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Insight Into Food, Safety and Language By an Engineering Student in Germany

living in germany

Following comment was posted by Alexander at the blog post – 15 Things You Didn’t Know About  Living in Germany.

Alexander  is studying (Bachelor of Science) Industiral Engineering with special field in Electronics at the Fachhochschule Landshut.

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I am an engineering student from Germany and it was interesting reading your blog and your experiences.

In some points I can say you are absolutely right. Others are new to me and if they really occurred you have my heartfelt sympathy.

Language Barrier in Germany

Well first of all. The language is quite a big barrier.

A lot of German politicians claim that Germany will learn English and is going to be a bit more of an international country but it is not, and by the current measures it is never going to be.

Fact is the least of the German population knows any English at all. The few who learned it at school have a terrible accent.

Well it is understandable because there is literally no possibility of using the language unless you are planing to work abroad.

So it is a little bit crazy but in my opinion Germany is no country where multi-languages are well accepted.

For instance the Bavarian accent is a little bit discriminated too. I have some friends who got discriminated at school just because they insisted to talk in the Bavarian accent.

At a school in Bavarian. The teachers themselves talked in Bavarian in their leisure time. The teachers are very strict. They wanted the students to talk in high level German language. NO MATTER WHAT… [I still don’t like my former teachers :-p]

I don’t want to be to hard on it. But there is a common distance towards new things in the mentality.

Every one is a little bit for himself an not really open for the world. Especially not for languages.

There is a saying: “Was der Bauer nicht kennt, mag er nicht.” This means “Thing the farmer doesn’t know he will dislike.”

Sadly it is ture. Especially for the area around Munich. (Don’t tell anyone but a high percentage of the population are descendants of farmers – so the saying might apply even a little more).

I don’t want to badmouth Munich and its surrounding area. I myself live in this area, and I must say it is a beautiful place to be.

But the most important thing is you need to know the mentality and why people act how they act. The people are not bad-minded. They are just different. Entirely different than in any other country. And with entirely I mean in many things the complete opposite of French, English, American or even Indian citizens.

Food

For example the food. Germans are used to it. Funny thing is a few of my friends get sick after eating Indian food. (That is why you almost don’t find it here) So I think it happens bilateral.

Saftey

The cases of robbery, theft and abuses must have happened mainly in Munich itself isn’t it.

There is a high number of juvenile Gangs in Big Cities of Germany. They don’t respect anything. They attack everyone. If you look at them in the wrong way – they are after you. I hate those scumbags.

There have been many stories in the news. For example Mr. Brunner from Ergoldsbach was beaten to death because he stood up against those scumbags, mugging and hitting people. That is why no one is going for help in such cases. It happens again and again. And there is not nearly enough police to protect all the people.

The best advice in such situations is. Keep your mobile phone ready while riding the subway or train. (The gangs are very often at train stations of Bahn or subway – less often in the town centers itself).

Secondly, be very loud. It helps because people will look at it and there are still some people who will help. And who will call the police.

This is a common problem it doesn’t only affect international people but the locals to.

My brother got mugged in Munich several times. And the police is not able to do anything against it. (Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, Hannover and Ingolstadt are very criminal cities. The crime rates are very high in those cities.)

Better works to drive by car to work. Why do you think most Germans use the CAR ? It is not (only) there is no speed limit on the highway.

Every country has its problems. That is one of Germany.

But it is not all that grim. Ok, given living in Germany is a little bit hard to adapt to the mentality. People are more for themselves. But try to get them in a conversation and they will love you for it and give you an interesting conversation. Ok, granted you will have to start it, but if it is started it runs..

Germans seldom start conversations, because they are frightened to be open to other people.

It is in their education and raising.

Me for instance would love to see more international people in Germany (not only in the bigger cities but the smaller towns too.)

It makes living here more varying and brings fresh ideas.

Image Credit.

Do You Have Any Questions About Studying in Germany?

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33 Comments

  1. HI Alexander;

    This is Nitin from India i m planing to do masters program in Germany.So i completed my bachelors degree in Electronics and Communication Engg.

    So wat do u suggest me to do.. industrial Engg in masters or automation Engg in masters so plz can u pick me some of the universities with good international students..

    plz help me out……

  2. I have got 75% in High School; and 65% in Inter and I am doing Btech in biotechnology with 70% and have done two research papers and worked on 1 project and I have not yet given the GRE and planning to give this SEP in my final year so that I can get selected in the Fall session.
    As I wanted to apply for the PhD program so I wanted to ask that at this percentage what all colleges can I apply for if I secure GRE score around 310.
    Thank you

  3. Well there must be some truth to the difference in an average German mentality because aside from accounts from a few seniors, two of my good North American friends on exchange programmes to Germany said it was difficult because of the people and their different outlook on things.
    However, the quality and amount of research and standard of education is very good, and if one if planning to study there, you should be well acquainted with the local customs. You can’t have everything your way, and Germany’s skill in technical education is well known.

  4. Well said Saad, Nowdays HSB loosing it reputation from its viewers. HSB want more bucks by sensationalising the blog to drive traffic. There should be a intention or some thing behind all these articles about the biased and sense less thing about Germany and European Education system.

    Any how this blog is good for GRE and TOEFL preparation and planning. So viewer should take positive things and leave the negative things of this blog here after. Use this blog to prepare only for GRE and TOEFL.

    Please don’t consider these sense less article hereafter.

  5. http://www.happyschoolsblog.com/category/study-in-germany/
    well this is your category of studying in germany
    and these are the following posts
    http://www.happyschoolsblog.com/germany-language-food-saftey/
    http://www.happyschoolsblog.com/international-students-in-germany/
    http://www.happyschoolsblog.com/about-tough-lifestyle-germany/
    http://www.happyschoolsblog.com/studying-in-germany-questions/

    In all these posts I haven’t found anything positive about Germany. If actually there is something positive, like superior technology and high standards of education, it is highly overshadowed by other negative statements. If I am unaware about the conditions in Germany will surely never consider going there after reading your posts.
    and yeah it is your blog you have the right to blog about what your views are and thanks for letting me know that your blogs are not the only things I should consider.

    1. hai saad…
      I completed my b.tech in india now i want to study ms in germany. Can u please give some information about the universities that are offering embedded systems, vlsi, chip designing , network systems and robotics. As i am from electronics with 73% in B.tech

  6. @vino: Don’t keep on arguing with HSB. This blog is only for US and Canada. Only US and Canada is heaven to do MS according to HSB. I am following this blog for 2 years, I am getting this only from this blog.

    At last you confused and lost the hope to do Ms in Germany only 😉 .

    You itself said that

    “You blog portray that Germany is the land of discrimination, gangster,Full of Criminal cities, worst for English speaking person.”

    So what your persuasion will be now ???

    Germans are really different from other human being in the world. See these lines from HSB article

    “But the most important thing is you need to know the mentality and why people act how they act. The people are not bad-minded. They are just different. Entirely different than in any other country. And with entirely I mean in many things the complete opposite of French, English, American or even Indian citizens.”

    So do Ms where Human exit(Only US and Canada Strictly!! Because Humans exiting there only) 🙂 🙂 😉 bro !!!! Never dream of Germany and other countries ok !! I am literally getting this point only from this blog. I hope you got the point from this blog.

    HSB knows how to force this thoughts in its viewer. He will be great Entrepreneur in the further.

    1. Haha..I think i got the point…I will learn some Judo, Karate, and some German to go to an alien land like Germany where they vomit and get sick on Indian food which is cooked with bad oil with some really bad ego that his Indian friends are studying in US and Canada and they get English speaking friends who are “real” humans not like Bavarian aliens who will mug you and beat you till death because the bavarian police is shittier than Indian police, which is like 1000 times better than anyone. Because they have Rajinikanth. 😛

      Come on man..this is all Scheisse ( “Shit” in German ). Go look for some legit sources.

      If you know you are going to be mugged then fucking run away .

  7. Language:

    It is essential. But you learn it in time. Some courses and an open mind and you are ready to succeed.

    Security:

    Basicly Germany is save for international students and people.
    The only thing which can get dangerous is the Railway Stations (Subway or Train). Gangs cause millions in damages in stolen items. Seldomly abuse, or violence can occure.

    Those crimes occure in Cities. In smaller towns it is unlikely to happen.

    The city centers are save even in Munich, Frankfurt and Berlin only the train stations and subway systems may occure dangerous, because of lack of police.

  8. For finding a good university in Gemrany take a look at the CHE Ranking.

    http://www.che-ranking.de/cms/?getObject=613&getLang=en

    Most of them are very good even with medium ranking. The ranking is made from the mood of the students. It gives some idea where to study and where not.

    For example my university. University of applied sciences Landshut has a good ranking.

  9. I have a friend studying in stanford who got mugged and also a friend in toronto who faced a similar situation.
    3 of my friends got killed in road accidents in India and I have also been in a severe road accidents but that still doesnt means we should all just leave India. I have a friend in germany and he says its a fantastic place to study. Now what should we believe. but I do think HSB you are a painting a bit negative picture about germany here

    1. Dude – If newspaper is posting stories about accidents in India and corruption does that mean, its painting negative picture about India? Same newspaper will also post sports wins, losses, education and rocket launches. As a blogger is my job to post, share ideas, its upto you to make use of the article in way you like.

      1. HSB there are lots of people who share Saad’s opinion and i am one of them, why are u pissed off and try to justify yourself. it ll make you look worse.

  10. Studying in Germany is quite good.

    The lectures are on a very high standard.

    For example: Bachelor of industrial engineering contains all the important fields in studies:
    -Operations Research, Programming in visual basic and C++, Meassurements and Electronics, Project Management, Quality Management, Accounting, Investmentplanning, Production Planing, Construction and CAD, etc. Everything with an applied focus.

    There are mainly two types of Universities:

    Fachhochschulen / Hochschulen (Universities of applied Sciences – with a focus on applied sciences.)
    and
    Universitäten (Universities – with a focus on theoretical science)

    for a list of all universities have a look here (sorry it is in german but shows all Universities with their Bundesland (state)

    1. Are the courses offered in english ?

      Are the lecturers English speakers ? Or Do we need to learn german along with engineering.

  11. For Students studying in Germany and HSB

    Hi all,
    Whether it worth to do MS in Germany. All HSB post are against to do Ms in Germany. Viewer comments supporting Ms in Germany.Viewer comments saying one thing and blog saying some other thing for last 3 days. This dhamasha is going on for last 3 days. Who is speaking the real truth here ? I am confused really with HSB and viewers comments.Whether to follow HSB or viewer comments ?

    What ever may be both viewers and HSB don’t play to make your arguments true here. please give the correct info regarding Germany(Both for viewers and HSB).

    In aamir khan style , satyamev jayate !!!!

      1. HSB !!! if you go through the comments like this ….
        ————————————————————————————————————-

        KK says:
        May 11, 2012 at 6:12 AM

        Well said Mridusmita. HSB is digging its own grave by providing incorrect and biased information blinded by its greed to make quick bucks by sensationalizing the blog to drive traffic. Your shortsightedness may just prove to be your undoing, HSB.

        ————————————————————————————————————-
        Krishna says:
        May 9, 2012 at 12:09 PM

        Bullshit Crap !! posted here .. Education quality is fantastic as well as there 0% discrimination !! i am studying here in GErmany .. at JLU Giessen,Germany.
        Reply

        Avatar of HSBHSB says:
        May 9, 2012 at 1:45 PM

        I have posted that was the result of the Survey – Expert Council of German Foundations on Integration and Migration (SVR).
        Reply
        ————————————————————————————————————-
        Dhinesh says:
        May 10, 2012 at 8:02 AM

        HSB great marketing technique to boost up American Uni intake and your blog. Please see this link…

        Good news for students, scientists, and researchers interested in studying and working in Germany

        http://mobile.young-germany.de/index.php?id=1624&tx_ttnewstt_news=3491&cHash=b11cdd7f288a5fdb3ba41d0e65776bee

        HSB comments:

        “Many students find it difficult to understand the complex immigration rules ( changes are coming soon)”

        where you find the so called “complex immigration rules” that too changes are coming soon for Germany. 😉

        Don’t give irrelevent comments regarding Higher education in other countries. People not just following your blog alone in the world…

        Better luck next time to mystify Other Countries Education system…….
        ————————————————————————————————————-
        Gowtham says:
        May 10, 2012 at 12:21 PM

        Post the discrimination levels in USA too. Then we will look upon Germany.
        ————————————————————————————————————-
        RK says:
        May 14, 2012 at 1:30 AM

        Hi HSB!!!

        Pls post some useful and true things about Germany !!! I hope that from the 50+ comments, the crap mentoined in this blog is ______ !!!! I request the guys to fill the gap 😉 .
        ————————————————————————————————————-

        Few example for viewers comments regarding MS in Germany and your contradicting points in blog regarding Ms in Germany.

        I hope you seeing these comments ……

        Which one to believe HSB ???

        Who speaking truth here you or viewer ??

        1. I asked you to find statement in this blog written by me that says don’t study in Germany. I cannot speak for Guest blog post or readers comment.

          1. You blog portray that Germany is the land of discrimination, gangster,Full of Criminal cities, worst for English speaking person.

            After all this you asking me , where I said don’t go for Germany.

            Seriously , I can’t understand your intention behind your article in this blog.

            Please clarify your thought behind these article about the germany.

            From your articles, It is clear that Gemany is the worst place to do Ms. But Viewer comments are contradicting to your articles.

            So I want you to take a stand on this

            Whether it is worth to do Ms in Germany or not .

            What one can get from your article? Your article indirectly/directly saying that don’t go for Germany.It is worst place for Ms.

            It will help all Ms aspirant like me to come to conclusion instead of confusion on your articles and viewer comments.

            “doodh ka doodh aur paani ka paani”

          2. There are 2 types of blog posts – One written by me and ones written by readers like you. Publishing post about someone’s experience about discrimination or others opinion doesn’t mean I’m not asking folks to study in Germany. You have to use your judgement to decide where to study comparing all the pros and cons.

          3. If I might say something to this.

            Germany is a great place to live and has a low crime rate. But violence occures in Germany sometimes. Police has a lack of coverage in major cities so frustrated people mug on normal people who didn’t do anything. This occurs mainly at train stations. You need to have real bad luck that something happens to you. But when it happens you will be scared for life. I think in any other country it is quite the same. What if something happens.

            The discrimination part is not as ture. There is a little distance to new things. That is almost allways experienced as a little discrimination like having prejudices agains someone.
            It is kind of a hart topic. We want everyone who comes to germany to feel good and welcomed. But there are some people who just have too much prejudices. Those are jerks. And really harmless. I think the first thing to admit is that there is a possibility that a few people are not as nice as they should. But whose are tops 1 in 1000.

            Speaking english: To speak english you need to use english. There is no need to use english in germany so Germans don’t use english.

    1. Of Course it is worth it.

      Big cities are a little bit criminal but Germany has a very good infrastructure. It is possible to live in a little town and have contact with big companies etc.

      For example. Major car manufacturers are located in smaller towns.

      Volkswagen in Wolfsburg
      Audi in Ingolstadt
      BMW in Landshut
      BMW in Dingolfing
      BMW in Leipzig
      BMW in Regensburg
      Mercedes in Sindelfingen
      and so on…

  12. It was nice reading you..i am also applying to fh aachen and ingolstadt university of applied sciences…lets see what happens

  13. Awesome post… quite interesting… the latter part was specifically my German language teacher instructed me…. German’s live quite by the rule book too… if they offer u tea/coffee etc, then just accept it if u want, else they wont ask u again for a long time…. NOTE: Dont expect the Indian style pushing to have a coffee or tea… They wont… this fact was also confirmed by a German I once met at some place. Hope the author of this post will keep informing us more about the ground realities and thanks a tonne to HSB!!!!! You are really getting INTERNATIONAL!!!!! 😛 lol

    1. Hi its really interesting. Can you share more of your experience about the university atmosphere and the behaviour of professor towards international students

    2. True but never be scared to ask for something. If you are at a meeting and you ask for a cup of coffee, your wish will be served.

      1. @Rohan- Buddy I am just an aspirant like many others here for Germany!!! I am just lucky to have a lot of people in Germany who keep providing me with all the info I need. And BTW a friend of mine who is studying in Duisberg-Essen told me that the professors there are very cool and insightful. They are helpful and my friend already got a job as an intern under one of the professors to work on a project. And if you are worried about behaviour, just know to avoid east-Germany side in university selection. They are supposedly not very welcoming towards foreign nationals and have a little bit of communism still prevalent. Rest the best region having the best univs in Germany is the southern region!!!! BTW if u get in Berlin- take it, its cost of living is low.. Munich is one of the most expensive!!!!!

        @Alexander- Thanks buddy for all the time and effort you are putting into these posts…!!!! N ya I wont hesitate for asking a coffee if they offer!!! lol

        1. Is it true that Germany is heaven for Mechanical Engineering.. But, not that good for electronics and Computers ?

          Please throw some light on MS in Embedded systems in Germany

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