How bad is the anti-Americanism in Germany? I am learning German and I would like to visit?

Question

I know that there is a lot of Anti-Americanism in Europe (and everywhere else) and I would like to hear from Americans living there or Germans who live there, if Americans are welcome?

I know that in Germany there are a lot of American military bases. What is their reputation?

Answer 1

The anti-americanism in Germany - or most places for that matter - is much less than if you go to a coffee shop full of PhD candidates near a university in the US.

Most people love Americans personally - and probably respect the country too. If you are the most powerful country, have the most political power, and biggest economy - you make a big target for criticism.

Don't let any fears about purported anti-americanism deter your visit - or make you paranoid.

Just go with an open heart and with high expectations - and you will have a great time.

As for American military bases - unless you seek them out - as a tourist or student you will probably never see them or notice them. American soldiers in Europe have the same reputation as most groups of 18-22 year old single people do - party, get out of hand, bother the local girls, drink too much sometimes - but the Americans generally stick close to base and don't make as large an impact as you might expect.

Answer 2

Coming from an American that has lived here in Germany since 1989 (except for 2 years in Tennessee), I love it here. I have ZERO problems with Germans because I am American. But I know many Americans that complain that they do have problems. Of course, those are the same Americans that refuse to learn German and think that everyone in Germany should accomodate them by speaking English. They are also the same people that go into public places and over act their emotions, talk loudly, constantly use profanity to express themselves, and are generally rude people. I simply tell them to stop destroying the reputation that I've worked nearly 20 years to establish.

If you make an attempt to speak German (even if it is a really bad attempt) you will gain SO much more respect here. Germans will treat you much better for making an effort than just asking "do you speak English?".

In general, there are no harsh feelings towards Americans. Maybe towards some of the politics of America, but not to the average citizen. As long as you don't act too flamboyant or run around wearing American flags, you will have no problems with Germans. Sure, there are extremist groups. But those are in every country (the US included).

Enjoy your trip. You'll love Germany.

Answer 3

If you get the chance to visit, IMHO, the best country in Europe, GO. I had the lucky chance to be stationed in Bad Hersfeld, Kaiserslautern and Ludwigsburg in the military. When you go into the german community act like a decent human being and you will have the best time of your life. We went back to visit in 2001, 2003, and 2005, and we are planning another visit in 2008.
There has been a decrease of the us military in germany and most of the military is stationed in southern germany, now. If you are going alone or with a cuple of other people, do your homework befor you go, as some have pointed out about some of the eastgermany places, if going by a tour group, go go go go and have a great time.
You will have to have a passport and if you buy anything and return to the USA you will have to declare those items at custom. You can find out about custom items at a government site.
Good Luck and enjoy your trip.

Answer 4

Hi from a native German, who served in the German army his 15 months of duty and made friends with a couple Americans from Grafenwöhr army base, from whom I learned my bad English. So please excuse my mistakes.

There is no such thing as a general anti-Americanism in Germany. The thing I can say is that Germans rather tend to get politico in private conversation, and every conversation will effectively turn out to whether you agree with the Bushes policies or not. I don't know one single German who is not, in a more or less educated sense, politico. Even if he/she does not understand any underlying or deeper reasons, every German likes to talk politics. So be prepared for that.

But, German people are mostly well educated, and the reputation of the US Army is a good one, generally. Those guys and gals did their duty here, and never molested any Germans after the occupation time ended, and, well, that was before I was even born. I'll always remember my G.I. friends I met here. We were allies in the sense of the word, having barbecue togetherand drinking beer. And as there were only few Americans to walk out of their barracks and join the local folk, they were admired as some aliens from outer space. So the usual questions would be asked: Where are you from, what are you doing here, etc. But no violence whatsoever.

The modern neo-Nazis, predominant in the east of Germany, however, might think differently, and be out for a beating. That's something I unfortunately can't deny, although I feel ashamed to say so. But they're not anti-American, they're anti-everything, and most of all, anti-themselves, but they don't know.

However, this is just a small bunch of morons, and we all should just let them alone. The larger part of Germany, that is 99% of its area, are absolute "go-areas" you will enjoy, and most of the people you'll meet speak at least a rudimentary English, so conversation should be no problem.

Again: There is no anti-Americanism against the American people. There's just a widespread disagreement with American foreign policies. We judge people by what they are, not by what their government does.

Answer 5

I just got back from two weeks in Germany. My husband and I travel there regularly, and we are not shy about being Americans, mostly so that we can change the minds of some people who know only the stereotypes.

We felt welcome throughout Germany and in Salzburg Austria. There was one slight incident where I spoke to my husband in English and a guy turned around and gave us a dirty look, but otherwise we were fine.

I should note that I speak German, so that helps.

I will note that I am hoping to live in Germany at some point - so I must feel welcome there. Berlin is colder than some other parts of Germany, but still nice, and that is not specifically against Americans.

There IS some significant anti-Bush activity, and I have been asked a number of times what I think of Bush. But they are intelligent people, and understand the difference between Americans and their government.

Answer 6

I think sometimes people on the military bases get a rap for being a bit obnoxious, but honestly, that's their fault- young soldiers are likely to drink a bit too much and be loud, for instance, although German bars will certainly appreciate their business. And the German people in general are a very decent lot, and usually have no problem making the distinction between the American government (which they usually don't care for) and American individuals (whom they typically treat with kindness. Definitely go visit if you can!

Answer 7

There is always and all over the world some people against everything. I ignore this people.
I'm German and my husband US Army and we are living over 6 years in Germany and where we are right now is huge Army Community. I don't see any problems here.
We are having German/American Community and everybody talking each other and kids playing together. I think this is great.

Answer 8

You shouldn't worry too much about that matter, really. None of the Americans staying in Germany has reason to complain about hostility in any way. Americans were welcomed during the World Cup, during Oktoberfest and so forth. Also, for instance, from what I have heard, people living in the vicinity of American military bases are always enthused about meeting the Americans. Furthermore, most folk are - as a previous speaker has already mentioned - very well able to distinguish between political affairs and the nation's population itself.

I hope you will, whenever it will be, enjoy your stay in Germany.

Answer 9

Hi, I´m a girl from Germany, and I can´t agree to talk of "anti-Americanism" here. It´s most of all the politics of your president, but it´s not a reason for german people to be unfriendly to people from USA. Don´t worry about your safety here, just visit Germany, here are many beautiful places to discover, like all over the world.

Answer 10

I am American and I live in Heidelberg, Germany. It's not too bad here. In Hessen it was a little worse. I dont' think you will have a problem. I have made some REALLY GOOD German friends here. Sadly there are some American Soldiers here that do start trouble and give Americans bad names but I don't think you will be discriminated against because you are American.