Are Germans aloud to speak their minds nowadays (2008)?

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Question of T

As an American living in Germany for the past two years, I can say that pretty much anything goes here. However, one thing to know before you come here is that the level of service isn't like in the US. The customer isn't always right here in Germany. Although most people are super nice and friendly, they just don't share this 'customer is king' mentality. So, please know that in the German service industry your opinion has zero value. If you weren't happy with the service of something and voice this, you will attract a lot of negative attention and treatment. My motto is, when in Germany accept everything no matter how bad it is.

Nantucket

Well, first I wonder how "horse slaughter" and "Germany" are connected with each other. Secondly, was you mom born in Germany? If so in which part (the former East Germany (GDR) or in Western Germany? When did she leave the country?

The former Federal Republic of Germany (until 1990 only Western Germany) and the united present Germany are democracies like the United States. Sure is everybody allowed to speak out openly. The only "restriction" - kind of - is you should be careful if your intentions are to destroy the democratic system like Neo-Nazis and other right-wing groups would like to do.

I assume you mom is referring to the so called Third Reich from 1939 to 1945. During the rulership of the dictator Adolf Hitler people opposed to this anti-human system were at risk to be incarcerated and/or killed.

If you are as interested in learning about Germany you should visit the country and see yourself that it is far away from being a "dark and evil" country.

Dra E

the Kanzler is actually the most powerfull head in germany.
1
and no...people (like comedians in TV)
make all the time jokes about Merkel.

2
it was true 70 years ago

3.
You are allowed to say whatever you want
if
you donÂ´t heavily harm someoneÂ´s dignity in the will only to do this
and other things in the brown spectrum but i doupt you think like them

the first article in our basic law is(badly translated):

The dignity of the human is untouchable.To take care of it and protect is the task of all governmental authority.

Well you also, like in the USA, arenÂ´t allowed to do thousands things like stealing etc

Sundancer

Q#1: No, it is not. As the other posters pointed out, everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion and can voice it as long as they don`t glorify nazis and their ideas or threaten to assassin someone etc...

Q#2. It was true 1933 to 1945 and in the former GDR (until 1989)

Q#3: Everything you like to as long as no one else is harmed or heavily offended - just use your common sense and you`ll be okay.

I have been to the US more than 20 times and I must admit that IÂ´m much more cautious before speaking out, especially when it comes to politics or religion. When you are used to Germany, you may have to learn the hard way to avoid these subjects in public or even towards friends.

canaria

Why you Mutter tel you thinks like that?
Every body in Germany can speak free with out fear, the time are gone wen you was afraid to say something, the Hitler time, and this happen
long time ago......Go, visit Germany, and see for you self, how the German are, and don't believe what other people say. I am half german to, and proud to be.....
Germany is a free country.

T_R

When I was in Germany, we used to slaughter horses all the time. It's like cow tipping in the US. After Hitler it became totally okay again.

celebrate_me_home_2000

Germans can't shut up . . .

One thing germans heavy on "meinungs" light on action. They discuss something until you get sick of hearing it. In the end, you just think, do something . . . anything.

I guess my American side is speaking. US Americans are little more pragmatic.

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