Hi there,

We are going to Germany in August because my husband's unit is relocating there. Specifically, we'll be in Vilseck (Bavaria).

Is there anyone else going to Germany or is there anyone else who is already there?

I am originally from Germany but life with the military and on/off-base will be totally different!

Stefanie

I wont be in Germany but I'm moving back to the UK in April - it's close-ish!!

I wont be in Germany but I'm moving back to the UK in April - it's close-ish!!

That's true!!! :) Why are you moving back to the UK?

I'm being deported! :lmao They're closing down the research facilities here and sending everyone home (I came to Japan before I knew my df) so I'll be back in Blighty for the next yr or so.

ive been in germany for about 6 months...its definatly different than the states...i just wish it was a little easier to meet people lol

ive been in germany for about 6 months...its definatly different than the states...i just wish it was a little easier to meet people lol

I know that's the hardest part. Germans just don't have a lot of people skills. I am German and I experienced this every day. But the USA made me a much more open-minded personl. :)

I miss Germany! I graduated from high school at Ramstein.

I LOVED Germany(not stationed there but we visited) and we are going back in June...can't wait :cp

I am currently in Germany myself..heres some tips sorry if any repeats.

Get your german drivers licence ASAP. It makes it so much easier on yah because most americans are not use to walking or taking the train or bussing all over to their destinations. Its not that hard really to get it. You take a class, then come in and take the test. If you fail the first time most have a repeat class and test the next day. After the test, if you fail the first time, then try to remember which ones you thought you got wrong, and find the answers in the book. This way its still fresh in your mind when you retake the next day.

Get some German Launguage books or audio tapes and try your best to learn some before you come. Its helpful to know some german. Heres a link to a good site to look over and review:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/german/

The German people I have met are very patient with me when I try to speak it and sometimes I get it wrong but they are very friendly if you treat them with respect and atleast try to speak to them in thier language.

Try not to wear t-shirts with American stuff on them off base on the economy. Some germans find it disrespectful. Remember Germany is your host country and you must respect them and they will respect you. When going out and around Germany to see the awesome sites, dress approperatly and in a style matching your surroundings. Of course most of us know this due to the terrorist attacks and hightened security. But just a reminder :hehe

Recycle..Yes here we must recycle. We have to have seperate trash cans for glass, paper, metal, plastic, and Garbage. Recycling centers can usually be found in the housing areas. The one on Schweinfurt is located in the housing area that I am in.

Base..Get a map of the base, and the surrounding town area. One that you can make sence of. The one I got was so jumbled lol. But that was for a doctors appt for off base.

Driving...Driving here is diffrent but its not as diffrent as to where we drive on the other side of the road (atleast not here) But you will have to be cautious. Some of the minor streets are SMALL. and I do mean SMALL. The parking spaces are smaller then ours in america too.

Classes..Yes there are some classes. My advice, take all you can get. SNAPs is one of them. It will help you get to know your surroundings a lot better. Also they will teach you some common German phrases and let you know where to go for what.

Off base doctors...Most doctors you will be refered to speak english. I love my doctor personally and hate to leave her care since im going back to the states soon. If you get pregnant, they do unltrasounds every visit and look into every aspect to make sure your pregnancy is comfortable and going good.

Friends...Personally im to busy to make many friends lol. But im a mommy of three soon to be four. Best bet though is to make friends and try your best to get along with your neighbors. Just like anywhere else, your neighbors are going to be your biggest support group. If you are lucky enough to get a good FRGroup, then they will be extra supportive and let you know the info you need. But NEVER be afraid to ask questions.

And last thing..because I cant think of any more. The Autobahn. It can be dangerious but no need to stress. Some go fast, some go a little slower, but there are rules and regs you will learn in drivers class and from the book. First chance you get, get out there and atleast try it. When traveling, follow the basic rules, 2 hours and rest, No talking on cell phones while driving (major fine for it here.) and just keep your eyes pilled for those drivers who like to swerve in and out of traffic. There are plenty of rest stops on the side of the road. The ones marked WC are wash closets (bathrooms). And it is illegal to park on the shoulder to answer a phone call, its for emergancy purposes only.

If there is anything else you would like to know, let me know and Ill try my best to answer your questions. Hope this helps you out.

I'm moving to Germany to be with my fiance next month. He's stationed in Hanau but our apartment is in Darmstadt.

germanchick is from GErmany... maybe she can help with some info... :D

I LOVE GERMANY! My husband is stationed in Baumholder, germany - deployed in iraq but will be back next month. Ill be there a few days later. I love the bases in Germany, infact i think they are better then the ones in the states by far. The community spirit is pretty cool too on base. Kaiserslautern & Ramstein are the best ive been to. Wiesbaden is pretty cool too.

I'm currently living in Germany. We're stationed at Spangdahlem and absolutly love it! We're hoping to extend for another 3 years. Everything is so beautiful and green. There are so many different festivals and markets to go to every weekend. The culture is the best part of it all!

We are stationed in Germany also! We have been here since 9/04 and are here till 5/08. We live on Landstuhl post right by the big hospital. We really like it even though it is hard to be away from family. My only complaint is that there isn't too much for small children but other than that it has been good.
I wish we could travel more but DH works 24 hour ops so we haven't gotten to all of the places on our list yet but we have 18 more months :)

I know that's the hardest part. Germans just don't have a lot of people skills. I am German and I experienced this every day. But the USA made me a much more open-minded personl. :)

Thats not true :hissyfit

we are in germany too.i am german but we will leave next year to go to the US.

i love germany, just wanted to say that that would be my dream base to be stationed with my guy :D

I'll be there the end of this week!!!

I'll be there the end of this week!!!

:) You will enjoy yourself here !!

I am currently stationed here and have been for the last 8 months. We are in Bamberg Germany

Germany's lovely and got super nice places to go to and a bunch of nice things to experience!
Germans do've a lot of people skills and they're pretty open minded about others - you probably only met the ones who don't or you where in the wrong place at the wrong time?
But to meet people with no skills for other happens everywhere in this world - I heard from people who moved to the US they wheren't to excited or hyped up about the americans and their people's skills!
Don't know, but besides a few strange, crazy or bad experiences with germans in general - I can count them on 1 hand, the other experiences where awesome, interesting and beautiful!
Hopefully this time your experience with germans turns out to be a better 1!
Good luck with it!
Regards and much love!

Yup, I am in Germany too! I have been here for a few months. I am stationed in Ansbach, Germany. We are in the South East Germany. It has been hard for me to make friends too, but I am keeping busy with the house and going to classes on base. I am starting an FRG soon so I think that will help too. I had a hard time adjusting, especially being new to marriage, the army, and to Germany. I don't speak German at all!!!

In germany as well arrived on the 15th of july. Stationed at Grafenwoehr which is nearby vilseck. I am pretty much in your shoes as well since i am new to the area. I am currently at the army inn but we will be moving to our place next week. we will be living off post because of the lack of housing and will be living in weiden

First...this post was started in 2006 :) I noticed it once I got to Simmey's post. But its nice to see all of us that here right now in 2008! :) I'm in Wiesbaden with my DB! :woot Leaving next april-ish for Italy. :)

Does anyone know how big the hospital at Ramstein is? We pcs there in March and I'll be working in the hospital. Just wondering how large it is:grin:

Wow I didn't even see the posting from the OP was from 2006!
But funny though btw!
It looks like a few girls're over here in Germany right now and by time more to come!
Even nothing's final as far our pcs situation and where we're going, but we're leaving Germany in 6 months!
Regards and much love!

I'm heading to Wiesbaden in less then a month. My hubby is already there and I cant wait to be there!

Hi!
i am im German and i am also German ;)
My Fiance is stationed in Vilseck :)

Ill be in Vilseck in October my dh is already stationed there.... but hes deployed right now.....