I am planning a trip to the former East Germany (Leipzig/Halle) for only 3 days for business. I speak and read no German. I can get by in French and am a native English speaker. Does anyone have experience with navigating in English in this region. I plan to take a dictionary and to have a few critical phrases written down. What more should I take?
Posted by
Atlanta
1358 posts
Maybe some people on here have been there more recently, but when we were in the former East Germany (Berlin, Dresden, Saxon Switzerland) in 2002, we didn't find many people who spoke English, even in Berlin. We speak enough German to get by, so it was okay for us.
Things may be changing there, though. It's been 20 years since the wall's come down, a whole new generation has grown up since then. There's probably more younger people who speak English, so if you get stuck, find a college kid, it'll be your best bet.
But, really, it's only 3 days, if you get a phrase book and learn a few of the basics, you'll be fine. I'm assuming since you're traveling there on business that your room is already booked, so that's the hardest part.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
You will be alright. It's true that English isn't as abundantly spoken in the East but I've met many former Easterners who speak better than passable English (although they were often self-conscious of their own aptitude). Ask politely, someone will speak English.