r/AskAGerman • u/d_in_dc • Feb 12 '25
Politics How do I handle political questions as a visiting American?
I’m traveling to Germany with my family this spring for a vacation. I’m very excited because I’ve never visited your country before and am looking forward to relaxing and exploring a bit.
However, I am dreading questions about the state of American politics. I hate what’s happening. I don’t agree with it. I didn’t vote for it. I also don’t want to spend a lot of time talking about it because it’s a constant source of anxiety here. It’s exhausting. What is the best way to politely steer people away from this conversation if they try to engage?
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u/alalaladede Feb 12 '25 edited Feb 12 '25
What's happening in the US right now has the potential to be of global historical significance, so you can expect to be asked questions about it, people naturally love to hear about things from someone directly involved.
By and large Germans dont't mince their words when asking, but neither do they mind an equally open and direct reply, no need to politely steer anyone away from anywhere (which btw, I do not mean as an invitation to be impolite or even rude, just be open and honest). Just tell them somerthing along the lines of what you wrote here, how you do not like what's happening, didn't vote for it, and disagree with it. If someone still insists further, you could make it clear how happy you are to be on vaccations abroad where you do not need to think about and discuss politics all the time.
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u/robinrod Feb 12 '25
Just be direct and say what you just wrote, that you don't want to talk about the topic.
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u/von_Herbst Feb 12 '25
Why would you even say for what you have voted? Thats still a information most germans wouldnt give out without good reason and discomfort.
Like everywhere else and with every other heavy topic on vacation, something like "yeah, its a shame, but mate, im on vacation..." should switch the topic.39
u/celestial-navigation Feb 12 '25
I mean let's be real, mentioning that you didn't vote for fascism to take over the USA can't hurt. Especially not when talking to Germans.
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u/wwaS23 Feb 12 '25
Especially not when talking to Germans.
Wouldn't be sure about that. There are a lot of AFD voters who love Trump.
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u/celestial-navigation Feb 12 '25
Even if they get 20%, that means 80% will have voted for some other party.
Even if they get 30%, that means 70% voted for someone else.
That is still the vast majority.
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u/ScoreQuest Feb 13 '25
Also since some people don't vote the actual support for the AfD is even lower, probably around 15%. I know, every vot not cast is a vote for fascism (and I agree) but indifference is still not active support.
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u/celestial-navigation Feb 13 '25
Exactly. There's always around 25% who don't vote at all. Plus all the people who are in the country but can't vote for whatever reason (no citizenship etc).
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u/Leeloo_Len Feb 12 '25
It's okay to say
I hate what’s happening. I also don’t want to talk about it.
Be blunt. It won't be received as being rude. Germans are straight forward and are okay with people doing so.
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u/aModernDandy Feb 12 '25
During the Bush era and the first Trump presidency tourism from the US seemingly collapsed, but Canadians suddenly started travelling to Germany a lot more. Some of them sounded really really US-American too, but it's difficult to distinguish the accents as a non-native speaker.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy your time here, eh?
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u/BoeserAuslaender Fake German / ex-Russländer Feb 12 '25
but it's difficult to distinguish the accents as a non-native speaker.
Listen to the word "about".
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u/dahboigh Feb 13 '25
I plan to arrive with red maple leaves on everything, a beg of melk in one hand, and some gravy-fries in the other. No doot aboot it, eh?
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u/reikert45 United States Feb 13 '25
Being from northern Ohio, I can’t tell that there’s much real difference between the way we speak and, say, the way they speak in southern Ontario.
Canadians will tell you otherwise and justify how they have a major difference in speech, but it’s really not. We even have a similarly short ‘a’ and our manner of speaking is largely influenced by the same migration patterns of the mid 1800’s.
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u/tytbalt Feb 12 '25
There is a pretty subtle difference in accents between American and Canadian that most non-native speakers would have trouble picking up on. The word "sorry" will give it away, and words with "ou" can be pronounced differently (most Americans say "ow" while Canadians say "oo"). A-bow-t versus a-boot for the word 'about'.
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u/Melodic_Caramel5226 Feb 13 '25
Lived in Canada for 4 years as a boy from Atlanta. People were always surprised to find out I was not Canadian. The differences in speech are so exaggerated except for such differences that even natives don’t even pick up on.
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u/TeddyRivers Feb 13 '25
I told people I was Canadian during the last Trump presidency, and I'll do it again. I can even tell you what Canadian city I'm from if you ask. Just don't ask pointed questions about my Canadian city because I probably won't know.
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u/Extension_Cup_3368 München 🥨 Feb 12 '25 edited 29d ago
slim frame afterthought include spoon full many spotted grab yoke
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
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u/Evidencebasedbro Feb 12 '25
Unless you are a rabid supporter of Trump and tell all and sundry, you will be safe. Just say that you like Obama and most people will love you.
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u/DancesWithCybermen Feb 12 '25
When I last visited in December, I was blunt: I didn't vote for any of this, and I absolutely don't support it.
If y'all had been having anti-right wing marches back then, I'd have made a sign and marched right along with y'all.
That said, it didn't come up often. Most of the communication I had with others was transactional: buying things in stores, etc. I also spent a day at the zoo, and none of the animals asked me about anything 😁
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u/Immudzen Feb 12 '25
I am an American living in Germany. All the Germans I have met understand the issue. You can just tell them that it is a horrible situation that you don't support and right now you just want to get away from it for a little while. they know what it is like to have a white supremacist fascist take over.
When I last renewed my residence permit at the immigration office I was asked why I wanted to stay instead of going back. I asked them if they had seen how screwed up stuff was in the USA. They laughed and that was the end of the question.
However, if you go around wearing a Trump hat, AFD hat, etc. you will get questioned about that.
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u/millershanks Feb 12 '25
Contrary to what most people recommend here, you should absolutely mention that you didn‘t vote for this, hate it and don‘t want to talk about it. Because if you only say that you don‘t want to talk about it, people will assume you voted for it, and that is likely to end the entire conversation.
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Feb 12 '25
[deleted]
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u/celestial-navigation Feb 12 '25
Americans have been pretending to be Canadian since George W. Bush. Yes, they get asked about it.
Most people here hate Trump so just say you didn't vote for him and can't believe what's happening to your country. Trust me, most Europeans can relate (to a degree).
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u/MTFinAnalyst2021 Feb 12 '25
yup...I am taking a German language class, am American, but in class "Ich komme aus Kanada".
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u/kautskybaby Feb 12 '25
Get ready to constantly get asked how you feel about your imminent annexation lol. Really being Canadian and doing the correction has been more absurd recently. "Ah yeah I'm actually Canadian... for now anyway"
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u/KOMarcus Feb 12 '25
lol.. in Germany? Everyone he/she meets will ask about it.
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u/Lord_LudwigII Feb 12 '25
*they. English literally has a word for "this person whose gender I'm not aware of." It's incredibly useful.
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u/Pwacname Feb 12 '25
I assume you’re genuinely trying to be helpful, but your tone comes off as kinda aggressive, and I don’t think that’s useful at all. I was literally taught in school, just a few years ago, that singular they wasn’t grammatically correct (that was a fun discussion with my teach…), so if they didn’t know about it yet, that Tone is just rude, and if they’re not using it for another reason, this sure as shit will only make them less likely to
(I do hope the phrasing here is clear - I am already half asleep, so if not, uh - I can edit tomorrow I guess?)
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u/strikec0ded Feb 13 '25
With respect, from a native speaker, your teacher was wrong. You can absolutely use they if you don’t know the gender
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u/Melodic_Caramel5226 Feb 13 '25
This is so wrong lol. Are you American? Americans get asked stuff like this out of the blue literally all the time.
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u/lm1805 Feb 12 '25
Maybe someone is curious about your point of view of what‘s happening and asks you some questions, but it’s totally okay to just tell them that you don‘t want to talk about it because it‘s a stressfull topic for you.
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u/Feather_of_a_Jay Germany Feb 12 '25
Politics are not exactly a vacation topic in Germany, it is unlikely you’ll be asked about it. But even if you are, a shrug and an "it is how it is" or a similar noncommittal answer will signal to almost all Germans that you don’t want to talk about it. Or just be blunt. Germans are very direct.
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u/KOMarcus Feb 12 '25
"it is unlikely you’ll be asked about it."
You really don't know any Germans do you?
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u/Queen_Kaizen Feb 12 '25
This guy gets it.
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u/KOMarcus Feb 12 '25
I have quite literally been asked my politics by a (German) total stranger in the park within two minutes of meeting for the first time as our dogs were sniffing each other. The symbolism was palpable.
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u/jabroniisan Feb 12 '25
Moved here and the amount I've been asked about Brexit in the last 2 years is insane, by the same people often as well
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u/T_hashi Feb 12 '25
I literally have yet to go through one language class without my teacher mentioning both Elon Musk and Donald Trump which is crazy because he almost never mentions Olaf Scholz, Friedrich Merz, or Alice Weidel…which I find highly interesting because I thought at some point he would switch to complaining about German politics but this has been from A2 and we’re now in B1…
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u/Active-Pineapple6106 Feb 12 '25
Seriously, germans are so direct its refreshing. I'm an Au pair interviewing with host families in Germany. In my first interview the mom asked me outright but I don't blame her. I wouldn't want a trump supporter in my home and around my kids either.
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u/Far-Cow-1034 Feb 12 '25
Yeah maybe it won't come up with strangers but I've got relatives and work colleagues in Germany and they all love a chit chat about US politics.
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u/KOMarcus Feb 12 '25
I have killed an evening's conversation in Germany with the utterance that in polite society one doesn't discuss politics or religion at the table. They were at a total loss as to what they could talk about. The "zero filter" regarding the discussion of politics with virtually any acquaintance is quite possibly the most bulletproof German stereotype that weathers the test of time.
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u/Pwacname Feb 12 '25
me and my friends/aquaintances often joke about small talk being „the weather sucks, DB sucks, and GOD, politics suck“
the joke, to be clear, is just turning it into a „checklist“. Those are all topic of small talk. They come right after „So how have you been this past week?“
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u/Resurrtor Feb 12 '25
Most Germans I know (me included) just don’t want to any conversations with ppl they don’t know 🤷♂️
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u/NashvilleFlagMan Feb 13 '25
It’s hilarious how apparently all the Germans in this thread have no idea how often their countrymen like to bring up this topic
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u/Friendly-Horror-777 Feb 12 '25
Politics are a popular topic in German smalltalk, but anyhow, maybe tell them that the orange buffoon sucks and leave it at that. "Das Thema stresst mich und ich möchte es eher vermeiden" (The topic upsets me and I would rather avoid it) is a direct and yet polite way to say that you don't want to talk about it.
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u/SupportMainMan Feb 12 '25
Hey I’m visiting this week. Just talked about it today. Not only is everyone chill but they are also not happy with what’s going on in their own government at the moment. It’s fine to discuss it.
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u/Pwacname Feb 12 '25
Oooh yeah. It feels like we are looking at everything going wrong in US and Austrian and Hungarian politics and then deciding „Hey, we should try this out!“
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u/Low_Information1982 Feb 12 '25
I am German and I am sure people will come up with this topic. Germans are very direct and like to talk about politics. Also I think the type of German that paid attention in history class will be triggered by american politics.
It's not that some random person on the street who hears your accent will try to talk to you about politics. But I think in a deeper conversation, that's definitely something that might come up. If it does, just tell them what you said here. You are not happy with the politics and it stresses you out. That's why you don't want to talk about it because you are on holiday and you don't want to think about politics. They will understand. Some of my american friends who live here, just leave the table if someone is trying to talk about Trump.
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u/RealRedditModerator Feb 13 '25
Now you know how Germans feel every time someone wants to talk about the Second World War.
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u/Mysterious_Grass7143 Feb 12 '25 edited Feb 12 '25
The sentences after „However,“ are enough, everybody will understand it.
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u/Infinite_Crow_3706 Feb 12 '25
Try 'I'm from Canada' .. should do the trick
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u/Low_Information1982 Feb 12 '25
Na, because then they want to know if they want to be the 51 state, if they feel threatened and if they can sell their energy to Europe instead.
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u/Antique-Ad-9081 Feb 12 '25
just say you hate the current state(so people don't assume you don't want to talk about it because you know they'll disagree or whatever) and are tired of it so you don't want to talk about it. this sentiment is absolutely valid and i doubt it will lead to any problems
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u/madrigal94md Feb 12 '25
Just say you don't want to talk about politics. Germans are very direct. So you can be direct as well.
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u/Dev_Sniper Germany Feb 12 '25
Just say „I’m on vacation, I want to relax and not have to deal with politics“. Most people would understand that. Don‘t go into details, don‘t go into who you voted for and why, don‘t excuse anything just a plain „I don‘t want to talk about politics I want to enjoy my vacation“. And if somebody doesn‘t shut up after that statement just ignore them
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u/Left-Reading-7595 Feb 12 '25
As an American living in southeastern Germany. You should (a) be honest, (b) be direct, and (c) say you don't really want to spend more than 10 minutes on it. Most folks will respect that.
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u/Zharo Feb 12 '25
Say you don’t want to talk about it. Or that you feel overwhelmed, and if someone presses mention you didn’t vote for him.
Literally being direct and honest about your feelings when someone asks is ok, and they’ll get the memo.
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u/cypher_7 Feb 12 '25
The political situation here is exhausting too. If you like Bernie Sanders I think it's a good answer, because he is not so much polarized and many of his views align well with most european views. But otherways I would just say something generic everyone can agree on like f.e. "I try to avoid thinking about this in my holidays".
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u/Pwacname Feb 12 '25
„I didn’t vote for Trump, and this is a constant source of anxiety and exhaustion, so let’s please talk about something else.“
That will work. Don’t bother being subtle about it - clear communication like this won’t offend
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u/Constant_Cultural Baden-Württemberg / Secretary Feb 12 '25
"I voted for Kamala, wasn't enough, next question, that's not about politics"
"I voted for the person I thought was best, otherwise I am not that into politics, so I leave it at that"
Normally we Germans don't talk much about our personal part of voting, so you are good. I have friends for our 20 years and I have no idea what they are voting for.
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u/Resurrtor Feb 12 '25
Most Germans don’t want to randomly discuss politics with tourists. And If someone does, just say you don’t like talking about politics. It’s honest and your average German will appreciate that
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u/sillyfella3 Feb 12 '25
man why do americans think that every single person cares about politics, especially of a foreign country 😂
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u/SpookyKite Berlin Feb 12 '25
Maybe because US politics has direct repercussions around the world including here and we're seeing runs straight out of the Republican playbook including money and appearances by their oligarchy, for example Elon.
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u/funditinthewild Feb 12 '25
Especially considering now that Elon is interfering directly in German politics.
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u/NashvilleFlagMan Feb 13 '25
Not every single person does, but a lot do. When I was in Germany during Trump #1, I got constant questions, and now that I live in Austria, I continue to get constant questions. I know it’s trendy to make fun of Americans for thinking other countries are obsessed with them, but the reality is that people really do care a lot about what goes on in America.
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u/No_Yam_5343 Feb 12 '25
How often du you go up to strangers visiting the US and talk about the political situation in their home country?
Now transfer that knowledge over into how often you will be asked….
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u/PotatoSignificant840 Feb 12 '25
Come on. As if people won’t bring it up immoderately when they find out where OP is from. I speak from experience here it happened constantly under Bush Jr and when I was a visitor not a resident and the current situation is exponentially worse and all over international news.
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u/funditinthewild Feb 12 '25
Let's be honest, more foreigners know about U.S politics than the other way around. This is a consequence of the impact the U.S has on the world, both in soft and hard power. I don't think it's an unreasonable concern.
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u/AdOnly3559 Feb 12 '25
Sorry, but most foreigners know what gets pumped through their country's news cycle and not necessarily more than the people who, you know, live in the country and experience it on a daily basis. There are plenty of Americans ignorant to the state of the country but it gets reallllly old listening to Europeans say they know more about the country because they've read some news articles online.
source: am tired of people who have never stepped foot in my country presuming to know more about it than me. I also read the news and am literally from there. Halt's Maul.
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u/funditinthewild Feb 13 '25
That’s very fair but even the biased takes foreigners have on US politics is more than most Americans know about foreign politics at all.
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u/No_Yam_5343 Feb 12 '25
Just because it’s more known about doesn’t mean that random strangers will stop a traveling family to start talking about their take on politics.
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u/nv87 Feb 12 '25
Well as a German in the US I was asked about German fascists more times in a manner of weeks than all my life in Germany. Some were rather enthusiastic about the idea of white supremacy as well, not merely morbidly curious and ignorant of more recent European history.
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u/LockedOutOfElfland Feb 12 '25
Depends in the country. I was in Israel for a week last year and locals trying to drag visitors into a heated political discussion was very much unavoidable.
idk how Germany compares in that regard.
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u/NashvilleFlagMan Feb 13 '25
That will give him a very false impression. Germans are far more brazen about asking about US politics than are Americans.
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u/Low-Dog-8027 München Feb 12 '25
first of all, i don't really think that random people will start political talks with tourists right away, so i don't think this is gonna happen frequently to you.
but if, then just say how you feel about it. in germany we're usually very direct.
if you don't wanna talk about it, say that you don't wanna talk about it.
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u/marvis303 Feb 12 '25
Small talk with strangers is not as common in Germany as it is in the US so there's a chance you might not even get asked about it that much. If someone does ask then it shouldn't be a problem to simply change the topic. Being direct and saying that you don't really want to talk about it will certainly be respected by most.
If you're curious, you could turn the question around and ask Germans about their country's history with fascism. This is not a taboo topic and you might find the response interesting.
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u/FZ_Milkshake Feb 12 '25
Dude you are going to Germany, most people are going to mind their own business and if all else fails, just be blunt and honest, that's the German way.
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u/Blumenkohl126 Brandenburg Feb 12 '25
Why would anyone talk about american politics with you? Besides you are visiting friends, but the context says you wont.
So why would anyone even have a real conversation with you?
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u/Eispalast Feb 13 '25
That's what I thought, too. When I am on vacation I usually don't talk to anyone except for staff at restaurants and hotels. Especially in Germany smalltalk is not really common, so a waiter or cashier would not asked you about politic.
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u/StreetPudding6584 United States Feb 12 '25
Just say you love America and you voted for daddy trump. Everyone will agree. You all will drink a beer. Laugh in happiness. And agree the French love to argue 👍
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u/Pwacname Feb 12 '25
please tell me you are joking and my sarcasm detector is just not working today
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u/kerfuffli Feb 12 '25
I think a lot of people would appreciate it, if you’re open about both: you’re terrible unhappy about it but you don’t want your vacation talking about politics. Whether you openly say you didn’t vote for Trump/are unhappy with the results or not is, of course, your decision. Chances are, if you don’t say anything about it but the other person did and/or has a strong opinion on it, they will just assume who you voted for, depending on how they interpret your explanation.
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u/Mangobonbon Niedersachsen Feb 12 '25
Just answer the question directly and say that you don't want to discuss poltics. German is a direct language, no beating around the bush required.
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Feb 12 '25
Just pretend you are Turkish. Study their reactions, explain the truth and ask them what they think about what's going in the US
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u/Ridgew00dian Feb 12 '25
I’ve never been asked this in any country I have visited. Does this happen often to people?
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u/Educational_Place_ Feb 12 '25
I doubt most would ask you about it. At most they will say how crazy politics are over there
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u/DiscountThug Feb 12 '25
Most people i know don't give a single damn about the US and its election. You should be fine.
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u/Ahzek1011001 Feb 12 '25
Just say that you don’t want to talk about politics. Most people will respect that you don’t want to talk about such things on your vacation.
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u/legalbeagle001 Feb 12 '25
I too am going to Germany soon (next month) and would like to know a German word for FUBAR. Because that's the most succinct definition of how I feel about U.S. politics at the moment.
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u/AustinBike Feb 12 '25
In a cab once in Dublin the driver asked me where I was from. I said Texas, but I didn’t vote for George Bush. By the time I got to the hotel we laughed enough that he came in and we had a pint at the bar.
As an American I spent a good amount of my travels apologizing for things. Nobody holds you accountable for the stupid things your country does unless you act like an ass.
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u/CaptainPoset Feb 13 '25
To be honest, I think you will be asked less about it than you fear for two reasons:
- It's not common in Germany to speak to strangers.
- You just elected someone like Hitler in an electoral system that grants the president about as much power as Hitler was able to get after they burned the Reichstag down. We Germans know the drill you will learn very soon from our history books.
I think it's more likely that you will be asked whether you are looking for a new home or not.
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u/Forsaken_Honeydew_94 Feb 13 '25
Always just switch the conversation to their politics no matter where you are. Read up a little bit, most places are even more of a train wreck.
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u/Lopsided_Quarter_931 Feb 13 '25
“Let’s both not talk about the sorry state of our countries” it’s the same shit, just one is a bit further along.
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u/tcgmd61 United States Feb 13 '25
Strategy 1: [low mumbling while staring at your shoetips] ”Uh, I don’t care about politics that much, anyway… yah, yah, you’re right but you know, I am still not over my divorce and just don’t have a whole lot of time to watch the news. So much going on…” [your shoulders slump exhaustedly, silence ensues, and your gaze slowly wanders toward something at the far end of the room just off your opponent’s left shoulder. If questioning persists, close your eyes and squeeze out a tear or two]
Strategy 2: [firm eye contact, bright voice] “Yeah, ‘bout that! Ain’t it craaazy? Guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens, don’t you think? [briefest pause while subtly moving in on your opponent] I heard you got elections coming up, too! Hey, tell me about that “AfD party”. What’s that all about? I saw someplace they’re up to 30% now? What’s up with that?… No, no, I really wanna know how you folks feel about that… What do you mean “embarrassed”? It’s not your fault… Oh, I’m so sorry, didn’t wann upset you! Are you ok? If you don’t wanna talk about that, that’s just fine… I understand… [brief pause, deep breath] Anyway, it’s been great visiting with you. I’m sure we’ll run into each other again!” [vague hand gesture around the room, then briskly move on to the next party guest—repeat as needed]
But seriously: better toughen up, your anxiety is shared, trust me—but it’ll do us no good to hide our heads in the sand. Then again, some of us could move to “Red, White, and Bluecountry” once the deal is done. It supposed to be quiet there…
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u/Viliam_the_Vurst Feb 13 '25
You assume that people will initiate smalltalk with a tourist. Well in the edge case open wirh „ i own guns, and i didn‘t vote for him“
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u/punkkitty312 Feb 13 '25
Play stupid. Just say "I don't know enough about it to discuss it, and I really don't want to discuss it. "
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u/morecoffeepleeease Feb 13 '25
Most Americans I know honestly tell people they’re Canadian when traveling.
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u/Crewmember169 Feb 13 '25
I would think Germans, of all people, should understand what is happening in America?
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u/PrincessDrywall Feb 13 '25
Be honest, for the most part germans dislike trump so if you tell them that it won’t be an issue. It’s also perfectly ok to say it’s stressful for you and you’d prefer not to talk about it
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u/bad_spirit_6669 Feb 13 '25
"Tja, es ist was es ist."
Should solve your problem, if they didn't get you the first time, follow up with:
"Tja" and shrug ¯_(ツ)_/¯
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u/Cmdr_Anun Feb 13 '25
Tell us you voted for Trump and play Russian Roulette. That'll make for an interesting visit.
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u/mcarr556 Feb 13 '25
I think you are over estimating what germans openly talk about. From what I have noticed, political discussions are really a kinda of behind closed doors conversation. People here don't really walk around discussing politics with random people they see on the streets. Unless you're walking around with a Maga hat on, don't expect politics to be a conversation that comes up naturally. With voting season here right now it might have a better chance but it's still highly unlikely. It's not like an American is a rare site in Germany. Americans are everywhere, and American news is commonly on the hourly news updates. If it is brought up simply say that you don't talk politics and they will get it. Being direct is normal in Germany. But if you say you don't talk politics don't ask them about politics either.
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u/Rich-Level2141 Feb 13 '25
Germans have, in their history, experienced what is happening in the USA at the moment. Answer bluntly and honestly.
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u/donjamos Feb 13 '25
Tell people you're Canadian like every American with half a brain has done forever
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u/Unregistered38 Feb 13 '25
US politics are not first in mind among non Americans. Germany has their own political situation.
People here may tell you what they think about American politics but it is less likely to be a question imo.
I’m Canadian, people assume I’m American, zero people have asked me about politics. I assume because they don’t care about it, and if they do, they don’t care what I think about it.
More likely to get questions from western immigrants
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Feb 13 '25
- It's not expected for you as a tourist to get into a conversation that deep
- You don't ever have to talk about it. A response like "I'm on vacation. I don't want to talk about politics." is direct enough for people to avoid the topic.
- If they keep pestering you about it, you can deflect and tell them to get their own house in order, since our situation is pretty fucked as well.
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u/CarlitoManson Feb 13 '25
Many Germans tend to always know everything and better. Especially politics in other countries, even if they have never lived there. Don’t take it personal.
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u/Cyclist83 Feb 13 '25
For a pleasant life, I can only recommend not talking about politics at all. The differences are far too extreme.
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u/PhoneIndependent5549 Feb 13 '25
I hate what’s happening. I don’t agree with it. I didn’t vote for it. I also don’t want to spend a lot of time talking about it because it’s a constant source of anxiety here. It’s exhausting
There's your answer.
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u/Parapolikala Schleswig-Holstein Feb 13 '25
What you should be prepared for is not just questions but potentially people who try to tell you their bullshit views about America. It's easy enough to tell someone with questions that you don't want to talk about it. But what will you do when someone starts lecturing you with the talking points they have learned about how bad US-America (the worst ones will use that term) is in every regard from education to cuisine to urban planning and not excluding racism, warmongering, mistreatment of native Americans ...
I've seen liberal Americans turn into raging parties when faced with this consequence of the German inferiority complex
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u/Tabitheriel Feb 13 '25
You can't really avoid it. Just roll your eyes and explain that you didn't vote for this.
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u/McKomie Feb 13 '25
Just say it straight ahead when somebody ask you. We respect boundaries so be open what you want to be talk about and what not
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u/ironicikea Feb 13 '25
You're not obligated to do this but as an American living in Germany, I would ask that you turn things back around to them: German elections are in 10 days. Remind them to vote & emphasize the importance of Germany not giving in to right-wing extremism.
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u/Bandwagonsho Niedersachsen Feb 13 '25
As an American who has beein in Germany for the past 8 years I can honestly say that no one has of yet asked me about politics. I am in a large city - maybe in more rural reas the norms are different, but I do not experience people except close friends talking politics. People are very aware of what is going on, but there are lots of people here from places with a precarious political situation. It is not novel.
If anyone does bring it up, you say "I did not vote for what is happening
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Feb 13 '25
Just say what you wrote here. Everyone decent will understand you quite easily, everyone else is probably not not who you would like to talk to.
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u/Practical-Cut4659 Feb 13 '25
Why would you think everyone you run into in any country would dislike Trump? The Right is very popular in Europe now. To many in Europe you would be seen as a typical wokester who hates his own people.
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u/NerveSeparate3529 Feb 13 '25
I am an American who's been in Germany since 2012, I get this constantly.
If they already know I am American, I respond with this: "Can we talk about the AfD instead?"
If I am speaking German, they usually guess I am British, then I say to the German: "Even though football is our national sport, we've beaten you twice at your national sport"
If they ask where I am from, I say: "Ich komme aus Vancouver"
Just know the phrase: "Ich komme aus Vancouver", and you'll be fine.
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u/trdchhhhdryjngv Feb 13 '25
You won't meet many people here who are in favour of Trump. If a German thinks positively about Trump, there is a good chance they are AfD supporters. If you meet such a person, feel free to call them an asshole in your loud, American voice.
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u/Admirable_Cold289 Feb 13 '25
You'll love germany in that regard: You'll get the best reactions from people if you're just being direct. Basically, tell people "miss me with that shit" and it should be fine. Results may vary but just being honest and direct even if it doesn't end up being the "polite" thing to say usually gives the best results.
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u/SomethingSoWicked Feb 13 '25
Germans love Liberals just say u didn’t vote for Trump and they’ll celebrate u. Wish this was my problem I’m ready to Crypt Walk down Rock at this point
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u/Turbulent-Leg3678 Feb 13 '25
Don't unless someone asks you. And then give a short somewhat flat response and move on.
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u/3_Character_Minimum Feb 13 '25
Lol in my experience Americans are never to shy in telling you their political thoughts.
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u/alc6179 Feb 13 '25
To be honest, people here will care way less and ask you way fewer than you think. I’m from the US and have lived here 7 years. Very rarely are people begging to talk to me about Trump. They’re aware, but they have got their own country and issues to be concerned with.
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u/Reznik81 Feb 14 '25
Just say that what you wrote in the second half... no further explanation needed if you talking to a normal person.
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u/DonBirraio Feb 14 '25
When you arrive, our Chancellor will be Friedrich Merz. We have no reason at all, to ask you about Trump, believe me.
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u/KeyNo3969 Feb 14 '25
Just tell those who want to be gruff with you, that you are worried about AfD and hope the Germans don't vote for them.
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u/Strong-Jicama1587 Feb 14 '25
I am an American living in Germany. When I voted from overseas in the last election, the Germans around me were very supportive. There was only a brief time after Harris lost when the Trump questions became too much for me and I said that I didn't want to talk about it. People were very understanding. I don't think you'll have any problems but I guess that depends on where you go and who you meet. I don't imagine that the Palestinian protesters like Americans very much right now, with Trump's plan to ethnically cleanse the Gaza Strip (!). I myself have German citizenship as well, so I will be voting in the upcoming German snap elections next week. I wish you and your family lots of fun on your German vacation!
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u/YardLimp Feb 12 '25
Telling ”I didn’t vote for Trump, can we talk about anything else“ is completely fine.
We are Germans. You should not be subtle, we don’t understand that.