>>> ...It was difficult to learn your language because everytime I would try to speak it,
>>> the reply from the Deuchlander would be in English.

My experience was almost exactly the opposite.

I was stationed in Bad Kreuznach for almost three years. Most of the time, when I tried to speak German the "natives" would go along with me until it was obvious that we weren't going to get anywhere. Then the conversation would go back to English -- usually fairly fluent on their part (I speak fluent American and decent English). They seemed quite happy that I was at least attempting to learn their language and were more than willing to help - rather than take the opportunity to practice their own English.

While there, I played volleyball with one of the local sports clubs. During the matches all conversation was in German and one of my proudest moments was when I understood the coaches instructions without needing a translation and without even noting that I didn't need one.

The real reason for playing was, of course, the get-together after. My German was very weak, and most of the conversations in which I was included were conducted in English. The others, obviously, were in German. Except for the one time when the conversation was about volleyball. I chimed in with something (it might even have been an intelligent comment) and all conversation ceased.

"Richie, du sprichts perfectes Deutsch!!!"

"Nein. Ich spreche nur ein bissen Deutsch. Ich spreche perfectes Volleyball!"

Needless to say, the volleyball club was the highlite of my tour. It made my enlistment period so enjoyable I "Almost" re-enlisted.



>>ja, das höre ich öfter. Wir sind immer sehr stolz, wenn wir ein paar Brocken englisch sprechen und wollen gerne helfen ;-)
>>
>>HUH? ;-)
>
>yes, I hear that often. We are always proud if we do know *some* english and are always willing to help
>
>:-)