Language barrier. Germany, and/or Italy.
Nov 1st, 2004, 10:02 AM
#1
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Language barrier. Germany, and/or Italy.
Is not knowing any of the native languages in these locations going to be a problem. Also thanks so much for all of the responces to my other inquries. Keep them comming.
Nov 1st, 2004, 10:14 AM
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I dont think that there is going to be a problem Gunter..
Just bring a good dictionary, keep smiling politely when you points at the items that you want to buy ..
Besides there are many people that know English in both countries..in Germany especially, after all German is also
an AngloSaxon language...
Just learn the basic, good morning,good bye, thank you, please etc..,
Have Fun..
Just bring a good dictionary, keep smiling politely when you points at the items that you want to buy ..
Besides there are many people that know English in both countries..in Germany especially, after all German is also
an AngloSaxon language...
Just learn the basic, good morning,good bye, thank you, please etc..,
Have Fun..
Nov 1st, 2004, 10:48 AM
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Gunter, unless you are in a very small village in Italy, in the middle of "nowhere" you should not have a problem in Italy. It is good though to know a few words. Not knowing when you are taking your trip but just a few basic words and short expressions can be picked up quite easily. And I agree that a dictionary is a good idea too. Have a beautiful trip!
Nov 1st, 2004, 11:05 AM
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As has been mentioned, you'll do fine in any major city in Europe. English is about as close to a universal second language as there is. I haven't been to Germany but I feel like I have a better shot of finding someone who speaks English in Northern Europe than Southern Europe. (As an aside, southern Europe - especially Spain and Italy - dub movies while Northern Europe uses subtitles.)
But, at a minimum, learn how to ask "Do you speak English?" in the language of the country you're visiting. (Parla Inglese?) A pet peeve of mine is when a visitor to another country walks up to a local of that country and instantly starts talking in their own language assuming that the local just has to know their language.
But, at a minimum, learn how to ask "Do you speak English?" in the language of the country you're visiting. (Parla Inglese?) A pet peeve of mine is when a visitor to another country walks up to a local of that country and instantly starts talking in their own language assuming that the local just has to know their language.
Nov 1st, 2004, 11:22 AM
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You certainly shoudn't have any trouble with signage in either country and knowing a few basic words helps. Also, it helps to know the the words for "bakery" "store" "grocery" etc., sometimes.
You'll end up seeing some familiar products such as Coke and Pepsi (although "diet Coke" is universally marketed as "Coke Light"
If you are going to use public transport the words for "entrance" and "exit" will also help.
Overall I doubt you'll have much trouble.
You'll end up seeing some familiar products such as Coke and Pepsi (although "diet Coke" is universally marketed as "Coke Light"
If you are going to use public transport the words for "entrance" and "exit" will also help.
Overall I doubt you'll have much trouble.
Nov 1st, 2004, 11:22 AM
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It depends a lot on how far off the beaten tourist paths you wander. In the popular tourist areas, you'll be able to get along OK. One of the main problems will be in musuems, castles, and other sights where explanations of what you are seeing would be helpful. Many exhibits have explanations only in the local language--understandably so. There might or might not be a brochure in English and other languages, but it will probably be general in nature and not exhibit specific.
Also, once off the beaten path, most working people don't really speak English. They may have had some English in school many years before, but most people we met in Germany and Italy had English skills about equal to my German skills from school over 30 years ago--helpful, but not enough to really feel comfortable that the meal you are about to get is what you think it is supposed to be (though you can get some pleasant dining surprises that way).
But, again, in tourist areas you should be able to get along well enough. Actually, even in areas where English skills aren't that great, you won't starve to death.
Also, once off the beaten path, most working people don't really speak English. They may have had some English in school many years before, but most people we met in Germany and Italy had English skills about equal to my German skills from school over 30 years ago--helpful, but not enough to really feel comfortable that the meal you are about to get is what you think it is supposed to be (though you can get some pleasant dining surprises that way).
But, again, in tourist areas you should be able to get along well enough. Actually, even in areas where English skills aren't that great, you won't starve to death.
Nov 1st, 2004, 02:39 PM
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Have been to both Germany and Italy numerous times and have never had a problem with not speaking the language. As others have mentioned the further off the beaten path you go (in terms of towns and also in terms of type of place - much more likely to get perfect english in a hotel than in a dry cleaners) the less english will be spoken. But have not come across anyplace in the last 15/20 years where no one spoke english at all.
Also, as some one menitned Egnlish is bascially a germanic language and many simple things are easily understandable on the basis of guessing.
I do reco though that you learn standard tourist of whatever the language is - I do this for every place I go - and you're much more comfy.
Basics include: please, thank you, where, when, how much, numbers, days of the week, directions (left, right), food groups etc.
All this can be learned in a couple of days - and you can even do a cheat sheet if you want.
My best investment is a pocket menu reader from Berlitz in which many of the typical local dishes are described. Mine has I believe 11 or 12 different languages. (Even without this it's easy to get the gist of what you're ordering - chicken is chicken - if you're fussy about what they're going to do to it - go to an elegant restaurant in which they speak english.)
Also, as some one menitned Egnlish is bascially a germanic language and many simple things are easily understandable on the basis of guessing.
I do reco though that you learn standard tourist of whatever the language is - I do this for every place I go - and you're much more comfy.
Basics include: please, thank you, where, when, how much, numbers, days of the week, directions (left, right), food groups etc.
All this can be learned in a couple of days - and you can even do a cheat sheet if you want.
My best investment is a pocket menu reader from Berlitz in which many of the typical local dishes are described. Mine has I believe 11 or 12 different languages. (Even without this it's easy to get the gist of what you're ordering - chicken is chicken - if you're fussy about what they're going to do to it - go to an elegant restaurant in which they speak english.)
