That story in Southern Bayern reminded me of my first time there. I was taking the U bahn and it was pretty packed...I saw an elderly lady get on and there wasn't a seat available. So I kindly offered her mine. My German wasn't that great and I'm really self conscious but I mustered up the courage to say " Ich bin neu in München" and to my surprise she replied "I'm old in Munich" in English. We had a laugh and I got off the next station and wished her a good day.
@turjo119
Күн бұрын
I will say tho it's not easy being open/vulnerable about how you sound in a foreign language you've not fully mastered so to those making the effort to meet the Germans in the middle kudos to you ❤
@simplegermany
Күн бұрын
Hahaha what a super cool interaction! 🤩
@yamunap4721
17 сағат бұрын
😂😂😂😂😂
@dekev7503
Күн бұрын
My experience is entirely different. They typically say “a little bit” and proceed to speak decent English
@karinland8533
Күн бұрын
Yes, because of school experience most think there English is is insufficient. But In daiely conversation it is totally fine
@nagavishnuprassad829
Күн бұрын
I am moving to Germany and I love your channel. I have learnt so much about the winters, house search, essentials, language tidbits and just simple tips just from watching your videos. Please keep sharing these videos. Thank you so much!
@allansnape416
Күн бұрын
I agree 100% with your advice. I went to work in the former east Germany in the early 1990’s with no German at all. I managed to learn basic German on the baustelle and managed to get by with a lot of help from the people where I lived Leipzig and Greifswald. Now when I visit quite regularly I start using my baustelle Deutsch and in no time at all I find the conversation is in English. The only time it doesn’t is with some people my own age 72. Like me they were never taught language’s at school but I can get my way through I probably sound like a 3 year old but people listen and smile and we get there. I love your videos girls keep up the good work 😊
@arungupta3175
Күн бұрын
Some of my experiences were quite surprising. I asked questions in broken german and they answered it in English. :D😛
@karinland8533
Күн бұрын
Often we evaluate if I think my English is better than your German we are confident to switch to English. So maybe we try to choose the lesser struggle
@joannunemaker6332
Күн бұрын
This is very good advice. Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed this video. 😊❤
@anvesh23
Күн бұрын
A very pertinent video that puts things into context / provides a good perspective - Thank you
@pourdamghani
Күн бұрын
Thanks for sharing this point 🙌
@danastavney5687
Күн бұрын
I will be in Munich in 2 weeks! I am from the US. I think "bitte" will be my favorite word! Both my sons learned German in school, I learned French some 50 years ago, no good now. Love your videos. You guys are great!
@joyeetachakraborty223
Күн бұрын
Thank you for sharing 🎉❤ love your channel 🌻✨️
@henrygonsalves6664
Күн бұрын
Nice to know about this, very helpful thank you everymuch
@carlosfurukawa6133
7 сағат бұрын
I am sharing this one, very good tip! ❤
@brendanfarthing
22 сағат бұрын
Great tip! Makes perfect sense.
@allansnape416
Күн бұрын
Hi it’s me again, I honestly think this is your best video yet. The way you explained how to start the conversation and don’t worry about the grammar and construction just relax and try but also listen to reply people will help👍
@marikoma2260
18 сағат бұрын
Since I came to Germany I always try to use this approach and it has always been successful. Even in Finanzamt, everybody was telling me that going there to ask something didn't make sense, but as soon as I started talking in German they were super nice all smiley and super helpful. And I myself felt so accomplished that I continue this in all my interactions, I try my best to talk in German as much as I can and I see that they are entirely open with talking in English as soon as I start to struggle.
@BettyVedder10
Күн бұрын
I'm in American living in Munich for almost two years, and my German is probably A2 level. Learning phrases ahead of time has also been really helpful for me ("Ich muss ein Paket abholen" at DHL or "Ein Maß, bitte" at Wiesn 😉). If I'm stuck mid-conversation, I will usually say "Ich weiss nicht, was das Wort auf Deutsch heisst, sorry" or "Entschuldigung für mein Deutsch. Ich lerne noch. Darf ich Englisch sprechen?" (and I will keep stumbling in German if the answer to the latter is "Äm...." or nervousness). Your advice about saying "please" and starting the conversation in the native language -- even if it's just "hello" -- is great for any country, IMO.
@dmitryvk
Күн бұрын
für meinEN Deutsch 🤔 sieht falsch aus
@BettyVedder10
22 сағат бұрын
@@dmitryvk It probably is. Because I’m still learning. 😉 Fixed it. Thanks!
@jimhamilton5392
Сағат бұрын
Exactly what I experience, I do not live in Germany but do visit as a tourist and never open a conversation with, Sprechen Sie Englisch,. I have been learning some German but like most I struggle a little with everyday conversations. However I always start a conversation in polite German and most people are happy to continue in German with a bit of English thrown in if they feel you are struggling.
@Cheeso99
Күн бұрын
"May I try to say it in English?" Saying it like that IMHO could be a way to avoid putting pressure on the person opposite. Great video. Thank you. 👋😎🎉
@FreedomOfRedundancy
Күн бұрын
I basically start every conversation with the good old "Entschuldigung, mein Deutsche is nicht so gut, aber _____". Most people will be at least cordial, small exception here in Bayern(Nuremberg) is occasionally that some older Germans will start speaking VERY fast, in what I like to call 'Challenge Mode!' due to heavier Bayern accents being extra difficult to follow for my clumsy language skills. I do love the "Konnen wir Denglisch?", I will definitely have to try adding that to the mix! In my experience, most people automatically switch to English ~80% of the time, for better or for worse in terms of getting to practice German for me.
@simplegermany
Күн бұрын
haha love that 'Challenge Mode!'. Oh yeah, the southern accent can be quite difficult to follow along. Kudos for trying, though! :)
@piccadelly9360
Күн бұрын
Next time you should ask: Do you speak German , they will deny it . " And then you say "OK then we speak English" 🤣🤣
@simplegermany
Күн бұрын
🤪
@BlueBirdBiso
Күн бұрын
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@arpankoley5245
Күн бұрын
Fabulous idea 👍
@StevenPitts
Күн бұрын
Here in Hamburg, I find some people can be insulted by assuming they don't speak English as well. At most stores and restaurants I will start with "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" And if there is any hesitation at all, I quickly say, "Kein Problem!" And then do my best with Deutsch. When speaking to someone who is not in a service role, I definitely think it's a bad practice to start by asking if they speak English though. I've actually never heard the word Denglisch before, but I'm going to start using it now!
@Vladislaffable
Күн бұрын
This is a 100% true. I tell that I’m not great at German yet, try my best in German and ask for Denglisch. Most of the time it works great 😅 Although, about 80% of the time even if I ask «Können Sie Englisch?”» people say “Yes”. And he level of English is incredibly high. I live in Hessen btw
@kusumraghava
19 сағат бұрын
Super, Danke!
@hge437
Күн бұрын
This is an interesting perspective! Yeah, I usually just go ahead and ask in broken German or have it translated beforehand in everyday life situation (like in the supermarket and so on), but it is a bit different when I am dealing with the bureaucracy. In that situation, I would prefer writing them an email rather than speaking on the phone if they refuse to speak English.
@nithinv5990
Күн бұрын
As an Indian in Spain this is also true in Spain, mostly for the middle aged section of society that I perceive to have a fear of English. Whenever I used to start with “Habla/s inglés?” they say “No” and then conversation ends. Whereas if the salesman is a Latin American/ other ethnicities they are like you can use google translate, “yo se un poquito…”. The Gen-Z is doing quiete well in this regard here. Also goes to finding things in the supermarket, the Spanish would in most cases “ Si hay, hay, si no hay no hay” but others especially Indians & Latin Am would generally go far to suggest other similar products, explain a bit etc.
@patchybeardman
Күн бұрын
some time ago, i was looking for jeans in a local clothing store after being away from Germany for 17 years. though i was surprised that i said words that i knew i've probably forgotten, i was able to express myself a bit still. i've shared that experience to someone i know where i lived before coming back and was told why not just speak in English. i responded with a LOL. and if you know, you know. :)
@abymathew575
Күн бұрын
I totally agree with your point. From my experience everyone in Germany knows English very well but they will not start conversation in English. If we start the conversation with minimal Deutsch then we realise that how much helping mindset people are they.
@pemessh
24 минут бұрын
This is such an eye opening tip. Thank you 🙏🏼 Luckily I never faced a reject situation asking "Entschuldigung, Sprechen Sie Englisch?". I always approach people with this and they reply "A little bit" then proceed speaking pitch perfect English. I gotta say, I love this. German people too cute and humble 😁
@sukanyajanardhanan7212
Күн бұрын
yes!!! I have also noticed that if you start with german, the germans are sooo excited that you're trying and are sooo much more helpful! Even if you struggle, they will eventually always offer to switch if they know english. I've always left such conversations with compliments about my german (even though im only at a2 😂 and dont have the greatest german)
@integralproject4775
Күн бұрын
Ok guys. First of all. very very good video and topic. In my openion as an expat, if you are facing a person under age of 30, I can say 90% of the time you can start the conversation in English, No problem, they will also appreciate it because, they want to improve their english. in other cases maybe with older people, it is better to start with basic German and slide to English.
@maxwell7470
Күн бұрын
oh yea, this happend to me the 1st month in frankfurt. Now i just enter with german and ask for help in english, works better
@eyejess2024
Күн бұрын
Can you please make a video on groceries in Germany in 2024? Your videos are very helpful
@simplegermany
Күн бұрын
What are your questions about groceries in Germany in 2024? 😊
@Ldysith84
Күн бұрын
Oh when I was just there 2 weeks ago I would always start my conversations in German, but sometimes it would meander to places I've never learned, and then the English would come out 😅 everyone was so nice and helpful though but some people didn't know much which was fine!
@Orc3
Күн бұрын
Exactly.. I learned this after 4 years :)
@sulmana
Күн бұрын
I always go with "es tut mir leid, ich kann kein deutsch" and normally every german tries to help me at least. Because I am letting my guard down and making the other feel like that I need help
@wenbemol888
22 сағат бұрын
I live in Germany for 1.5 years and speak german B2, and when I go to big cities like Munich or Hamburg, I start speaking in german asking for help and they answer in English lol
@simplegermany
21 сағат бұрын
Yeah! We feel the same in Berlin 🙈
@niranjannairreghuvaran5772
Күн бұрын
"Bitte" is definitely the magic word. I remember once I asked a friend's mom to pass me something at the dinner table and she just looked at me puzzlingly until I said "bitte". Was kinda funny then
@simplegermany
Күн бұрын
Hahaha yes that reminds me (Yvonne) of my childhood 😉
@hansmeiser32
Күн бұрын
7:51 "and I haven't said 'guten Tag oder Bitte'" Yeah, as a older German (almost 60) I can confirm your chances of getting help increase if you're polite. If you approach me with "yo, bro...." or "digga" I would probably turn around and walk away.
@bafian
Күн бұрын
it's true that this works, but still, it's really sad that this is the reality of the country. When going to the Netherlands it's such a unstressfull experience to just be able to speak english freely. This country is really behind in so many areas.
@simplegermany
Күн бұрын
And have you learned Dutch yet? We believe that when living in a foreign country one should make the effort to learn the language 😊
@nataliac7716
Күн бұрын
@@simplegermany come on girls, it's true, but Germany would be great if there was more openness to English, like scandinavian countries. Life would be much easier and it even helps to concentrate in a good way to learn German in a smooth way. I mean, learning under pressure is really stressful and unpleasant…
@karinland8533
Күн бұрын
I think Germans are over all just not confident about their ability to speak English. And from my experience thats grounded in the school system. If you are a pupil with bad maks in school you are still able to communicate and help with finding the way to the trainstation. Most Germans really undestimate their English
@hamon0707
Күн бұрын
La mayoría del tiempo es desgastante. Soy latina hace dos años que vivo en Alemania. Mi experiencia sobre el tema es que existe una actitud peyorativa y poco empática sobre cominicarse en inglés con los alemanes. Señalo este punto porque aprender inglés también es demandante para los latinos y al menos ese sería un punto medio para lograr el objetivo final que es comunicarte con el interlocutor. Sería maravilloso que pudiéramos decirle a Morfeo descarga el software de alemán en mi cabeza y ya está, problema resuelto pero todavía no estamos en ese punto. Es innegable que existe una resistencia por motivos culturales a hablar en inglés con un extranjero más allá de lo polite or not que uno pueda comportarse. En las instituciones ni que contar historias de terror a montones con la exigencia de que 5 minutos después de aterrizar seas un germano parlante cuando su trabajo es directamente con extranjeros y además de tener muy marcado en su Lebenslauf fließend Englisch. La misma experiencia si necesitas de un médico. En fin espero que todos encontremos el punto medio para lograr el objetivo que es comunicarnos.
@nataliac7716
Күн бұрын
Como latina estoy 100% de acuerdo!
@elvirasheina6476
Күн бұрын
As an opposite example: in South Korea on the question “do you speak English” everyone answers “yes, a little” but in most cases this “a little” is all they know 🤦♀️
@simplegermany
Күн бұрын
🙈
@arnodobler1096
Күн бұрын
I mean in sales and consulting it can of course be very specific, what I mean are technical terms, or not knowing what the products are called in English / American.
@simplegermany
Күн бұрын
Totally! On the job language is again a different ballgame. We are more referring to everyday interactions here 😊
@arnodobler1096
Күн бұрын
@simplegermany I meant foreign customers and German consultants, salespeople in banks, stores, telephone companies, mistakes and misunderstandings are inevitable. Then the legal situation here is also different from that in the USA. It can be difficult, as you are also bound by promises.
@ianharcourtsmith
Күн бұрын
Add to my list to memorise - "Guten Tag können sie mir helfen, ich brauche hilfe bitte"
@MrWhitney4e
Күн бұрын
More often than not, my experiences have been that Germans will quickly switch to English as soon as they realize that I don't speak good German, or I just pretend that I understand and say vielen Danke with smile on my face and end the interaction myself to save further embarrassment and misery. lol Also, when I look lost at a cash register, a clerk usually approaches me first and starts offering help either in German or English. Younger ones tend to start speaking English from the start assuming I don't speak German, which is very convenient on my part.
@Cintillo
19 сағат бұрын
It's always important to create bridges instead of raising walls. Some of us don't speak the German language (yet!) so even a bit of humor helps "mein German ist unterwegs".
@simplegermany
17 сағат бұрын
That’s an awesome sentence! 😋
@designwithm8497
Күн бұрын
Totally agree. Most Germans are willing to help if you meet them halfway.
@shahadishraq5941
21 сағат бұрын
I haven’t yet found an unhelpful German after saying "bitte"
@Orc3
Күн бұрын
I have been living in Berlin for almost 5 years now and I struggled a lot because of not knowing German. I experienced every step you explained in this video and I didn't know solution was this easy. I can only figure it out after 4 years by chance. So, I was making jokes when I get back to my country: when they ask if I can start speaking in German, I always tell the same story (joke)... Well I can speak a bit.. I get there, I tell them I cannot speak German, I ask them can you speak English.. And that's all.. This was my story for the first 3 years. Btw I am getting lang. courses but only 3 hours a week and it is not enough. In the beginning (A1) I can only say: hallo, guten tag.. bitte.. Ich heisse.. Ich komme, ich bin jahre alt.. and ich verheiretet. some colors and numbers.. None of these help or enough for a question in daily life. So I started with guten tag, ich spreche ein biesschen Deutsch, sprechen sie English? - Nein.. and it is over just as you said. I wasn't ready, I wasn't confident. And after 4 years and with a break between course, I managed to finish A2 2nd time. Now I have more courage to say a few more words. This time again just you said, I try speaking german. Obviously I cannot. Then they immediately switch to english without even asking. And I start giving the same advice to my friends now. Start talking in German. They will understand that they cannot communicate with you and they switch over. Another experience I had, of course in formal places like applications in bürgeramt like anmeldung or driving license.. I know I am lucky, they really help, try to talk in English although they don't need to. And in Berlin 80% you can talk and live in English. Many expats and many foreigners in the city, so everyone get used to it. But still if you ask in english or for english they don't want to help. I transpolate this as, maybe I can speak English but this is a formal office. If you understand me wrong or if I say something wrong, I don't want to be the reason of this. If you cannot understand me, it is your problem. But if you misunderstand me because of my english it will be my problem. So they try not to talk in English. Still they are super polite in Berlin. Most of the time I can get things done in English. But it wasn't easy. Now I can also understand those people. If I can speak german, much bigger world is open to me. I am trying.. But I must also add this last piece here. There is a contradiction for us: bluecard holders. Government accepts and invites some people who has spesific expertise. But it is not written or accepted anywhere after you start living in Germany that you can communicate in English. Officially you are expected to speak and understand German. But invitation wasn't like that. Don't get me wrong. I am not complaining but trying to state something obvious. In most of the cases, I have seen German government did a very good job for expats. There are language schools even supported by the government. They try to integrate every expats to the culture and society. (btw: some of our friends allowed to take free german courses but we are not allowed. We couldn't understand why we are not eligible and they are in very similar conditions.. anyway) If you are not trying enough, it is your fault. But from our side as I said there is a contradiction. People are accepted without any german into the country. And in the first day when you go to Anmeldung, you realize you cannot live without German. It is different in the Netherlands. One of my friends told me, if you want to receive official letters in your mother lang. you can even request it as your preferred lang. for formal letters. Ok, you can say then go to NL. As I said, I am trying, I am trying to learn German and every rule and the social life here. I am trying to integrate. And I am gratefull for your Video's because you are helping us to start living here more SMOOOOOTHLY :))) Bitte :)
@simplegermany
Күн бұрын
Wow!! Thank you so much for taking the time and sharing your experience and feelings! We can totally relate and can only applaud and encourage you to keep on learning the language and finding your way 😊💜
@Orc3
Күн бұрын
@@simplegermany I wish we were in the same city so I would have chance and honour to meet you. Thank you for your supportive reply. I will keep following you. Who knows? Maybe someday we will meet 😉
@Deviouscoffee
Күн бұрын
I've noticed that the best way to get a German to speak English, is for me to speak terrible German 😂😂 But on a serious note, great video Jen and Yvonne! I look forward to your content every week and I always love watching your videos.
@autarken
Күн бұрын
avoid doing that everywhere, basic good traveling etiquette
@muhammadjazzar686
Күн бұрын
The heating in my apartment hasn't been working since last winter. I called and asked for someone to come and fix it. However, I didn't understand what's going to happend. To this day, no one has come and I'm afraid to call them again. >﹏<
@simplegermany
Күн бұрын
Please call them again - you need to have a functioning heater. Be persistent 😊
@hansmeiser32
Күн бұрын
First of all assuming you don't own a house your landlord is responsible for the repair. If you can't communicate with them via phone try to talk to them in person. Ask someone (friends, neighbors) for help but you definitively need to get this fixed.
@karinland8533
Күн бұрын
Send them a letter or an email if the complaints are not in writing, some landlords will wait to fix it.
@dmitryvk
Күн бұрын
On the other hand, when you speak bad German and in the middle of the conversation you ask "Do you speak English?" in the hope of switching - you get a positive answer, but no one switches to English 😊
@simplegermany
Күн бұрын
Some do, some don't 😊
@karinland8533
Күн бұрын
Then maybe your German is good enough to be understood. Or the other person’s thinks their English isn’t better than your German. Then there is no reason to switch
@DARON121
Күн бұрын
tbh i've not experienced this kind of thing for my not so long period of living in Germany, except a couple of very rude responses, one of which was "Deutcshland ist fur Deutsch". I live in Frankfurt though, maybe that makes the difference
@nataliac7716
Күн бұрын
Uff, that type of comment is so narrow minded
@Sm77909
Күн бұрын
I imagine situation when I’m tourist and don’t know a single word in German but need to ask for help to someone having heart attack nearby. I’d love to see “the wall” and “why should I?” Lol
@simplegermany
Күн бұрын
That’s an extreme example, plus the video is not targeted to tourists 😁
@Sm77909
Күн бұрын
@@simplegermany yeah, thanks for the video anyway. It's good to know the reality
@user-ex1dl3tx2p
19 сағат бұрын
I hv lost all my confidence and ability after moving to Germany. Having a very good well paid job, recognition and freedom to do things my way, I have lost all of it after moving here and inviting hurdles complications and challenges for myself at the age of 40 😢 not being able to express myself at workplace has forced me to zip my lips and feel ashamed n frustrated. Aftr having left an established career in my home country now struggling to begin from scratch
@simplegermany
6 сағат бұрын
May we ask what your motivations were to move to Germany in the first place? How do you perform your role if you can't express yourself at work? In our experience, anyone getting hired needs to speak the language the team operates in (regardless of whether that is German, English or another language).
@robertohugk3273
Күн бұрын
We can also try speak like Italian hand language why not
@Lazy_marmot
Күн бұрын
Sprechen sie Englisch never works. Even when I say, " es tut mir leid, meine Deutsch ist nicht gut" before
@karinland8533
Күн бұрын
They have to evaluate if their English is better than your Deutsch. If so, some will switch to English
@rod5952
Күн бұрын
just start conversation by your question in English, or "do you speak English?". "Sprachen Sie English?" sounds weird IMO
@alyology0
13 сағат бұрын
Denglisch made my life way easier 😂
@bahaaworld
Күн бұрын
But one question for the non German lady, my question is why aren't you confident in speaking German so far? As I know you've been in Germany for what? 8 , or 9 years? and you have a German partner ! Is it really that difficult or you didn't put the effort to learn it ? Because I just arrived to Germany and I don't know what to expect as I am hearing from a lotta people that it's a difficult language ?
@simplegermany
Күн бұрын
👋 hm…I don’t remember what I specifically say in the video, however - I am confident now to speak German. I wasn’t confident when I got here 12 years ago. For some the language is more difficult than others. I’d say focus on your learning journey and don’t compare to others 😀
@bahaaworld
Күн бұрын
@@simplegermany Alright, thanks for explaining 🙆♂🙆♂🕺🕺
@TartarugaGracie
Күн бұрын
That is why Netherlands is WAY more attractive than Germany.
@project0332
15 сағат бұрын
Of course, Netherlands is completely different! Better in every aspect
@msmark042
Күн бұрын
Maybe it would help for you to speak German. You choose to move to Germany, then you at least should try and learn the language.
@simplegermany
23 сағат бұрын
Well, that is exactly what we are saying 😉
@mikhailgomez
Күн бұрын
I have no trouble starting interactions in German, it’s when they have followup questions or statements that I didn’t prepare for in advance in my mind that I’m having problems with 🥲 Like there were many situations where I answer followup questions that are supposedly multiple-choice with a “Ja” and they look at me confused 😅
@simplegermany
23 сағат бұрын
That's great! The more you do it, the more you learn and will be able to answer with more than a Ja 😉
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