Is it possible to live in Germany and not speak German

[mac_mac74]

Is it possible to live in Germany and not speak German? The work environment is not a problem , as its an international company where English is widely spoken, I am referring to outside of the work environment.

My intention would be to learn German, however based on time constraints, this would be something that would happen later rather than now.

[James3214]

Of course you can live in Germany without speaking German but it depends on where you go and whether you are living alone or have German family or friends who could translate for you. In the big cities you could get away with it but out in the country and in the former DDR states you will struggle. A lot will probably understand you but I doubt you will get very far or really enjoy life until you can at least basically converse in German. Just start a 2 night course with the 'VHS-VolksHochSchule' when you arrive and you will be surprised how quickly you pick things up.
Saying that I know someone who has lived here for over 15 years and still can't really converse in German! I also heard from a primary school teacher that when she rings some of her children's parents they have to get the child to translate to their mother what the teacher is saying!
I guess it's the same in any country, not just in Germany though!

[twostep]

You will be extremely isolated and soon frustrated with problems in daily life. From traffic signs to restaurant menues, groceries to utilities, doctor visits, getting insurance or a car registered ... The new will wear off very quickly if coworkers have to double as interpreters.

[mac_mac74]

quite a contradictory response to the one above yours.

[twostep]

Originally Posted by mac_mac74

quite a contradictory response to the one above yours.

I know! Tell me how you will get a cell phone contract, an apartment, utilities hooked up or find a doctor, deal with an accident or call a plumber. You need at least basic language skills. I had the pleasure to clean up after contracts were signed without knowing exactly what was agreed upon, cars sat in a ditch, getting called at all hours of the day (and at work) to translate in emergencies. The novelty of the new guy will wear off in no time. You will be able to get around pointing at what you want in the stores and using a pocket translator.

[Bevdeforges]

Let me split the difference on the two opinions you've gotten so far: it is technically possible to live in Germany without speaking German, but it really isn't much fun.

It can also depend quite a bit on where you are. If you're located in a touristy area, chances are many of the people you deal with will speak and understand some English. But even there, you'll often get the sense either that you're missing something or that you're being talked about or made fun of for not having the language.

Government offices are notorious for not speaking English (or at least claiming not to speak English) and in Germany you will have quite a bit to do with various government offices when you first arrive. Your colleagues will be willing to help out - but only for a while. The sooner you can show that you are making the effort to learn and use the language, the smoother things will go for you.
Cheers,
Bev

[twostep]

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

Let me split the difference on the two opinions you've gotten so far: it is technically possible to live in Germany without speaking German, but it really isn't much fun.

It can also depend quite a bit on where you are. If you're located in a touristy area, chances are many of the people you deal with will speak and understand some English. But even there, you'll often get the sense either that you're missing something or that you're being talked about or made fun of for not having the language.

Government offices are notorious for not speaking English (or at least claiming not to speak English) and in Germany you will have quite a bit to do with various government offices when you first arrive. Your colleagues will be willing to help out - but only for a while. The sooner you can show that you are making the effort to learn and use the language, the smoother things will go for you.
Cheers,
Bev

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

[Bevdeforges]

Ho jo, da hanne noi! (Sorry 'bout that - but I lived in Schwaben for nearly 3 years and had Schwäbisch lessons from my 16 year old downstairs neighbor.)

What's worse, my boss was a Wiener (i.e. aus Wien) and spoke yet a different, completely indecipherable dialect. Took me a few months to be able to understand any of the various accents I encountered in the plant - and I was something like the 24th nationality in the place. And I had a university degree in German!
Cheers,
Bev

[twostep]

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

Ho jo, da hanne noi! (Sorry 'bout that - but I lived in Schwaben for nearly 3 years and had Schwäbisch lessons from my 16 year old downstairs neighbor.)

What's worse, my boss was a Wiener (i.e. aus Wien) and spoke yet a different, completely indecipherable dialect. Took me a few months to be able to understand any of the various accents I encountered in the plant - and I was something like the 24th nationality in the place. And I had a university degree in German!
Cheers,
Bev

Augsburg is my home town:>) Halloele Spaetzle!

[sport_billy]

I live in Hannover and to be honest most people i've met speak english quite good. On the other hand i am a student therefore most of my friends are around the age of 20-28 so it makes sense they speak english.

All in all i would say for your job it won't be a problem, but for your social life yes it would make a big difference