How are Asians treated in Germany?

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Alwin E

I had a colleague from South Korea once, we worked together in Berlin, and she told me that actually, Asian women are a little bit looked down upon, because people might consider you an illegal immigrant. But in those bigger cities you mention, that shouldn't be a problem, at least not in the tourist areas. I don't know much about Hamburg and Bremen, but I know a little about Berlin (lived and worked there), and it has areas where you shouldn't walk alone at night. It also has areas where you'll be fine as an international citizen. I suppose that's what every city has.

Speaking English (as you obviously do) and maybe a few words of German will give you a big advantage when travelling the country. And there's one thing you never ever should mind: As you don't look very much German, be prepared that Germans (be they male or female) will obviously stare at you. Don't take that as an insult. Asians are rare in our country, and we Germans are a curious folk. Try to get in touch with the people, using whatever language seems suitable.

Pugster

I've lived in Germany for 15 years as an American and currently have some Asian friends -- NEVER have I witnessed a racist incident. I also attended German university and had some Chinese colleagues. Again, never witnessed a racist incident. Of course, a minority will always stand out, but that is anywhere. In the East, in an isolated village, at night -- maybe.

celebrate_me_home_2000

Normally with respect like most other people . . .

O Smart One

Well, like all European countries. Germany has SOME white supremacists. I lived there for half a year, and I didn't experience any differing attitudes. However, you should note that this mostly applies to the area around where West Germany used to be. In some districts in the East, there certainly is a culture where different minorities are looked down upon. However, since you're going to Hamburg and Bremen, which are nice port cities in the West you'll have no problems. There are some slightly more dangerous small pockets of areas in Berlin for minorities. Areas in East Berlin like Pankow however, are very safe.

T_R

If you're only there for 2 weeks, I doubt you're going to have any issues. You're sure to find some decent people who can speak good English and with whom you can go hang out with. If you grew up in a western country they will probably take you to be a westerner. However, the Germans tend to have a negative attitude towards a lot of things. The German media did a lot of China bashing before and during the Olympics, so you may find that some idiots may be unexpectedly well-prepared to make impolite and ill-informed criticisms of your ç¥–å›½. If you're an ABC Chinese, they'll get you for being American too. The negative attitudes and stereotypes are the more or less the same kind that you'll get from a North American sinophobe. Other than that, you won't need to fear for your safety or anything like that. Hamburg used to be the site of one of Germany's biggest Chinatowns, so maybe that's something you'd be interested in.

rio-blanco

If you are going to Hamburg you will have absolutely no problems. The Peoples Republic of China is building a large logistic centre here. We have no no-go-areas. But of course we have common crime there for I would not go with a camera and a Rolex at the wrist to have a look where Chinese government plans the logistic center at midnight. But so long you will look not too rich you can visit all parts of the city als at midnight. Come to Hamburg and enjoy the open mind of the city. Hamburg belongs to the richest cities in Europe, in both in public and privat finances. Possibly therefore we have not so much problems like the others.
Bremen is also traditionally openminded, but they have social problems in Bremerhaven. Public finances of Bremen are worse, but private are good. I haven`t been in Bremen for a long time, but I guess you will not have big problems there.

If you are in the north of Germany visit Luebeck and Lueneburg!!!

I cannÂ´t say a lot about Berlin: the city is bancrupt and only survives with the help of the federation. There the social situation is worse. There should be no-go-areas. In the former east of Berlin exists a strong Vietnamese Mafia and a German is not able to differ a Vietnamese from a Chinese be a little bit carefull if you pass the former boarder from West Berlin to the East of Germany. But to be true, I only have read that in the newspaper. I personally never was in Berlin and I don`t plan to go there.

The Juice

hello i live in germany

Zoe Dot

I am not sure. I am not German, but American. I have seen some nasty things happen first hand in Germany. I lived there for 9 years and during my time there I saw people insulted on the street for being non-white a couple of times.
I remember witnessing an inter-racial couple, white and Asian, being shouted and sweared at because they were inter-racial. I also saw a black guy being insulted in a train station once.
Never saw anything like this in the US.
I suppose this kind of thing could happen anywhere and it is not frequent, but I have seen some ugly things happen in Germany.

Unfortunately because of Germany's past there is a kind of presumption about potential xenophobia.

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