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What do I need to know as a foreign exchange student next year?

What are some things I need to know about living in Germany before I go there for a year? (exchange student).?

  • Can anyone tell me some basic things about living in Germany? I'm fifteen years old and I'm going to be an exchange student there for a year. (In Cadenberge, Nieder-Sachsen). Things that I should know so I don't stand out extremely as the american fool. Things like. How they greet? (Shaking hands, right..?) Who do you say "I love you" to? (Friends, family, boyfriend/girlfriend, etc.?) Some really common expressions used amongst teenagers? And please don't stop there! Tell me EVERYTHING (that you can) that I should know! (: Also, are there any "more appropriate" ways to say "Schieße!" or "Oh mein Gott!"? I know those are two common phrases, but I don't swear. You know, like, America has "Crap!/Darn!" or "Oh my goodness!". Thanks a LOAD! (: -- Mat http://www.myspace.com/pifft If you have any questions!

  • Answer:

    Schiessen means to shoot. Scheisse mans crap or sh**. You should get that straight before you go to Germany. "Oh" doesn't exist in German. It would be more like Ach du lieber Gott! (dear God) This is not considered swearing. If you don't want to stand out as an American fool, don't hang out with other Americans. That is a common mistake Americans make. Steer clear of the American embassy. Hang out with Germans. You would only say I love you to a serious girlfriend, or your own family, not your German host family. That would be considered really weird. Yes, shaking hands is the appropriate greeting. Do not use the familiar form "du" when greeting strangers, very impolite. German is very easy to learn. English is a Germanic language, so the transition is seamless, unless you really don't try. Listen to people when they correct you. The kids smoke more over there...avoid that. Good luck.

yourx3ju... at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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There are two different ways to say I love you. You can say "Ich habe dich lieb" to family and very close friends, but "ich liebe dich" would only be for a girlfriend/boyfriend.

Goddess of Grammar

well i was watching like a german language thing on youtube...and she said that when she went to germany...that they dont throw around i love you like americans do... you know how sometimes girls say "love ya" when they leave...(not that you do it) but i guess i love you is more meaningful there sorry thats all i know )=

Taemint

I am also going to be going to Germany as an exchange student. Except I am going to Munich, and for only 6 weeks. Well bring a lot of money because things in Germany cost twice as much as they do in the US. I used to live in Europe, and a lot of Europeans think that Americans are stupid. But don't try to act too smart either or you will end up looking stupid. Also as someone mentioned don't brag because that is another thing (as far as I know) that people in America is known for. And don't be all "America is the Best," That really pisses a lot of people off. And remember if someone asks you where you are from just say 'North America' to keep general because a lot of people strongly dislike America, because a lot of (not all) Americans are very arrogant. Oh, and I added you kn myspace. (Julie) -Hope i could help

First of all, do not boast, they are much better at it! Secondly, don't be fat or not white, they aren't like Americans, they are very secluded, a black person stand out a lot! Lastly, go to Koln! PS: Act normal

Winslow F

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