posted on July 24, 2008 09:44:45 PM new
It seems my man wowed them, 200,000 strong. Smart of Obama to give folks over there a personal look at his style and personage.
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posted on July 24, 2008 10:39:03 PM new
Come on, Bill. You know that most Europeans actually speak more than one language! (Such a concept, huh.) Most Germans under 50 speak fluent English.
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posted on July 24, 2008 10:58:48 PM newOh me ... any count on how many spoke English?
Bill, Roadsmith is correct, the majority speak very fluent English.
What percentage of people in Germany speak English?
Answer:
Many of the countries in Europe teach their children multiple languages at an early age. I don’t know the actual percentage, but I would imagine that around 75% can communicate pretty well in English and about 30% of that is fluent in 4 or 5 different languages. I’m a German Major. Hehe
Another answer:
I live in Germany, in a very Americanized area (50,000 Americans, largest US population outside the US). Where I live, almost everyone speaks English, it seems. It is very common in the rest of Germany as well. In rural areas, not as many do, and the same is true for the much older population. Almost all young people speak it because in school they must learn either English or French, and most choose English. It would be impossible to give a percentage, because it varies so much based on location, age, etc, but I can tell you from experience, since I have lived here over two years, that it would be a high number. Everywhere I have been, it has been easy to find someone who spoke English. Hope that helps!
posted on July 25, 2008 12:15:02 AM new
Bill, yes they may have more curiosity for him and loved hearing what he had to say (as opposed to loving him as a person). Since America has always been such a world leader it's not surprising they want to see who may become the next president.
posted on July 25, 2008 05:21:14 AM new
Germany has been seeking a more balanced foreign policy for several years. Their genuine interest in Barack Obama as a U.S. president who could help to make this possible is shared by counties throughout Europe and other continents as well.
posted on July 25, 2008 08:48:23 PM new
Virtually every German I've encountered on three trips to Germany spoke some English and most spoke it pretty well. It's been required in school there since WW2. In addition, I am quite sure there was real time translation going on.
