,164]

 

Don't let them hear that, they think they are Swabians (Schwaben).

They will always have some attempted excuse :)

[boomtown_rat 629]

plus Americans are (in my experience) generally happy, upbeat and positive people who make you feel good about yourself

[georgiagirl 35]

Aw boomtown, you're the greatest

 

(Felt the need to fulfill that particular cultural stereotype.)

[boomtown_rat 629]

obviously there are exceptions that prove the rule ;)

[Verwirrt 3]

hey there is a lot of anti-american sentiment going around europe these days...and honestly, there is some merit.

 

prior to leaving europe, i stereotyped americans as well and might have bashed a few times.

 

i went to the usa for about 10 years, was educated there, worked there, lived there, had a very good life.

 

my assessment? ive learned my lesson.

 

americans, in my opinion, are some of the most optimistic, relaxed, friendly, tolerant, intelligent people on the planet. sure there is some arrogance and cockiness, but overall, i have very little to say bad about america and americans.

 

albeit the current political foriegn policy...no reason to be xenophobic. i leave that priviledge to Germany only...and sometimes France.

[Lexicon 81]

Wow...

 

I've never had positive comments after defending America or Americans to other expats...honestly, ever!

 

thanks everyone B)

[Johnny English 3,071]

I also love a good yank sometimes.

[Guest]

@ Lexicon

You would be surprised... Some of us really like the culture and the people (ok, maybe not the present administration but that´s another story...).

[Verwirrt 3]

I am actually suprised to see how many scholars, professors and professional people in Germany that are even positive in support for the Bush Administration. That really suprises me.

 

BTW DeutscheBank, CommerzBank, Audi, VW and Daimlerchrysler all made hefty contributions to the re-election of W Bush. For those americans that think Europe doesnt have a voice in their elections, could be mistaken.

[don_riina 7,406]

 

Does anyone regret making a permanent move to Germany

I'm too lazy to regret shit, but if it helps, I detest this country. There is nothing here that is better than home AFAIAC, apart from beer prices, but thats offset by the stupid 50% tax anyway.

Just try to stay as drunk as possible, all the time. Oh, and get Sky TV. And a massive dog.

[Cookie 4]

 

And, one of the first things that happens at a pub or just in a conversation is that I suddenly find myself (or if other Americans are around, all of us) defending myself (personally) and the American people as a whole against the policies of out government,

Here's what you do: As soon as they start on that path, chug your beer. Then look down at your empty glass and say, "Well, I seem to need another. Can I get you one while I am up?" Stand up (or move in some way) as you say this and then pretend to ask other people around you. Go directly to the bar, but take your time getting there. Get the order, then when you bring back their beer say, "Oops found someone I need to talk to. But I'll be right back." It might cost you a few euros, but its worth it! :ph34r:

[Lexicon 81]

Thanks Cookie (now there's something I miss from the US -- REAL cookies),

 

I really don't have a problem with getting myself out of the situation. I actually sometimes get a kick out of it, not because it's fun, but because I think it speaks worlds (negatively) about the quality of the people who do this. I've talked about this with other expats before, and I actually realised it I think when I was living in Mexico. We got a new coworker at my company and she was from Germany. I had a blast talking with her, and I realised very quickly why. I told her it was so nice to know that when I had a conversation with her, I was only expected to be speaking for one American (me) and she was only speaking for one German.

 

I just think its sad that so many people (especially from other English-speaking areas) seem to think it's perfectly ok to expect every American to answer for everything American, but would be totally taken aback if someone expected them as an Aussie to answer for their country's mistreatment of the aborigines, no brit would expect to be held accountable for three hundred years of the effects of colonialism or the decisions of Tony Blair. It just seems strange that this doesn't seem strange to those who jump down the throat of every American.

[Guest]

 

And, one of the first things that happens at a pub or just in a conversation is that I suddenly find myself (or if other Americans are around, all of us) defending myself (personally) and the American people as a whole against the policies of out government, George Bush, Coca-Cola, Wal-Mart, IBM, or whomer else has been blamed for the world's woes at the time. I wish this wasn't the case, but it happens all the time. And, as an American living abroad, you have to learn very quickly to have thick skin, and to take things with a grain of salt and to realize that it's probably not personal.

Naaay, Lexikon, generalization and having to stand up for your whole country and your culture happens also to other nationalities, not only to Americans... As you mentioned yourself, thick skin helps and it is almost never personal... :)

[TheMoth 14]

 

Tis an odd comment alright. Maybe Americans are more sympathetic towards the lonely and depressed whereas all other nationalities don't care or just take the piss.

LOL! Well we are all easy to talk to. Most of the time.

 

Anyway, I think the topic at hand is quite understandable and could be the case in any country in the world. I loved my time in Germany and think of it nearly every day. But there were times when you just miss the familiarity of your own home. Learning any language is rewarding, but certainly tough going for a long time.

 

I made many friends during my tenure- Germans, Italians, Greeks, etc. Had a blast with them and still keep in touch with most. However, I did value my native English speaking friends for the same reasons the poster mentioned. I could let my guard down and enjoy our particular brand of humour.

 

So I say, take the advice here and get some English tv channels and find some English speaking mates. Just remember that you are in Germany and try to maintain a balance that allows you to assimilate while still enjoying your own culture.

[Adi 12]

Check out the 'Stammtisch' thread in 'Living in Hamburg'. There is a small group of expats meeting on a fairly regular basis.

I think everyone here has been through rough patches. Even though Germany is another Western European country and on the face of it not much different to the UK, the language create a big barrier. It's not easy but you have to try to persevere and improve there.

But I agree, try to get UK TV to keep yourself sane.

[Carm 74]

Do I regret moving here? Yes and No.

I work harder here, have less in my bank account and miss every family event back home, miss the summers laying on the beach, with no noise as the neighbours live 2 km away.

But then again, I have met alot of wonderful people here, because I forced myself to go out the pub or a meeting by myself to meet people. People are not going to knock on my door wanting to meet me, you have to go to them. And I get more holidays.

 

Heck, if you from the UK, you can fly home for a weekend now and then, not possible for many of us.

 

I am not here permanently. I could never live here permanently and will definatley not retire here, but for now, its okay.