Does anyone on here live in Germany?

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renate c

My husband used to be in the Army as well, with the difference that I am German. So I've lived both in the States and Germany. There is already a lot of good info in the other responses, but let my add my comments as well. As to the language: you certainly don't have to speak German fluently, just a 'bitte" (please) and "danke" (thank you) in the local bakery will make a big difference. The Army also offers German classes once you get there. It depends on how you approach this - an exile somewhere away from what you are familiar with or an extended paid vacation in a place which millions of people spend a lot of money to visit. And it's not like moving to a foreign country on your own, only having the local supermarkets or having to find an apartment etc. An American installation is almost like little America. There you will have your PX, Commissary, schools, movies, gym, etc...... As to what is there to do - hm, one great advantage of Germany certainly is that it is in the middle of Europe. Depending on where you are, within a couple of hours of just driving, you can be in France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland etc. Or hop on a $50 flight to London. Or should you be stationed in what seems to be an out of the way place, well, Germany is a small country, so you don't have to go very far to be "somewhere". Hm, now what is allowed and what is not allowed....passing on the right is a big no-no as is washing your car in your driveway, bbq-ing on your balcony or not recycling.
On the other hand, you may take your dog into a restaurant, smoke there (this will probably change soon), and drive as fast as you can on the autobahn.
Time to come to an end, just remember, there is nothing to be afraid of, and much to be gained.

m....n...

Some Americans stationed there like to travel and see Germany and go out into the German community.
But if you don't want that, you can be on the base that you are stationed on and just have what is familiar to you. If you go of base you will find, that most Germans speak English and like to speak English. But if you are interested in learning the language that would be great!! People there are not that different. They might seem a bit more distancing at first site, but under the surface they are just like Americans you know.
The system is a bit different as of school or health insurance etc. but there is nothing like woman have to wear a certain kind of clothing or that kind of stuff. Germany is a very advanced and modern country. ( I had an American once ask me if they had running hot water..!!)You might even find that they are a little more open minded than Americans. For example with what they can say and show on TV. No problem showing a women's breasts in an add for soap for example, nobody makes a big deal out of that.

kat1605nrw

- drinking age is 16 for light alcoholic drinks, 18 for anything else

- you have to be 18 to drive and to vote

- the alcohol limit when driving is at 0.5

- what the cultural life is like depends on where you will be stationed, but generally, there is quite a bit of English-language culture over here, movies being shown in original version, English books on sale.

- learning the language is always a good idea. No need to be perfect, juts get a general grasp, pick up the phrases you need to get through everyday life and be polite to other people.

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Tawariel

Learning the language of the country you are going to live in is always a good idea. But don't be afraid, we Germans learn English in school and a lot of people will at least understand a few English words.

There are books/travel guides about German rules and behavior, some of them quite funny. Try Amazon or any book shop, some I'd recommend are "Culture Shock" (written specific for American readers)
http://www.amazon.com/Culture-Germany-Survival-Customs-Etiquette/dp/1558687564/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-0794796-1183820?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1183843377&sr=1-1
and the "Xenophobe's Guide to the Germans".
http://www.amazon.com/Xenophobes-Guide-Germans-Stefan-Zeidenitz/dp/1902825292/ref=sr_1_1/103-0794796-1183820?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1183843549&sr=1-1

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