AboutKevin Johnson Expertise I lived in Germany my whole life. Since I have strong ties to the United States and an active interest in American life, I know the fine differences between the two nations.
Expert: Kevin Johnson Date: 5/12/2008 Subject: Have to know German?
Question Hi- If i travel to places like Stuttgart, Salzburg/Fussen in Germany... I will be traveling alone and is it ok if I don't speak any German? Do they speak English in these smaller towns? thanks, Michelle
Answer Hello Michelle,
Stuttgart is a large city, Salzburg (just across the border in Austria) is somewhat smaller, but still a city, Füssen is a small town.
In general, it should be not too much of a problem to get by in Germany with just English. But don't expect everyone to be able to understand you, let alone speak good English. Almost all Germans had English lessons in school, but that might have been quite a while ago for the older generations. Younger people's English will usually be much better.
I cannot say much about Austria, but I believe the situation is similar there.
Since Füssen is a small town, it could be more difficult there. But every town has a tourist information office where you can get help for the more complicated issues a traveler might encounter.
