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FOREIGN POLICY

US view of Germany ‘better than ever’

Despite America's reputation in Germany taking a hit over the NSA spying scandal, Americans have a more positive impression of Germany than at any time in the last 12 years, according to a study released on Thursday.

US view of Germany 'better than ever'
Photo: DPA

The annual Magid study, which has been conducted every year since 2002, included questions on US-German relations as well as Germany’s role in Europe.

Carried out at the end of  2013, it found 60 percent of Americans had an excellent or good impression of Germany, particularly on economics, education and technology.

Germany was also seen as an economic leader and was chosen as the country best suited to lead Europe out of its debt crisis, followed by Great Britain and the US.

A statement on the embassy website said: “Americans’ positive impressions of Germany have been steadily rising over the years and are now the highest they have been since polling began in 2002.”

Americans ranked Germany as the USA's third-most important international partner behind the UK and Canada.

It was released the day before US Secretary of State John Kerry headed to Berlin to meet Chancellor Merkel and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

The embassy added: “The results show that Germany continues to be hailed as one of the most important partners of the United States and is being regarded as a leader in Europe.

“People's personal ties to Germany make a positive difference and reinforce the outstanding results.”

It found that 88 percent of Americans who had lived in Germany for more than six months had a positive impression of the country, while 69 percent of college students viewed Germany favourably.

Germany was applauded in the survey for its scientific research and technology. Politically it was praised for its efforts to promote democracy abroad.

The embassy added: “In today’s multipolar world with many interests and changing alliances Germany stands out as the top non-English-speaking country that shares common values with the US.

“The results also point to a growing trend in which Americans are picking up interest in German life, culture, history and research."

It also found that 51 percent of respondents believed that the US media did not provide enough coverage on Germany.

READ MORE: Kerry heads to Berlin for NSA talks with Merkel

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