I'm forth generation German over here, when we came to the US in 1863. My folks were fluent in German, but didn't pass it on to me. About all I learned in German was to cuss a bit by osmosis! lol

On an interesting note, the Steinmeier that was/is in the German government, is shirtail relation to me, but not sure of the exact association. I know my ancestors changed the spelling when they immigrated. My sister researched the connection back when he was Merkles right hand man!