This past summer I went to Germany and I loved it. A majority of the people were welcoming an kind to us, and knew we were Americans. I stayed with a host family and they were very welcoming as well as the community we lived in. I would say the biggest thing to watch out for though is the Car Industry. Don't try to say Americans have better cars, because we don't. the Germans love their cars... BMW, Porsche, Volkswagon, Audi... these are all GERMAN cars. Apart from this, you will be just fine. Sometimes if your going to a big city, some people might give you looks, but not often. Overall, Germany is a great country and you will be sure to enjoy it.
P.S. I know a couple German people who disliked France and French culture... I don't know if a majority feels this way or not. I would just leave this alone and not speak about it.
Good Luck and Have Fun!
I lived in Italy for almost 14 years and traveled extensively throughout Europe in that time. In all that time, I never had a problem anywhere for being an American citizen. As long as you're respectful of others, you shouldn't have any issues at all. If you go with the attitude that you're going to be disrespected, then you'll find it. However, it's most likely that anything you perceive that way is a misunderstanding on your part of local customs.
This is a bit disappointing to admit since my own grandfather was German and born in Friankfurt.
In my travels the only time I found myself in some weird situation was in Germany.
For some reason they seem to not really like anyone who is not German.
My husband is Hungarian and even he has had hassles in Germany both when he was with me and when he was there by himself
Maybe we are just free spirited people and they have too many strict rules about everything and have no shame in being rude to tell you what they think about everything.
I am a peaceful person but on a train leaving Frankfurt with my 2 year old baby and husband I had to actually almost come to blows with a rude German women who entered the train car. The conductor was called in, I let them both know what a B**** she was and without saying a word he found her another car to travel in.( Insane women entered the car screaming about my baby taking up 2 seats for a nap without even giving us a min. to move him, she just wanted to be right so badly)
Made me upset to think that was my dear grandfather's place of birth,oh well his parents were not exactly nice people either.He was the black sheep and had to leave them by running away from a wealthy home at age 14. He must of knew his own kind... Just saying, if I can ever avoid even entering Germany on a fly through I will pay extra to not even enter their air space. Good beer though....
Most certainly not! Europeans do not hate Americans. There does exist very little prejudice but don't worry. Perhaps if you are worried you will be teased or hated, check out some books about traditions and customs from your local library so you don't look as "foreign" on your trip. Enjoy your stay at Germany, I have always wanted to go!
It is really not true to say most Europeans hate Americans. Some Europeans hate the American stereotype of loud, obnoxious, and ignorant people. Some Europeans disagree with decisions of the American government, but they are not instantly hateful of Americans they meet based on their nationality.
If you are respectful, open, friendly, and thoughtful toward the Germans you meet, as well as people from most countries, they will have a good impression of you and the American people.
Happy travels!
Most of the Germans I have met that live in America are very disdainful of Americans. See if you can fake being Canadian well.
This hole thing of europeans hating the USA is conservative bullshit....
Go and enjoy your trip
