I've been at this office for 6 years. It's multi national and I'm a Brit. Its based in Germany. The problem is that the Germans aren't very friendly. Well, some are, mainly the managers or the people from other departments, but within my office all the Germans seem to ignore me. I think that basically there's a group that don't like the fact that after 6 years I don't speak German with them. This may or may not be the case.
What I want to know is what should I do about it? I don't really want to be friends outside of work with anyone - just to have a bit of courtesy within the workplace.
What to do?
Thanks
2006-10-30 22:42:50 · 17 answers · asked by charlie 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I speak so so German, can understand what they're saying. I don't think its just the German.
2006-10-30 22:54:55 · update #1
I am an American living in Germany and I don't think they like me either! They stare alot and never smile or anything, even though I always smile at them. I go out to eat and I feel like they are annoyed that they have to wait on me! Also, I know most of them speak English, but many times I go to a store and try to ask if the speak English and they give me this ugly look and say Nien! Also your problem may not be a German thing at all...it may be a workplace thing...I have found that if you don't conform to the group....if you don't bring something to the group that they want....like gossip about someone else...or continuous complaining about your job/boss, etc...that they tend to ignore you...I saw a book once entitled How To Deal with the Jerks at Work...I never read it, but maybe you should try. Good luck!
2006-10-30 23:01:06 · answer #1 · answered by Courtney 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To answer your question, yes I have worked in an extremely unfriendly situation. I once got a job in a university office. I was perfectly well at the time. But 5 weeks later I was rushed to hospital vomiting blood. I had pancreatitis and spent a lot of time in hospital. I was in and out of hospital several times during the year.
I fully understood that any boss wants staff who can be there, in the office, working - yet I couldn't help being ill! She never actually said 'leave', and never actually said anything nasty either!Yet by her attitude she made my life hell on earth (details too complicated to write here!) until after a year I gave up and left.
I'm sorry you have to work in such a cold atmosphere, it's horrible. But be as pleasant to your co-workers as you can - and do try to learn the language! I'm sure this will help a lot.
2006-10-31 07:09:14 · answer #2 · answered by Songbird 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I lived in Germany for 6 years and my mother is German. I know what you mean ...they are just an unfriendly and stiff nation but that you don't speak German after 6 years is a disgrace. Why didn't you learn it ? You cannot live in a country and not speak the language !!
2006-10-31 06:46:25 · answer #3 · answered by IloveMarmite 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You've handled the situation for 6 years and have a professional working relationship with the office personnel and I don't see where you would want to change that as you have no interest in outside socialization. You have courtesy already since you are not being openly harassed or insulted. If it ain't broke don't fix it.
2006-10-31 06:50:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I am in an unfriendly situation at the mo, as in right now as I am typing this. Can't go into too many details but ITS HELL!!!!
Have you tried learning a bit of German, maybe if you approach them and ask for a little bit of help with your new language, they will see you are making an effort and help you out? It would be a good ice breaker at least.
Good Luck!
2006-10-31 06:47:49 · answer #5 · answered by Liggy Lee 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
May be you should learn a bit of German.My son lives in Malian Italy had leaned some Italian.When in Rome do as the Romans do
2006-10-31 06:51:59 · answer #6 · answered by MaryC O 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of rude and unfriendly people at my job and I could care less... I don't go to work to make friends but if I do that is ok by me.. I go to work to draw a paycheck to pay my bills and live. I say if they want to be that way so be it and don't let it bother you one bit.
2006-10-31 06:47:31 · answer #7 · answered by lisa_sonydadc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem may not be you speak their language or not, the problem must be some thing which you have no idea. So, try to ask some one from your staff members to tell you honestly about your problem. Mostly the opposite sex will be advisable.
2006-10-31 07:05:43 · answer #8 · answered by MUSICK 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was just ignore them and go on about your work and do the best you can. maybe if you ignore them maybe they will respect you. If it become an issue of them harassing you I would talk with your supervisior. well I work in Nursing home and that can be a very unfriendly envoriment too. but I learn to do my job and let them do theirs. good luck i pray for you
2006-10-31 06:49:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try not to show them that you notice this. Take some German lessons so you understand what they are talking about and you might not feel so left out.
2006-10-31 06:48:29 · answer #10 · answered by IC 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋