Is it possible to live in Germany and not speak German

[motomike]

Agreeing that in most metro areas and within large companies, life can be achieved without learning German, I argue that without the language skill, one will be missing out on a lot. A culture is best realized ind enjoyed in its native tongue.

[mac_mac74]

I think what some of you are missing is - "My intention would be to learn German, however based on time constraints, this would be something that would happen later rather than now."

I agree 100% that living in Germany and never learning German is probably not the best way to experience the country, it was more a matter of can one get around temporarily without German until the language is learnt.

[twostep]

Originally Posted by mac_mac74

I think what some of you are missing is - "My intention would be to learn German, however based on time constraints, this would be something that would happen later rather than now."

I agree 100% that living in Germany and never learning German is probably not the best way to experience the country, it was more a matter of can one get around temporarily without German until the language is learnt.

You may pick up some bits and pieces but German is considerably more complex then English.

[SVW3]

There are Jobs with the US federal agencies ( Military ) where you could get your foot in the door per se. I think going over with some basic conversational german is almost a nessecity. I lived in both Germany and Italy and thus my anecdotal experience is some language proficiency is needed. A very clear example it in the everyday business transactions... ordering food, purchasing train tickets... etc. Cultural knowledge is a must as well ...in germany remember the thumb is for one index finger for two.... ( I ended up with 2 liters of beer that way). The Germans of all the europeans seem to be the most proficent in the use of american english and from my experience very patient and considerate. That will be a plus in your corner. I recommend an investment in rossetta stone and if possible a tutor.

[ct350]

Originally Posted by mac_mac74

I think what some of you are missing is - "My intention would be to learn German, however based on time constraints, this would be something that would happen later rather than now."

I agree 100% that living in Germany and never learning German is probably not the best way to experience the country, it was more a matter of can one get around temporarily without German until the language is learnt.

This might be a little late, but maybe will help.
I moved to Germany with little knowledge of German, and while in daily life it is certainly possible to get by not speaking much German (even in smaller towns), those first few months of getting everything in order would have been unbelievably hard if I didn't have a native German speaker helping me. From registering with the rathaus to getting a cell phone and bank account and applying for a visa, I was regularly frustrated, even with help. Not as many people speak English as you might have thought, especially older Germans. But you also have to be willing to make a fool of yourself, speak what little horrible German you know, and maybe resort to pantomime every once in a while.
I've lived here for 8 months now, studying in English, and I still don't speak much German. I get by just fine, but I do feel a bit isolated.
Anyway, I think your plan to learn on the go is fine, but hopefully you can find someone to help you with the bureaucratic stuff, because that is painful.

[Toon]

Originally Posted by twostep

Baden Wuerttemberg - English is so to say third language for locals:>)

I'm in BW and I don't agree, I have a rental place, deal with garages for car servicing, restaurant menus, shopping, even the beer garden.

Never had a problem in the three months I've been here, and I've worked out that if you say "Enshuldigen sie bitte aber meine Deutsche ist nicht sehr gut" you always get a positive response, even from the tax people!...

Maybe I'm just lucky.

The problem I have is trying to speak German, everyone I know from the bars to my company converse more in English than German so it makes it really difficult for me.