What is harder: to go as a German to Americaor as a American to Germany?

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Someone who knows it

I believe it's harder for an American going to Germany.
German language is more difficult to learn than English (grammar for example).
German culture is richer than the American, it's a lot older.

CheGuevara

I think concerning culture it doesn't really matter which direction you go. The culture is simply different and both would have the same difficulties to fit in. But I guess that America has a much stronger presence in European or German Media than the other way round. So people are just a bit more familiar with what's going on in America. Be it from the news, sitcoms, music or movies..
Concerning language I'd say that it's probably easier for Germans to go to America. Everyone learns english in school and most people would be able to at least get around. And in addition to that I would say that probably German is more difficult to learn.

Isa

I think it would be much easier to go from Germany to America and start living here than the other way around.
My husband and I had to make that choice when we decided where to go: I am German, he is American and we decided to live in America, because I already learned the language in school, and job opportunities are much better over here. He on the other hand would have had to learn a language from the very beginning and his college credentials wouldn't have been worth much. Most university degrees from America don't "translate" into German, meaning that they are not of the same standard and therefore not recognized.
Even though immigration into the United States is much more expensive and difficult, overall, I would say it's easier to come here as a German than go to Europe as an American.

celebrate_me_home_2000

I am an american "living the dream" in Germany. I guess that is what it would be called if I lived in the states. It was and is tough. I think if we had done it the other way around we would have done better in the USA. Right now, I am thinking of finding a way to make more money so I can buy some real estate in the states. Price are dropping. I think a lot of opportunities will be opening up in the USA with the bust in the economy. You just have to want to work hard and be a little creative.

You have to learn German if you live here. Sometimes, you might feel that you are always trying to prove yourself with the Germans. I think Germans do that to themselves as well.

The culture is pretty much western.

The school system is different. It would be tough to explain it without going into detail. The school system is more difficult here than in the USA if you want to study at the university. For all practical purposes, any thought of entering the university begins at the 3rd and 4th grade. The children are separated in the 5th grade. This is simple version.

Alwin E

I've never been to America so far, so I can't tell, but I'm a German who travelled some countries, and as I speak some English, and most people do in countries all around the world, I think it's just as easy either way. When I went to France on a school exchange, I almost didn't speak a word; when I returned, I was fluent in cursing and colloquial speech. You can make friends everywhere; and as to culture: America, Europe? Where's the difference? We like the same things (except for soccer, that's... maybe... special European.)

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