I think the younger generation speaks more English, but i have meet older germans on my vacations to Spain and they are either stubborn or dont know English at all. There was even someone who loudly complained in a currency exchange bank, because they did not speak in German and the German couple refused to communicate in English. :-o
Odd how they expect people in Spain to speak German when they are simply visitors in the country.
I think the main problem with some european countries like Germany is the fact that they dub the tv. In countries where they air the tv in original language the people also seem to generally have a much better understanding of English even though both countries have English lessons in public schools.
I myself learned 90% of it from watching American tv and playing video games.
