Speaking German.?

Question

I'm a Security Guard.One day we had a visit from a German who had an appointment with someone on the premises. I told him what he had to do,where hw had to go etc....only in German.
He complemented me on my German.
When he went on his way,my Supervisor,who was in the Gatehouse at the time,when nobody else was around,tore me off a strip,saying:"You should speak the language everybody understands!".... I thought this was very unfair of him...Opinions?

Answer 1

well you were speaking the language that the person you were speaking to understands best so what his problem, i dont suppoese you go round speaking german to people who wont understand, you were just trying to be as helpful as possible, you supervisor sounds like an idiot

Answer 2

Speaking German to the visitor was a really nice gesture and a great way to welcome him. There are a couple of issues though.

Were you alone with the German guy? If you were, then your supervisor is probably just jealous that you can speak German.

If non-German speakers were with you at the time, then I can understand your supervisor's point of view, because it may have seemed a little rude to those people. They obviously wouldn't have been able to understand what you were telling him, and so would have felt like outsiders on your conversation. Plus, being a security guard, there is a security issue here. Potentially you could have been telling the German the best way to break into the building/ where valuables are stored etc. (Ridiculous, I know!)If the other people couldn't understand what you were saying and something was stolen during the day, these people wouldn't be able to vouch for you, and may even suspect that you were involved. That could obviously get you in serious trouble.

Did you not ask your supervisor why he felt speaking German was wrong? Maybe speaking to him would clarify the situation.

Answer 3

I think that was totally unfair. Security guards not only take care of security, but also have to help people if its required, especially if you work in a busy building, many people go straight to the guard if there is no information desk. Therefore, you did a great thing, this person needed your help, and you provided him with that exatly. If you speak other languages, always use them when needed. Why should you speak in English if you are helping a German person find their way around?
I reckon your supervisor is a narrow minden person, envious of your habilities. You did a great job. If I went abroad and needed help and got it in my own language I would be very grateful. I would return to my home country holding a good opinion about that place I visited. By speaking German you also made the company you work for look good.

Answer 4

German is the national language in Germany. Most of the Germans in Germany are fluent in English though, so English is the second language over there. Now some Dutch people have migrated to Germany, which is why they speak Dutch. But in south Switzerland, for example, German is spoken there. But to answer your question, yes, Germans speak German.

Answer 5

Its not the fact that you spoke German that bothered your boss.. Its the fact that he couldn't understand and that can lead to feelings of paranoia, in some people.. Example, " Is He talking about me?" When a person speaks another language to another person, people around take it personally( go figure)
I speak German and have run into this alot where I used to live...I believe what you did was very kind . Especially since the visitor was just that a visitor..
I wouldn't allow this behavior that your boss displayed to bother you thou.. Some people just cannot accept the fact that there is more than one language is this world...and also , its a feeling of inferiority... You knew something he didn't :)
Just like the area we live in now,It is predominantly Spanish.. Well I want to learn Spanish now.. Not just because of the Spanish population , but because it makes life easier for those that just may not have English down yet :)
Don't let it bother you ....... Its not you he's mad at ... Its himself..:) hope this helped...

Answer 6

It is unfair of him to do that.

I can understand that nobody else may not speak the language and not catch the drift... for all he knows, you could be slagging him off! Though I don't think you'll do such things!

But, if German is the only language the visitor can speak, there wasn't another option. If the German spoke German first, it's polite and natural to reply in German (if you can).

If the German understood English and could speak it, he would probably have spoken English... so it seems he didn't seem to know much English at all as he spoke in German.

Answer 7

Your supervisor is an idiot. He is just irritated because he cannot understand you. Trust me when the German man got to where he was going whoever he spoke with was told about the wonderful person who explained to them ' In a language he could understand'
The powers that be will be noticing you...not the supervisor.

Answer 8

Maybe he's jealous. Don't worry, as long as you are not breaking any rules of the company, dont be bothered.. you have a skill which you must be proud of. Infact you helped your company move closer to the visitor.
On someother occasion you can calmly tell your Supervisor what exactly you told the visitor. This is just to ensure you still remain in his good books.. if he cant understand still, IGNORE

Answer 9

Yep, what an idiot. German is definitly not a language that someone has to know unlike English. Thus is why it is just a fact that a lot of Englsih people are too lazy/too ignorant to make an effort and learn another language, because they know the world speaks their language and theyll never really have problems to make themselves understandable...
I would greatly appreciate if somebody answered me in my mothertongue occasionaly, which is german, but this is really seldom in the UK (nuderstandable, but still a fact of ignorance).
But I think it is just jealousy that has driven your boss.
So long, have a good day and waste time thinking about this stupid happening, it is not worth it.

Answer 10

It appears that speaking German in England is tricky.
My adult daughters who were brought up in the German speaking part of Switzerland went to University in England. They met up with an American student who had been brought up in Germany. One night in a pub the three of them were speaking German together when a youth came up to them, thumped on their table and asked, 'Who one the war?.' My eldest daughter answered, 'Our grandfathers.' 'What?' 'Well, she explained, 'we're British and she's American,' 'Why are you speaking German then?' 'It's not forbidden, is it?' She didn't tell me the rest of the conversation, but it was probably, 'And now p*** of and leave us in peace.'

I had a similar experience in a small town in Staffordshire. My companion was Swiss, but her mother tongue was Spanish. I bought drinks at the bar and then started talking to my friend. What could only be described as an 'orrible 'ush descended on the pub. Finally someone plucked up the courage to ask if we were German. 'No, I'm British.' 'Why are you speaking German?'
'Because she doesn't speak English and I don't speak Spanish.' 'Where are you from?' 'Switzerland.' Then things quietened down. I don't understand Brits who are so paranoid about foreign languages.