What Germans should not do in America (or Britain)

• I have a class of German engineers that occasionally travel. They wanted to have a list of things they might not realize could get them in hot water in the USA. For instance: imagine a German on a business trip to Los Angeles goes to the music store to buy a rap album for some reason. What do you think would happen when he asks 'Hello, where is your black music section?' Depending on who’s working the counter he might get yelled at or worse. Also most of my class didn’t realize that if you don’t tip at bars in the US the bartender gets pissed off and ignores you. Can you guys think of anything else? It doesn’t have to even be the USA, it could be things from the UK or wherever.

  03 Jul 2007, 05:52 Pete

Replies

• "Black" music, lol

  If you are going to ask for things and you don't know if your grasp of English is that great, just make sure that they know that you are a foreigner. It is easier to forgive a German for that kind of stuff than it is for Americans or British. Don't say "black" music, don't really refer to race unless physically describing someone who asked. Since we are so diverse, race generally isn't too much of an issue (though stereotypes remain). If you need help, ask. Americans generally find foreigners more interesting than other Americans and will enjoy helping you out.

  Some guy 30 Jan 2008, 06:59 - Report

• Pouring Beer

  My friend (who is German) would often pour me a beer and hand me a glass with 1/2 foam (head). Typically, we pour our beer to leave only a few centimeters of head. Watch a bartender to get the idea before trying your hand at serving
  
  Otherwise, I agree with the previous posts - be careful when using racial terms. Political correctness is alive and well in most parts of the US.

  anon 12 May 2008, 09:51 - Report

• You are always okay.

  If an American asks "How are you?" You are not supposed to say "Fine, thanks". They're not asking about the story of your life.

  dutch 20 Mar 2009, 11:12 - Report

• New To The USA

  Being retired military, I might not be the best person to ask about getting it right the first time. But I can tell you that the very best way to attract Americans is to be German, French, British or whatever you are. The quickest way to bore us to death is to try and be like us. I'm a redneck (southerner). Try to pronounce words as I do, and if I do not know you well, extremely well, things will most likely go down hill rather quickly.

  Bob Miller 16 Apr 2009, 09:17 - Report

• DONT COME

  STAY IN EUROPE

  AN AMERICAN 21 Apr 2009, 12:41 - Report