To answer your question to the second dude: as a native speaker I can hear the accent. And it is easy to pinpoint American accents by the way you guys pronounce vowels and especially the "ch/sch" sounds. Now the guy asking the questions has done an amazing job of pronouncing the language in a native way. He has a really slight accent you can only catch in a couple of pronunciations and the way he structures his sentences. Props to him, that couldn't have been easy to do!
I worked a lot with american tourists in a touristy area of Germany. My most frequent observations were that they are very friendly and approachable but the are also very ignorant regarding other countries and cultures and incredibly arrogant regarding that ignorance. They don't know other cultures but they think they do and behave as if they do.
That’s true for Germany as well though, Germans as a rule also are really arrogant and think they have something to teach to the entire world (while their country is kind of falling apart)
@@mark9294 We are arrogant but differently. We think we are a better country than most and other countries can learn from us. But that is the same mentality nearly every country has. Also the assumption that our country is falling apart is exactly the type of statements I mean by people thinking they know about other countries but not really knowing anything. Our country has problems like any other but we're doing just fine.
@@m.s.1067 I dont think this is a mentality nearly every other country has. If you see some more videos regarding european countries..if you would ask there somebody - is your country the best? the usual answer would be "of course not. we have these and these problems but I like to live here". This superior feeling is something I mainly here from us americans. I think stuff like this you hear mainly from rather nationalist/ conservative countries, but feel free to prove me wrong. I have of course also not the overview above all countries and can only tell from my experiences :)
@@kijo548 I agree with you on that specific question. Even Germans would answer no to the question of if Germany is the best country. Especially because of our history that is an absolut taboo thing to say. But most Europeans still think that other countries could learn from them. I've lived in the Netherlands for several years and they are very aware of their flaws and their small size. They would answer exactly what you said. But they are still very proud and believe they are one of if not the most tolerant, progressive, modern country in the world. And while all that is mostly true, it's not the inclusive modern utopia they like to believe. And most countries are like that. They will never say they are the best but deep down they believe there are aspects of their culture that makes them at least a little bit better that any given other nation.
i think a lot of people would call americans superficial because of the weird friendly vibe thats not really friendly. like walmart greeters who smile at you and ask you how youre doing but like i dont know these people and they also really dont care if im having a bad day. i think that superficial friendliness make germans suspicious lmao
A short greeting should be enough. Who even came up with this small talk at the cash register? When I go shopping I want it over as soon as possible. Had this on my christmas shopping ... old granny talks this and that ... and I standing next in line waiting patiently ... just wanna finish my grocery shopping for the more important tasks ^^"
I was living two years in the US... Greenville (South Carolina). I was helping employees there to get used to new machines from our company. So from my experience: It is easy to get in contact with them, it is easy to have fun with them and they are not shy at all (like 80% i met there). Especially women are totally different it is "weird" for a german at first, but i enjoyed it after a few months you just have to adapt to it. BUT they are for sure superficial, loud and they have no idea how VALUABLE TIME and HEALTH is... I am speaking of freetime, holidays etc., they have a tough schedule and dont go to the doctor, because they are sick. I know the system is rigged there, but IMO they all should protest against it, BUT there is weakness number 1: They are superficial, most of them do not know that a healthcare system and paid holidays even exist! After i told that some guys there they thought i am lying and laughed, but nothing in comparsion to their faces after they realized i was telling the truth! They could educate themselves a little bit more outside their bubble, that would help a lot!
That's what comes to my mind when I'm thinking of modern slavery. Like living in a golden cage, thinking that's the way it should be and that there is no alternative. It's not just that they don't know. Most of em don't even know, that they don't know. I can imagine that this system prevented a lot of potential to be unfolded, like maybe there was a boy who could have become the next Einstein or Hawkins, but his family couldn't afford his education because his mother had cancer and they had to sell everything to pay for the treatment... And now he's flipping burgers somewhere... 'murrica, f**k yeah...
Genau so ist meine Erfahrung, sie glauben sie leben im besten Land der Welt und wenn man ihnen erzählt wie Krankenversicherung und Urlaub hier läuft wollen sie es nicht glauben.
@@Nils.Minimalist Wobei ich das meist nur von älteren Amerikanern gehört habe, die quasi durch den kalten Krieg "verseucht" sind. Viele jüngere, die hören, wie es in vielen europäischen (und vor allem Deutschland) abläuft, fragen sich dann: "Das klingt toll. Warum haben wir sowas nicht?" Ich denke mal, es ist auch das verschulden der beiden großen Parteien, die simpel nicht wollen, dass sich etwas ändert. Siehe die Obamacare, wo - ich glaube - versucht wurde, eine Art europäisches Sozialsystem zu etablieren. Hat den Reichen aber nicht gefallen, weil die Leute ja sonst auf Ideen kommen könnten. Auch die Schulbildung der Amerikaner ist nicht gut und zielt teils darauf ab, die Menschen eher ungebildet zu halten.
As someone else commented here: "Geschitslos" does not translate to "having no history", (we have the same meaning in Norwegian in "Historieløs"), it means to be unaware of their own history and history in general. A direct translation would be history-less or -loose, and switching that over to English in a meaningful way could come out as "having no history" but it looses out on what the word meaning actually is: Namely "unaware of history".
@@RagingGoblin No, it would not, "geschichtsfremd" would more or less translate to "unfamiliar", or if you separate them as in "gesichicts fremd" it would come out as "history strange" or "strange history", and not "unaware of history". Well, that is as far as I know.
@@Llortnerof It does. I did look it up because I had never heard of it. And while the big dictionaries list is as *very uncommon* (and so does google), it's virtually absent in many smaller dictionaries, especially those geared towards translation. That being said; you're right, it is a word. A word I haven't heard being spoken in thirty years, but still. A word. Either way, it seems a bit harsh to stick the finger to Easy-German for their translation in this particular case.
@@RagingGoblin "Geschichtsvergessen" Is not a word for under-classes and underdogs, but a normal German word, wich every pupil ist learning at school at 12 years.
The subtitles in those easy german videos aren't always the best, despite it being a language learning channel. The woman at 9:47 didn't say that americans "don't like to leave their country" but that "they don't leave their country that often perhaps" . There are often small mistakes like that which change the meaning quite a bit.
Yeah, it's incredibly obvious that they don't have any professional translator, but just probably some intern or "Azubi" who translates these. Someone who probably isn't really all that ingrained in both cultures.
Not true. The American travelagency (the Army) is interested in bringing lots of young Americans to foreign countries and cultures - i.e. Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraque a.s.o. 😂
About the older guy saying the Americans are typically "geschichtslos"- without history - the translation was somewhat misleading. I think he meant they don't know even their own history very well.
Hmmm no I think he actually meant it like that. If he would have meant that americans don't know their own history he would have probably said it or phrased it differently. Like "Sie sind ungebildet in ihrer eigenen Geschichte" or "Literarisch kennen sie sich nicht über ihre Geschichte aus." Etc. He probably meant what he said. There are quite alot of people like that, especially old ones. There are really open ones of course, just sometimes you get those oldies that are just racist hahaha! You got that everywhere tho sooo it is what it is.
@@madeleink6717 No, I don't think so. He didn't have time to think about his exact phrasing. The kind of phrasing you use would be expected from someone who is prepared to talk. Like a teacher during a lesson. This guy was more like "I don't have time for this but I can't just say nothing." So he he just blurted out what came to his mind. Also I would be more careful about using the word "racist", if I were you. It gets used waaay to often in the last decade. Used carelessly on people who don't really deserve it. And by people who don't know what they are talking about. Just my 2ct.
@@wewillmakeit3615 relax Jesus. I did not meant that guy in particular. I meant people like my grandparents who said stuff like that. They can be sweet otherwise but then you hear the most racist thing from them lol
I've spent almost a year at an American High School. If I were asked to describe an American, it'd be something along the lines of: sometime superficial, loads of small talk, welcoming, driving everywhere instead of walking/taking a bike, trustfull (heck, who else doesn't lock their front door??). But the thing that really sticked was how friendly and welcoming everyone was. How proud my host mother was of having me, how proud she was when I came again for my host sisters wedding a few years later. She just told everyone! And everyone was just reacting positively - even though most probably forgott quickly afterwards (that's why superficial/small talk). On the other hand, my host mother (mom) likes to travel. I guess she really has to save to be able to, but she's been to Spain since I stayed with her and to Germany several times (visiting her host kids) as well as Germanys neighbouring countries (Swizzerland, Netherland and Austria, if I'm correct). She's also been to Mexico (because of work, she's been teaching Spanish and took her students on trips abroad). So, there's also people travelling the world that don't have that much money. But yeah, I guess it's mostly well off people, as everyone else has to struggle on a day to day basis with Hire-and-fire-mentallity, little amount of paid days of etc.
I was in the US several times and I have several american friends and I can only agree that for Germans it feels like Americans are often very superficial. I think the reason is, that the German way of cummunication is totally different to the American way. We are not that open when we talk with foreigners. When someone in Germany is that open to you like an American is to almost everyone this person is usually a good friend. We misinterpret this as closeness and then we learn the hard way that it was just some way of kindness we don't use like this. It's extremly difficult for many Germans to figure out if an American really cares for you or if this person is "just" friendliy and open minded.
I think Germans conceive Americans as superficial is best described this way US: BFF or better Germany: friend ----- US: friend Germany: acquaintance or less That's why social media friends are anything but friends to us and it sounds totally superficial.
So the German mindset is basically, if you are not my friend, don't try to smile and be nice to me and don't expect me to smile and be nice to you. Is that it? Have you ever considered the fact that you were treated kindly because you were a German, a foreign guest? The word hospitality mean anything to you?
@@prcr8tion but they never say what they think, how can you form relationships on sugar-coated conversations? Being welcoming is different from being phoney (not saying that for everyone I do have good American friends)
@@prcr8tion Nah. We are friendly, nice, helpful, hospitably. But don't expect us to call you friend on first date. You got to earn that. It's the same to everyone, even among ourselves. Friendship is enduring. This won't come into being in a snap.
About that "no history" part: Just try to compare the history curricula from class one to high school graduation between Germany and a public US school. Might be enlightening. As an Air Force Officer I was assigned to a NATO installation for four years, and later I worked for another four years for an international branch of an American company. Meaning, I worked a lot with Americans among people of around a dozen other countries. Everywhere and every time when the topic came up to discuss the culture and attitude of people of different cultures, the Americans always ended at the bottom of the list of the most pleasant people or cultures. It's not just the Germans who have problems with Americans, its everybody but the Americans themselves. From your video it became clear, that you obviously know this.
To me there is a big difference between 'Americans' and just about any single American you meet outside of their country. Once they have been outside of their cultural bubble long enough they start thinking more by themselves. Makes them nice guys.
@@wora1111 I worked approx. 8 years within two very different US-dominated multinational organizations in Europe. Unfortunately, I can't confirm that. Superficially, US Americans are very nice, but only as long as you serve their purpose.
@@Dahrenhorst May still be the same. The Americans I interacted with in Germany were living "on the economy", kids visiting German schools and usually speaking German after the first year. I think that is a different group than who you are referring to. In Square Dance (about 90% of the dancers are Gernans!) I even met American soldiers that were here for some time and integrated themselves into local communities. In my opinion it mostly depends on what cultural bubble you are in.
@@wora1111 I can only refer to my time of working nearly a decade with US-Americans outside America, and nearly a year spent in the USA. For some reason, my experiences seem to differ from yours.
@@Dahrenhorst That is not surprising because our experiences are with different groups. In the USA I had similar experiences like you since I was meeting the average American. In Germany I met mostly those that were actively trying to integrate and tried to help them. I am absolutely not doubting your experience, I simply like to add, that there are some nice Americans as well :-)
Well I think these videos about Americans reacting to Europeans talking about them is a special part of RUclips, because Americans aren’t generally „stupid“ but I’d say they’re generally a bit unaware of what’s happening in the world. Then again you have to imagine being in their position: a huge country, large population, extremely important economy, a lot of differences within the country but not so much differences with other countries in their daily life. A European however gets in touch with multiple European countries sometimes already during childhood. So the process of growing up in a country in Europe being aware of all the other countries probably leads to a different approach to being interested in other countries than if they were raised in the US. That doesn’t mean americans don’t know anything about Europe, but the broader general knowledge about Europe or the world in general is not a given in the US while it is more of a given in Europe, simply due to the circumstances.
@@klamin_original , I think one thing that creates a huge difference is what we call "latchkey" kids---kids who basically raise themselves, because their parents are not available to raise them, either because the both have to work so much to support the family, or because of addictions or other issues. I live in Austria right now and here I see on a daily basis what I almost never see in the states, parents walking their kids to school and home, and having very meaningful discussions. I think parents know how to talk to their kids here better than they do in the states and the children grow up with a better perspective on life. When I was growing up in the states in the 60s, it was quite a bit different, because usually one parent could support a family in the middle class. That's just not the case anymore. As a result, I never see a mother spanking or hitting their child in public, let alone not witnessing them yelling at them, either. In the USA, it is all too common to go into a store, like Walmart and witness this with multiple different families. Money is the root of a huge number of these issues, as well as those parents not having good examples to follow for how to raise kids. imho.
Having had a lot of contact with Americans, I can say I have yet to meet one, who spent some extended time abroad, who did not like it and had a change of perspective. That said, only a small proportion if Americans get the oppotunity. On the ither hand, when I visited the US, I felt like in a bubble - somehow the world outside America did not happen. The media is extremely egocentric. And yes, I agree that history is a mostly neglegted topic in American schools - so is geography. That's where a lot of the prejudices about American stupidity come from.
I think it really all started with cable news. Before that, you had actual NEWS reports about news, not biased journalism, as it is now. Once cable news started, they had to find ways of filling in the gaps.
I agree. The education system in the U.S. is subpar. What I noticed strange about Germans and people in western Europe in general is that they can't seem to think for themselves, extreme sheep mentality. They can't ever seem to look at the other side of the coin.
I am German and got to know/worked with Americans (US) during my studies in 2 European countries, and 5 years with a Global UK company. I like that they are usually very professional and hide their emotions in a work context. Also, whether they like you or not, they are polite. What I do not like is a situation like this: American colleague requests that you do this and that because it is "mandatory". You explain during a meeting that there are local specifics due to which you cannot deliver on the request. The American goes "Gotcha...I understand... I see" which Germans will take as "Fine, you do not have to do it." The next day, you will get an email that questions everything discussed the previous day and the request is back on the table. Happens all the time...
Hmm as anAmerican I never thought about it like this. This is a good point and critic that would annoy me as well in business. But for that you guys take FOREVER to make decisions 🤣
A culture of ethnic cleansing of natives and burying them in the backyards of their missionary schools, sounds similar. It is maybe just that the French brought some bottles of wine and stayed in the country that made the difference.
I have an uncle in America and have visited him a lot over the years. As far as I can tell the body size difference is real, like when shopping I’d have to go three sizes smaller than in Germany. Also American are really chatty especially about their ancestry, they tell me about some German ancestors 6 generations ago and think this connects us in someway idk. Other than that I also think they often lack common knowledge due to the American school system
@@jacobs9474 Well knowing about your ancestry is a cool thing and can be very interesting BUT most of the Americans that are descendants from Europeans (several generations ago) dont have much in common with us. We cant even relate to each other, especially culturally.
@@jacobs9474 Maybe you as an individual, generally not really the case. Basically the same culture? Some values are across Europe the same, even across the world I guess, but culturally we are all different, even if there are similarities. I grew up in Germany and I dont see where the same culture is between Germany, UK, France, The Netherlands, and all the other western countries. So which part of culture do you mean?
@@jacobs9474 Btw no one said you cant be proud of your heritage... that wasnt even the issue. It is always nice to know where your roots are. It is kind of normal though when people emigrate somewhere and live in a certain place for generations and generations that ties to the original country will be cut and that people lose their touch from both sides and most of the time cant relate to each other anymore.
@@jacobs9474 Ur words:"People in the US are just proud of their heritage and rightfully so, we were founded on revolution and free thought and serving/protecting your family and country." Its that the reason why your country is so divided? Is protecting and serving your country/family the reason why you have over 600 mass shooting every year the last 3 years? And i have to ask: How can someone be proud of his/ her heritage? Did you do anything for your heritage? As long as you are proud of your heritage you are denying problems you have in your country. Proud of any heritage (no matter which country) is just dumb
soooo after i now watched every video that u made so far i just wanted to tell you that i love your content! i love the way u think and ofc that u are interested in the german culture as a whole! I just think you are such a nice, pleasant human beeing and i appreciate every video that you made so far! Ofc i dont have to mention that everyone is different with their opinions about others (or other countries), but you know that anyway! Me personally as a german i just love people who are nice and open minded so it does not really matter if you are american or from a different country! But if we talk about you, your personality (and ur content) i simply enjoy everything about that! Just wanted to say that real quick! Much love Ryan to you and ofc to your family aswell! Stay safe
One thing we need to remember is that the Americans most Europeans come in contact with are tourists. Tourists tend to be affluent so mostly white, Republican, loud, opinionated and obnoxious. I am not German but grew up on the German border. His German is nearly impeccable.
5:35 As a german, I can say that this is a very extreme opinion and also not the typical way germans see americans. 8:30 And yes, I think this is actually the common “american accent stereotype“ in most of germany (not like that americans sound like “wroaar wroaar wroaar“ to us, but in our ears, the american language sounds very voluminous and full).
We said in school, US-English is English with a hot potato in your mouth. 😉 🤣 I think it is just the rolling R. And there was a test for pupils to check if they chew gum: SAY, I was the wall white with water. You always fail with gum.
Superficial is actually the first thing that comes to mind when I think about Americans. It already starts with the first words in a conversation. Asking "How are you?" but not actually asking it and just meaning "hello". It's not that Germans don't use this phrase as a conversation starter as well but it's not weird to get a truthful, detailed answer about the well being of the person getting asked and we usually don't ask that question at all when it's a stranger like a cashier, waiter etc Yes, americans can be super kind, smile from ear to ear and overall appear super likeable in an instant but I always feel like that is all just well trained superficial facade and not a truthful expression and leaves you wondering if that person actually vibes with you. This could be a good topic to explore since Germans and Americans seem to be the polar opposite when it comes to friendship and other relationships and how they handle it.
Newsflash, it’s all just a facade. We’re all just doing a facade. The Germans too. You can sometimes see it crack on the 5 PM Feierabend train home when it’s delayed by 30 minutes again and some poor sod loses it, but we mostly keep up the appearance. Let’s face it, humans are superficial, it’s not a uniquely American thing, we’re all just spending our handful of decades on this blue orb spinning through the void and will all die soon, so let’s be kind to one another and not get worked up about this stupid bullshit. Let’s do as the Americans do, you don’t need to marry me just because I’m nice to you or vice versa, we can just be nice to another since we’re both human and acknowledge the fragility of our human existence and don’t have to be a dick about it.
i think the girl talking about americans not leaving their country meant actually tht americans usually do not look beyond the horizon, their lives evolve around themselves even when they travel a lot they hardly adjust to other cultures
Hi, I'm German and have lived in New York and some of my best friends are American. They are definitely the most open and positive people, super helpful and friendly. The thing about superficiality... maybe it's just having strong personal boundaries? Only once you know them really really well they'll open up about really personal stuff. So they're more open at the beginning, but then more closed in an 'intermediate' relationship stage than the typical German, and it takes longer to get a really close friendship with Americans. But it happens :) Some of my American friends have lived in Europe, and if you knew how many times a day I wish the people here were a bit more like my American friends... 😊
A few thoughts: *SUPERFICIALITY:* Americans are generally a very polite people, in comparison. Within five minutes, you may introduce a person you've just met as "This is my FRIEND!" Germans may know you for YEARS and even if close, they call you an acquaintant (Bekannter) and you can be friends for years. It's not offensive, it just is. When you suggest to a German "Let's have Lunch!", that would be indicative of a real lunch date and they want to set a time and think it's a real suggestion. For Americans, it's a polite figure of speech with no commitment for having lunch at all. Those are just a few examples why Germans often think that Americans are superficial. *AMERICA's IMAGE:* The older generations has an even worse view on Americans, like that retiree who walked off. The reason is that Germany was occupied by Allied Nations since WW2 and the US had military bases all over Germany and the GIs where the public image and representatives of America (Murica!). The Americans stationed in Germany were, as a lot of the Armed Forces are, from patriotic, rural areas of the US. RARELY from the big coastal cities. So, you had those young soldiers, often homesick roaming the bars in those towns with military installations, being loud, obnoxious, speaking with heave Southern drawls, claiming that America is the best. Born in Munich, but raised in the Frankfurt, Mainz and Wiesbaden area, we had a ton of different armed services of the US stationed all around us. We even watched baseball on AFN Saturday afternoon, when I was a kid. I lived in Sachsenhausen a part of Frankfurt, with a lot of bars and entertainment and a favorite spot for GI's to let off steam. German police patrolled the area with GIs. Germany had no jurisdiction over the GIs, so two German beat-cops and 2 US MPs patrolled as four men teams. Those soldiers, before internet, were what most Germans knew of Americans. That was also the time when the USD was extremely strong over the DM (Deutsche Mark - before EURO) and some of the wealthy (often overweight), very entitled Americans visited Germany (Heidelberg and Octoberfest), with a big Ego and wallet as well... *TRAVEL:* Germans are the most traveled people in the world, according to some statistics. During their long vacation times and protected work places, they travel, all over the world, any destination. Compare this to Americans that often never leave the US, or to few destinations, which is a minority, that explains why Americans think that America is the best and only country, because they just don't have a point of reference. In the 90's I worked at a mortgage bank in Uniondale (Long Island, NY) and one of my colleagues, super nice guy, was born in the same town he grew up in. He left New York STATE only once, for military training in West Virginia and the second time when the bank we've worked for sent us to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was not alone! Hope that sheds some light
6:35 People who say Americans are historyless (and stupid) are themselves stupid, because the vast majority of German and European and African history is also American history, after all it was our ancestors who emigrated or were enslaved. America did not come into being out of nothing. Apart from that, America has written a lot of history since it exists. Edit: Ah you pointed that out too
3:04 I could tell immediately german wasn't his first language, but only picked up on the american accent after hearing him say it and going back. So you can tell, but it's hard from hearing just a couple of words sometimes.
You don’t teach (much) history apart from US American history, and maybe you wouldn’t even teach WWII if the US army hadn’t got involved at some point.
I don’t agree. Those I met were smart, kind, hospitable and trustworthy. They knew what they wanted, were skilled and flexible when they wanted to achieve something. Once there was an obstacle they didn’t quit and wouldn’t let their friends down. There is need to analyze everything to the core but if they wanted it they would not quit. There are just as smart as most Germans are.
Travelling to the USA in February 2023 for the 34th time. I realy enjoy to meet my friends in Charleston SC, Bowman GA, Ocean Springs MS, Miami FL. Is there a real difference in people? No… People are just people. Being friendly and polite we can meet friendly, polite, interested people wherever we go.
There is a lot of Anti-Americanism in Germany. Why? Well...My Grandpa was in WW2. He told a story for the whole rest of his life that Americans opened a bunker and shot all people coming out (surrendering) in the back including one of his brothers. Since then he hated America and Americans with his whole heart. There might be still older people with similar stories. Then the political left always had kinda sympathy for Russia and rejection for the USA. I myself have many American friends who I really love though I see many things about America very critical. The excessive patriotism is one thing I don't understand. (Come on, it is just a country! Don't worship it!) The exaggerated cult about the president and the concentration of too much power in one person, the lack of democracy in the whole political system, the lack of humility in historic fails ...I could add a lot more stuff where me and most Germans just have big questions...
You're not wrong about both the political left and the old people who still witnessed (or were directly influenced) by the war. But come on, there are hundreds of reasons to criticise the American political system. And it might well be argued we aren't doing it often enough.
@@RagingGoblin Right. But the only ones, who could really change the american political system, are the ruling persons. So - guess what. It might be leading to less power for themselves. Easy to understand why they do not change it. Honestly, I can totally NOT understand why just a single person (the president) can rule like a king by decrets. Presidents from both parties did that massively. Why would a country that is so proud on its democracy allow that? 🤔
You can always find good and bad points about every country. The relation to the US is based on several key events in our history: First, many Germans emigrated to the US, therefore we are somehow strong relatives. Second USA is the biggest power in the world (at least still even if China is catching up since 2000). That causes always a mixture of admiration, fear, rejection and adaptation and is nothing specific German, but an issue for almost every country in the world. Finally the wars and all there consequences which were also different for different parts of Germany and different groups of its people.
Wow, the guy with the hat must have had really bad experience with Americans or no experience at all. I visited the US in 2006, Oklahoma, and everybody was super friendly, maybe some were really superficial, but I absolutely enjoyed my stay. My best friend and I were allowed to go to culinary school for 2 days, because one of our friends studied there, we had so much fun with so many people we didn't know before. And this vacation is the reason I am not afraid of speaking English anymore. Before my visit I always was afraid of saying something wrong, of not knowing the correct grammar and so on (thanks to my English teachers and my shy personality in school - well THAT definitely is in the past 😄) I also met people from Arizona and they were really nice. Some people may be stupid and superficial and arrogant...BUT you have these in EVERY part of the world. I think the public school system isn't the best in the US, so how can you accuse Americans of being stupid, if they just learn their own history and so on. That is nothing the kids choose, it is the curriculum...and people who don't know much about other countries/cultures are easier to manipulate...we had that in Germany, but after 1945 there were many changes for the better...
Tbh that guys gives me distinct Reichsbürger-vibes. His opinion is a cliche that many old right-leaning people tend to have especially in east Germany. The fact that he gives a shit about the history of the US shows that he himself gives a lot on the "good old German history", which is a common ground for Reichsbürger-conspiracists.
@@Zoddom dude you manage to mix reichsbürger with right-leaning people... under a video where somebody clearly says its more leftist people, that hate on america.
The guy with the hat is himself history-less ... because he focuses on European history - not on world history. I got that kind of vibes from him. And when it comes to calling Americans "dumb" - first - it is offensive. Second - it is not true that the average American is "dumb" - they just now other things. Why would an American learn about European history - when neither of Europeans knows about Asian history or African history?
@@Zoddom weil er seine meinung sagt (und nicht die, die du hören willst) ist er ein reichsbürger ? du hast gar nicht verstanden was er gemeint hat mit geschichtslos ;) frag mal einen amerikaner nach sklaverrei in seinem land wie lange sie dauerte usw oder nach der Indigene bevölkerung. viel spass ;)
@@franhunne8929 Well if it's offensive that can still be his opinion. Also from my experience german school focuses on most parts of the world when it comes to history. Of course it's not gonna go into detail about every single country but we do know what major historical events happened in most parts of the world
Of course you can't judge people by their origin, you have to meet them openly. It is interesting what Sigmund Freud wrote in his diary about his American patients: "They all have an infantile, materialistic expectation of salvation in common." This then agrees with what Einstein said when asked what it was like to come to the United States from Nazi Germany. "I escaped from Barbaria to Dollaria."
So, yeah. Sorry this was rough. It was also not very informative (the original video). Let me explain a little why Germans think that Americans are arrogant. Btw, my credentials are: German, married to US-American for 20 years, lived and worked in the US, lots of US friends, husband works for the US government. Yesterday, President Biden said about the chaos in the house re McCarthy: "We are the greatest nation in the world, how can this be?" This is the attitude that almost every single American expresses and that really annoys the rest of the world. Biggest, best, richest, smartest, most advanced... of the world. It is always "in/of the world". Arrogance! A little more humility would be good for the entire nation. Stop the brainwashing about how great you are (and you are great in many ways! Just not in all! And not always a cut above the rest!) and start working on making the things better that are really not great. (Also, no - the world is not watching every tiny detail of American politics. Most Germans are simply tired of the constant drama in US politics.)
Perfect description. Could have not said it any better. Being humble does not seem easy to many. Then again, I think that as a President.....he kinda has to say that they are "the best" at everything, lol. Let's be honest....we all know better. America is and always will be a country...many others look up to concerning issues and if said country acts like they cannot find common ground on the most easy part then this might make them look unstable. They usually stand for democracy and strength, which was not apparent throughout this Speaker of the House election. It was an unnecessary circus show....which will hurt the country in the long run. Biden asking "how can this be...." should be apparent if he knew of the intentions of the founding fathers concerning the U.S. Constitution.
The Afro-American had an accent. I couldn't say, if it's American or British etc., but definitely a slight English accent. Btw - ty for clarifying that you're white, could've mistaken you for Afro-Asian 😅. In Europe we don't obsess so much about race. To me, it sounds very racist to ask for your ethnicity on pretty much any form. That's just weird. Everyone should be treated the same, regardless of their skin colour.
Talking about race or ethnicity being a taboo, is really weird to me. It's kind of the most obvious topic when you don't know someone well and it gives a lot of potential topics of discussion if there are visibly differences between you (not just looks but language, clothing whatever obvious things). It's a shame in some countries it's "not allowed" to talk of certain things. If it's not meant with malicious intent it's not really offensive.
I only have 2 stereotypes, whiche have proven to be right after living in the states for 2 years: -Americans cant handle beer -Americans ignore most of history About the beer: American beer isn't even concidered beer, and even that "weak shit" is too much About history: there is no history before the foundation of the states, and only the states matter.
As a German who is woking with some amercans, man I can tell you there people there so different. And as you said in another Video I agree that you should when we talk about e,g, culture, then it should be compared as Europe or vise versa a European country compared with a State and not the whole Meltpot. I mean people from Alabama are complete different to New Yorkers, I know its a heavy comparson, but I think it make it clear. I mean when you ask an American(U.S) what he thinks about Europeans, would be more or less the same. I think the biggest differenz ragarding to this topic, is that Europeans cluture are more seperatet in their own countrys and in USA is one big meltpot of everything. So for example the answear from that one lady who said they need to leave their country and explore others is not fair, because if you never leave europe as european it is actually the same thing.
There are 47 different countries and over 200 different languages in Europe. You can't equate that with the idea that Americans won't leave their country. There are many Germans who travel to Poland, the Czech Republic or Hungary, Italy, Spain or France every year. For me, as a German, this is also abroad.
The American has a distinct accent but is very easy to understand. Prejudices are reinforced by many films and when you then meet an American who only partially corresponds to the prejudices, they become more entrenched. I live mostly in Sicily and I often come into contact with tourists and I can say that it doesn't matter where they come from, they all have their own peculiarities. Americans are notable for often speaking no language other than their own and demanding that everyone understand them. I have a sign in front of my property that also says in English that it is private property and no trespassing, but very often Americans stand in front of my house and think it's a museum just because it's old, okay the oldest part is from 1482 but I don't want to keep sending people away.
My sister was married to three Americans, and I can say they didn't have any general knowledge. They don't know what's going on in the world, they don't care. Maybe they weren't the brightest candles on the cake. But when we were in Texas and watched the European Championships, Americans came to us, told us that their ancestors came from Germany e. g. from near Munich and do we know their relatives? No, we live 150 km away from Munich and don't know these people. . . Do the Americans think that in Germany everyone knows everyone? :-) I have a feeling that Americans live only in their bladder and know nothing from the world.
india, pakistan and russia have the highest numbers of different ethnic groups. while many countries on the african continent have a high ethnic fractionalization ( meaning if you randomly pick 2 people out of the population the chances are high that they are of different ethnicity )
I am sorry for that old man saying stupid and without history. It is not true. That statement even shocked me as a German. I am really sorry for his statement. But that is the old ppl mentality that you will meet sometimes in Germany when you talk to old ppl. My oppinion is many Americans dont care for the rest of the world...But you guys get better...the more I see things like you do There are only 2 things that bother me about Americans is the exaggerated patriotism and Americans in general tend to exaggerate in many ways. (And I met and worked with many americans)
If a German says "total oberflächlich", that does mean "a bit superficial". Germans are so direct, even we Austrians often feel offended by them (although speaking the same language, we'll technically at least :)))).
We see memes like "16.4 million Americans think chocolate milk comes from brown cows" and "38% of Americans didn't buy Corona beer during the pandemic at any circumstances because of the Coronavirus" Of course we think Americans are stupid.
As someone who worked in tourism I saw various things regarding Americans but the most common things are you guys are soooo loud. Southern Europeans are known to be somewhat louder than Nothern Europeans, but US Americans beat us all. Also I will add ignorance and arrogance to that mix as well. It is very annoying when US Americans come and think they know everything and even have the audacity to correct you (which they actually dont) while talking about the history and culture about your own country - this is the time when they show the ignorance and somewhat lack of education and being arrogant at the same time. I know not everyone is stupid and dumb, and here and there I met Americans who were the opposite of what I described but compared to that group these people were the minority. Also the talk about how the US is the best country, best in everything and what not... no one likes that. Every country has its pros and cons and most of the world is aware of both. What I think most people actually dislike is your government and how you handle stuff and like to put your nose into others business without being asked. Playing world police and what not but creating yourself certain problems that we have today. And when people say superficial, we mean you can come across like that with being overfriendly and sometimes put on that fake smile but aint interested in that person or anything outside your own bubble. You know it would be a good thing if your country would start to address your own problems before you try to solve others without permission. That is the overall picture the US sends to most of us, but of course there are people who are great, not everyone can be that bad.
sometimes when a European says ' no ' in a conversation its a power play , discarding others opinion and forwarding their own, even if it is exactly the same , it is very telling of the people that say no , in a psychological kinda way .
Uff, the old man with the hat was so rude! Yes, as a german I love beeing direct and on point, but his answer was narrow minded. Don't know what he experieced to come to that conclusion. Love the man who said: there is no typical american. Because that's what it is. For me what counts is, if a person is a good and honest person or not. I would love to visit the US one day. Your country is so divers and the nature must be breathtaking. Best wishes from Düsseldorf 🤗
Well maybe he read something about My Lai or Abu Ghraib, the treason and murder of Philippino people when they sneaked the islands from the Spanish or their practice of military and economic coercion towards everyone who they think stands in their way, that coloured his opinion about the U.S. a little bit.
3:23 haha how you got your hopes up only to be completely destroyed a second later 😂😭 .. that’s why here in Germany we say „Freu dich nicht zu früh 😌“ 😂♥️ edit 4:45 this was probably the funniest thing I’ve heard today ..man I love you😂
US Americans tend to ignore the history before the immigration happend. I learned in school the history of the country thousands of years before the country itself existed. But as far as I know, the history of the First Nations isn‘t taught in schools in the US. So… without history (because ignoring it is easier) is a fair point.
Hey Ryan, You are one of the good ones ;-) I love that you are actively trying to learn about what's outside your world. For sure the USA is diverse and there are very different places to visit in the USA. But because the USA is so big and diverse and important in the world does not mean there is nothing else than the USA. 🙂 And it would be great if young Americans would learn a bit more about this parts of the world and their inhabitants 🙂
It's not always easy to pinpoint whether the accent is American or from another English speaking country, but at least telling that it's an English accent usually is really easy.
My stereotypes concerning US Americans: hard working, friendly, willing to move for a job, Jazz loving, brave. BUT! Butbutbutbutbut: people are different everywhere. Your nationality isn’t a character trait. Nobody’s is.
That way of speaking is true, sometimes it looks as if they had chewing gum or some other food in their mouth and I have a great difficulty understanding (I'm Italian) but you speak very clearly and I understand everythingand I like to follow you also to improve my english
i always meet friendly Americans in my life. It was always a positive experience. I haven't met many in northern Germany. Most of them visit southern Germany. At the northern side, i met most of the Americans in Hamburg. Hamburg is a cosmopolitan liberal city, comparable to New York in small. There are many economic ties between the city and US companies.
how about a podcast format where you ask the questions that have accumulated during the week to germans. There are certainly enough German spectators who would actually take part in something like that. including me
8:25 My mother used to say that Americans talk like they have a hot potato in their mouth. (The American pronunciation of the R gives this impression, especially since the speaker has to adapt everything else to it.)
As a native german, I find the fact that "geschichtslos" means "unaware of one's own history" both interesting and extremly ludicrous. Most if not all words I could think of right now that end in "-los" refer to being without whatever is infront of it. Like "lautlos", "endlos" or "sinnlos" (without sound, without end or without meaning)
I would like to hear what do Americans think about themselves and what they suppose the world is thinking about Americans. Maybe make a small survey in your family, community, town etc.
YEAH! I love this channel! I'm German and I watch videos of an American picking apart videos, mostly from other Americans, that are about Germans or Germany and giving his opinion on them. Haha! Super funny! But also interesting. However, it is important that we do not believe all clichés and prejudices or always take them seriously. And that is mutual 😉
I think with the term geschichtslos he does not meant to say they have no history and instead just blaming they typically just know very little about history especially if it is not US-american history. Thats just an educated guess.
I'm english but i've been living in Berlin for a few years now, i have over 200 places saved on my google maps and if you ever wanted to visit berlin, hit me up and i can show you some of the best places to eat, drink & relax
Hello Ryan, I just discovered your Channel and I love it, Im crazy about Germany, I admire their Culture, their mentality, well I grown very into Germany life style cuz my Dad who was an Engenier and associate to a factory he change all machinery they had to only German brand new Tec so he traveled often there and took us with him meanwhile was doing business so Germany is very clean, people very friendly, Americans are not much, also Germans speaks 2 or 3 languages meanwhile Americans NOT and think where ever they goes people have to talk english thats kind arrogant but ignorance too, Americans are so Loudly and always nice to see them trying to be the center of all eyes, and talking about history Im totally agreed to the Mr said " No History " Americans are the result of many different countries that came before from Europe and Africa, also not forget that Huge part of America was from Mexico and they took the most productive land like California and Texas, BTW Im Mexican raised between California and my Home land in Baja Mex, so the perspective of Americans and Europe people are huge to me, Americans are not Cultural people and to me grand part of this is because dont have history roots like most of the Countries, dont get me wrong cuz Im not saying is the worst but I think Americans are overvalue themselfs...... there is to many aspects and much more to say...... Thank you for all the information you provide us and to be interest in other Cultures, beside you are so funny beside handsome, I like your comments and all over you are open mind to know more if not sure about any topic and thats very nice of you...... Congratulation for your Channel and Im sorry to not had discovered before, Have a good day ❣❣❣
I'm European and have meet many Americans here in Europe including expats, exchange students and tourists. Those I have talked too and I know are very friendly and warm people.
Knowing other cultures makes you opening your mind and realize that some things you didn't like in it are good and some are awful hehehe at least makes you break the bubble you were in. Oh! In order to know other cultures it's enough to read foreign literature or even news, have foreign acquaintances, etc in case you don't have money to travel...
However, they asked in Berlin… I live in between of Ramstein and Kaiserslautern and I grew up with a lot of Americans. I really like Americans! Unfortunately, the German-American friendship isn‘t as good as before 20 years because the GI‘s mostly living on base instead of outside. I‘m happy that they are still stationed here and save us because our Bundeswehr (military) is not able to. Great people!
Well, most soldiers were not allowed to move off base because of expenses. Also, after the Iraq War in 2003....most bases were fenced in.....due to possible attacks, which expanded the distance between Americans and Germans. We used to live in Heidelberg in MTV which was located close to the city itself. Unfortunately, a lot of the military has been removed and sent back to the States and bases in Heidelberg and Mannheim have been closed down. Such a sad chapter of the German/American relationships. I agree though....they should have gone down to southern Germany and asked people there because that is where most Americans are still located.
Thanks Ryan, i'm german and very bad in englisch, your Videos help me to learn :3. In my opinion a lot of german people dont like New Things, Its cause the old thinking. Everyone should learn about everyone. Happy New year :)
If you ask Americans what they think about Germany it would be Hitler!!!!!, Bratwurst, Bretzel and Oktoberfest. Most People dont know about other countrys. So I´m happy you try to find out whats really behind the courton
I would say that most Americans think there country is the best but the haven't even dealt with other countrys and think the USA is the only country with freedom but there freedom are guns
I wouldn't call Americans stupid, but the knowledge barely 'crosses the American border' I mean you guys know a lot about the history, geography etc. of your own country, but of the rest of the world only about the conflicts you were involved. One thing thats annoying to me about Americans is the habit of, whenever they find out you are from Germany saying things like 'oh really? I'm one/ 16th, one/ 24th (Pick any number) German.' I mean what should i do with that information? Its not like i can speak German with that person or that the person knows more about Germany than the typical American. Another thing is that Americans seem to have some kind of fixation everything WWII related. I have talked with a lot of Americans and pretty much all of them started asking about WWII at some point. You have to understand we got bombarded with every detail of that conflict constantly in school, and plainly said, a lot of us are just sick of talking about it. It is always in the back of everyones head. To better understand what i mean, its like if every German you meet would ask you about slavery.
When he said that the US and Canada are the same, I thought in some point yes because of theire chemical restictions which aren't as nearly as strict as in Europe/ Germany.
You _can_ hear his accent, it’s not _very_ noticeable thought. Most words sound like he’s German but he pronounces some with an accent or makes very slight grammar mistakes Edit: the black dudes accent was much more noticeable, his German was also very good though!
As a dutchie, I don't relly hear accents from the US only if it is obvious like maybe South Carolina or minnesota if you have not a heavy accent it is hard to pinpoint the state for me personally
Have you ever heard from "Amerikaner" for eating? You can get them in a pastry shop. They can have a white frosting, chocolate coating or half and half. They consist of a sand cake dough. - I love them. So I can say: "I like eating Americans." (But also I like human Americans of course.) 💖🙂
2:52 Yea i definatly noticed the accent from the person that got asked, but the person that asks all the questions, has such a clear pronounciation of most words, that, until he made his first big grammar hiccup, it was not possible for me to say if he was acctually german or not. Especially because he pretty much perfectly pronounced the stuff, most americans have a problem with even saying in a kind of weird way xD, either way, props to both of these 2, because they are both really good, and definatly know everything you would need to know to communicate fully in german. ^^
Yo bro, no offense but I think everyone here knows what that post was about and I don't want to start something but that was rude, unneccessary and irrelevant. Not meaning to attack you personally but I think that is why so many other countries view Americans the way they do. Sorry Ryan, don't want to mess up this segment of your channel, but here is a good example. A person comments on a post ( with facts, even capitalizes the right words such as ' German and American') and gets insulted. Kudos to PyroKingZz for being able to speak at least two languages and taking the time to look up how many ethnicities live in each country. There will always be stereotypes about different countries and it is even worse when a person lives in another country and hears statements such as 'windmills cause cancer' or the leader of a country suggests that 'injecting oneself with disinfectant' may cure certain illnesses. I have always wondered why people ask another 'How are you?' but keep walking and don't even want an answer. Guess that's why Germans are considered blunt. Why say something when you don't want an answer or beat around the bush when you can say it in one sentence.
I am German, have been living in the States for over two decades and have dual citizenship for 10 years now. My kids were born here and I have to admit, I was surprised when they started school and class mates graded eachothers' homework, tests were multiple choice or open book; so I can totally see the difference in the education system and appreciate another person posting something that may not be in their native language.
I am not sure how "ethnic diversity" is being measured. If your 7 ethnic classes in America are the official ethnicities tracked by the US Government, those are very broad classifications and not representative of the various ethnicities in the US. For example, there are over 570 officially recognized Native American groups in the US and the vast majority are ethnically distinct. Given that many people from across the globe immigrate to America would certainly indicate that there are far more than 7 ethnicities in the US. I don't know German history that well, but I do know that many people immigrate to Germany as well from around the world. Based on my experience in Germany, though, I would argue that the US is at least as diverse as Germany if not more.
@@carltaylor5359 I really like your post and made some good points and got me thinking. You can look up ethnicity and get some 'straight, to the point explanation' but I totally agree with you. I believe there is so much more to it and it may mean something different to different people. When I hear the word ethnicity (and that is only my personal view), I think of people who share the same culture, religion, traditions and somewhat ancestry). You are absolutely right that this country is very diversed and depending on where you live, it can be a great thing (living in Oklahoma is very different from living in New York). I am not arguing that Germany or Europe is more diversed because they may be more open to embrace other cultures or whatever but I think one main reason is that Europe is closer to certain countries from which people fled to escape horrible living situations. I know that whatever I learned in Geography in school is not accurate anymore. East Germany is gone, so is Yugoslavia and the USSR.Millions fled to other neighboring countries after the so called 'Special Military Operation' or let's call it what it is, INVASION OF UKRAINE ( "Slava Ukraini"!). What threw me off when I first moved here was forms asking me what race I am. I think that was the first time ever I saw the word 'Caucasian'. You may laugh ( totally understandable lol) but I was like 'What the heck does that mean or why would anyone care?!?). It is kind of weird when Caucasian countries include Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey and Iran and I was neither born there nor have I ever been there.
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To answer your question to the second dude: as a native speaker I can hear the accent. And it is easy to pinpoint American accents by the way you guys pronounce vowels and especially the "ch/sch" sounds. Now the guy asking the questions has done an amazing job of pronouncing the language in a native way. He has a really slight accent you can only catch in a couple of pronunciations and the way he structures his sentences. Props to him, that couldn't have been easy to do!
The interviewer Shane was pretty good, indeed (there were a few minor mistakes and a small accent - but you could pinpoint an American right away).
For me it isn’t much the accent that stands out but the way they structure a sentence, which seemed unnatural
@@viis374 also the tempo at which he speaks is unnatural, like he speaks good but he doesn't 'think' german
@@trauma._ yes, that as well
totally agree, guy with micro almost perfect , the student not so .
I worked a lot with american tourists in a touristy area of Germany. My most frequent observations were that they are very friendly and approachable but the are also very ignorant regarding other countries and cultures and incredibly arrogant regarding that ignorance. They don't know other cultures but they think they do and behave as if they do.
That’s true for Germany as well though, Germans as a rule also are really arrogant and think they have something to teach to the entire world (while their country is kind of falling apart)
@@mark9294 We are arrogant but differently. We think we are a better country than most and other countries can learn from us. But that is the same mentality nearly every country has. Also the assumption that our country is falling apart is exactly the type of statements I mean by people thinking they know about other countries but not really knowing anything. Our country has problems like any other but we're doing just fine.
"fake it till you make it" is their Bible 😄😄😄
@@m.s.1067 I dont think this is a mentality nearly every other country has. If you see some more videos regarding european countries..if you would ask there somebody - is your country the best? the usual answer would be "of course not. we have these and these problems but I like to live here". This superior feeling is something I mainly here from us americans. I think stuff like this you hear mainly from rather nationalist/ conservative countries, but feel free to prove me wrong. I have of course also not the overview above all countries and can only tell from my experiences :)
@@kijo548 I agree with you on that specific question. Even Germans would answer no to the question of if Germany is the best country. Especially because of our history that is an absolut taboo thing to say. But most Europeans still think that other countries could learn from them. I've lived in the Netherlands for several years and they are very aware of their flaws and their small size. They would answer exactly what you said. But they are still very proud and believe they are one of if not the most tolerant, progressive, modern country in the world. And while all that is mostly true, it's not the inclusive modern utopia they like to believe. And most countries are like that. They will never say they are the best but deep down they believe there are aspects of their culture that makes them at least a little bit better that any given other nation.
i think a lot of people would call americans superficial because of the weird friendly vibe thats not really friendly. like walmart greeters who smile at you and ask you how youre doing but like i dont know these people and they also really dont care if im having a bad day. i think that superficial friendliness make germans suspicious lmao
It sure does! Also stuff like 'how are you' as a perfunctory greeting.
A short greeting should be enough. Who even came up with this small talk at the cash register? When I go shopping I want it over as soon as possible. Had this on my christmas shopping ... old granny talks this and that ... and I standing next in line waiting patiently ... just wanna finish my grocery shopping for the more important tasks ^^"
Still far prefer it to being snapped at in Germany
@@mark9294 Never happened to me in more than 30 years.
Or the let’s get coffee some day and you will never hear from that person again lol
I was living two years in the US... Greenville (South Carolina). I was helping employees there to get used to new machines from our company. So from my experience:
It is easy to get in contact with them, it is easy to have fun with them and they are not shy at all (like 80% i met there). Especially women are totally different it is "weird" for a german at first, but i enjoyed it after a few months you just have to adapt to it. BUT they are for sure superficial, loud and they have no idea how VALUABLE TIME and HEALTH is...
I am speaking of freetime, holidays etc., they have a tough schedule and dont go to the doctor, because they are sick. I know the system is rigged there, but IMO they all should protest against it, BUT there is weakness number 1: They are superficial, most of them do not know that a healthcare system and paid holidays even exist! After i told that some guys there they thought i am lying and laughed, but nothing in comparsion to their faces after they realized i was telling the truth! They could educate themselves a little bit more outside their bubble, that would help a lot!
That's what comes to my mind when I'm thinking of modern slavery. Like living in a golden cage, thinking that's the way it should be and that there is no alternative. It's not just that they don't know. Most of em don't even know, that they don't know. I can imagine that this system prevented a lot of potential to be unfolded, like maybe there was a boy who could have become the next Einstein or Hawkins, but his family couldn't afford his education because his mother had cancer and they had to sell everything to pay for the treatment... And now he's flipping burgers somewhere... 'murrica, f**k yeah...
Genau so ist meine Erfahrung, sie glauben sie leben im besten Land der Welt und wenn man ihnen erzählt wie Krankenversicherung und Urlaub hier läuft wollen sie es nicht glauben.
@@petramueden7170 Und wenn sie es glauben, dann nennen sie es den "bösen sozialismus" 😂
I have a friend who lives in Greenville SC, i visited her. It was nice there 😊
@@Nils.Minimalist Wobei ich das meist nur von älteren Amerikanern gehört habe, die quasi durch den kalten Krieg "verseucht" sind. Viele jüngere, die hören, wie es in vielen europäischen (und vor allem Deutschland) abläuft, fragen sich dann: "Das klingt toll. Warum haben wir sowas nicht?" Ich denke mal, es ist auch das verschulden der beiden großen Parteien, die simpel nicht wollen, dass sich etwas ändert. Siehe die Obamacare, wo - ich glaube - versucht wurde, eine Art europäisches Sozialsystem zu etablieren. Hat den Reichen aber nicht gefallen, weil die Leute ja sonst auf Ideen kommen könnten.
Auch die Schulbildung der Amerikaner ist nicht gut und zielt teils darauf ab, die Menschen eher ungebildet zu halten.
As someone else commented here: "Geschitslos" does not translate to "having no history", (we have the same meaning in Norwegian in "Historieløs"), it means to be unaware of their own history and history in general. A direct translation would be history-less or -loose, and switching that over to English in a meaningful way could come out as "having no history" but it looses out on what the word meaning actually is: Namely "unaware of history".
Not convinced of that. The man could've also said 'geschichtsfremd' and would've conveyed the meaning you adumbrate much more clearly.
@@RagingGoblin No, that's in fact what that word means. Go ahead, look it up.
@@RagingGoblin No, it would not, "geschichtsfremd" would more or less translate to "unfamiliar", or if you separate them as in "gesichicts fremd" it would come out as "history strange" or "strange history", and not "unaware of history".
Well, that is as far as I know.
@@Llortnerof It does. I did look it up because I had never heard of it. And while the big dictionaries list is as *very uncommon* (and so does google), it's virtually absent in many smaller dictionaries, especially those geared towards translation.
That being said; you're right, it is a word.
A word I haven't heard being spoken in thirty years, but still. A word.
Either way, it seems a bit harsh to stick the finger to Easy-German for their translation in this particular case.
@@RagingGoblin "Geschichtsvergessen" Is not a word for under-classes and underdogs, but a normal German word, wich every pupil ist learning at school at 12 years.
The subtitles in those easy german videos aren't always the best, despite it being a language learning channel. The woman at 9:47 didn't say that americans "don't like to leave their country" but that "they don't leave their country that often perhaps" . There are often small mistakes like that which change the meaning quite a bit.
Yeah, it's incredibly obvious that they don't have any professional translator, but just probably some intern or "Azubi" who translates these. Someone who probably isn't really all that ingrained in both cultures.
Not true. The American travelagency (the Army) is interested in bringing lots of young Americans to foreign countries and cultures - i.e. Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraque a.s.o. 😂
About the older guy saying the Americans are typically "geschichtslos"- without history - the translation was somewhat misleading. I think he meant they don't know even their own history very well.
that makes more sense.
Hmmm no I think he actually meant it like that. If he would have meant that americans don't know their own history he would have probably said it or phrased it differently. Like "Sie sind ungebildet in ihrer eigenen Geschichte" or "Literarisch kennen sie sich nicht über ihre Geschichte aus." Etc. He probably meant what he said. There are quite alot of people like that, especially old ones. There are really open ones of course, just sometimes you get those oldies that are just racist hahaha! You got that everywhere tho sooo it is what it is.
@@madeleink6717 No, "geschichtslos" specificially means _"unaware_ of their own history", not lacking one. It's an established, if rarely used, term.
@@madeleink6717 No, I don't think so. He didn't have time to think about his exact phrasing. The kind of phrasing you use would be expected from someone who is prepared to talk. Like a teacher during a lesson. This guy was more like "I don't have time for this but I can't just say nothing." So he he just blurted out what came to his mind. Also I would be more careful about using the word "racist", if I were you. It gets used waaay to often in the last decade. Used carelessly on people who don't really deserve it. And by people who don't know what they are talking about. Just my 2ct.
@@wewillmakeit3615 relax Jesus. I did not meant that guy in particular. I meant people like my grandparents who said stuff like that. They can be sweet otherwise but then you hear the most racist thing from them lol
I've spent almost a year at an American High School. If I were asked to describe an American, it'd be something along the lines of: sometime superficial, loads of small talk, welcoming, driving everywhere instead of walking/taking a bike, trustfull (heck, who else doesn't lock their front door??). But the thing that really sticked was how friendly and welcoming everyone was. How proud my host mother was of having me, how proud she was when I came again for my host sisters wedding a few years later. She just told everyone! And everyone was just reacting positively - even though most probably forgott quickly afterwards (that's why superficial/small talk).
On the other hand, my host mother (mom) likes to travel. I guess she really has to save to be able to, but she's been to Spain since I stayed with her and to Germany several times (visiting her host kids) as well as Germanys neighbouring countries (Swizzerland, Netherland and Austria, if I'm correct). She's also been to Mexico (because of work, she's been teaching Spanish and took her students on trips abroad). So, there's also people travelling the world that don't have that much money. But yeah, I guess it's mostly well off people, as everyone else has to struggle on a day to day basis with Hire-and-fire-mentallity, little amount of paid days of etc.
Hi Ryan, I just want to make clear that I/we think that you are not a stereotypical American and we are glad you are that open to our country.
I was in the US several times and I have several american friends and I can only agree that for Germans it feels like Americans are often very superficial. I think the reason is, that the German way of cummunication is totally different to the American way. We are not that open when we talk with foreigners. When someone in Germany is that open to you like an American is to almost everyone this person is usually a good friend. We misinterpret this as closeness and then we learn the hard way that it was just some way of kindness we don't use like this. It's extremly difficult for many Germans to figure out if an American really cares for you or if this person is "just" friendliy and open minded.
I think Germans conceive Americans as superficial is best described this way
US: BFF or better
Germany: friend
-----
US: friend
Germany: acquaintance or less
That's why social media friends are anything but friends to us and it sounds totally superficial.
Wir Kroaten zB werden als etwas offener wie die Deutschen beschrieben...aber sogar fuer uns ist deren Oberflaechlichkeit zu viel 😅
So the German mindset is basically, if you are not my friend, don't try to smile and be nice to me and don't expect me to smile and be nice to you. Is that it? Have you ever considered the fact that you were treated kindly because you were a German, a foreign guest? The word hospitality mean anything to you?
@@prcr8tion but they never say what they think, how can you form relationships on sugar-coated conversations? Being welcoming is different from being phoney (not saying that for everyone I do have good American friends)
@@prcr8tion Nah. We are friendly, nice, helpful, hospitably. But don't expect us to call you friend on first date. You got to earn that. It's the same to everyone, even among ourselves. Friendship is enduring. This won't come into being in a snap.
This guy: *exists*
Us Germans: "We will watch your career with great interest"
Yes
sorry, that went over my head...can you clarify, please?
About that "no history" part: Just try to compare the history curricula from class one to high school graduation between Germany and a public US school. Might be enlightening.
As an Air Force Officer I was assigned to a NATO installation for four years, and later I worked for another four years for an international branch of an American company. Meaning, I worked a lot with Americans among people of around a dozen other countries. Everywhere and every time when the topic came up to discuss the culture and attitude of people of different cultures, the Americans always ended at the bottom of the list of the most pleasant people or cultures. It's not just the Germans who have problems with Americans, its everybody but the Americans themselves. From your video it became clear, that you obviously know this.
To me there is a big difference between 'Americans' and just about any single American you meet outside of their country. Once they have been outside of their cultural bubble long enough they start thinking more by themselves. Makes them nice guys.
@@wora1111 I worked approx. 8 years within two very different US-dominated multinational organizations in Europe. Unfortunately, I can't confirm that.
Superficially, US Americans are very nice, but only as long as you serve their purpose.
@@Dahrenhorst May still be the same. The Americans I interacted with in Germany were living "on the economy", kids visiting German schools and usually speaking German after the first year. I think that is a different group than who you are referring to. In Square Dance (about 90% of the dancers are Gernans!) I even met American soldiers that were here for some time and integrated themselves into local communities. In my opinion it mostly depends on what cultural bubble you are in.
@@wora1111 I can only refer to my time of working nearly a decade with US-Americans outside America, and nearly a year spent in the USA. For some reason, my experiences seem to differ from yours.
@@Dahrenhorst That is not surprising because our experiences are with different groups. In the USA I had similar experiences like you since I was meeting the average American. In Germany I met mostly those that were actively trying to integrate and tried to help them. I am absolutely not doubting your experience, I simply like to add, that there are some nice Americans as well :-)
Poor Ryan, but responded in a sportsmanlike manner.
Well I think these videos about Americans reacting to Europeans talking about them is a special part of RUclips, because Americans aren’t generally „stupid“ but I’d say they’re generally a bit unaware of what’s happening in the world. Then again you have to imagine being in their position: a huge country, large population, extremely important economy, a lot of differences within the country but not so much differences with other countries in their daily life. A European however gets in touch with multiple European countries sometimes already during childhood. So the process of growing up in a country in Europe being aware of all the other countries probably leads to a different approach to being interested in other countries than if they were raised in the US.
That doesn’t mean americans don’t know anything about Europe, but the broader general knowledge about Europe or the world in general is not a given in the US while it is more of a given in Europe, simply due to the circumstances.
@@klamin_original , I think one thing that creates a huge difference is what we call "latchkey" kids---kids who basically raise themselves, because their parents are not available to raise them, either because the both have to work so much to support the family, or because of addictions or other issues. I live in Austria right now and here I see on a daily basis what I almost never see in the states, parents walking their kids to school and home, and having very meaningful discussions. I think parents know how to talk to their kids here better than they do in the states and the children grow up with a better perspective on life. When I was growing up in the states in the 60s, it was quite a bit different, because usually one parent could support a family in the middle class. That's just not the case anymore.
As a result, I never see a mother spanking or hitting their child in public, let alone not witnessing them yelling at them, either. In the USA, it is all too common to go into a store, like Walmart and witness this with multiple different families. Money is the root of a huge number of these issues, as well as those parents not having good examples to follow for how to raise kids. imho.
Having had a lot of contact with Americans, I can say I have yet to meet one, who spent some extended time abroad, who did not like it and had a change of perspective. That said, only a small proportion if Americans get the oppotunity.
On the ither hand, when I visited the US, I felt like in a bubble - somehow the world outside America did not happen. The media is extremely egocentric. And yes, I agree that history is a mostly neglegted topic in American schools - so is geography. That's where a lot of the prejudices about American stupidity come from.
I think it really all started with cable news. Before that, you had actual NEWS reports about news, not biased journalism, as it is now. Once cable news started, they had to find ways of filling in the gaps.
@@CabinFever52 Yes. And: American education in general sucks.
I agree. The education system in the U.S. is subpar. What I noticed strange about Germans and people in western Europe in general is that they can't seem to think for themselves, extreme sheep mentality. They can't ever seem to look at the other side of the coin.
Obviously just what comes into their mind after a couple of seconds. No need to take the answers too seriously.
Well, they were specifically looking for prejudices...and that's exactly what prejudices are, they come to your mind after a couple of seconds.
I am German and got to know/worked with Americans (US) during my studies in 2 European countries, and 5 years with a Global UK company. I like that they are usually very professional and hide their emotions in a work context. Also, whether they like you or not, they are polite.
What I do not like is a situation like this: American colleague requests that you do this and that because it is "mandatory". You explain during a meeting that there are local specifics due to which you cannot deliver on the request. The American goes "Gotcha...I understand... I see" which Germans will take as "Fine, you do not have to do it." The next day, you will get an email that questions everything discussed the previous day and the request is back on the table. Happens all the time...
Hmm as anAmerican I never thought about it like this. This is a good point and critic that would annoy me as well in business. But for that you guys take FOREVER to make decisions 🤣
Been to both Canada and the US. Canada is similar to the US but with manners and a culture!!!
A culture of ethnic cleansing of natives and burying them in the backyards of their missionary schools, sounds similar. It is maybe just that the French brought some bottles of wine and stayed in the country that made the difference.
not that nice for US ppl 🤣
I heard US ppl saying about Canada, they are all soooo polite and slow.
I think it is the same thing from different views 😊
2:50 His German is good but I heard it immediately. Y'all can't fool me! :P
I have an uncle in America and have visited him a lot over the years. As far as I can tell the body size difference is real, like when shopping I’d have to go three sizes smaller than in Germany. Also American are really chatty especially about their ancestry, they tell me about some German ancestors 6 generations ago and think this connects us in someway idk. Other than that I also think they often lack common knowledge due to the American school system
@@jacobs9474 Well knowing about your ancestry is a cool thing and can be very interesting BUT most of the Americans that are descendants from Europeans (several generations ago) dont have much in common with us. We cant even relate to each other, especially culturally.
@@jacobs9474 Maybe you as an individual, generally not really the case.
Basically the same culture? Some values are across Europe the same, even across the world I guess, but culturally we are all different, even if there are similarities.
I grew up in Germany and I dont see where the same culture is between Germany, UK, France, The Netherlands, and all the other western countries.
So which part of culture do you mean?
@@jacobs9474 Btw no one said you cant be proud of your heritage... that wasnt even the issue. It is always nice to know where your roots are.
It is kind of normal though when people emigrate somewhere and live in a certain place for generations and generations that ties to the original country will be cut and that people lose their touch from both sides and most of the time cant relate to each other anymore.
@@jacobs9474 Ur words:"People in the US are just proud of their heritage and rightfully so, we were founded on revolution and free thought and serving/protecting your family and country."
Its that the reason why your country is so divided? Is protecting and serving your country/family the reason why you have over 600 mass shooting every year the last 3 years?
And i have to ask: How can someone be proud of his/ her heritage? Did you do anything for your heritage? As long as you are proud of your heritage you are denying problems you have in your country. Proud of any heritage (no matter which country) is just dumb
Thank you Ryan 😍
Das "geschichtslos"-Debakel solltet ihr im Video aufklären! Tolle Videos, schaue euch gerne.
Love the positivity and openness of your reactions... so here's a sub and some engagement.. keep going.
soooo after i now watched every video that u made so far i just wanted to tell you that i love your content! i love the way u think and ofc that u are interested in the german culture as a whole!
I just think you are such a nice, pleasant human beeing and i appreciate every video that you made so far!
Ofc i dont have to mention that everyone is different with their opinions about others (or other countries), but you know that anyway!
Me personally as a german i just love people who are nice and open minded so it does not really matter if you are american or from a different country!
But if we talk about you, your personality (and ur content) i simply enjoy everything about that!
Just wanted to say that real quick!
Much love Ryan to you and ofc to your family aswell! Stay safe
One thing we need to remember is that the Americans most Europeans come in contact with are tourists. Tourists tend to be affluent so mostly white, Republican, loud, opinionated and obnoxious.
I am not German but grew up on the German border. His German is nearly impeccable.
5:35 As a german, I can say that this is a very extreme opinion and also not the typical way germans see americans.
8:30 And yes, I think this is actually the common “american accent stereotype“ in most of germany (not like that americans sound like “wroaar wroaar wroaar“ to us, but in our ears, the american language sounds very voluminous and full).
We said in school, US-English is English with a hot potato in your mouth. 😉 🤣
I think it is just the rolling R.
And there was a test for pupils to check if they chew gum: SAY, I was the wall white with water.
You always fail with gum.
Superficial is actually the first thing that comes to mind when I think about Americans.
It already starts with the first words in a conversation. Asking "How are you?" but not actually asking it and just meaning "hello".
It's not that Germans don't use this phrase as a conversation starter as well but it's not weird to get a truthful, detailed answer about the well being of the person getting asked and we usually don't ask that question at all when it's a stranger like a cashier, waiter etc
Yes, americans can be super kind, smile from ear to ear and overall appear super likeable in an instant but I always feel like that is all just well trained superficial facade and not a truthful expression and leaves you wondering if that person actually vibes with you.
This could be a good topic to explore since Germans and Americans seem to be the polar opposite when it comes to friendship and other relationships and how they handle it.
Newsflash, it’s all just a facade. We’re all just doing a facade. The Germans too. You can sometimes see it crack on the 5 PM Feierabend train home when it’s delayed by 30 minutes again and some poor sod loses it, but we mostly keep up the appearance. Let’s face it, humans are superficial, it’s not a uniquely American thing, we’re all just spending our handful of decades on this blue orb spinning through the void and will all die soon, so let’s be kind to one another and not get worked up about this stupid bullshit. Let’s do as the Americans do, you don’t need to marry me just because I’m nice to you or vice versa, we can just be nice to another since we’re both human and acknowledge the fragility of our human existence and don’t have to be a dick about it.
By the way - 'how are you' wasn't invented by Americans :-) It's british in origin...
i think the girl talking about americans not leaving their country meant actually tht americans usually do not look beyond the horizon, their lives evolve around themselves even when they travel a lot they hardly adjust to other cultures
and also shane, he has worked a lot on his accent but u still can hear the accent rarely
And the girl just can't seem to get that sterotype out of her head. Obviously she has never been to the U.S. nor met many Americans living in Berlin.
Hi, I'm German and have lived in New York and some of my best friends are American. They are definitely the most open and positive people, super helpful and friendly. The thing about superficiality... maybe it's just having strong personal boundaries? Only once you know them really really well they'll open up about really personal stuff. So they're more open at the beginning, but then more closed in an 'intermediate' relationship stage than the typical German, and it takes longer to get a really close friendship with Americans. But it happens :)
Some of my American friends have lived in Europe, and if you knew how many times a day I wish the people here were a bit more like my American friends... 😊
A few thoughts:
*SUPERFICIALITY:* Americans are generally a very polite people, in comparison. Within five minutes, you may introduce a person you've just met as "This is my FRIEND!" Germans may know you for YEARS and even if close, they call you an acquaintant (Bekannter) and you can be friends for years. It's not offensive, it just is.
When you suggest to a German "Let's have Lunch!", that would be indicative of a real lunch date and they want to set a time and think it's a real suggestion. For Americans, it's a polite figure of speech with no commitment for having lunch at all.
Those are just a few examples why Germans often think that Americans are superficial.
*AMERICA's IMAGE:* The older generations has an even worse view on Americans, like that retiree who walked off.
The reason is that Germany was occupied by Allied Nations since WW2 and the US had military bases all over Germany and the GIs where the public image and representatives of America (Murica!). The Americans stationed in Germany were, as a lot of the Armed Forces are, from patriotic, rural areas of the US. RARELY from the big coastal cities.
So, you had those young soldiers, often homesick roaming the bars in those towns with military installations, being loud, obnoxious, speaking with heave Southern drawls, claiming that America is the best.
Born in Munich, but raised in the Frankfurt, Mainz and Wiesbaden area, we had a ton of different armed services of the US stationed all around us. We even watched baseball on AFN Saturday afternoon, when I was a kid.
I lived in Sachsenhausen a part of Frankfurt, with a lot of bars and entertainment and a favorite spot for GI's to let off steam. German police patrolled the area with GIs. Germany had no jurisdiction over the GIs, so two German beat-cops and 2 US MPs patrolled as four men teams.
Those soldiers, before internet, were what most Germans knew of Americans. That was also the time when the USD was extremely strong over the DM (Deutsche Mark - before EURO) and some of the wealthy (often overweight), very entitled Americans visited Germany (Heidelberg and Octoberfest), with a big Ego and wallet as well...
*TRAVEL:* Germans are the most traveled people in the world, according to some statistics. During their long vacation times and protected work places, they travel, all over the world, any destination.
Compare this to Americans that often never leave the US, or to few destinations, which is a minority, that explains why Americans think that America is the best and only country, because they just don't have a point of reference.
In the 90's I worked at a mortgage bank in Uniondale (Long Island, NY) and one of my colleagues, super nice guy, was born in the same town he grew up in. He left New York STATE only once, for military training in West Virginia and the second time when the bank we've worked for sent us to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was not alone!
Hope that sheds some light
Easy Germans translations are sometimes so ridiculously bad 😂
6:35 People who say Americans are historyless (and stupid) are themselves stupid, because the vast majority of German and European and African history is also American history, after all it was our ancestors who emigrated or were enslaved. America did not come into being out of nothing. Apart from that, America has written a lot of history since it exists. Edit: Ah you pointed that out too
3:04 I could tell immediately german wasn't his first language, but only picked up on the american accent after hearing him say it and going back. So you can tell, but it's hard from hearing just a couple of words sometimes.
You don’t teach (much) history apart from US American history, and maybe you wouldn’t even teach WWII if the US army hadn’t got involved at some point.
He doesn't really have an accent, but he has problems with grammar
I don’t agree. Those I met were smart, kind, hospitable and trustworthy. They knew what they wanted, were skilled and flexible when they wanted to achieve something. Once there was an obstacle they didn’t quit and wouldn’t let their friends down. There is need to analyze everything to the core but if they wanted it they would not quit. There are just as smart as most Germans are.
Travelling to the USA in February 2023 for the 34th time. I realy enjoy to meet my friends in Charleston SC, Bowman GA, Ocean Springs MS, Miami FL. Is there a real difference in people? No… People are just people. Being friendly and polite we can meet friendly, polite, interested people wherever we go.
You putting youself through this hardship, that is admirable, you get a like and sub :)
the interviewer had a slight accent and the black guy had a strong accent
There is a lot of Anti-Americanism in Germany. Why? Well...My Grandpa was in WW2. He told a story for the whole rest of his life that Americans opened a bunker and shot all people coming out (surrendering) in the back including one of his brothers. Since then he hated America and Americans with his whole heart. There might be still older people with similar stories. Then the political left always had kinda sympathy for Russia and rejection for the USA. I myself have many American friends who I really love though I see many things about America very critical.
The excessive patriotism is one thing I don't understand. (Come on, it is just a country! Don't worship it!) The exaggerated cult about the president and the concentration of too much power in one person, the lack of democracy in the whole political system, the lack of humility in historic fails ...I could add a lot more stuff where me and most Germans just have big questions...
You're not wrong about both the political left and the old people who still witnessed (or were directly influenced) by the war.
But come on, there are hundreds of reasons to criticise the American political system. And it might well be argued we aren't doing it often enough.
@@RagingGoblin Right. But the only ones, who could really change the american political system, are the ruling persons. So - guess what. It might be leading to less power for themselves. Easy to understand why they do not change it.
Honestly, I can totally NOT understand why just a single person (the president) can rule like a king by decrets. Presidents from both parties did that massively. Why would a country that is so proud on its democracy allow that? 🤔
You can always find good and bad points about every country. The relation to the US is based on several key events in our history: First, many Germans emigrated to the US, therefore we are somehow strong relatives. Second USA is the biggest power in the world (at least still even if China is catching up since 2000). That causes always a mixture of admiration, fear, rejection and adaptation and is nothing specific German, but an issue for almost every country in the world. Finally the wars and all there consequences which were also different for different parts of Germany and different groups of its people.
Wow, the guy with the hat must have had really bad experience with Americans or no experience at all.
I visited the US in 2006, Oklahoma, and everybody was super friendly, maybe some were really superficial, but I absolutely enjoyed my stay. My best friend and I were allowed to go to culinary school for 2 days, because one of our friends studied there, we had so much fun with so many people we didn't know before. And this vacation is the reason I am not afraid of speaking English anymore. Before my visit I always was afraid of saying something wrong, of not knowing the correct grammar and so on (thanks to my English teachers and my shy personality in school - well THAT definitely is in the past 😄)
I also met people from Arizona and they were really nice.
Some people may be stupid and superficial and arrogant...BUT you have these in EVERY part of the world. I think the public school system isn't the best in the US, so how can you accuse Americans of being stupid, if they just learn their own history and so on. That is nothing the kids choose, it is the curriculum...and people who don't know much about other countries/cultures are easier to manipulate...we had that in Germany, but after 1945 there were many changes for the better...
Tbh that guys gives me distinct Reichsbürger-vibes. His opinion is a cliche that many old right-leaning people tend to have especially in east Germany. The fact that he gives a shit about the history of the US shows that he himself gives a lot on the "good old German history", which is a common ground for Reichsbürger-conspiracists.
@@Zoddom dude you manage to mix reichsbürger with right-leaning people... under a video where somebody clearly says its more leftist people, that hate on america.
The guy with the hat is himself history-less ... because he focuses on European history - not on world history. I got that kind of vibes from him.
And when it comes to calling Americans "dumb" - first - it is offensive. Second - it is not true that the average American is "dumb" - they just now other things.
Why would an American learn about European history - when neither of Europeans knows about Asian history or African history?
@@Zoddom weil er seine meinung sagt (und nicht die, die du hören willst) ist er ein reichsbürger ? du hast gar nicht verstanden was er gemeint hat mit geschichtslos ;) frag mal einen amerikaner nach sklaverrei in seinem land wie lange sie dauerte usw oder nach der Indigene bevölkerung. viel spass ;)
@@franhunne8929 Well if it's offensive that can still be his opinion. Also from my experience german school focuses on most parts of the world when it comes to history. Of course it's not gonna go into detail about every single country but we do know what major historical events happened in most parts of the world
Of course you can't judge people by their origin, you have to meet them openly. It is interesting what Sigmund Freud wrote in his diary about his American patients: "They all have an infantile, materialistic expectation of salvation in common." This then agrees with what Einstein said when asked what it was like to come to the United States from Nazi Germany. "I escaped from Barbaria to Dollaria."
So, yeah. Sorry this was rough. It was also not very informative (the original video). Let me explain a little why Germans think that Americans are arrogant. Btw, my credentials are: German, married to US-American for 20 years, lived and worked in the US, lots of US friends, husband works for the US government.
Yesterday, President Biden said about the chaos in the house re McCarthy: "We are the greatest nation in the world, how can this be?" This is the attitude that almost every single American expresses and that really annoys the rest of the world. Biggest, best, richest, smartest, most advanced... of the world. It is always "in/of the world". Arrogance! A little more humility would be good for the entire nation. Stop the brainwashing about how great you are (and you are great in many ways! Just not in all! And not always a cut above the rest!) and start working on making the things better that are really not great. (Also, no - the world is not watching every tiny detail of American politics. Most Germans are simply tired of the constant drama in US politics.)
Perfect description. Could have not said it any better. Being humble does not seem easy to many. Then again, I think that as a President.....he kinda has to say that they are "the best" at everything, lol. Let's be honest....we all know better. America is and always will be a country...many others look up to concerning issues and if said country acts like they cannot find common ground on the most easy part then this might make them look unstable. They usually stand for democracy and strength, which was not apparent throughout this Speaker of the House election. It was an unnecessary circus show....which will hurt the country in the long run. Biden asking "how can this be...." should be apparent if he knew of the intentions of the founding fathers concerning the U.S. Constitution.
The Afro-American had an accent. I couldn't say, if it's American or British etc., but definitely a slight English accent.
Btw - ty for clarifying that you're white, could've mistaken you for Afro-Asian 😅. In Europe we don't obsess so much about race. To me, it sounds very racist to ask for your ethnicity on pretty much any form. That's just weird. Everyone should be treated the same, regardless of their skin colour.
As an English, German speaker, he didn't sound English whilst speaking German.
@@johnp8131Maybe you have a similar accent and can't hear it. But he does have an English accent.
Talking about race or ethnicity being a taboo, is really weird to me. It's kind of the most obvious topic when you don't know someone well and it gives a lot of potential topics of discussion if there are visibly differences between you (not just looks but language, clothing whatever obvious things). It's a shame in some countries it's "not allowed" to talk of certain things. If it's not meant with malicious intent it's not really offensive.
@@bencze465 I'm not taking about "not allowed" to tall about it. That certainly isn't true. But the state asking for your skin colour? Really weird
@@bencze465 in Europe we talk about nationality not ethnicity. Ethnicity is just not a thing there for it is not taboo to talk about
5:00 well many kids are kinda like that but definetly not all and to be honest she's really lively and sche speaks hella fast for a kid her age
People of Berlin are famous to be a bit cheeky and speaking quickly on point. Therefore this kid is no surprise.
I only have 2 stereotypes, whiche have proven to be right after living in the states for 2 years:
-Americans cant handle beer
-Americans ignore most of history
About the beer:
American beer isn't even concidered beer, and even that "weak shit" is too much
About history:
there is no history before the foundation of the states, and only the states matter.
As a German who is woking with some amercans, man I can tell you there people there so different. And as you said in another Video I agree that you should when we talk about e,g, culture, then it should be compared as Europe or vise versa a European country compared with a State and not the whole Meltpot. I mean people from Alabama are complete different to New Yorkers, I know its a heavy comparson, but I think it make it clear. I mean when you ask an American(U.S) what he thinks about Europeans, would be more or less the same. I think the biggest differenz ragarding to this topic, is that Europeans cluture are more seperatet in their own countrys and in USA is one big meltpot of everything.
So for example the answear from that one lady who said they need to leave their country and explore others is not fair, because if you never leave europe as european it is actually the same thing.
There are 47 different countries and over 200 different languages in Europe.
You can't equate that with the idea that Americans won't leave their country. There are many Germans who travel to Poland, the Czech Republic or Hungary, Italy, Spain or France every year. For me, as a German, this is also abroad.
UK person here, worked in America for a while and Julia is totally right... it's like they're all on Prozac all the time
The American has a distinct accent but is very easy to understand. Prejudices are reinforced by many films and when you then meet an American who only partially corresponds to the prejudices, they become more entrenched. I live mostly in Sicily and I often come into contact with tourists and I can say that it doesn't matter where they come from, they all have their own peculiarities. Americans are notable for often speaking no language other than their own and demanding that everyone understand them. I have a sign in front of my property that also says in English that it is private property and no trespassing, but very often Americans stand in front of my house and think it's a museum just because it's old, okay the oldest part is from 1482 but I don't want to keep sending people away.
In our German town (less than 37,000 inhabitants) there live people from over 100 different countries. We're very diverse.
Thats sad
@@Future183 I wonder what might be sad about it?
@@dorisschneider-coutandin9965 i think you might need some glasses or read the news sometimes
@@Future183 Please stay polite. I have done nothing to prompt such a rude reply. Actually, we live very peacefully and comfortably here.
My sister was married to three Americans, and I can say they didn't have any general knowledge.
They don't know what's going on in the world, they don't care. Maybe they weren't the brightest candles on the cake.
But when we were in Texas and watched the European Championships, Americans came to us, told us that their ancestors came from Germany e. g. from near Munich and do we know their relatives?
No, we live 150 km away from Munich and don't know these people. . .
Do the Americans think that in Germany everyone knows everyone? :-)
I have a feeling that Americans live only in their bladder and know nothing from the world.
LOL. Maybe they thought....Germany is such a small country...we MUST be all related to each other.
india, pakistan and russia have the highest numbers of different ethnic groups.
while many countries on the african continent have a high ethnic fractionalization ( meaning if you randomly pick 2 people out of the population the chances are high that they are of different ethnicity )
I am sorry for that old man saying stupid and without history. It is not true. That statement even shocked me as a German. I am really sorry for his statement. But that is the old ppl mentality that you will meet sometimes in Germany when you talk to old ppl.
My oppinion is many Americans dont care for the rest of the world...But you guys get better...the more I see things like you do
There are only 2 things that bother me about Americans is the exaggerated patriotism and Americans in general tend to exaggerate in many ways. (And I met and worked with many americans)
If a German says "total oberflächlich", that does mean "a bit superficial". Germans are so direct, even we Austrians often feel offended by them (although speaking the same language, we'll technically at least :)))).
In dem Video-Kontext ist das einfach total falsch.
Dutch people are even more direct, at a level of being down right rude from my experience.
I would have translated it with "shallow".
We see memes like "16.4 million Americans think chocolate milk comes from brown cows" and "38% of Americans didn't buy Corona beer during the pandemic at any circumstances because of the Coronavirus"
Of course we think Americans are stupid.
Thanks Ryan!
Love your authentic Reactions,stay healty and all the best for 2023!
Greetings from Germany
The thing is... U.S. has a history but does not have a take on it. You don't embrace and learn from your past.
All is just glory, glory, haleluja
As someone who worked in tourism I saw various things regarding Americans but the most common things are you guys are soooo loud. Southern Europeans are known to be somewhat louder than Nothern Europeans, but US Americans beat us all. Also I will add ignorance and arrogance to that mix as well.
It is very annoying when US Americans come and think they know everything and even have the audacity to correct you (which they actually dont) while talking about the history and culture about your own country - this is the time when they show the ignorance and somewhat lack of education and being arrogant at the same time.
I know not everyone is stupid and dumb, and here and there I met Americans who were the opposite of what I described but compared to that group these people were the minority.
Also the talk about how the US is the best country, best in everything and what not... no one likes that. Every country has its pros and cons and most of the world is aware of both.
What I think most people actually dislike is your government and how you handle stuff and like to put your nose into others business without being asked. Playing world police and what not but creating yourself certain problems that we have today.
And when people say superficial, we mean you can come across like that with being overfriendly and sometimes put on that fake smile but aint interested in that person or anything outside your own bubble. You know it would be a good thing if your country would start to address your own problems before you try to solve others without permission.
That is the overall picture the US sends to most of us, but of course there are people who are great, not everyone can be that bad.
sometimes when a European says ' no ' in a conversation its a power play , discarding others opinion and forwarding their own, even if it is exactly the same , it is very telling of the people that say no , in a psychological kinda way .
Uff, the old man with the hat was so rude! Yes, as a german I love beeing direct and on point, but his answer was narrow minded. Don't know what he experieced to come to that conclusion. Love the man who said: there is no typical american. Because that's what it is. For me what counts is, if a person is a good and honest person or not. I would love to visit the US one day. Your country is so divers and the nature must be breathtaking. Best wishes from Düsseldorf 🤗
Well maybe he read something about My Lai or Abu Ghraib, the treason and murder of Philippino people when they sneaked the islands from the Spanish or their practice of military and economic coercion towards everyone who they think stands in their way, that coloured his opinion about the U.S. a little bit.
😂😂😂😂 04:53 , you crack me up Ryan! 06:38, Ryan blows a gasket! It's ok mate, all us Aussies love you pal, don't take all this to heart!
3:23 haha how you got your hopes up only to be completely destroyed a second later 😂😭 .. that’s why here in Germany we say „Freu dich nicht zu früh 😌“ 😂♥️
edit
4:45 this was probably the funniest thing I’ve heard today ..man I love you😂
US Americans tend to ignore the history before the immigration happend.
I learned in school the history of the country thousands of years before the country itself existed.
But as far as I know, the history of the First Nations isn‘t taught in schools in the US. So… without history (because ignoring it is easier) is a fair point.
Hey Ryan, You are one of the good ones ;-) I love that you are actively trying to learn about what's outside your world. For sure the USA is diverse and there are very different places to visit in the USA. But because the USA is so big and diverse and important in the world does not mean there is nothing else than the USA. 🙂 And it would be great if young Americans would learn a bit more about this parts of the world and their inhabitants 🙂
It's not always easy to pinpoint whether the accent is American or from another English speaking country, but at least telling that it's an English accent usually is really easy.
You can totally hear their American accent when they speak German.
I don't think so.
The R-Sound usually gives it away pretty fast
I laughed so hard at the old man's response. Gramps should be a professional roaster.
My stereotypes concerning US Americans: hard working, friendly, willing to move for a job, Jazz loving, brave. BUT! Butbutbutbutbut: people are different everywhere. Your nationality isn’t a character trait. Nobody’s is.
That way of speaking is true, sometimes it looks as if they had chewing gum or some other food in their mouth and I have a great difficulty understanding (I'm Italian) but you speak very clearly and I understand everythingand I like to follow you also to improve my english
i always meet friendly Americans in my life. It was always a positive experience.
I haven't met many in northern Germany. Most of them visit southern Germany. At the northern side, i met most of the Americans in Hamburg. Hamburg is a cosmopolitan liberal city, comparable to New York in small. There are many economic ties between the city and US companies.
how about a podcast format where you ask the questions that have accumulated during the week to germans. There are certainly enough German spectators who would actually take part in something like that. including me
8:25 My mother used to say that Americans talk like they have a hot potato in their mouth. (The American pronunciation of the R gives this impression, especially since the speaker has to adapt everything else to it.)
The guy with the hat is exactly the type of persons which were meant at 11:28. He stranded in 68.
I got more 'I am still upset the Americans *invaded* Our country and told us what to do, they Had No right to do that' vibes...
@@chronischgeheilt he's not _that_ old.
As a native german, I find the fact that "geschichtslos" means "unaware of one's own history" both interesting and extremly ludicrous. Most if not all words I could think of right now that end in "-los" refer to being without whatever is infront of it. Like "lautlos", "endlos" or "sinnlos" (without sound, without end or without meaning)
Yes you can hear the accents. Even Shane has an accent and as anative speaker ut's really easy to hear it
Hugz and kisses from Germany. ♥ I LOVE your reactions. *muah*
68er refers to the West Germany student protests of 1968.
Wikipedia has an article on it -> en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_German_student_movement
I would like to hear what do Americans think about themselves and what they suppose the world is thinking about Americans. Maybe make a small survey in your family, community, town etc.
"You can't stereotype 300 million cunts, it can't be done"
- Daniel Sloss
YEAH! I love this channel! I'm German and I watch videos of an American picking apart videos, mostly from other Americans, that are about Germans or Germany and giving his opinion on them. Haha! Super funny! But also interesting. However, it is important that we do not believe all clichés and prejudices or always take them seriously. And that is mutual 😉
I think with the term geschichtslos he does not meant to say they have no history and instead just blaming they typically just know very little about history especially if it is not US-american history. Thats just an educated guess.
I think the geschichtslos "without history" was more about not minding history. The german phrasing can be interpreted both ways.
You are a very likeable guy, good luck and greetings from Hamburg
I'm english but i've been living in Berlin for a few years now, i have over 200 places saved on my google maps and if you ever wanted to visit berlin, hit me up and i can show you some of the best places to eat, drink & relax
Hello Ryan, I just discovered your Channel and I love it, Im crazy about Germany, I admire their Culture, their mentality, well I grown very into Germany life style cuz my Dad who was an Engenier and associate to a factory he change all machinery they had to only German brand new Tec so he traveled often there and took us with him meanwhile was doing business so Germany is very clean, people very friendly, Americans are not much, also Germans speaks 2 or 3 languages meanwhile Americans NOT and think where ever they goes people have to talk english thats kind arrogant but ignorance too, Americans are so Loudly and always nice to see them trying to be the center of all eyes, and talking about history Im totally agreed to the Mr said " No History " Americans are the result of many different countries that came before from Europe and Africa, also not forget that Huge part of America was from Mexico and they took the most productive land like California and Texas, BTW Im Mexican raised between California and my Home land in Baja Mex, so the perspective of Americans and Europe people are huge to me, Americans are not Cultural people and to me grand part of this is because dont have history roots like most of the Countries, dont get me wrong cuz Im not saying is the worst but I think Americans are overvalue themselfs...... there is to many aspects and much more to say...... Thank you for all the information you provide us and to be interest in other Cultures, beside you are so funny beside handsome, I like your comments and all over you are open mind to know more if not sure about any topic and thats very nice of you...... Congratulation for your Channel and Im sorry to not had discovered before, Have a good day ❣❣❣
Ryan, this what hit you brutal, will keep a german cool, or just brings up a smile or a grin.
I'm European and have meet many Americans here in Europe including expats, exchange students and tourists. Those I have talked too and I know are very friendly and warm people.
Knowing other cultures makes you opening your mind and realize that some things you didn't like in it are good and some are awful hehehe at least makes you break the bubble you were in.
Oh! In order to know other cultures it's enough to read foreign literature or even news, have foreign acquaintances, etc in case you don't have money to travel...
2:00 There's some pastry in Germany, it's called an American, it's coated half white (sogar) and half black (chocolate).
However, they asked in Berlin…
I live in between of Ramstein and Kaiserslautern and I grew up with a lot of Americans.
I really like Americans! Unfortunately, the German-American friendship isn‘t as good as before 20 years because the GI‘s mostly living on base instead of outside.
I‘m happy that they are still stationed here and save us because our Bundeswehr (military) is not able to.
Great people!
Well, most soldiers were not allowed to move off base because of expenses. Also, after the Iraq War in 2003....most bases were fenced in.....due to possible attacks, which expanded the distance between Americans and Germans. We used to live in Heidelberg in MTV which was located close to the city itself. Unfortunately, a lot of the military has been removed and sent back to the States and bases in Heidelberg and Mannheim have been closed down. Such a sad chapter of the German/American relationships. I agree though....they should have gone down to southern Germany and asked people there because that is where most Americans are still located.
Thanks Ryan, i'm german and very bad in englisch, your Videos help me to learn :3. In my opinion a lot of german people dont like New Things, Its cause the old thinking. Everyone should learn about everyone. Happy New year :)
If you ask Americans what they think about Germany it would be Hitler!!!!!, Bratwurst, Bretzel and Oktoberfest. Most People dont know about other countrys. So I´m happy you try to find out whats really behind the courton
I would say that most Americans think there country is the best but the haven't even dealt with other countrys and think the USA is the only country with freedom but there freedom are guns
The roasting temperature of the grill was really hot this time. I liked it :-)
I wouldn't call Americans stupid, but the knowledge barely 'crosses the American border' I mean you guys know a lot about the history, geography etc. of your own country, but of the rest of the world only about the conflicts you were involved.
One thing thats annoying to me about Americans is the habit of, whenever they find out you are from Germany saying things like 'oh really? I'm one/ 16th, one/ 24th (Pick any number) German.' I mean what should i do with that information? Its not like i can speak German with that person or that the person knows more about Germany than the typical American.
Another thing is that Americans seem to have some kind of fixation everything WWII related. I have talked with a lot of Americans and pretty much all of them started asking about WWII at some point. You have to understand we got bombarded with every detail of that conflict constantly in school, and plainly said, a lot of us are just sick of talking about it. It is always in the back of everyones head. To better understand what i mean, its like if every German you meet would ask you about slavery.
Do you have a Video about the different types of americans?
When he said that the US and Canada are the same, I thought in some point yes because of theire chemical restictions which aren't as nearly as strict as in Europe/ Germany.
You _can_ hear his accent, it’s not _very_ noticeable thought. Most words sound like he’s German but he pronounces some with an accent or makes very slight grammar mistakes
Edit: the black dudes accent was much more noticeable, his German was also very good though!
As a dutchie, I don't relly hear accents from the US only if it is obvious like maybe South Carolina or minnesota if you have not a heavy accent it is hard to pinpoint the state for me personally
Have you ever heard from "Amerikaner" for eating? You can get them in a pastry shop. They can have a white frosting, chocolate coating or half and half. They consist of a sand cake dough. - I love them. So I can say: "I like eating Americans." (But also I like human Americans of course.) 💖🙂
2:52 Yea i definatly noticed the accent from the person that got asked, but the person that asks all the questions, has such a clear pronounciation of most words, that, until he made his first big grammar hiccup, it was not possible for me to say if he was acctually german or not. Especially because he pretty much perfectly pronounced the stuff, most americans have a problem with even saying in a kind of weird way xD,
either way, props to both of these 2, because they are both really good, and definatly know everything you would need to know to communicate fully in german. ^^
I briefly compared the ethnic diversity of America and Germany in a chart, and it turned out that America has 7 countries and Germany has 20
damn bro, i hope english isnt your native language
Yo bro, no offense but I think everyone here knows what that post was about and I don't want to start something but that was rude, unneccessary and irrelevant. Not meaning to attack you personally but I think that is why so many other countries view Americans the way they do. Sorry Ryan, don't want to mess up this segment of your channel, but here is a good example. A person comments on a post ( with facts, even capitalizes the right words such as ' German and American') and gets insulted. Kudos to PyroKingZz for being able to speak at least two languages and taking the time to look up how many ethnicities live in each country. There will always be stereotypes about different countries and it is even worse when a person lives in another country and hears statements such as 'windmills cause cancer' or the leader of a country suggests that 'injecting oneself with disinfectant' may cure certain illnesses.
I have always wondered why people ask another 'How are you?' but keep walking and don't even want an answer. Guess that's why Germans are considered blunt. Why say something when you don't want an answer or beat around the bush when you can say it in one sentence.
I am German, have been living in the States for over two decades and have dual citizenship for 10 years now. My kids were born here and I have to admit, I was surprised when they started school and class mates graded eachothers' homework, tests were multiple choice or open book; so I can totally see the difference in the education system and appreciate another person posting something that may not be in their native language.
I am not sure how "ethnic diversity" is being measured. If your 7 ethnic classes in America are the official ethnicities tracked by the US Government, those are very broad classifications and not representative of the various ethnicities in the US. For example, there are over 570 officially recognized Native American groups in the US and the vast majority are ethnically distinct. Given that many people from across the globe immigrate to America would certainly indicate that there are far more than 7 ethnicities in the US. I don't know German history that well, but I do know that many people immigrate to Germany as well from around the world. Based on my experience in Germany, though, I would argue that the US is at least as diverse as Germany if not more.
@@carltaylor5359 I really like your post and made some good points and got me thinking. You can look up ethnicity and get some 'straight, to the point explanation' but I totally agree with you. I believe there is so much more to it and it may mean something different to different people. When I hear the word ethnicity (and that is only my personal view), I think of people who share the same culture, religion, traditions and somewhat ancestry). You are absolutely right that this country is very diversed and depending on where you live, it can be a great thing (living in Oklahoma is very different from living in New York). I am not arguing that Germany or Europe is more diversed because they may be more open to embrace other cultures or whatever but I think one main reason is that Europe is closer to certain countries from which people fled to escape horrible living situations. I know that whatever I learned in Geography in school is not accurate anymore. East Germany is gone, so is Yugoslavia and the USSR.Millions fled to other neighboring countries after the so called 'Special Military Operation' or let's call it what it is, INVASION OF UKRAINE ( "Slava Ukraini"!).
What threw me off when I first moved here was forms asking me what race I am. I think that was the first time ever I saw the word 'Caucasian'. You may laugh ( totally understandable lol) but I was like 'What the heck does that mean or why would anyone care?!?). It is kind of weird when Caucasian countries include Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey and Iran and I was neither born there nor have I ever been there.