European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - April 23, 1987, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Getting to know germans part of the tin of living in a foreign country is getting to know the local people. Your stay in Germany won t be Complete until you have met germans and earned More about their customs their language and their everyday lives. You will find some things similar to the Way of life in he ., but other things will be quite different. If you take time to explore the differences living in Germany will be an interesting and exciting experience. Here Are some hints to help you get to know your new neighbors learning the language learning to speak enough German to carry on a conversation will make it easier to meet Ger mans. In fact telling germans you Are trying to learn their language and would like to practice speaking with them is sometimes a great Way to break Down barriers. Even if you be never studied German and this is your first tour in Germany you already have a head Start on learning the language. Of course you know the meanings of the following German words o or Arm die hand die mutter Das Haw Der sport dlr Ekl and Der Moskito these Are Only a Sample of the Many German words which Are the same or almost the same As English words. One reason for the similarities Between the two languages is that they share a common origin in the ancient indo european language another is that Many words that Are now part of both languages actually Are neither German nor English rather they Are words that come from greek idas chaos latin die information French Der moment italian die Moor other languages. German is the official language not Only of West and East Germany but also of Austria Liechtenstein and Switzerland along with French. German is also spoken in parts of North Ern Italy. More than 100 million people speak German As their first language and another 20 million around the world learn it As a foreign language. If that Many people can speak German so can you to learn German Check with your local Edu cation Center. Gateway and head Start classes Are provided or All beginning students or you can enrol in College German language courses. In addition beginning and advanced language courses Are available through the German adult schools to Knochs Cuiule in your town. The courses Are designed for All newcomers to Ger Many so you will meet people from Many differ ent countries in these classes. Commercial Ger Man language schools can also be found in Many larger towns in Germany. Once you have Learned a few German words and phrases you will find it much easier and More enjoyable to get to know your new neighbors. Finding germans to meet to help you meet and become friends with germans especially if you Are living in military housing various agencies in your military Community have set up special programs. They pro vide social situations in which you can meet germans who want to get to know americans. If you Are interested in getting involved in such a group Call your Public affairs office or Kontak. They can give you information about get Ogeth ers in your Community or can put you in touch with other organizations like the German Ameri can clubs and the amerika Haus nearest you. Or look in thursday s stripes Magazine for a Volki. March near you. As you wander the 10, 20 or 42 Kilometres you la be Able to meet Many people German and american. The More you get out and get involved the More you la appreciate and enjoy your stay in Germany another Good Way to meet germans is to go to on of the Many tests which take place throughout Germany. From the big famous Festi Vals like the oktoberfest in Munich and the  in  Duer Huim to local Community events there Are opportunities to mingle with your neighbors As they celebrate with food music and beverages. Late summer and Early autumn bring the wine fests Between our thanksgiving and Christmas Advent come the  and before Lent usually in february Are gala Fasching Karne Vals take advantage of these and other events to do it in deutschland greeting germans germans use polite greetings More frequently than we do. Whether you Are meeting friends or entering a shop a restaurant an office or an elevator you should Greet germans with Guten tag or one of the other phrases appropriate for the time of Day. Cute Taj Fiou Thern Germany Guten Abend Lcuien Morgen if you know the person s name you should add that to the greeting e.g., Guten tag heir nun or cute tag Frau  if meeting friends you can use their first names e.g., Guten tag  at the end of your conversation or when leaving a shop office or restaurant you should say aul Wiede Sehen Good Bye or limply  if it is an informal situation or you Are with friends it is appropriate to say  it is considered impolite to walk out of a shop or other establishment without saying Good Bye. Of meeting germans of the customs associated with meeting people Are More formal in Germany than in the  Although it is acceptable to introduce yourself in most situations it is better to be introduced by a Mutual Friend if possible. When introducing yourself you might say Guten tag Ich bin Chuck Smith Good Day i m Chuck Smith or More formally Dart lot my Chi Vorster in  let me introduce myself Smith. In this example Only the last name is Given which is very com Mon in German introductions. When introducing or being introduced to a woman remember that Frau is no longer used Only for married women. Most women Over 20 prefer the use of Frau to that of  however there May be exceptions so take your Cue from the woman or the person introducing Sun t sinew Wal Wyram to Cera Uny Page div paid special insert to the stars and stripes thursday april 23,1967