Should you learn to speak the main language in a country before going?

Question

If you were to go to Germany(as an example) do you think they would expect you to speak German before obtaining a job that interacts with the public??

Answer 1

That depends. If you're going there as a tourist, you don't have to know the language but it would be nice to know to get your way around and make local friends. For a job, you definitely must know enough to handle it, especially if you are to deal with the public and if the job is there waiting for you. However, it's never easy to learn another language, immigrants must be afforded a chance to learn it. You can't realistically expect that as soon as they arrive, they're already fluent. It takes time. If you make it a legal requirement that they be fluent before coming, you'll be biased in favor of English-speaking countries against others. That would be unwise too as a lot of brainy people are from those non-English nations and would be tremendous assets to this country.

Answer 2

If you want to work in Germany (or anywhere, for that matter), you definitely should learn the language first. Otherwise, your choice of jobs will be very limited. In any job worth mentioning you need communication skills, and while people in Germany do learn English in school, they would expect that normal communication takes place in German. In very specialized scientific, financial or technical shops you might have a slight chance, though.

Answer 3

Yes, they would expect you to speak German. I applied for a job in Lufthansa not so long ago. The first question they asked me if I'm fluent in German and English. I told them that I live in US and fluent in English, Russian and Ukrainian.
So, yes, they will expect you to speak they language, especially if a job that interacts with the public.
Most of the young Germans speak English but the older generation doesn't so be ready for questions in German. :)

I hope this will help. Good luck

Answer 4

I'm pretty sure they won't expect you to be 100% fluent, as that would only happen once you've been exposed to the language for a while in a living-working environment.
However, it would be very considerate of you to learn as much as possible, so the locals see you've made an effort and don't take it for granted that everybody speaks English.
it'll also benefit you personally, you will integrate into the culture and society much quicker, they will respect you more and welcome you sooner.
There is a big difference between becoming part of the new country and being a long-term tourist. As someone who's lived and worked in 3 different countries, I recommend you learn as much as you can, in consideration to the host country but also for your own enjoyment.
Learning their language will allow you to open your mind much more to new habits and customs and you will find the experience much enjoyable than simply being there struggling to communicate.

Answer 5

It makes it easier when you get there, but, no, it's not obligatory.

Being in a country is the best way of learning the language.

People who hire people who have to deal with the public, when that public speaks a particular language, should hire those who can communicate sufficiently well to do their jobs.

Answer 6

Of course! Same for France, Spain, Italy, etc. If you go on holiday, it's different, although it's better to learn a few sentences. But for work, yes, you HAVE to! Do you think they'll ALL learn YOUR language just to make you feel better?!!! They won't expect you to be fluent, but at least to speak it reasonably well and understand what most people are saying (not slang, obviously). It depends on the type of job you'll be required to do, but you'll need to know the basics even "just" for working in restaurants, etc. (you need to understand what the boss is saying, at least).

Answer 7

Countries like in Europe - they DO expect you to speak the local language to talk to the locals. They do not speak other language to you unless they really have to... so at least try to learn basic sentences that will help you around.

Answer 8

If you're dealing with the national public in a country where there is a defined national language, then of course! If you're working them for a business then your knowledge of the language should be very good too.

Answer 9

yeah in basic terms because of the fact is exhibits comprehend to the youngster and their historic past until eventually now they got here into their lives. i do no longer think of they ought to renowned the community language yet I do think of by way of studying it, it exhibits lots of comprehend. yet they do ought to do no longer forget that the youngster will prefer to renowned while they are sufficiently old to charm to close the thought, even nevertheless the youngster is their, their ancestral historic past is something you are able to no longer get rid of, each toddler will experience otherwise approximately it and a few might have an even bigger desire to earnings. no rely if it is interior funds i think of a visit to their community united states of america may be a superb modern to grant to the youngster in the event that they practice an outstanding interest, if no longer doing a touch learn with the youngster is the subsequent maximum suitable component and making community dishes will help the youngster hook up with their roots. I also have a deep desire and of path connect with my roots (no longer observed) yet I did word a organic pull to my German roots and locate myself loving the path mustard the sausage the potato pancakes the song way of existence the nutrition the alcohol, whilst the the remainder of my family would not yet I even have extra of the German genes take place extra in me than the the remainder of them and that they have got an even bigger pull in the direction of the scottish section. So yeah I do think of it comes way of existence comes organic to you and it would be respected and praised and celebrated.

Answer 10

if you are going to a foreign country long term then I would, but you will never learn the language as good until you actually get there, its a whole lot easier cause you will have to speak it more.