When the choir from my college traveled through Hungary, Austria, and Germany, I noticed that once we got to Austria, I had a noticeably easier time communicating with the people than my classmates did.
Here are three things that knowing German (at least at an intermediate level) allowed me to have a more fulfilling experience on our trip.
1. Interacting and making acquaintances with the people around you
In the beginning of the trip we got to sing in a group of 900 other singers from 20 different countries. I took advantage of this, deviated from the group, and ended up sitting between a woman from Berlin on my left and a woman from France on my right. I ended up saying “Je ne parle pas Francais” on my right and chatting and holding somewhat a conversation on my left.
At the end of the night the woman on my left told me that I spoke “Schí¶nes Deutsch” which means beautiful German.
It was a very fulfilling moment in my life.
2. You will be able to explore the city without a tour guide and go to places that you want to go to.
But, not only did knowing the language gain acquaintances that I will forever cherish in my memories. But, I however, indeed strayed away from the group a couple times and had to ask for directions a few times. Now that was useful, because I wanted to explore areas that deviated away from the tour group.
3. The people from that country will respect and appreciate you more.
Having studied German, I noticed that the people who I spoke to were pleasantly surprised and were very appreciative that you were able to speak some of their language. Most Germans know English, so why not return the favor?
I think trying is at least polite. One time I asked to go to the bathroom in very polite German and I didn’t have to pay 50 cents. Or, that is why, in my opinion, I think the woman let me.
My time in Hungary was more frustrating because I didn’t speak their language. Our group had a restaurant experience that was in fact very bad, because the waiter as well as the group didn’t know each other’s languages and our time there was not as pleasant of a story. We were only so fortunate in Germany because most waiters and waitresses knew English.
Learning the language of the country you are visiting helps make new acquaintances, allows you to explore more areas of the city, and dismantles biases against foreigners.
I only wish I could give others the experience that I had.
Have you tried to learn the language (or at least some key phrases) before you visited a foreign country? Please share your thoughts in comments below.
This post is written by Megan Bryde, a forever student of the world while also finishing up her bachelors in English at Truman State University this semester.
Involved in too many activities, she sings as loud as she can, writes, cooks, bakes, and drinks a lot of coffee.
Megan is currently completing an internship with VentureTime Travel and aspires to be teaching English someday.
Check out these other posts on visiting Germany “;.