American treatment in Germany

With Trump's rude treatment of the Europeans, especially the Germans, will Americans visiting, get a cold shoulder?

Nope. You are assuming that German media is spinning the news the same way as your source, that is shaping your perception.

However, there are areas of especially Germany which are vacation spots for Germans who do not want the American hordes.

Where specifically? Where are you planning to go where Americans do not. Remember the US Military bases have been there since 1945. Think: the United States Archives has had an ongoing project since after WW2 called "War Babes" trying to connect American soldiers that had fathered and abandoned babies in Germany during the occupation. Maybe some locals there grown up would be sour about that but you have never experienced it.
No doubt Germany has learned and can teach a lot about what is good and bad since it is her past choices that led to the rise of Hitler.

By most accounts currently a cold shoulder in Germany is more directed at immigrants and refugees from war torn countries like Syria that sailed and then walked or train there from some point in Eastern or Southern Europe and the German government has given asylum to about 800 thousand more than any other country.

Stop worrying. All the Germans will be vacationing in Thailand, or the Maldives, or Yellowstone. Everybody in the world knows this guy's MO. Kinda like when the crazy uncle shows up at the wedding. Nobody thinks its going to be any different this time.

I suggest you invest in Maple Leaf hats and t-shirts before your trip to Germany, eh?

Germans are aware that Americans are not the same as the person sitting in the WH. Have no fears that they will treat you badly, they are intelligent enough to know the difference.
People who say they don't know English are people who don't know English well enough to be helpful.

Where exactly are the vacation spots for Germans that are expecting American hordes? Certainly not Rothenburg. Germans go to Heidelberg, Berlin, Trier, the Rhein, and the many towns on the Half-Timbered Route rather than the Romantic road if they are staying in Germany, otherwise, they are off to Portugal, Spain, Greece, or Australia.

I know in those areas which cater to American tourists, this will not be an issue, because they want our money

Or maybe they are genuinly nice people who are welcomming to their guests?

Totally agree with you Morton. What a depressing and negative outlook to have.

It would be easy for them to say they do not know English.

Of course it would. They are Germans. There is no reason for them to speak or even know enough to understand English. Every time I have been to Germany (and Austria and the German speaking parts of Switzerland) I have run into shop attendants, waiters, hotel employees, and every other sort of person who didn't speak English. Never been a problem as long as you can point to the item you want and say "Bitte".

When I first visited Berlin (the Eastern side after the wall was down) very few of the employees of the hotel I stayed at knew more English than "good day" or "Thank you". I asked for decaf coffee the first morning at the hotel. Got a very intense story told to me in German by the kitchen manager (of which I understood maybe 10% of) that basically meant "no decaf today" and shown the entire kitchen coffee making facility and how they have to set things differently to make decaf. But every day after that, they had my decaf waiting and served it to me with a smile. No English required. :-)

Germans, like Americans, are individuals. In the years that I lived there and normally worked in offices primarily staffed with Germans, some did not like Americans no matter who was president. Some thought us to be loud mouth, know-it-alls. I am sure they are not changing their minds at this point of time.

Most folks in Germany are gracious and welcoming. Still, I suppose I would not go about quoting the president's recent unfavorable statements about Germany, Those things tick me off and I bet they would make many Germans even angrier.

I believe it comes down to how we behave as individuals while we are there as guests.

With Trump's rude treatment of the Europeans, especially the Germans, will Americans visiting, get a cold shoulder?

In my view, that's a suprising question. Let's not forget that Americans have been part of our normal live for over 70 years, at least here in Bavaria and other regions of southern Germany. Surely, some of them will have supported Trump, and they may have had the same economical and social reasons which are currently making that disgusting right-wing party strong in this country. For me, the only criterion is whether they treat us like Trump does or like normal people do, and the same goes for visitors. So far, fortunately, I have only met people of the latter group. So - do not worry and enjoy your trip.

Considering how people of various ethnicities, whether citizens or legal visitors, are sometimes treated in the US, I don't see why we should always expect to be treated like honored guests when we travel to other countries. I guess we expect citizens of other countries to have better manners than do some of us.

Earl, I'm with Andrew. If you are a kind sort, ruggedly handsome and genuinely charming, you may be able to pull off being a Canadian. No guarantees, however. A full, manly beard may tip the scales for you.

Everybody loves us - well, almost everybody, I can think of one person who might not.

I really have enjoyed every place we have traveled in Europe. I agree that SOME Americans are arrogant, and loud. But I have also seen Americans who are humble and respectful. It does work both ways. The people in Europe are very respectful of each other. I was amazed how quiet the restaurants were on our first trip many years ago. I am humiliated at how our President has treated the Europeans. I do not communicate, except a little in Spanish, which is a somewhat different, than the Spanish spoken in Spain. We have never had a problem with the language barrier. I appreciate everyone's comments. I also apologize if I have offended anyone with my post. Someone needs to tell our President that the Canadians did not burn down the White House in Washington. By the way, we probably deserved it, when the British did the burning. Anyway, we hope to travel to Europe in the spring. Earl

I've been in Germany a handful of times now. I found more English speaking Germans than English speakers in the other countries I've visited. I always greet them in German and ask if they speak English. When I brought my daughters to Austria, the German speaking parts of Switzerland and Munich, I was kind of hoping they'd have a chance to practice their 5 plus years of German, and it seemed that the Germans just defaulted to English almost immediately. But, I would never expect or complain that people in a non English speaking country couldn't or wouldn't speak English, its my language and not theirs. I spent some time in Germany last fall and it was interesting to see all their political signs and hear the folks talk a bit about the election. Certainly Germany is tilting a bit more to the right like many of the European countries, but they still reelected Angela Merkel. Any conversation about politics in the U.S. by the German people we entered into any interactions with was very respectful and of course understanding that just because we have Trump in office, we don't all support him. My daughters picked out some graffiti in Luzern, "Kein Mensch ist illegal", and told me that meant, "No Man is Illegal". I then did see the same sentiment written in places when I was in Germany. People risking their lives so their children can have a better life certainly deserve a better descriptor.

Unless you bring it up, or wear clothing that screams i’m from the U.S., most people won’t know what nationality you are. You’ll be treated based on your actions and demeanor, not those of anybody else.

In light of the news that has happened this past week or so, ie, the NATO meeting, etc, I wish I were in Germany right now. I go mostly to areas in Germany totally not visited by Americans, most recently was this past May and last summer, ie, to those towns/cities of interest in eastern and North Germany so that seeing an American would be a surprise to those Germans. Sometimes. they are indeed surprised when they see my passport or I let them know I'm from Calif.

No, it was not the Canadians that torched the White House in 1814 but the British. They did it in retaliation for what the Americans had done in one of their invasions (4 of them) of Canada when they set fire to York.

Just got back from Germany...The people were welcoming and very friendly. Everyone, not just the tourist industry workers, were open and honest in our dealings with them. We had the same concerns that you had and in fact put off our trip for a year because of the concern about our image. We treated everyone with respect and received it in return. Our general feeling was everyone is trying to live their everyday life and worry about the local issues and not someone in DC.

Nope. You are assuming that German media is spinning the news the same
way as your source, that is shaping your perception.

I just copied this quotation from an article on "Der Spiegel Online" (German media).

On Wednesday afternoon at 3:15 p.m., Angela Merkel and Donald Trump sat down together as if nothing
had happened. As if Trump hadn't started the day with a hate-filled tirade against Germany.

Germans are very angry. They are very angry with Trump and his remarks. They are angry at the ambassador he appointed to Germany and his very inappropriate remarks. That doesn't mean they will treat the average American Tourist differently.

Prior to all this furor and remarks at the NATO meeting, I saw on one of the German talk shows (yes there are a number of them) where one of guests said that basically in light of the tariffs imposed by the US, etc that Germany cannot view the US under the present administration as a friend. The topic focused on a real Handelskrieg in light of the present tariffs and the likelihood of those to follow.

A pity I cannot be back in Germany at the moment to witness and see what it is like in both American visited tourist areas (the Germans all know where those are) and the non-American visited areas, lots and lots of those all over the country.

Spent a week in Aachen on business. Everybody was great. The only political discussion I got into was with a foreign cab driver (I think he was middle eastern) who said: "Trump, he mekk America strong and great...guud man". I just replied "Yeah, he is speaking strong words"....and left it at that. Don't worry--Germans are wonderful at minding their own business. Kind of nice to see people walking around without burying their faces in cell phones.

Thank you again for everyone's comments. We have really enjoyed our trips to Germany, and Austria. We hope to go again in 2019 in April and May. I have been reading the comments about buying tickets to see the Passion Play in 2020. I think that if we wait until 2020 they will be sold out. Is it worth it. EARL

The world is full of uninformed, intolerant individuals. Guess it's a growing trend we all have to learn to deal with. Be non political and respectful and if you don't receive the same in return, then leave.

If anything, the German's feel sorry for us American's having such a person in the WH. When ever I visit my relatives, they always ask about "Trump" and what we think.

If anything, the German's feel sorry for us American's having such a
person in the WH. When ever I visit my relatives, they always ask
about "Trump" and what we think.

Oh please....Germans must have felt equally "sorry us for Americans having such a president in the WH" when President Obama instructed his administration to spy on both the German government including eavesdropping on Angela Merkel and journalists of the German media.

https://www.cnn.com/2015/07/03/politics/germany-media-spying-obama-administration/index.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-24659743/merkel-tells-obama-spying-on-friends-is-unacceptable

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/02/wikileaks-us-spied-on-angela-merkels-ministers-too-says-german-newspaper

Meanwhile back on planet earth: Confidence in the U.S. president to do the right thing.

The present German government upon hearing that the present occupier of the WH had won in 2016 felt it was waking up from a nightmare, regardless of its disagreements with Obama. They most likely could not conceive of some states giving 60% plus popular votes to Trump. I was asked a couple of times in Germany on the summer 2016 trip if he could win. I told them that possibility existed given the electoral vote count of certain states , especially the top 5 and different regions of the US.

Going234, that chart is over a year old..... and i dont think it had or still has any impact on how Germans treat American tourists.

unfortunately my wife and I can always point out the Americans when we travel, they are the loud ones who seem to think that everyone wants to hear what they have to say. We don't dislike Americans, they are just easy to discern in the crowd. I'm sure you will be treated well

I won't say that I can "always" point out Americans now but 98%. They are easy to spot out. When I hear American accents, I immediately hone in on it. While they are not the only ones talking loudly, their voices carry when speaking. That's when you can pick it up.

unfortunately my wife and I can always point out the Americans when we
travel, they are the loud ones who seem to think that everyone wants
to hear what they have to say. We don't dislike Americans, they are
just easy to discern in the crowd.

My hunch is that marathonpc's experience with loud, easily-spotted Americans has been informed in part by Americans visiting Canada (marathonpc's home country.) It's completely true that talking loudly in public is routine for many Americans. It's almost a cultural trait - in the same way that some cultures favor quiet conversation. Americans in Canada often end up there with their RVs, their dogs, etc. as they travel through multiple US states and across the Canadian border, where they're surrounded by English and feel perfectly at home, as comfortable as they do traveling in the US - and they behave as if they were back home. Many of us treat Canada as though it's just another state we haven't yet visited. Most of us have never really thought of a trip into Canada as "travel abroad."

But since that 60's book and Brando's film came out, US tourists have worn the "Ugly American" label across their foreheads. Rick Steves and other European travel authorities routinely take us to the woodshed for a paddling so memorable that we'll never forget what nasty tourists we all are without the proper re-education...

https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/the-ugly-tourist-and-how-not-to-be-one

So I honestly think a LOT of Europe-bound Americans have taken such instruction to heart (and sometimes even too far.) Sure, some have not - and I'm sure marathonpc came across some "loud" English-speakers - but without a passport check, who knows? Canadians speak much the same English and travel in Europe too.

Anyway... Sure, it's in the American personality to be somewhat proud of their nation, to be free-wheeling, open, smiley, laugh-out-louders on their 2-3-week vacations. But over the years in Europe, I've met some Americans actively pretending not to be Americans - and some who just seemed very oddly inhibited - couples whispering with each other in public places, lest someone even hear them speaking American English... parents speaking in low tones to each other and "whisper-yelling" in American English at their well-behaved but slightly playful children to be silent on the train platform - not in a museum or a classy cafe, but on a train platform... as though they were terribly ashamed of their home culture and language, and they'd just as soon have been invisible! The cultural shame is sometimes nutso... I've heard profuse apologies for not speaking German (or whatever) at the hotel front desk... Really? European hotel personnel in the places Rick Steves sends his readers are normally required to speak great English for a very good reason - half the guests in places like Rothenburg are foreign and barely know a word of German. Employees typically LIKE helping foreign visitors and LIKE using English, and fully expect to do so.

If you're counting your fellow Americans, you really can't expect an accurate tally based on the old "loud-and-proud" stereotype.

When we visited Germany recently, I found that there were often subtle, cautionary references by tour guides to the nazi era and what is going in in the US today, but nothing blatantly anti American. The tour guide at Dachau, however, was more direct in drawing the parallels.

I worked for the US Army in Augsburg, Germany from 1987 until 1991 and traveled all over Germany. Americans were treated very well, after all we had quarter of a million troops in the country to protect them from over a million of the Red Army stationed in the DDR, not to mention Czechoslovakia and the other Warsaw Pact countries.

I was in a gasthaus in Garmisch with friends one evening and the proprietor was drinking beer with us and said he loved Amis (that is what the Germans once called us) and said he would even be proud if his daughter married an Ami, however, would not be happy for his daughter to marry a Prussian.

My Step-Son later served in the Army near Frankfurt for three years about 12 years ago and said he felt that the atmosphere had changed a bit towards American since the reunification of Germany and the end of the Cold War. Still, he said that hostility was not a problem.

I do remember traveling to France, which I love to visit, during the 80s when the French Communist Party was garnering from 12-20 percent of the vote that you could run into considerable hostility from some people, particularly in Paris. I had a French friend from the early 80s that indicated to me two things, first that Parisian waiters were ofter rude to him, and we was not from Paris. Also, he said that French Communist were frequently hostile to Americans.

Having been to France since then, I have not found the same occasional hostility in Paris that I did in the early 80s.

Regarding the back handed way that US politics was brought into this thread, I will say that I have encountered both pro and anti-Trump comments and opinions from Europeans from several countries. Most of the pro-Trump sentiment won't come out unless they know they are talking to someone with similar sympathies.

I haven't noticed Americans to be particularly loud, and have only heard Americans comment on it. Sort of self degradation i guess. But lets say its true. Wouldn't that be a "cultural" thing? Aren't we supposed to be sensitive and forgiving for cultural differences? Or does that not apply to Americans?

Of course this was meant to be a political thread from the first line on. Sort of since all American and I hate our president, the world must hate our country for having this president and the world will retaliate against tourists. I never thought I would find myself so often siding with RS in that Travel can help to put an end to such animosity and misunderstanding between peoples. But i guess it doesnt work if you dont open your eyes.

I suggest you read some of RS's pieces, get out, travel a bit more, read foreign papers, talk when you travel and become more aware of the world and you may be surprised that there are quite a few countries where our president is not unpopular, many more where he as a person isnt adored, but his policies have been welcomed; not that much different that a sizable percentage of Americans. Any country where you have to worry about being persecuted by the guy on the street because of the politics of the government from which you come, isnt a country you should be visiting in the first place.... But I think RS will tell you there really isnt such a place.

In the Cold war days we had stationed in Germany a little over a third of a million troops, with the bulk or, at least, a lot of them at Kaiserslauten and Pirmasens while the Russians had 17 divisions in East Germany. I saw these Soviet troops , batches of them, on tour, sight seeing when I was with a guided tour seeing Potsdam in 1987.

"...not be happy for his daughter to marry a Prussian." Not surprising at all coming from a guy in Garmisch.

Gotta say I find the Rick article linked just above to be rather smug and condescending. Everyone's got a different comfort zone when it comes to new experiences and how far they're willing to take a jump the first time or the first few times. Some people are shy or are strong introverts and it can be a struggle to engage with locals. Other people may have special dietary needs. The Spousal Unit has a touchy gall bladder so 'eating like a local' in some places could leave him in abdominal pain for days. (For us, packing 'heavy' includes a jar of almond butter and a box of emergency Clif bars so we can punt the local food issue down the road as need be) Someone prone to illness or with a compromised immune system might need the '65 Handi Wipes' as a reasonable precaution against other issues.

I live in a tourist town-adjacent area that makes it easy for typical suburban Americans. It's not where I'd choose to vacation, but when I see how happy some people are to be here, I'm reminded of the food addage- " Don't yuck at someone else's yum". And the people out there with the smartphone apps telling them what to do, or the 65 Handi Wipes or attempts to find ice for their Cokes in Amsterdam, they're trying. They haven't spent years or decades exploring the world and are often making the first baby steps outside their comfort zone.

They're trying, and it's hard for some of them. And that effort should be applauded rather than sneered at because they're Not Doing It Right or are not ideologically pure enough.

Baby steps and open minds, and maybe next time they'll feel brave enough and comfortable enough to push their own personal boundaries and comfort zones even more.

Germans are "very angry" and "feel very sorry" for Americans. Oh, no! What shall we do?

I lived in Germany for eight years and have friends there. Like anywhere if you conduct yourself respectfully and at least attempt pleasantries in the host country's language you will be fine.

I very much dislike Trump but I'm not unhinged about it like many of my fellow Americans. Just be yourself and deferential, quite unlike our president.

Anyone upset with Germans because you don't like Chancellor Merkel? I didn't think so.

Bravo, Selkie! That article has a bit of a nasty tone. Mr. Steves designs great tours along with his staff, but sometimes he forgets to be the tolerant, open-minded person he preaches others to become. He is human and has faults, as all of us humans do.
We are tourists, and unlike Mr. Steves, few, if any, of us have travelled in Europe at least 3 months every year for over 30 years. Many Americans only get to Europe once, period, and maybe only for 2 weeks or less. Some travel solo and use a selfie-stick to take a photo above the crowds or to take a photo of themselves in front of a landmark because their is no one with them to take the photo for them. I don't have a selfie-stick, but I don't begrudge those who do use one, as long they don't interfere constantly with other people.

I take a lot of photos myself, as I like to have visual souvenirs of my travels, not just memories. I also like to spend time enjoying the sights, sounds, smells (usually), and atmosphere of wherever I am, with my camera put away.
To be a good tourist, simply be a good person. Be polite and speak at a reasonable level. Look where you are going and don't push people aside. It is also good to read up on destination(s) and plan the trip in advance to the extent one feels comfortable with. Enjoy the trip according to one's own likes and taste, being aware one is in a different culture and without interfering with others.

The RS was funny and a bit ironic. Having said that we're looking at a tour of Italy. That would be our first tourist bus tour with RS or anyone.

Ironic? RS travels with the ultimate selfie-stick: a professional videocamera and crew. Talk about standing out as not a local. Perhaps he should write with a mirror in front of him.

"...there are areas of especially Germany which are vacation spots for Germans who do not want American hordes."

As a solo traveler, I've been to a good number of them throughout the trips. Whether "they" want Americans or not, I see as irrelevant, if these spots are located in the north, ie from Frankfurt to Flensburg, and in the eastern part.

My two pence is that most Germans don't mind Americans but don't like the man currently in the White House. However, you will not be shunned though the Germans aren't known for their gregarious nature so anyone expecting wonderful customer service may be in for a shock, but then Germans themselves complain about this.

Honestly, most Germans do not and will not ask you about politics as a tourist. Go and have fun, yes there might be some idiots who will talk about Americans but who cares? Enjoy.

I actually feel like one of the strengths of the RS tv shows and books is that they're good at gently and positively encouraging people to take baby steps outside their comfort zone. It's like 'yes, this is different than what you're used to so here's what you need to know in order to make all the different stuff a positive and often happy experience!' Which is something that didn't come through at all in the blog article.

As for photography, the Spousal Unit teaches college level photography and graphic design, and travel to visually interesting places is a good and pleasant way for him to get in some of the research/professional development expectations of his job. And a few years back. I ended up with a DSLR camera of my own to have something to do while he's setting up shots.

A nice camera is actually a pretty useful tool when it comes to starting up conversations with fellow travelers and locals- it's a common activity that many people enjoy and there's often a discussion of the best way of getting a shot or a trading of cameras back and forth so that the people without selfie sticks can get their nice vacation photos in front of the landmark or as a family group.

Speaking from more than 40 years of traveling in Europe as an American, only the prototypical "ugly American" is likely to get anything but a hospitable response in Germany. If you're wearing a Washington Redskins shirt, yelling, and complaining about how "this ain't how we do it in America", then you'll be treated like an idiot. If you're polite, cognizant of local customs, and dress to blend in, you'll be treated as a welcomed guest.

All of that said, a couple of notes. One is that American governments are pretty constantly putting their foot in it, so to speak, from a European perspective. It's arguable worse right now, under the Trump administration, but both Democratic and past Republican administrations have done things seen as spectacularly idiotic from a European mindset over the last 70 years.

Despite the actions of successive American presidents, most Germans are able to distinguish the difference between the American government, America the place, and Americans as a people and if you're subjected to ill treatment because you're American, it'll be most likely a byproduct of frustration with the US government, rather than an actual animus for you as an American. To avoid situations like this, however unlikely, I've always made an effort to dress and act in ways that do not call attention to my country of origin. If I'm asked "Where are you visiting from?", I answer with my city or state, rather than saying "the US". Most Europeans, especially Germans, have a better understanding of US geography than most Americans, so even saying "Kansas" isn't likely to net a blank stare, and such an answer is, I've found, immediately more relatable. Of course, some states and cities will net better results. (LOL) My current home state of Colorado almost always leads to a conversation about skiing or cannabis. My childhood home state of California netted a lot of questions about "Hollywood" and "Disneyland".

Of course, some states and cities will net better results.

Of course; Maine for example. I've a colleague from Maine and so I know that the capitol of Augusta is way more admired than that of Washington, at least by people who were lucky enough to visit it. BTW, my colleague finds the discussion here both funny and enigmatic ;).

I've worn my Redskins t-shirt all over Europe with no problems.... !!!!!!!!!! And i have been asked by a few friends of European nationality if i can get them a MAGA Hat.

But I have never, I mean absolutely never in over 30 years of travel been treated badly because of being an American. I have on the other hand been appreciated for being an american on a few rare occasions. General speaking though, no one really give a shoot.

When I think of Colorado the following comes to mind: John Denver, Air Force Academy, beautiful mountains, and the movie Dumb and Dumber.

Most Europeans, especially Germans, have a better understanding of US geography than most Americans, so even saying "Kansas" isn't likely to net a blank stare,

You'll probably find a high proportion of Europeans can name a few Kansas cities (although the capitol might be a low baller). I was chatting to a supermarket worker in Orlando yesterday and, picking up on my accent, asked if I was from London. I replied that I was from Portsmouth but was met with a blank stare. The only place she knew of in the UK was London and this was a woman in her 50's. It's quite shocking really especially considering my 13 year old son can name every US state and many state capitols.

“Ironic? RS travels with the ultimate selfie-stick: a professional videocamera and crew. Talk about standing out as not a local.”

In fairness to Mr Steves, it is somewhat difficult to shoot a travel show for television without a camera crew. In my little mind I have a sneaky suspicion that this practice is quite common amongst those making travel programmes for television.
Regarding the article, I think Mr Steves tried too hard to emphasise certain traits and was trying badly to be funny. He should have asked Michael Palin for advice.

Over the last 70 years as pointed out above, that would include the Berlin Airlift, the building and tearing down of the Wall, JFK's "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech, the Vietnam war, Reagan's speech at the Wall, etc, etc... all the way up to Bush and the Iraq War in March 2003, Obama's election victory as well as the current one.

I got to Germany in July 2003 to begin that part of the trip. Two Germans, knowing I was American, on two separate occasions on the trip said to me that "your president is not very popular here because of his invasion." I thank them (well, so what), and knew that 86% of German public opinion was dead set against Bush and the war, whereas 66% of US public opinion was in favour of the war.

I tended to use a credit card In Germany at restaurants a more often than now. Even "they" didn't suspect I was from here, seeing the credit they would know for sure, since it had "California" on it, which I purposely used. I am not concerned at all about treatment in Germany or France.