why do germans refuse to speak english even though they know how to?

Answer 1

It's a little known fact that Germans can be a wee bit difficult at times...

Answer 2

If they do speak english, they will not refuse to do so, as it's always cool to speak a foreign language. Problem with the germans is, that they really do not speak so much english, mostly because all shows on TV are synchronized (dubbed) into german. That means that any movie they watch is dubbed to german language, so they only listen to their mother tongue.
I've seen this also in Spain and other countries where TV shows are dubbed. Imagine Seinfeld, Friends, The Simpsons, etc. in German or Spanish.
I worked in a Hotel reception for a while in Europe and I guarantee you that the French are the ones that refuse to speak english even though they know how to.

Answer 3

I have lived in Germany for 20 years on and off with my job in the forces and have always found that Germans if they can speak English do, They are taught English in school and the majority i have met like to practice it when they can especiallty talking to someone from England. I have found that the majority of Brits living over here with the forces do not even try to learn German and resort to pointing and raising there voice before complaining that Germans should speak English....The same goes for the majority of people coming here on holiday....This seems to be the same wherever we Brits go on holiday....

Answer 4

I've never come across a German who does this
Why do so many English people refuse to learn anyone else's language and expect everyone to speak English?

Answer 5

There's a long answer but here's the short... They could be embarrassed that they speak English grammatically (not phonically) and spell more proficiently than the English themselves. The point about few English people learning other languages is based on Imperial arrogance, though on the other hand, master your own language first or at least learn to spell.

Answer 6

Not so in my experience, when stationed in Germany I found more Germans prepared to speak English than English prepared to speak German.

Answer 7

If they refuse to speak to a person who does not know german and having known english, then that is absolute foolishness...but if they speak among themsleves when they know both german and english, then i think it is okay...but at any rate, almost all europeans have some pride in their language and culture..

Answer 8

Because the British are pig ignorant when they go abroad. They think they are visiting the foreigners when they go abroad. When in fact they are themselves foreigners abroad. The British behave terribly when they go on holiday. OK they complain about the Germans taking over the sunbeds, but at least the Germans behave themslves. The Brits just get drunk; urinating, vomiting and ******* each other in public like animals. I'm ashamed to be a Brit when abroad.

Answer 9

I have never experienced that in Germany as they all seem to want to practise their English when I am there. If they are really against it, maybe they are shy or embarassed to speak English because they get it wrong. In my experience so long as you know a little of their language (to show you have made a bit of an effort) they are happy to speak either to make it easier for both of you.

Answer 10

Why should they not speak German if they are in Germany, it is not up to them to learn your language you should learn theirs. However if they are in an English speaking country then they should speak English, it is just polite to try to speak the native language.