Can the same language mean different things in different cultures?

Is it difficult for someone English to be friends with an American? Can there be misunderstandings due to words having very different meanings on each side of the pond? It seems like it is relatively easy to insult an American with absolutely no intent whatsoever? Anyone experienced this? What did you do to remedy the situation?

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BohemianBoo · M

If you accidentally insult someone, you just explain what you meant. That can happen with any language.
I grew up speaking English and German, so I've confused Americans by saying German idioms in English. They weren't insulted, just very puzzled.