One of my friends who studied abroad in Germany put the whole "Germany =/= Bavaria" thing this way: Going to Berlin and expecting to see people day-to-day wearing lederhosen and drinking big tankards of beer is like going to NYC and expecting to see people in cowboy hats and boots doing cool lasso tricks
The only trouble I had in Germany was at the Mineralbad in Stuttgart. I am an older woman and have agility issues with my hands and I was having trouble inserting a ticket to go through the turnstile. The man behind me got upset and I hear the famous, "HALLO!!!". I turned around and politely asked if he could perhaps help me, while showing him my hands. His face turned red, put the ticket in the machine for me and then apologized. I have been all over Germany since then and have had nothing but kindness shown to me when asking for help.
I'm sorry he was rude. Ask for help. People usually won't help unless you ask. Just cause, if people don't ask they probably don't want help - (it's different if you're unconscious or hurt)
Yes, a lot of people are like him 😞 I hate it. The worst thing is being rude behind an ambulance. Like: uugh why cant we pass. Why did they park there. Whats taking so long .... I am really sorry, that a lot of us are this way.... (Sorry, if my english sounds bad 😉 still working on that) Oh....and there are normal people out there. Some.... not many i guess but....yeah....
@@annemariek.2295 don't apologize for your English. I understood every word you said and your written form is better than some native speakers. Keep up the good work. Alles Gute! Ich habe gerade A2 Deutsch begonnen und Ihr Englisch ist besser als mein Deutsch!
Just one thing, I'm a german as well, and if we have a party and the guests are knowing that they should bring something to eat as well (so we can socialize over different foods) and someone brings Spaghetti or Ravioli from Maggi, this person is committing social suicide. Such a behavior is indeed pretty cheap. If you don't have the money to socialize in this matter, just tell someone you near, and he/she will help you out. No one will make jokes about your financial situation, and if the people are relatively close, they will help you with all kinds of stuff. Germans seem to be cold, but they actually aren't. The most Germans I know are very social and are trying to help when they can.
I was a foreign exchange student from the US when I was 16 and I was housed in Bavaria. I have never felt more comfortable and welcomed, the people were so friendly and helped me with my German, and were so patient and wonderful. I hope to make it back to Germany one day, it is fantastic!!
@@robs5688i was in Germany much much more temporarily in college, and only some people I stayed with were kind and welcoming..but the mom I stayed with so mean and critical and never smiled
As a German, I can say that you absolutely nailed us (at least my parents and grandparents) and I loved the way you explained everything with examples. Dankeschön! And have fun in Germany. :)
Years ago I did the backpacking thing all over Europe and the Balkans. Germany and Austria were the only countries where people would literally see me with my backpack and walk up to me and say things like "Are you ok? Do you need a place to stay? How are you enjoying your trip?" Seems like amost every one of them had backpacked somewhere in the world before, and were literally genuinely trying to help. It was a big, big, BIG sigh of relief after leaving Italy, which I found to be quite the opposite.
@@woltersworld #14 really should be #1…..really good job, I feel a bit called out on the ‚this food is mine‘… You take food off my plate only in case you asked nicely and I am at all interested in anything you have 🙃
If you think somebody's American in there about ready to cross the street while there's a red signal do not put your hands on them they're going to take that as a physical assault and respond violently and if you don't think that will happen look at January 6th 2021
Besides all the rules... When men are meeting with their 'Stammtisch' or 'Kegelgruppe', it is drinking beer like nothing else matters. Talking lots of shit is also allowed then.
As a German, I was taught that waiters in North America don't earn as much and need the tips, like the tips are expected and part of their income, whereas in Germany waiters earn more and a tip is always voluntary or polite and not expected as part of their income. As for sharing food at a restaurant with others, thank you for this explanation. I once was in a restaurant in Canada with a few people from all over the world, the plates were put on the table and everyone took whatever they wanted. I was greatly confused and overwhelmed, didn't know what I am supposed to eat or what was expected from me, and I also thought we should have agreed upon sharing the bill before ordering so much food. I'm not greedy, but I didn't have overflowing financial resources at the time and would have liked to know how much I would be supposed to pay in the end. I should have asked and shared my uncertainties, but for whatever reason I wasn't able to. So thanks again, this explanation helped.
@@doctormo The law allows for meager insufficient wages. It doesn't mean the restaurant can't pay a living wage, esp not because the law forbids it. According to an anecdote a restaurant paying a living wage did actually better than their competitors who did not.
@@doctormo This is a shitty and exploitative law. Nobody should have to rely on "kindness" of strangers - it is degrading. Restaurant owners should pay a fair, living wage and not expect their customers to subsidize their employees' wages. Outside of Anglo-sphere (US, Canada, UK not sure about Australia/New Zealand), there is hardly any tipping culture. Service/waitstaff are hired and paid to serve customers and they should not expect to be tipped for doing their job. If a customer feels the service they received was exceptional and wants to give something, it's their choice - it should not be customary. The tipping culture in US and UK is now completely out of hand - even the take-away places have tip jars near the cashiers. And some restaurants in the US think 25% tip is a good amount. Outrageous.
@@doctormo Hahaha. Yes, you do. At least in Bloody London where every other bugger wants a tip for their "service" or restaurants automatically add 10%-15%"gratuity" to the bill without asking.
The "don't be late" part is extremely important in case you have a job interview in Germany (native German here, born and grew up in Germany before moving to the US). When you get an invitation letter/notice for a job interview or a round of interviews starting at 10am (10 Uhr!), then be there at latest 9:45. You may have to get your visitor badge and escorted to the interview room etc. Offen they offer you water and coffee. But be IN THE ROOM at 10.If using public transit, take a connection earlier. When arriving by car know where you can park and do not try to save ten Euros for the parking garage to drive tens of minutes to find a free spot. No one will accept that excuse. Good employers will reimburse you all those fees for your application in Germany, included the parking ticket of the garage next to the employer's office.
Exactly the same in the Netherlands. It is considered extremely bad manners to show up late. You're expected to be at the door of the room/office 5 minutes before the agreed time.
"Sorry, I'm late because I could not find any parking space nearby!" is not an excuse, but the admission of not being able to carry out the simplest processes imaginable. So, if you start your job Interview like this, there is no chance to get that job. "Who would hire someone who is already overwhelmed by being on time? Can they read and write? Does he need help using the toilet? What other mental limitations do they have?"
I'm an American and I was raised to always be on time or slightly early. In my very first job, my boss said if you are on time, you are late and if you are early, you are on time. I always leave my home really early to go to work because you never know what delays that could happen. If I am super early, I just relax in my car for a while. Being at least on time, but early should just be a universal thing.
I think I’m really going to LOVE visiting Germany! Everything you said that angers them angers me. I love punctuality, recycling and NOT sharing my food.
My wife and I just returned from three weeks driving through northern Germany. We set the navigation systen to avoid A-bahns (mostly). We were treated like guests by everyone we met. Without exception, every encounter was great. I spent my covid confinement studying German…every day. I practiced and listened and really worked at pronunciation. While there I spoke German at every opportunity. While some Germans recognized that I was not a native speaker, many continued the conversation in German and even helped me along. As you said, we did not cross the street without the permission of the ampelman and did drive fast but always to the right on the A-bahn and in general followed German rules of polite. While this was not my first time in Germany, it was my best!
We loved driving on the autobahn! It was an absolute pleasure. Of course, I’m a rule follower and stay to the right unless passing. (Maybe it’s my German blood.)
I also don't get why there's the stereotype that northern Germans are rude or ruder than their southern counterparts. From my experience, people are incredibly friendly and accommodating up north and follow a much more relaxed "live and let live" approach. Especially comparing Hamburg and Munich, it was really surprising to me how much of a difference there was. And every foreigner I've talked to about this agreed...so I'm really curious where those clichés come from!
Germany: I order my food I order my beer I drive my speed (within the rules) I come in time, so I can expect everyone in time sounds good to a finn, we have similar rules I must visit, I want to drink beer and see castles, churches and museums
Totally underrated museum: Herxheim. They excavated a stone age village (7500 years?) with a ditch around it. What was in that ditch? Human bones. From at least several hundred people, probably a lot more. It's a unique find, they don't know why it was done. It doesn't look like foul play, nor does it look like a "normal" burial site, either. Some of the humans they "buried" there came from about 100 km away - which at the time would have been quite the distance. Some bones seem to show evidence of having been "deboned", i.e. the flesh removed by humans (maybe cooked?), so do some skulls with the top removed for unknown reasons. Did they eat their dead? If so, why? And why did they start, why did they stop doing what they did? Why just this one village? Was it a village, was it a cultural site? All of that remains unknown. All we have is the bones. If you give them a heads up (the folk at the museum) I'm sure they're able and willing to give you a tour in English.
Oh the plus one rule is serious. Don't bring uninvited friends and as a sidenote don't invite yourself. Both are highly frowned upon and will make people angry.
Here are a couple of things I learned when I lived in Germany. Avoid any “noisy” house chores on a Sunday, and avoid giving birthday wishes BEFORE the persons birthday.
Most of these also apply in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway, in this sort of "Germanic influence-sphere" in Europe. There's also a pretty on-point satirical examination of the general mindset called "The Law of Jante" from a book by a Danish-Norwegian Author, Aksel Sandemose. To people from the outside these might seem like some oppressive social rules, but in reality they're all things people take great pride in. If you're punctual, direct but polite, and obey public rules, you're like the perfect citizen in any of these "Germanic influence-sphere" states.
Sure but i feel like if you constantly stress about time, rules and regulations you're not even living in the present. Most germans to me seem robotic in that sense, constantly planing for things and such. And i wouldn't live in germany for those reasons, that's just my opinion though
@@franjocupic3241 na we are the same in England it’s just seen as being rude if you’re late to things and the rules are there to be followed because like In Germany there should be no noise after 11pm at night which I fully respect And, my neighbours didn’t I would call the police it just the way it is over here and the lines in the uk no one loves doing it because it’s a more efficient way of getting things done faster and why they do the same in Germany we don’t like talking to strangers, why would anyone want to talk to stranger? it’s just really weird to us Europeans but I respect your opinion
My wife and I lived in Flörsheim, near Frankfurt for a couple of years and absolutely loved it. We've lived in Belgium, the Philippines, Panama, all over the U.S. and now Alaska. And we've subscribed to the old saying, "when in Rome, act like the Romans". and it works pretty well.
@@a.m.7165 The people in Bavaria with separatist tendencies are a tiny little group of weirdoz who nobody in their right mind can take seriously. Also, a growing number of Bavarians are leaving church, because they hate to pay taxes to an organisation that considers child rape a leisure activity.
Thanks Walter! I am from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and after seeing your video I have visited Cologne and Frankfurt with my wife and really loved my stay and how helpful people were. I loved it so much I am planning to visit Mainz with my whole family as we speak.
Browse to your heart's content at the grocery store, but 1) stay outta people's way and 2) FOCUS when you get to the checkout line. No idle chatter, no gawking at the impulse-buy items, no small talk with the cashier. If they talk to you, it's to ask a question or convey important information. Watch what the (local) person ahead of you does, and do that. Put your stuff on the conveyor belt efficiently, have your bags ready, and be ready to bag everything quickly. German cashiers take pride in scanning things at warp speed, and both staff and shoppers expect everyone to do their part to keep things moving efficiently.
Especially so in stores like Lidl that have a packing shelf separate from the cashier counter. Put your items back in the trolley or basket once the cashier scans them, then move to the packing shelf to pack them properly. It's infuriating watching someone not do this and carefully pack a week's shopping into bags really slowly while the cashier drums their fingers and the person behind maybe only has 3 items to scan through.
@@goldenappel lol, very true. Here in Australia the Aldi checkouts work like in Germany and lots of people don t get it. They dont understand how they should pack their stuff away so quickly. I have even seen articles written about that topic. Not to explain how it s done, no, just to complain how rushed one feels as a customer.
Having grown up in Minnesota from the 60's through present day, in combination with living in an area dominated by German ancestry, I can tell you most of what you mentioned was also very prevalent here as well. Great video and insight.
@@seththomas9105 I've never really seen that in Iowa. Some things but It's not really a German American thing. I personally can relate to being direct and wanting certain plans but I'm not German-American
LOL, I was commenting myself about this! My mom is of German and Dutch descent and it is absolutely amazing how long these traits stick around and get passed down from generation to generation. Even though I am more of a slob personally, I still (for example) take massive offense at litter being thrown in public spaces and the like.
I observed that also in other europeans. Direct types. Tell them your plans. Tell them what you think and feel. They dont like hiding or being indirect. As an Asian, I like it. My culture teaches us to talk in subtle ways. And being direct, solves problem easier.
@@stephenryder1995 Yeah, I swear I must have some German blood, too. I can't abide being late for anything, and I admit I get a bit grumpy when others are late.
@@ajs11201 All white people have germanic dna and ancestry. All of europe was once germanic tribes, we are all more and less related to each other and shared cultures and believes. Today we all still have more or less of it in us. Greetings to you my distant cousin ;) .
Great video. I've been living in Germany for six years now and I agree on all points. One thing I would add to all the stuff you said is to be prepared to pay and pack your stuff in the supermarket. Germans hate it when they have to queue even one more second than necessary, because somebody has to look for his/her wallet or his/her grocery bags.
Das ist halt unser Wunsch nach Effizienz, ich rechne sogar während des Einkaufs aus, was ich bezahlen werde und in dem Moment, wenn die Kassiererin den Preis des Einkaufs sagt, habe ich schon passend das Geld in der Hand 😅 Damit wollen wir nicht nur uns selber Zeit sparen, sondern auch allen anderen Kunden.
In Australia the checkout person packs our bags which is far more efficient. In Europe I refuse to be hurried and hassled by people behind me. Stop being rude. It is a matter of seconds in one’s life.
@@elizabethnuttall5374 Allow me to translate: "I do what I want and I don't care about others. Stop being rude. My own behaviour doesn't bother me, so why does it bother you."
Grocery store Germany is an anethema. Getting pushed out of the store with the carts is standard fare. Unlike the US associates are not expected to wait on customers. Sometimes finding an article is just as difficult as finding help. Have aggro permanently before even getting in the place.
Reading this I see why we Swedes feel so at home in Germany! Maybe we jay-walk more often but as a whole it’s the same. We often go to Germany and try to melt in, say Mojn, Guten Tag or Grüss Gott depending on where we are. But, and a BIG but for Americans, you are too often so very loud and many times we have been in a packed restaurant where all other guests are having a quiet conversation with their friends while an American group can be heard all over the premises!
I am an American and had lived and worked in Germany for a while and when I came back I noticed that Americans at tables next to me just seem so loud of course I’m somewhat of an introvert anyway so normally my voice is somewhat quiet instead of having the whole restaurant hear. Please people when you’re in a restaurant fellow Americans if you’re talking about your medical problems talk a little bit softly so the person next to you can hear but not the other tables for example.
@@enjoyslearningandtravel7957 I agree! I like to fly below the radar no matter what I'm having a conversation about. But then there's those that like to fly right into the radar for the attention. Not all Americans are loud. And being loud isn't limited to just Americans.
@@Chillaxing113 that’s true not all Americans are loud, I’m speaking in general. And you’re right there’s other nationalities besides Americans that are loud speaking in their conversations in restaurants and airports for example.
As an American I think that is the World View of us(US). I'm from the upper Midwest and when I have been to other parts of the USA, the East Coast mostly, it seems the people are very loud. The United States is physically a large country and people from the Middle, specificly west of the Mississippi (They call us "flyover country") are different in lots of ways than those east of the Appalachians and west of the Rockies.
I'm from the UK and have lived in Germany for 26 years and you are SO spot on here. You had me nodding again and again (particularly as I have taken on all these traits myself!). When my Dad comes and suggests we all share food, both my German wife and I (and particularly our son!) will give the evils. You just don't. Full stop. The "Hallo" is something I always listen out for when I'm unsure whether I've picked up all my groceries or change....fear of God moment, invariably. Well done on this video! (First saw your video on Toronto...where my wife currently is now!) Love your style, honest, down to earth and respectful.
As an American that has lived in Germany for 3+ decades I would like to point out that only ONE TIME have I received any anti-American/anti-foreigner comments. When my German language skills are not up to the task the Germans are very willing to help explain things in English. Thank you to any Germans reading these comments! I do feel welcome in your country!
Good to know because they seem to leave nasty comments about us all over the internet, along with other Europeans 🙄 combined with some of the nasty treatment some (a minority of them) gave me when I visited many years ago, makes me not want to go back
Let me guess, you're white? Because as a person of colour, who has been living in Germany for almost 30 years, my experience has been totally different. (Not saying this happens ALL the time, but it has happened a lot.)
@@danno75 As someone who doesn't "pass" as German, I can tell you that it's for the most part a question of etiquette and not ethnicity. Are there some people living in Germany who have prejudices? Yes. The funniest bit about this is that many of these aren't even German themselves; in my experience, they tend to be 1st or 2nd generation immigrants. But that's something a non-native speaker like yourself might not pick up. I've run into open hostility maybe less than half a dozen times in my nearly five decades living in Germany. Meanwhile, I've been asked about my background hundreds of times ...because I don't look the right way but I *sound* and *act* the right way. That made people curious and I often got a good laugh out of that. If you're running into hostility, my guess is that you're doing something to ruffle feathers. Find out what it is (chances are you've already been told ... repeatedly) and fix it. Or deal with being disliked if you don't want to change. But 100% miss me with our claims of discrimination. Germans are painfully aware of their country's history and go out of their way to not fall into that trap. You'd have to go to a black metal concert in the deepest hinterlands to tickle out the brown shirts and good luck finding them in the first place; that's how rare they are. It's like this whole thing here in the US where the far left calls everybody else names. Not a good look.
I‘m absolutely not upset. Germans often see things easy if there is some kind of communication in advance before coming too late or making some stupid joke with a special historical background. Thank you for understanding us Sauerkrauts so well and best wishes from Potsdam!
As an Italian, I also get really upset when someone crosses streets on the red light, or outside of the designated crossings. But the problem is I am in Italy, not in Germany... which leads me to being always upset.
Americans jaywalk so much because legal crossings are far apart and drivers don't yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. It is easier to look in two directions than four.
As an American if I was visiting Germany and heard someone make a joke about Nazis,etc. I would be upset and insulted. It's history no one should take lightly. Even today, anywhere. Thank you for your content I truly enjoy watching. You have great enthusiasm and passion.
Yes I needed to tell a lady friend that makeing jokes About WWII is not in good taste as it's not funny! I live in canada 🇨🇦 History is not treatedwith respect in this country! That's why people do that when thay Visit Gremany 🇧🇪 :)😊
Im not big on these german rules but...i agree about the "one plus" rule. It frustrates me when it happens if i invite someone, and they bring someone else.
I’m from the United States but if I invited a person and they took one or more people along with that asking that would annoy me since I made enough food for a certain number of people and prepared the table and everything for who I invited. It’s just good manners to ask first
Yeah, it all comes down to planning. You invite ten people, buy food/drinks for ten people, plan how to seat ten people, and suddenly someone shows up with an extra person or two you do not even know.
I guess the tipping thing is a bit unfortunate. In Germany, waiters get a certain wage, so the tip is very much optional. Most Germans don't realize when visiting other countries that the tip is an expected part of the waiters payment.
As an American, I greatly prefer the way you handle wages in Germany and much of the rest of the world. Simply pay your staff a fair wage and set your prices accordingly. In the U.S., we seem to play this mind game of having what appears to be lower prices and then pay an addtional 20% to supplement the salaries of those working the restaurant. That said, as an American knowing our system, I would never deny someone a fair wage and so I tip generously, but I think the model is flawed from the outset.
@@ajs11201I can appreciate that from the customer’s perspective. You know what you’re paying when you order, and you don’t have to worry about your peers judging you by how you tip*. Also during busy hours it reduces the server’s incentive to push you out the door as soon as you’re done eating. A few restaurants have tried the no-tipping thing though, and so far it hasn’t gone well. I suspect it’s partly about expectations. The owner will boast that he’s boosted all the servers’ pay by $10 an hour, and on paper that probably looks like a good wage. Trouble is, the servers had been getting $15-25 per hour in tips. So this restaurant that thinks it’s taking care of its employees is actually paying a substandard wage. * or more recently, and I frikken hate this, the restaurant staff shaming people on social media for “only” tipping 10% on takeout.
@ajs11201 do you know what a good server can make a night? It's a hell of a lot more than the guys sweating in the kitchen. That are making a living wage
@@Oliver-bv8gssales people are often paid by commission. I'd really hate to see what kind of service I'd get in some of these cities. If the server knew they were getting paid the same whether they did a good job or not.
As a German, i confirm all of this. I have many American friends. We have adapted to each other by approaching each other. I don't get angry if they show up later than I would and they accept that I communicate more directly.😀 Sharing food is fine with me, but yeah, many Germans don't like it. 06:32 Regarding tips: There is a huge difference between conditions in the US and Germany. In the US, tips are part of the salary, which is why the basic salary is incredibly low (which I think is terrible). In Germany they get a collectively agreed minimum salary of 12 EUR/hour. Of course, the tip is then much lower! It is not part of the salary, but an extra reward for good service.
Thank you for being understanding about that I think that it is terrible as well; minimum wages for tipped employees in the USA varies tremendously from state to state, but can be as low as $2.13 per hour! That's cruel and scandalous, and should not be.
About the driving thing... It is common habbit in many countries in Europe. And for example in my country (Slovakia) there is also decree that allows you to use the left lane on the highway ONLY for passing by the cars... not for driving in it constantly. (of course if you are not in traffic jam... in that case it is no problem)
Yes, here in Belgium too. I think by law, you always have to drive in the right lane except for overtaking. But as we Belgians love to break the rules, there's like half of the drivers that don't do this and the other half are upset about it ;-)
Same here in Austria :D Also, I’ve driven in many European countries and they are all very similar. Especially Italians and the folks from Switzerland are really speedy 😄
I'm from Wisconsin, USA and being late is also looked down upon here. I also like to be organized and be well informed before I make a decision or form an opinion-- sounds like I'd fit in in Germany, haha!
I'm Canadian but grew up in Germany as an 'army brat'. I actually went to my first McDonald's in Freiburg. Being able to order a beer with a big mac was pretty unique to Canadians.
Another important thing: Don't be too loud in restaurants and on public transportation. Some American tourists behave as if they were the only people in the restaurant or on the bus. Of course this doesn't mean that you must be silent, but just keep the volume of your voices normal. Another thing is: Don't let your children run around and climb on chairs and tables in restaurants. In the USA, this kind of behavior is tolerated, in Germany, it really can be a problem for other guests.
Most people in the US strongly dislike that kind of annoying behavior in kids(or adults)too, and we hold it against parents who don't teach their kids basic manners. The thing is that yes most of us will tolerate it and say nothing. If we say something then suddenly we're the "jerks" and the parents and kids who were misbehaving will probably act very offended and victimized, and it could become a big ugly scene. I applaud Germans if they call out bad behavior in public. Wish we Americans did it more often.
I once went over a red traffic light in front of a kid cause i wanted to catch my train and i felt like i had committed a murder for three straight days and that's how strict we feel about that
I lived at a Gasthaus while stationed at Ramstein AFB back in 1986-88. My landlady was very nice and she always invited me to all their family functions as I was single at the time. I even helped with the Oktoberfest crowds by waiting on tables (long benches actually),and serving food and drinks during my off work time. The only time a ever saw anyone get upset was when someone got drunk. It’s OK to drink, just don’t get drunk. Have to say, living at that Gasthaus was what made my tour a wonderful experience. Prost
How neat! Im stationed in England and go to Germany a lot. It’s such an amazing opportunity to have a chance to live overseas. Thank you for your service.
This may sound weird but many Germans think of beer as just another food. It goes with sausages like mustard and potatoes or a roll. Half a pint of good draft beer with your sauerkraut dish makes it all taste so much better. As a means to get drunk? Not really.
The loud Hallo! Yes, I have experienced that many times. I think it starts in school as I see teachers use it with children. And after 3 years living in Germany, I am starting to say it too...
I was stationed in Germany in 81-82, and my first meal in a German restaurant was a Wurst sampler, recommended by the server. It came with pomme frits, and a roll. I sliced the roll in half, placed a nice section of a wurst on the roll, slathered it with mustard, and began eating it like a sandwich. The entire restaurant was full of people groaning and saying Hallo, very loudly. I didn't know any better. Many people came by and patted me on the back and welcomed me to Germany as they left. Lesson learned
@jeff swanson - Heaven only knows. I’m German, 1st one in my entire family born on US soil/1961, and we Germans have a way of carrying on about the most absurd things. I love both of my countries, but that aspect I could do without. 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
@@jeffswanson3740 there was absolutely nothing wrong. It was an opportunity to make a big fuss about nothing. Americans are generally speaking good-natured, and wouldn’t carry on like this. To @Edward Cox, I hope, if he has the opportunity again, that he’ll make himself TWO wurst sandwiches! 😂 I have an aunt who’ll turn 4 shades of purple if people, esp Americans, don’t fall in line with her German way of doing things. Ridiculous. Thank God the majority of my family members aren’t like this. Germany‘s got so much going for it, but there are always idiots in every bunch.
Letting neighbors know about parties and get togethers is also done in France. It's basic politeness because you'll probably make some noise and people might not like it. If you've put a notice saying "we'll have a little get together and might make some noise, we apologize in advance for any inconveniences" then people know and they're not likely to call the police, which might happen otherwise if you're too noisy. Also tipping is a culture thing specific to each country. In France there is no tip. People are paid in all jobs, and in some restaurants waiters take pride in their knowledge of food and wine and some have special schooling. I know at least one restaurant where we were almost throuwn out because one of our friends was insistently trying to tip, and the waiter got really annoyed. It's not in every restaurant, but some people really get offended. I know in the US it's practically (socially) mandatory to tip because waiters don't get paid otherwise. Which blows my mind! I call that slavery... But anyway, you can't expect people from other countries to know your tipping rules. I had visited the US 3 times before i found out waiters didn't get paid outside of tips. On none of those trips did i ever tip anybody. I hate it, find it demeaning to the recepient and don't at all feel comfortable doing it. But now i do it in the US because OMG you people don't pay your waiters!!!
Same in Italy (I am in Milan). And usually If you live in an apartment it is also unpolite having an evening party on mid week days. It’s acceptable only on friday and saturday evening. Especially on saturday is ok, because people don’t work the next day, so they go to bed later
One of my first shocking experiences over here was attempting to be polite and helpful to a very very older lady with a walker. I was trying to hold the train door open for her and she became quite livid, fussed at me, as if I insulted her. The German people are ferociously independent and proudly so. The other thing about my 12 years here is that many don't feel the slightest inclination to be polite or acknowledge you, lol. They are also incredibly private and demand communal respect.
@@winterlinde5395 Has that actually happened to you? I've never once said that or thought that. If that had happened, I think I would be afraid I said something wrong, had toilette paper hanging out my pants, or done something really awkward, lol!
@@Cinnabar_and_Chalcanthite 😃I am German so I wouldn’t notice if anyone stares at me or if I stare at anyone. But here on YT I have heard many people from the States complaining about „the German stare“. Assuming it to be because of their bad German, their clothes, skin color, you name it. But we are just not looking away if there are people. And we are watching our surroundings rather than looking down on the ground. That’s interesting to hear that there are people who don’t notice that. 🌸
That's a nice informative video. For further explanation on German traffic rules on the Autobahn. We have a "Rechtsfahrgebot" , which means that you have to drive as far right as possible (under the given street layout etc.) and while you are allowed to choose your traffic lane in the cities, on the Autobahn, you can only use the middle and or left lane to overtake cars that are significantly slower than yourself in the boundaries of the speed limit. Also whoever is already on your left to overtake (as long as it's legal of course) have the right of passage. So if you decide to overtake and you obstruct someone who was legally overtaking you, even if he was quite the distance away, you just took their right of passage and would if it comes to a traffic accident, be completelely responsible. Now you will probably see Germans drive faster than the speed limit or overtake you with an unreasonable speed. Sadly that's common on the Autobahn, but don't take them as an example for how it's done, when they are doing this, they either don't realize that they are breaking the law or they don't care.
If every restaurant in the US had a big poster that said "Our waitstaff is being paid slave wages and they mostly have to live from your tips" Im pretty sure most of the germans would tip your 15-20% as well. Its just a thing a lot of tourists dont usually think about, since they assume that people actually get paid for working :)
Heya, neat video. German here as well. I clicked on it, cause I saw the Holstentor in thumbnail, which is sadly not a common thing. I am from Lübeck myself, so always glad to see it represented. I take it, you visited our beautiful city? It has such a rich history. I live in the UK for a while now, so I overcame 2 things I wasnt even aware its so ingrained in us. Sharing food - love to do it now. It wasnt cause I hated doing it before, but just learnt it this way. The other being the traffic light one, it just gets injected into you from a young age. One thing I take serious is when you eat together: you wait til everyone is ready to eat, than you start together. The car thing: some people have weird mentality there sadly. but yeah the most left one is specifically for overturning, but speedsters abuse that too often. As a driver myself, having heard how chaotic people drive in the US. there are definitively more (useful) rules like rechts vor links (people coming from right drive first, than left. crossing) etc and if you import your car, it might not be able to pass the regularities. the time and plus one tips are indeed to good to tell. the bavaria one i have to tell so often. especially as someone from the north, it annoys me to no end. thx for the nice video!
Yeah its true my German boyfriend took a long time (years) to begin to be cool with me eating off his plate...and eating something out of his refrigerator (even though he does that at my house) makes him crazy unless I don't formally ask...Like He is sleeping and I am hungry...No can't eat with out waking him up to ask...that crzy....They even have a word we don't have in English "Futterneid" So being jealous of what someone else is eating...and this is way...They don't like to share.
I live in a small town in Denmark, where many Germans come in the summer, and it's always so nice that Germans actually follow the rules when driving, and is much friendlier than Danes.
😍I could be one of them. I always feel bad because I don’t speak danish and am a bit awkward speaking german though I know that most people working in shops and restaurants do speak German. What do you think about that?
@@winterlinde5395 I enjoy hearing German when I'm outside, since the Danish language is so weird sounding. I have the same feeling, when I'm in countries where I can't speak Danish, English or German though.
Very good job there. I enjoyed watching it. By the way, even if the picture under the "3. Assume everyone is from Bavaria" text is technically Bavaria (Rothenburg ob der Tauber to be exact), you might (only slightly and with cheek in tongue) annoy people there by telling them they are Bavarian. Rothenburg is in middle Franconia (Mittelfranken) and some Franconians (large part of northern Bavaria divided in Middle Franconia (Nuremberg area), Upper Franconia Bayreuth area) and Lower Franconia (Würzburg area)) don't enjoy being mixed up with the real Bavarians. 😆 Our food is different and in Lower Franconia wine is at least as important as beer. Where invitations are concerned. People knowing each other usually invite both partners from the start. When they don't know that a partner exists they also might answer "yes" when asked about the second person coming. And where the tipping is concerned. In Germany witers and waitresses get wages for their work. So something like a "service cgarge" or however that is called in the US for example does not exist. If we tip we give something extra for good service (or not so much because the service was only so so) but it seldom exceeds 10 percent. If the tips are a lrge percentage of your wages (as in some other countries), I increase that amount if I know it but not everybody knows everywhere. Sharing food: that is also a question of people's background (and to some degree their age). My in laws did not like it at all. My wife and I don't mind at all and if we say yes, we do not think "I wanted to say no." Asking first however is extremely important. Driving: using the right most possible lane is written in our driving laws. As is the ban of passing on the right on Autobahns (unless there is heavy congestion and the right lane isn't more than 30% faster than the left one). So if someone is blocking the left most lane, the others are not allowed to go around him on the right. So the two most hated people on the Autobahn are 1. the ones with their radiator practically inside of your trunk to force you to change lanes and 2. the ones not leaving the left lanes when they finished passing.
Hahaha - I'm viewing this a year late, Wolter. But I have to say that what you have experienced and are commenting on is very good information which could also be applied to the Netherlands, where I've relocated and become a citizen of 24 years ago. Some may think that because this particular Germanic culture may appear more relaxed and tolerant than its German cousin that ignoring some of the things you mention here are okay. Yet, certain things, such as those you've mentioned here, could so easily be applied to both cultures. I used to teach internationally in both East and West. And, to me, a lot of mistakes made when particularly visiting a western culture is to believe and behave as if it's like your own, which it is not. If we observe and respond to the nuances in our differing cultures we demonstrate our respect to them while still having fun while travelling or staying a short while via work or study as guests to our host countries.
Couple little things that took me a year or two to "get" - 1. A limp handshake ... they will re-grab your hand, and give it a firm shake, cuz you're being a dishrag. 2. And the other thing - when you clink glasses and say "Prosit" you look into their eyes. Not making eye contact is almost an insult. They're not stupid about it, but they will gently prompt you.
I love Germany and I love my German friends. I already knew a fair bit about Germany before I first went there so I was prepared for some of the supposed eccentricities. I actually think I like how things work in Germany better than in my own country! As for things Germans find amusing about other countries? When my friends were visiting Scotland from Hamburg I took them to a local chinese restaurant. Obviously Chinese food varies wherever you go, and many restaurants here serve a sweet and sour chicken with a sauce that's very red or even a little pink in colour. My German friends found this hysterical as sweet and sour sauce where they are is always brown, so they were shrieking with laughter and pointing at it so much the owner came over to check everything was okay! They were very apologetic but kept bursting out randomly laughing for the rest of the meal!
Why is that so hysterical? Would they like it if someone loudly made barfing noises when looking at blood sausages on a German menu? Seems pretty rude to me.
On the party topic: you can often bring people with you. Really depends on the type of party. Let's say a student "WG Party" you can bring people with you or at least if you ask people will most likely say yes. If it is a more private party (a smaller birthday party) if you ask if you can a +1, they most likely also say yes - they just need to know in advance.
I dated a lovely man from Frankfurt and once whilst out shopping he did not hesitate to call out for the store Mgr and instructed (not ask) them to put another cashier on duty to make the check out line move faster 😅 I also irritated him by rinsing my plates as he wanted to test his new dish washers efficiency to deep clean - he was precise but also so sweet, generous and fun loving. I loved my time in Germany esp the saunas! Years later I learned I have German relatives from Hesse on my mother's side so no wonder I felt so at home there!
Spot on in every Detail 👍 The „move to heck to the right lane-thing“ has a reason (of course 😂) On the Autobahn you get fined for overtaking right. So if you don‘t move over, you block any empty lane right of your as well. By the way: you get a ticket for not moving over to the right as well.
Oh my goodness, Im American and my grandmother is German. I've never been. But I'm absolutely cracking up, because he is describing me in this video. I didn't realize that I must have been raised with German vibes. . I go on a RANT when people don't recycle correctly, i'm twenty minutes early for any appointment because I'm terrified of being late, and my mother used to freak out if we jaywalked. Although, I don't take people's seats on the train, and I love to drink my big gulp, which is very American.
You aren't taking their seat, they have been taking your seat. I'm not going to stand in the middle of the crowded train, if I have already reserved a seat
That crossing the road thing really caught me out the first time I was in Germany! Even though there was literally no traffic, I was stunned that German people still stood waiting patiently at the 'red man', and as you describe Wolter, I was even more amazed when they tutted and physically stopped me when I was about the cross on the red! A really quick and powerful cultural lesson.
There even is a joke about that : how can you tell the nationality of a person ? - -The pedestrian standing still at the red lights in the middle of the night when there is absolutely no traffic is definitely German. - YET : some of us here are fiercely pretending to be Italians ! -Yes, every day ! - " Hallo ?!? " - 🤸🏃🚦
How did I miss this video??????? Excellent video as always my friend!!! You are 100 percent on the money here with your facts :).I remember as a nine-year-old kid my friends and I were making a lot of noise outside and an old lady poured a bucket of water on me, lol.BTW, I upset a German once when I was filming a RUclips video in Berlin and he thought that I was filming him, which I wasn't. :)
Probably one of the most accurate videos on german culture I’ve seen but i still have a few corrections/additions 5. it’s important to disagree on certain things with people but it’s just as important to explain why you disagree with them so they can adjust their opinion based on that 10. I don’t know if this is just different for me and the people I know but no is is going to be secretively mad or annoyed for feeling obligated to share their food, alot actually ask right away if someone else wants to try something they’re eating (but it is very important to ask because they will be pissed if you don’t and just grab their food) 14. certain references to the third Reich are actually illegal and will get you in trouble e.g. drawing the swastika (§86 Absatz 4 StGB) or doing the hitler salute (§86a and §130) (there are however exeptions when it comes to talking about the topic in an educational context)
We were blessed to have a trip to Bavaria for my daughter's Make-A-Wish Foundation wish. We absolutely loved Bavaria. It was wonderful. The only thing we were slightly taken aback by was the lack of certain courtesies we are use to back in the U.S. In the grocery store people would bump into us or step in front of us without saying excuse me; actually they said nothing, so the language barrier was not the issue and we didn't understand them. As you have shown in this video, people are different in different cultures. It doesn't necessarily mean they are wrong, it means they are different. When we were lost or confused about the train, people were more than happy to help us. Again, it is always helpful to understand a little bit about other culture's norms. It can certainly help avoid misunderstandings that would otherwise leave a very sour taste in one's experience abroad. Another great video! Thanks!
Actually, United States where I live many people have stepped in front of me in the grocery store without saying excuse me. Maybe it depends how you brought up.
German here, people stepping in front of you without saying a word..its not meant in a unfriedly way.. the states are huge and people have a bigger "personal bubble".When a stranger comes to close you will feel threatend. In germany everything is more "packed" many people on a small place and therefor our personal bubble is smaller. i freak out when i can feel or hear someone breathing behind me, but i dont care when someone is stepping in front of me to get an item from the shelf. I was in the states back in the 90ties and for me it felt strange when someone said excuse me without even bumbing into me..
I'm just gonna assume that you guys left so much room to the person in front of you that it might have looked like you are waiting or not in line but not sure. It is considered rude to just skip the line ofc and i have maybe seen it 3-4 times. Usually people just let others in front if they have just an item or two.
What I hope is a useful tip about the time-keeping ! In BrItain (and, I assume America and Canada &c) half-eight means 8:30 (ie half-PAST eight) - in Germany halb-acht means 07:30 (ie half-TO eight). If you aren't careful you could end up being out by an hour for your meeting !
I have a number of friends in Germany and have been visiting them there regularly for a long time, some for over 40 years. All of what you said in your video, I encountered in my early visits. Now, as they know me well and I know them well, they don't happen, except for "hallooooooo"! In the case of my Hamburg friends it is always "Aber Halloooooooo!" if I do something or say something that grates against their lifestyle. I'm used to it. Es tut mir leid (I'm sorry) is always a good get out phrase.
Food sharing is okay, but should be agreed on before ordering the food in German restaurant. Otherwise people would by default a dish they are like and planning to eat by themselves individualy.
I'd say this applies to most points. It's okay to be late (at least if it's not all the time) or to bring someone along (unless we're talking about weddings etc., something that involves a lot of planning beforehand) - just ask. Let the others know about it and it shouldn't be a problem.
9:29 From Colorado and have a 1990 MB 560SEL. I know this all too well, and have to explain it when I go through drive-through windows sometimes. Although it's actually quite nice when you get a large cold drink with ice in the spring/summer and you have to hold it between your legs. I don't have to run the A/C as hard.
Moin, i am german by myself, and i really like videos like this. For me the most things are just daily life, and it is interesting to hear and see, what people from other countries and cultures think about us. Thank you :) and please excuse my bad english. Schönen Gruß aus Hamburg :)
*I can't understand why some people make so many clichés about French or another nation because I think Germans are very special. They are persuaded they are right everytime and think it's normal to impose their point of view to everybody. I'm particularly shocked by the fact they sit in your seat and are upset simply because you ask them politely to leave... for people who are know for "respecting the rules"...* 😵🤦🏼♂
I lived in Cologne for 5 years and my mortally was it’s their country their rules.. I have nothing but love for Germany & Germans I miss living there a lot 😢
I am Dutch, and I can say this video captures German attitudes quite well. Another thing to be aware of is Germans are very social, and when you are with a group be prepared to put the social vibe ahead of your own individualism. Germans prefer an atmosphere where people blend in rather than stand out.
Absolutely. As a German, this is one of the few points in which I differ from the rest of the Germans... In fact I find that a bit too constricting....
I hear the opposite. That Germans tend to be antisocial and difficult to get to know. Of course, that is only a generalization and obviously there will always be exceptions
The reason why Germans don't tip more than say 5-10% is because tipping is considered a convenience for the guest so we don't have to deal with all the small pocket change(if the bill is 47,83 Euro a German would likely pay 50 for example, there you have your "5% tip" if they were very happy with you and the meal was great, the tip might be bumped up to 15% in this case, them paying 55 Euro). Waitresses and other workers are paid a reasonable wage, while it's not astronomical it's enough to get by, even without ever receiving a tip -unlike in the US where you guys sometimes only get 3 or 4 bucks an hour and you're dependant on tips. That said it's still considered polite to tip, as these kinds of jobs don't pay that well(compared to many other) and the tip is usually split between all of the personell that was working that day, so the cook gets some as well for the meal he prepared for you.
I grew up in the USA and my mom worked for a German company and the higher-ups would come to the place to make sure everything was running smoothly. To me those German business people were somewhat soft spoken and often serious, but a nice reserved humor. Definitely punctual. It left a positive impression on me, plus I figured Germans are probably a little more outgoing with friends and family.
Mexican here who has been living in Germany for 6 years. I think the tipping issue is more due to Germans having a different tipping system than to them being frugal. Here waiters are paid above minimum wage and they don't make most of their earnings from tips, unlike many countries like US and Canada. So most Germans only tip rounding up to the next euro in bills lower than 20€, and up to 10% when the bill is higher than 20€. At least that's what I've seen in my experience.
Some thoughts: 1. It's good that you say, that we are not offended when someone is direct to us, that's the point. We don't get hurt if someone cancels an appointment, but we definitely get hurt if someone just doesn't show up without telling. 2. The thing with the red light crossing, I was in England and it took AGES for the red light to switch to green, so it's kinda obvious to just cross on red. The green light comes earlier in Germany so there is no need to break the rules :D Oh and last, it may be kinda hard for someone abroad to deal with the harsh German way, but actually it's not that bad. We are friendly at heart but can be rude and direct on the streets. Nothing personal. :D
I'll tell you why the green light didn't appear because you didn't press the button probably . In the UK the traffic signals for cars are only interrupted when a pedestrian wants to cross the road. So depending on the location it will Be constantly green all the time for the cars unless a pedestrian presses the button to cross which makes logical sense. As in the traffic keeps moving until a person wishes to cross, the cars constantly flow. In Germany the traffic is continually interpreted regardless whether there's a pedestrian who wants to cross or not, its a timer based system pressing the button does nothing rrqlly because they signal is on a timer anyway. The traffic signal will turn red for cars even if there's no pedestrian who wishes to cross at that point. A highly inefficient and un-germanic way to control the traffic/pedestrian flow. Also the bosch allow you to turn left and right at traffic lights in a car at a junction while also its green for pedestrians crossing the same junction. Makes no sense its both green who's at fault if there's an accident highly dangerous .
Don’t take red roses to a German’s house as a gift if you are friends or getting to know them. Red roses in Germany means love or romance. In 1984, my mother made that mistake and my father only told her not to do it as we were walking up to their door. Thankfully, they were understanding. My mother was so embarrassed and mad at my father for not warning her. We lived in Munich for five years and miss it very much. One day, my mother and I plan to go back to visit.
Something similar exists also regarding ties: only ever wear a black one to a funeral as they are exclusively worn as a sign of mourning here. It's quite insulting to see someone showing up to e.g. a wedding in mourning colours
As a German I must say that's spot on. Well observed and presented. 👍 However, especially in the bigger cities the people with a German cultural background are meanwhile the minority, so you might experience also completely different reactions.
The eating food without asking is no joke. I was in a summer university programme in Ireland in the early 2000s and half of the students were Americans so we were housed in 4-bedroom student flats with 2 Americans and 2 people of other nationalities in each. After a couple of days me and the Italian girl started to notice that our food was disappearing from the fridge. We were so confused and it turned out the Americans just ate whatever was in there, without asking, letting us know afterwards or replacing anything. I thought I was hallucinating, I come from poverty and was on a shoe-string budget to even be able to afford that stay on a scholarship, and to me it was literally just stealing - which it kind of is, by definition. I understood it was a cultural thing but it didn't make it ok as I still didn't have money to feed them, especially considering they were quite well-off. Maybe this has changed since but talk about culture shock lol.
As a German living in the US you have enlightened me on a couple things that I did not know . I have never driven over there so I would definitely have to practice a more aggressive driving maybe like they do in New York city 😂 . I wasn't around when they started the recycling thing , but the rest of it I knew and pretty well still practice living here . Thank you for sharing.
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One of my friends who studied abroad in Germany put the whole "Germany =/= Bavaria" thing this way: Going to Berlin and expecting to see people day-to-day wearing lederhosen and drinking big tankards of beer is like going to NYC and expecting to see people in cowboy hats and boots doing cool lasso tricks
Have you ever been to New York? You might just find people doing that. 😜
Bavarians are like Texans.
@@marmac83 I am from NYC and have lived in Freiburg. Both places are great and neither is like Texas.
@@marmac83 Especially in the West Village. LOL.
And then you go to Bavaria and they make fun of everyone else. Just like the relationship between Texas and the rest of the US!!! 😂👍
The only trouble I had in Germany was at the Mineralbad in Stuttgart. I am an older woman and have agility issues with my hands and I was having trouble inserting a ticket to go through the turnstile. The man behind me got upset and I hear the famous, "HALLO!!!". I turned around and politely asked if he could perhaps help me, while showing him my hands. His face turned red, put the ticket in the machine for me and then apologized. I have been all over Germany since then and have had nothing but kindness shown to me when asking for help.
I'm sorry you had to experience that but I'm glad your other Germany experiences have been great!
I'm sorry he was rude.
Ask for help. People usually won't help unless you ask. Just cause, if people don't ask they probably don't want help - (it's different if you're unconscious or hurt)
Yes, a lot of people are like him 😞
I hate it.
The worst thing is being rude behind an ambulance. Like: uugh why cant we pass. Why did they park there. Whats taking so long ....
I am really sorry, that a lot of us are this way....
(Sorry, if my english sounds bad 😉 still working on that)
Oh....and there are normal people out there. Some.... not many i guess but....yeah....
@@annemariek.2295 Your English is great!
@@annemariek.2295 don't apologize for your English. I understood every word you said and your written form is better than some native speakers. Keep up the good work. Alles Gute! Ich habe gerade A2 Deutsch begonnen und Ihr Englisch ist besser als mein Deutsch!
I am German, I am always impressed Wolter, how good you capture the German behavior and thinking without getting into stereotypes. Well done!
Impressed by his German too!
Just don't mention the war...smart.
We appreciate wolter !!
Just one thing, I'm a german as well, and if we have a party and the guests are knowing that they should bring something to eat as well (so we can socialize over different foods) and someone brings Spaghetti or Ravioli from Maggi, this person is committing social suicide.
Such a behavior is indeed pretty cheap.
If you don't have the money to socialize in this matter, just tell someone you near, and he/she will help you out.
No one will make jokes about your financial situation, and if the people are relatively close, they will help you with all kinds of stuff.
Germans seem to be cold, but they actually aren't. The most Germans I know are very social and are trying to help when they can.
@@Spielername how you love those 'rules' don't'cha? Your way or the highway, eh? Typical.
I was a foreign exchange student from the US when I was 16 and I was housed in Bavaria. I have never felt more comfortable and welcomed, the people were so friendly and helped me with my German, and were so patient and wonderful. I hope to make it back to Germany one day, it is fantastic!!
So awesome !!! Where in Bavaria were you?
That was because they knew you were only there temporarily.
@@robs5688i was in Germany much much more temporarily in college, and only some people I stayed with were kind and welcoming..but the mom I stayed with so mean and critical and never smiled
As a German, I can say that you absolutely nailed us (at least my parents and grandparents) and I loved the way you explained everything with examples. Dankeschön! And have fun in Germany. :)
Years ago I did the backpacking thing all over Europe and the Balkans. Germany and Austria were the only countries where people would literally see me with my backpack and walk up to me and say things like "Are you ok? Do you need a place to stay? How are you enjoying your trip?" Seems like amost every one of them had backpacked somewhere in the world before, and were literally genuinely trying to help. It was a big, big, BIG sigh of relief after leaving Italy, which I found to be quite the opposite.
you must've done something very wrong to upset the italians
@@meyague maybe ordered Pizza Hawaii
@@Fotomo It's really quite tasty, and tame compared to the awful crap some places pile on pizza now.
@@meyague not really, they are just not that helpful and fantastic how many people picture them
The Balkan countries are Also Europe, just saying. 🤷♀️
I am German and I am so grateful how respectful you present this. Thanks for that. Great stuff👍👍🙏
Bitte schön!
Er hat nur vergessen zu sagen dass al Frau , die Touristin sollte Kopftuch tragen und arabisch lesen können hier in Deutschland.
@@woltersworld #14 really should be #1…..really good job, I feel a bit called out on the ‚this food is mine‘…
You take food off my plate only in case you asked nicely and I am at all interested in anything you have 🙃
If you think somebody's American in there about ready to cross the street while there's a red signal do not put your hands on them they're going to take that as a physical assault and respond violently and if you don't think that will happen look at January 6th 2021
Yes, he has a great sense of respect and sociality! My cosmopolitan part immediately wanted to socialize with him.
Great Video as always, Mark! I'm an American living in Germany the last 6 years and I'm with you on all points. Keep the great content coming, man.
Thank you!
Besides all the rules... When men are meeting with their 'Stammtisch' or 'Kegelgruppe', it is drinking beer like nothing else matters. Talking lots of shit is also allowed then.
Great to see u here :D
Howdy NALF!!!!
@@arnoldhuman2856in the uk drinking beer and gossiping is important…
As a German, I was taught that waiters in North America don't earn as much and need the tips, like the tips are expected and part of their income, whereas in Germany waiters earn more and a tip is always voluntary or polite and not expected as part of their income.
As for sharing food at a restaurant with others, thank you for this explanation. I once was in a restaurant in Canada with a few people from all over the world, the plates were put on the table and everyone took whatever they wanted. I was greatly confused and overwhelmed, didn't know what I am supposed to eat or what was expected from me, and I also thought we should have agreed upon sharing the bill before ordering so much food. I'm not greedy, but I didn't have overflowing financial resources at the time and would have liked to know how much I would be supposed to pay in the end. I should have asked and shared my uncertainties, but for whatever reason I wasn't able to. So thanks again, this explanation helped.
It's by law. The minimum wage for tipped workers is $2.13 per hour, but $7.25 for regular workers. (federal, states have larger minimums)
@@doctormo The law allows for meager insufficient wages. It doesn't mean the restaurant can't pay a living wage, esp not because the law forbids it. According to an anecdote a restaurant paying a living wage did actually better than their competitors who did not.
@@doctormo This is a shitty and exploitative law. Nobody should have to rely on "kindness" of strangers - it is degrading. Restaurant owners should pay a fair, living wage and not expect their customers to subsidize their employees' wages. Outside of Anglo-sphere (US, Canada, UK not sure about Australia/New Zealand), there is hardly any tipping culture. Service/waitstaff are hired and paid to serve customers and they should not expect to be tipped for doing their job. If a customer feels the service they received was exceptional and wants to give something, it's their choice - it should not be customary. The tipping culture in US and UK is now completely out of hand - even the take-away places have tip jars near the cashiers. And some restaurants in the US think 25% tip is a good amount. Outrageous.
@@MTMF.london There is absolutely no tipping culture in the UK. We do not tip.
@@doctormo Hahaha. Yes, you do. At least in Bloody London where every other bugger wants a tip for their "service" or restaurants automatically add 10%-15%"gratuity" to the bill without asking.
The "don't be late" part is extremely important in case you have a job interview in Germany (native German here, born and grew up in Germany before moving to the US). When you get an invitation letter/notice for a job interview or a round of interviews starting at 10am (10 Uhr!), then be there at latest 9:45. You may have to get your visitor badge and escorted to the interview room etc. Offen they offer you water and coffee. But be IN THE ROOM at 10.If using public transit, take a connection earlier. When arriving by car know where you can park and do not try to save ten Euros for the parking garage to drive tens of minutes to find a free spot. No one will accept that excuse.
Good employers will reimburse you all those fees for your application in Germany, included the parking ticket of the garage next to the employer's office.
Exactly the same in the Netherlands. It is considered extremely bad manners to show up late. You're expected to be at the door of the room/office 5 minutes before the agreed time.
Re: public transit, if you get a train ticket on a IC(E), know that you cannot take a connection earlier than what it says on your ticket.
"Sorry, I'm late because I could not find any parking space nearby!" is not an excuse, but the admission of not being able to carry out the simplest processes imaginable. So, if you start your job Interview like this, there is no chance to get that job.
"Who would hire someone who is already overwhelmed by being on time? Can they read and write? Does he need help using the toilet? What other mental limitations do they have?"
“Don’t be late” isn’t a German thing though is it? It’s international
I'm an American and I was raised to always be on time or slightly early. In my very first job, my boss said if you are on time, you are late and if you are early, you are on time. I always leave my home really early to go to work because you never know what delays that could happen. If I am super early, I just relax in my car for a while. Being at least on time, but early should just be a universal thing.
I think I’m really going to LOVE visiting Germany! Everything you said that angers them angers me. I love punctuality, recycling and NOT sharing my food.
Yes you belong with other perennially angry people. Germany is the place for you!
a selfish, narrow minded neurotic creep - you'll be happy there alright.
Most of these seem like how to behave like a decent person!!
Lived there for 2 years I would go back in a heart beat
@@icedriver2207 why did you leave then
My wife and I just returned from three weeks driving through northern Germany. We set the navigation systen to avoid A-bahns (mostly). We were treated like guests by everyone we met. Without exception, every encounter was great. I spent my covid confinement studying German…every day. I practiced and listened and really worked at pronunciation. While there I spoke German at every opportunity. While some Germans recognized that I was not a native speaker, many continued the conversation in German and even helped me along. As you said, we did not cross the street without the permission of the ampelman and did drive fast but always to the right on the A-bahn and in general followed German rules of polite. While this was not my first time in Germany, it was my best!
We loved driving on the autobahn! It was an absolute pleasure. Of course, I’m a rule follower and stay to the right unless passing. (Maybe it’s my German blood.)
@@hrw3mom103 They seem to have forgotten that rule in the States; we were taught how to drive correctly, but so many ignore that nowadays.
Very cool, thanks for sharing !!!
I also don't get why there's the stereotype that northern Germans are rude or ruder than their southern counterparts. From my experience, people are incredibly friendly and accommodating up north and follow a much more relaxed "live and let live" approach. Especially comparing Hamburg and Munich, it was really surprising to me how much of a difference there was. And every foreigner I've talked to about this agreed...so I'm really curious where those clichés come from!
Covid confinement? Were you in China during 2020?
Germany:
I order my food
I order my beer
I drive my speed (within the rules)
I come in time, so
I can expect everyone in time
sounds good to a finn, we have similar rules
I must visit, I want to drink beer and see castles, churches and museums
Hehe, I have heard that the Finns are pretty similar in these points and I am going to visit Finnland soon 😀
It’s spelled “ Finland.” Just trying to help.
In Geman 'Finnland' is completely correct.@@valerietaylor9615
@@valerietaylor9615in English, you are correct. In German, it is Finnland. And in Finnish Suomi 😊
Totally underrated museum: Herxheim.
They excavated a stone age village (7500 years?) with a ditch around it. What was in that ditch? Human bones. From at least several hundred people, probably a lot more.
It's a unique find, they don't know why it was done. It doesn't look like foul play, nor does it look like a "normal" burial site, either. Some of the humans they "buried" there came from about 100 km away - which at the time would have been quite the distance. Some bones seem to show evidence of having been "deboned", i.e. the flesh removed by humans (maybe cooked?), so do some skulls with the top removed for unknown reasons.
Did they eat their dead? If so, why? And why did they start, why did they stop doing what they did? Why just this one village? Was it a village, was it a cultural site?
All of that remains unknown. All we have is the bones.
If you give them a heads up (the folk at the museum) I'm sure they're able and willing to give you a tour in English.
Oh the plus one rule is serious. Don't bring uninvited friends and as a sidenote don't invite yourself. Both are highly frowned upon and will make people angry.
Here are a couple of things I learned when I lived in Germany. Avoid any “noisy” house chores on a Sunday, and avoid giving birthday wishes BEFORE the persons birthday.
"Avoid any “noisy” house chores on a Sunday" Yes, yes AND yes! I WILL call the Polizei on your a$$ very fast.
@patrickstromann3836
If you don't mind me asking, what "noisy" house chores are you talking about?
Most of these also apply in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway, in this sort of "Germanic influence-sphere" in Europe. There's also a pretty on-point satirical examination of the general mindset called "The Law of Jante" from a book by a Danish-Norwegian Author, Aksel Sandemose. To people from the outside these might seem like some oppressive social rules, but in reality they're all things people take great pride in. If you're punctual, direct but polite, and obey public rules, you're like the perfect citizen in any of these "Germanic influence-sphere" states.
It implies to me as a dutch as well but not to everyone in my country
But not England for some reason…
And the uk as well I could not even think of anyone doing that here it wouldn’t end well if they did at all
Sure but i feel like if you constantly stress about time, rules and regulations you're not even living in the present. Most germans to me seem robotic in that sense, constantly planing for things and such. And i wouldn't live in germany for those reasons, that's just my opinion though
@@franjocupic3241 na we are the same in England it’s just seen as being rude if you’re late to things and the rules are there to be followed because like In Germany there should be no noise after 11pm at night which I fully respect And, my neighbours didn’t I would call the police it just the way it is over here and the lines in the uk no one loves doing it because it’s a more efficient way of getting things done faster and why they do the same in Germany we don’t like talking to strangers, why would anyone want to talk to stranger? it’s just really weird to us Europeans but I respect your opinion
My wife and I lived in Flörsheim, near Frankfurt for a couple of years and absolutely loved it.
We've lived in Belgium, the Philippines, Panama, all over the U.S. and now Alaska. And we've
subscribed to the old saying, "when in Rome, act like the Romans". and it works pretty well.
I dated a girl from Florsheim back in the late 80s She lived on Kieferweg near the Main. Beautiful little town
@@daddyrabbit835 , it sure is. we miss living over there.
Ce
Bavaria is the Texas of Germany.
Bavaria is a part of Austria.
@@teotik8071 No it isn't
Surely, Bavarians can't be that stupid.
Big, rich, religious, conservative, beautifull landscape, both speak funny and both have separatist tendencies.... That makes a lot of sense
@@a.m.7165 The people in Bavaria with separatist tendencies are a tiny little group of weirdoz who nobody in their right mind can take seriously. Also, a growing number of Bavarians are leaving church, because they hate to pay taxes to an organisation that considers child rape a leisure activity.
Im autistic and have always done well in Germany ^_^
Thank you for your good content!
Thanks Walter! I am from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and after seeing your video I have visited Cologne and Frankfurt with my wife and really loved my stay and how helpful people were.
I loved it so much I am planning to visit Mainz with my whole family as we speak.
Browse to your heart's content at the grocery store, but 1) stay outta people's way and 2) FOCUS when you get to the checkout line. No idle chatter, no gawking at the impulse-buy items, no small talk with the cashier. If they talk to you, it's to ask a question or convey important information. Watch what the (local) person ahead of you does, and do that. Put your stuff on the conveyor belt efficiently, have your bags ready, and be ready to bag everything quickly. German cashiers take pride in scanning things at warp speed, and both staff and shoppers expect everyone to do their part to keep things moving efficiently.
So true. True effiency at check out :)
Especially so in stores like Lidl that have a packing shelf separate from the cashier counter. Put your items back in the trolley or basket once the cashier scans them, then move to the packing shelf to pack them properly. It's infuriating watching someone not do this and carefully pack a week's shopping into bags really slowly while the cashier drums their fingers and the person behind maybe only has 3 items to scan through.
@@goldenappel lol, very true. Here in Australia the Aldi checkouts work like in Germany and lots of people don t get it. They dont understand how they should pack their stuff away so quickly. I have even seen articles written about that topic. Not to explain how it s done, no, just to complain how rushed one feels as a customer.
Oh yes!!
The Trick is to throw everything back into the cart and pack it in your bags later after you paid.
Having grown up in Minnesota from the 60's through present day, in combination with living in an area dominated by German ancestry, I can tell you most of what you mentioned was also very prevalent here as well. Great video and insight.
North central Iowa. This 100%!
The US are the epitome of diversity. Strangely enough, this seems to annoy some of the very people whose existence proves this.
@@seththomas9105 I've never really seen that in Iowa. Some things but It's not really a German American thing. I personally can relate to being direct and wanting certain plans but I'm not German-American
Some of it is stuff in Michigan, and probably the rest of the midwest too. Unfortunately the jaywalking = bad thing is 100% not a thing in Detroit lol
LOL, I was commenting myself about this! My mom is of German and Dutch descent and it is absolutely amazing how long these traits stick around and get passed down from generation to generation. Even though I am more of a slob personally, I still (for example) take massive offense at litter being thrown in public spaces and the like.
I observed that also in other europeans. Direct types. Tell them your plans.
Tell them what you think and feel.
They dont like hiding or being indirect.
As an Asian, I like it.
My culture teaches us to talk in subtle ways. And being direct, solves problem easier.
I never noticed the food sharing stuff, we always said' moechtes du ein stueck probieren? never a problem!
You described my Dad perfectly. He is 2nd generation Canadian with German heritage. It's amazing how German he still is.
Nigga
I think it’s mainly just autism lol
its an unmitigated DNA curse
@@stephenryder1995 Yeah, I swear I must have some German blood, too. I can't abide being late for anything, and I admit I get a bit grumpy when others are late.
@@ajs11201 All white people have germanic dna and ancestry. All of europe was once germanic tribes, we are all more and less related to each other and shared cultures and believes. Today we all still have more or less of it in us. Greetings to you my distant cousin ;) .
Great video.
I've been living in Germany for six years now and I agree on all points.
One thing I would add to all the stuff you said is to be prepared to pay and pack your stuff in the supermarket.
Germans hate it when they have to queue even one more second than necessary, because somebody has to look for his/her wallet or his/her grocery bags.
Das ist halt unser Wunsch nach Effizienz, ich rechne sogar während des Einkaufs aus, was ich bezahlen werde und in dem Moment, wenn die Kassiererin den Preis des Einkaufs sagt, habe ich schon passend das Geld in der Hand 😅
Damit wollen wir nicht nur uns selber Zeit sparen, sondern auch allen anderen Kunden.
Indeed! I hate it to wait longer in the queue than necessary. Oldtimers are excused....they need somebody to talk to =)
In Australia the checkout person packs our bags which is far more efficient. In Europe I refuse to be hurried and hassled by people behind me. Stop being rude. It is a matter of seconds in one’s life.
@@elizabethnuttall5374 Allow me to translate: "I do what I want and I don't care about others. Stop being rude. My own behaviour doesn't bother me, so why does it bother you."
Grocery store Germany is an anethema. Getting pushed out of the store with the carts is standard fare. Unlike the US associates are not expected to wait on customers. Sometimes finding an article is just as difficult as finding help. Have aggro permanently before even getting in the place.
Reading this I see why we Swedes feel so at home in Germany! Maybe we jay-walk more often but as a whole it’s the same. We often go to Germany and try to melt in, say Mojn, Guten Tag or Grüss Gott
depending on where we are. But, and a BIG but for Americans, you are too often so very loud and many times we have been in a packed restaurant where all other guests are having a quiet conversation with their friends while an American group can be heard all over the premises!
I am an American and had lived and worked in Germany for a while and when I came back I noticed that Americans at tables next to me just seem so loud of course I’m somewhat of an introvert anyway so normally my voice is somewhat quiet instead of having the whole restaurant hear.
Please people when you’re in a restaurant fellow Americans if you’re talking about your medical problems talk a little bit softly so the person next to you can hear but not the other tables for example.
@@enjoyslearningandtravel7957 I agree! I like to fly below the radar no matter what I'm having a conversation about. But then there's those that like to fly right into the radar for the attention. Not all Americans are loud. And being loud isn't limited to just Americans.
@@Chillaxing113 that’s true not all Americans are loud, I’m speaking in general. And you’re right there’s other nationalities besides Americans that are loud speaking in their conversations in restaurants and airports for example.
As an American I think that is the World View of us(US). I'm from the upper Midwest and when I have been to other parts of the USA, the East Coast mostly, it seems the people are very loud. The United States is physically a large country and people from the Middle, specificly west of the Mississippi (They call us "flyover country") are different in lots of ways than those east of the Appalachians and west of the Rockies.
Then say something 🤣🤣🤣🇹🇿❤️Sweden!
I'm from the UK and have lived in Germany for 26 years and you are SO spot on here. You had me nodding again and again (particularly as I have taken on all these traits myself!). When my Dad comes and suggests we all share food, both my German wife and I (and particularly our son!) will give the evils. You just don't. Full stop. The "Hallo" is something I always listen out for when I'm unsure whether I've picked up all my groceries or change....fear of God moment, invariably. Well done on this video! (First saw your video on Toronto...where my wife currently is now!) Love your style, honest, down to earth and respectful.
As an American that has lived in Germany for 3+ decades I would like to point out that only ONE TIME have I received any anti-American/anti-foreigner comments. When my German language skills are not up to the task the Germans are very willing to help explain things in English. Thank you to any Germans reading these comments! I do feel welcome in your country!
Good to know because they seem to leave nasty comments about us all over the internet, along with other Europeans 🙄 combined with some of the nasty treatment some (a minority of them) gave me when I visited many years ago, makes me not want to go back
Let me guess, you're white? Because as a person of colour, who has been living in Germany for almost 30 years, my experience has been totally different. (Not saying this happens ALL the time, but it has happened a lot.)
@Justice55339h very selective perspective, I cannot confirm at all.
@@danno75 what nationality are you?
@@danno75 As someone who doesn't "pass" as German, I can tell you that it's for the most part a question of etiquette and not ethnicity.
Are there some people living in Germany who have prejudices? Yes. The funniest bit about this is that many of these aren't even German themselves; in my experience, they tend to be 1st or 2nd generation immigrants. But that's something a non-native speaker like yourself might not pick up.
I've run into open hostility maybe less than half a dozen times in my nearly five decades living in Germany.
Meanwhile, I've been asked about my background hundreds of times ...because I don't look the right way but I *sound* and *act* the right way. That made people curious and I often got a good laugh out of that.
If you're running into hostility, my guess is that you're doing something to ruffle feathers. Find out what it is (chances are you've already been told ... repeatedly) and fix it. Or deal with being disliked if you don't want to change.
But 100% miss me with our claims of discrimination. Germans are painfully aware of their country's history and go out of their way to not fall into that trap. You'd have to go to a black metal concert in the deepest hinterlands to tickle out the brown shirts and good luck finding them in the first place; that's how rare they are.
It's like this whole thing here in the US where the far left calls everybody else names. Not a good look.
I‘m absolutely not upset. Germans often see things easy if there is some kind of communication in advance before coming too late or making some stupid joke with a special historical background. Thank you for understanding us Sauerkrauts so well and best wishes from Potsdam!
Danke! Always love my time in Germany and hanging out with my German friends
@@bluebutterfly7233 no. I filmed it this summer. The B roll is from various trips to Germany over the years
@@woltersworld And remember don’t mention the war
@@woltersworld 14. I did NOT SEE that coming… 🫥
@@oscarosullivan4513 mentioning the war, might get you some unwanted insights into the dark side of the American involvement. JS.
100% on point! Your observations is soooo true. As a German, I was laughing so hard „Hallooooooooooo“ 😂
I use: "Entschuldigung?!?"
GEHTS NOCH??
In Hamurg: "Digga, aufwachen!!"
But the same applies to most nations when they say “helloooo?!”, irs not a German thing - god sake these comments are dumb
In Ruhrpott: „SAMMA!?“
As an Italian, I also get really upset when someone crosses streets on the red light, or outside of the designated crossings.
But the problem is I am in Italy, not in Germany... which leads me to being always upset.
Why does it make you upset?
I am a Canadian on my 5th day in Italy and I have adopted this behaviour.
Americans jaywalk so much because legal crossings are far apart and drivers don't yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. It is easier to look in two directions than four.
So I can blame all wanting to be direct, obsessed with planning and time on my German ancestry!😊🙌🏻❤️✌🏻🙏🏼
Spain also sucks in that way. Italy and Spain. Like brothers.
Sounds like my type of country and culture to visit. I’m planning a trip for next year. Thanks for the information.
So have you been here already? Or still preparing your visit?
As an American if I was visiting Germany and heard someone make a joke about Nazis,etc. I would be upset and insulted. It's history no one should take lightly. Even today, anywhere. Thank you for your content I truly enjoy watching. You have great enthusiasm and passion.
Yes I needed to tell a lady friend that makeing jokes
About WWII is not in good taste as it's not funny! I live in canada 🇨🇦
History is not treatedwith respect in this country! That's why people do that when thay Visit Gremany 🇧🇪 :)😊
@@bonnienichalson5151thats the flag of belgium lol
@@cantinadudes😂
Nahh srsly, it's the past and we should start laughing about it and move one. We have a lot of problems ahead to worry about.
As a European, I enjoy Wolters World because it tells me a lot about American culture. Though I do get a crick in the neck with all those "heads up"!
Haha, Good one
Became aware of that, too. He repeats it a lot in his latest videos.
i know... i know... i have my "quirks" ;)
Im not big on these german rules but...i agree about the "one plus" rule. It frustrates me when it happens if i invite someone, and they bring someone else.
... I beg you pAr-d'n??!
Yes, after all you had plans! You planed accordingly and now all your plans go down the drain. I hate it!
I’m from the United States but if I invited a person and they took one or more people along with that asking that would annoy me since I made enough food for a certain number of people and prepared the table and everything for who I invited. It’s just good manners to ask first
Yeah, it all comes down to planning. You invite ten people, buy food/drinks for ten people, plan how to seat ten people, and suddenly someone shows up with an extra person or two you do not even know.
I would really hate to have a party with any of you lol. You all seem so stiff and i hate to say it but unfriendly
I guess the tipping thing is a bit unfortunate. In Germany, waiters get a certain wage, so the tip is very much optional. Most Germans don't realize when visiting other countries that the tip is an expected part of the waiters payment.
As an American, I greatly prefer the way you handle wages in Germany and much of the rest of the world. Simply pay your staff a fair wage and set your prices accordingly. In the U.S., we seem to play this mind game of having what appears to be lower prices and then pay an addtional 20% to supplement the salaries of those working the restaurant. That said, as an American knowing our system, I would never deny someone a fair wage and so I tip generously, but I think the model is flawed from the outset.
@@ajs11201I can appreciate that from the customer’s perspective. You know what you’re paying when you order, and you don’t have to worry about your peers judging you by how you tip*. Also during busy hours it reduces the server’s incentive to push you out the door as soon as you’re done eating.
A few restaurants have tried the no-tipping thing though, and so far it hasn’t gone well. I suspect it’s partly about expectations. The owner will boast that he’s boosted all the servers’ pay by $10 an hour, and on paper that probably looks like a good wage. Trouble is, the servers had been getting $15-25 per hour in tips. So this restaurant that thinks it’s taking care of its employees is actually paying a substandard wage.
* or more recently, and I frikken hate this, the restaurant staff shaming people on social media for “only” tipping 10% on takeout.
My viewe is the employer has to pay the employe. Not the customer. Or do give the woker who builds your car a tip? Or the engineer, guard, the manger?
@ajs11201 do you know what a good server can make a night? It's a hell of a lot more than the guys sweating in the kitchen. That are making a living wage
@@Oliver-bv8gssales people are often paid by commission. I'd really hate to see what kind of service I'd get in some of these cities. If the server knew they were getting paid the same whether they did a good job or not.
As a German, i confirm all of this. I have many American friends. We have adapted to each other by approaching each other. I don't get angry if they show up later than I would and they accept that I communicate more directly.😀 Sharing food is fine with me, but yeah, many Germans don't like it.
06:32 Regarding tips: There is a huge difference between conditions in the US and Germany. In the US, tips are part of the salary, which is why the basic salary is incredibly low (which I think is terrible). In Germany they get a collectively agreed minimum salary of 12 EUR/hour. Of course, the tip is then much lower! It is not part of the salary, but an extra reward for good service.
yes, and for good service, not for service in general, because we consider this as part of the deal. It is a huge difference.
I don't think minimum wage laws apply to restaurant servers in the US, thus the importance of tipping.
Thank you for being understanding about that
I think that it is terrible as well; minimum wages for tipped employees in the USA varies tremendously from state to state, but can be as low as $2.13 per hour! That's cruel and scandalous, and should not be.
About the driving thing... It is common habbit in many countries in Europe. And for example in my country (Slovakia) there is also decree that allows you to use the left lane on the highway ONLY for passing by the cars... not for driving in it constantly. (of course if you are not in traffic jam... in that case it is no problem)
Yes, here in Belgium too. I think by law, you always have to drive in the right lane except for overtaking.
But as we Belgians love to break the rules, there's like half of the drivers that don't do this and the other half are upset about it ;-)
Same here in Austria :D Also, I’ve driven in many European countries and they are all very similar. Especially Italians and the folks from Switzerland are really speedy 😄
That's the same thing all over Europe
Most of things he listed applies in most countries in the world, not specifically Germany. The comment section is insulting stupid.
I'm from Wisconsin, USA and being late is also looked down upon here. I also like to be organized and be well informed before I make a decision or form an opinion-- sounds like I'd fit in in Germany, haha!
The penalty for drunk driving on the first offense for a DWI is a minimum mandatory 5 years ‼️👌
I'm Canadian but grew up in Germany as an 'army brat'. I actually went to my first McDonald's in Freiburg. Being able to order a beer with a big mac was pretty unique to Canadians.
Thanks for this entertaining video. I love your enthusiasm
Another important thing:
Don't be too loud in restaurants and on public transportation. Some American tourists behave as if they were the only people in the restaurant or on the bus. Of course this doesn't mean that you must be silent, but just keep the volume of your voices normal.
Another thing is: Don't let your children run around and climb on chairs and tables in restaurants. In the USA, this kind of behavior is tolerated, in Germany, it really can be a problem for other guests.
Especially If they trip the waiter!😅
Same for France
Kids running amuck isn't tolerated in the US. Families have been kicked our in the US because kids were jerks.
@@jessicaely2521 Amuck isn't a word. It's "amok"
Most people in the US strongly dislike that kind of annoying behavior in kids(or adults)too, and we hold it against parents who don't teach their kids basic manners. The thing is that yes most of us will tolerate it and say nothing. If we say something then suddenly we're the "jerks" and the parents and kids who were misbehaving will probably act very offended and victimized, and it could become a big ugly scene. I applaud Germans if they call out bad behavior in public. Wish we Americans did it more often.
I once went over a red traffic light in front of a kid cause i wanted to catch my train and i felt like i had committed a murder for three straight days and that's how strict we feel about that
🤣🤣🤣 Du hast seine Kindheit verdorben🤣
I lived at a Gasthaus while stationed at Ramstein AFB back in 1986-88. My landlady was very nice and she always invited me to all their family functions as I was single at the time. I even helped with the Oktoberfest crowds by waiting on tables (long benches actually),and serving food and drinks during my off work time. The only time a ever saw anyone get upset was when someone got drunk. It’s OK to drink, just don’t get drunk. Have to say, living at that Gasthaus was what made my tour a wonderful experience. Prost
How neat! Im stationed in England and go to Germany a lot. It’s such an amazing opportunity to have a chance to live overseas. Thank you for your service.
This may sound weird but many Germans think of beer as just another food. It goes with sausages like mustard and potatoes or a roll. Half a pint of good draft beer with your sauerkraut dish makes it all taste so much better. As a means to get drunk? Not really.
The loud Hallo! Yes, I have experienced that many times. I think it starts in school as I see teachers use it with children. And after 3 years living in Germany, I am starting to say it too...
I was stationed in Germany in 81-82, and my first meal in a German restaurant was a Wurst sampler, recommended by the server. It came with pomme frits, and a roll. I sliced the roll in half, placed a nice section of a wurst on the roll, slathered it with mustard, and began eating it like a sandwich. The entire restaurant was full of people groaning and saying Hallo, very loudly. I didn't know any better. Many people came by and patted me on the back and welcomed me to Germany as they left. Lesson learned
I don’t understand what you did wrong. What was the faux pah ?
@jeff swanson - Heaven only knows. I’m German, 1st one in my entire family born on US soil/1961, and we Germans have a way of carrying on about the most absurd things. I love both of my countries, but that aspect I could do without. 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
@@elisasa3287 Maybe both memories are a bit dated? I also do not even understand the point about the faux-pas
@@elisasa3287 yes I guess as an American I just don’t understand what was so wrong about making a “wurst sandwich “ .
@@jeffswanson3740 there was absolutely nothing wrong. It was an opportunity to make a big fuss about nothing. Americans are generally speaking good-natured, and wouldn’t carry on like this. To @Edward Cox, I hope, if he has the opportunity again, that he’ll make himself TWO wurst sandwiches! 😂 I have an aunt who’ll turn 4 shades of purple if people, esp Americans, don’t fall in line with her German way of doing things. Ridiculous. Thank God the majority of my family members aren’t like this. Germany‘s got so much going for it, but there are always idiots in every bunch.
Excellent video. This is the most accurate and respectful primer on this topic that I have seen. Gut gemacht!
Letting neighbors know about parties and get togethers is also done in France. It's basic politeness because you'll probably make some noise and people might not like it. If you've put a notice saying "we'll have a little get together and might make some noise, we apologize in advance for any inconveniences" then people know and they're not likely to call the police, which might happen otherwise if you're too noisy.
Also tipping is a culture thing specific to each country. In France there is no tip. People are paid in all jobs, and in some restaurants waiters take pride in their knowledge of food and wine and some have special schooling. I know at least one restaurant where we were almost throuwn out because one of our friends was insistently trying to tip, and the waiter got really annoyed. It's not in every restaurant, but some people really get offended. I know in the US it's practically (socially) mandatory to tip because waiters don't get paid otherwise. Which blows my mind! I call that slavery... But anyway, you can't expect people from other countries to know your tipping rules. I had visited the US 3 times before i found out waiters didn't get paid outside of tips. On none of those trips did i ever tip anybody. I hate it, find it demeaning to the recepient and don't at all feel comfortable doing it. But now i do it in the US because OMG you people don't pay your waiters!!!
Same in Italy (I am in Milan).
And usually If you live in an apartment it is also unpolite having an evening party on mid week days.
It’s acceptable only on friday and saturday evening. Especially on saturday is ok, because people don’t work the next day, so they go to bed later
One of my first shocking experiences over here was attempting to be polite and helpful to a very very older lady with a walker. I was trying to hold the train door open for her and she became quite livid, fussed at me, as if I insulted her. The German people are ferociously independent and proudly so. The other thing about my 12 years here is that many don't feel the slightest inclination to be polite or acknowledge you, lol. They are also incredibly private and demand communal respect.
But when we are trying to be polite and acknowledge you, you complain about our „staring“ 😊
@@winterlinde5395 Has that actually happened to you? I've never once said that or thought that. If that had happened, I think I would be afraid I said something wrong, had toilette paper hanging out my pants, or done something really awkward, lol!
@@Cinnabar_and_Chalcanthite 😃I am German so I wouldn’t notice if anyone stares at me or if I stare at anyone. But here on YT I have heard many people from the States complaining about „the German stare“. Assuming it to be because of their bad German, their clothes, skin color, you name it.
But we are just not looking away if there are people. And we are watching our surroundings rather than looking down on the ground.
That’s interesting to hear that there are people who don’t notice that. 🌸
That's a nice informative video. For further explanation on German traffic rules on the Autobahn. We have a "Rechtsfahrgebot" , which means that you have to drive as far right as possible (under the given street layout etc.) and while you are allowed to choose your traffic lane in the cities, on the Autobahn, you can only use the middle and or left lane to overtake cars that are significantly slower than yourself in the boundaries of the speed limit. Also whoever is already on your left to overtake (as long as it's legal of course) have the right of passage. So if you decide to overtake and you obstruct someone who was legally overtaking you, even if he was quite the distance away, you just took their right of passage and would if it comes to a traffic accident, be completelely responsible. Now you will probably see Germans drive faster than the speed limit or overtake you with an unreasonable speed. Sadly that's common on the Autobahn, but don't take them as an example for how it's done, when they are doing this, they either don't realize that they are breaking the law or they don't care.
If every restaurant in the US had a big poster that said "Our waitstaff is being paid slave wages and they mostly have to live from your tips" Im pretty sure most of the germans would tip your 15-20% as well. Its just a thing a lot of tourists dont usually think about, since they assume that people actually get paid for working :)
Heya, neat video. German here as well. I clicked on it, cause I saw the Holstentor in thumbnail, which is sadly not a common thing. I am from Lübeck myself, so always glad to see it represented. I take it, you visited our beautiful city? It has such a rich history.
I live in the UK for a while now, so I overcame 2 things I wasnt even aware its so ingrained in us. Sharing food - love to do it now. It wasnt cause I hated doing it before, but just learnt it this way. The other being the traffic light one, it just gets injected into you from a young age.
One thing I take serious is when you eat together: you wait til everyone is ready to eat, than you start together.
The car thing: some people have weird mentality there sadly. but yeah the most left one is specifically for overturning, but speedsters abuse that too often. As a driver myself, having heard how chaotic people drive in the US. there are definitively more (useful) rules like rechts vor links (people coming from right drive first, than left. crossing) etc and if you import your car, it might not be able to pass the regularities.
the time and plus one tips are indeed to good to tell. the bavaria one i have to tell so often. especially as someone from the north, it annoys me to no end.
thx for the nice video!
Love your wonderful videos. Thank you
Yeah its true my German boyfriend took a long time (years) to begin to be cool with me eating off his plate...and eating something out of his refrigerator (even though he does that at my house) makes him crazy unless I don't formally ask...Like He is sleeping and I am hungry...No can't eat with out waking him up to ask...that crzy....They even have a word we don't have in English "Futterneid" So being jealous of what someone else is eating...and this is way...They don't like to share.
I live in a small town in Denmark, where many Germans come in the summer, and it's always so nice that Germans actually follow the rules when driving, and is much friendlier than Danes.
😍I could be one of them. I always feel bad because I don’t speak danish and am a bit awkward speaking german though I know that most people working in shops and restaurants do speak German. What do you think about that?
@@winterlinde5395 I enjoy hearing German when I'm outside, since the Danish language is so weird sounding.
I have the same feeling, when I'm in countries where I can't speak Danish, English or German though.
@@johnson941 Oh thanks! That’s nice of you to say that. I’m so used to people making fun of how awful German sounds that I almost believed it 😄
Very good job there. I enjoyed watching it.
By the way, even if the picture under the "3. Assume everyone is from Bavaria" text is technically Bavaria (Rothenburg ob der Tauber to be exact), you might (only slightly and with cheek in tongue) annoy people there by telling them they are Bavarian. Rothenburg is in middle Franconia (Mittelfranken) and some Franconians (large part of northern Bavaria divided in Middle Franconia (Nuremberg area), Upper Franconia Bayreuth area) and Lower Franconia (Würzburg area)) don't enjoy being mixed up with the real Bavarians. 😆
Our food is different and in Lower Franconia wine is at least as important as beer.
Where invitations are concerned. People knowing each other usually invite both partners from the start. When they don't know that a partner exists they also might answer "yes" when asked about the second person coming.
And where the tipping is concerned. In Germany witers and waitresses get wages for their work. So something like a "service cgarge" or however that is called in the US for example does not exist. If we tip we give something extra for good service (or not so much because the service was only so so) but it seldom exceeds 10 percent.
If the tips are a lrge percentage of your wages (as in some other countries), I increase that amount if I know it but not everybody knows everywhere.
Sharing food: that is also a question of people's background (and to some degree their age). My in laws did not like it at all. My wife and I don't mind at all and if we say yes, we do not think "I wanted to say no." Asking first however is extremely important.
Driving: using the right most possible lane is written in our driving laws. As is the ban of passing on the right on Autobahns (unless there is heavy congestion and the right lane isn't more than 30% faster than the left one). So if someone is blocking the left most lane, the others are not allowed to go around him on the right. So the two most hated people on the Autobahn are 1. the ones with their radiator practically inside of your trunk to force you to change lanes and 2. the ones not leaving the left lanes when they finished passing.
Hahaha - I'm viewing this a year late, Wolter. But I have to say that what you have experienced and are commenting on is very good information which could also be applied to the Netherlands, where I've relocated and become a citizen of 24 years ago. Some may think that because this particular Germanic culture may appear more relaxed and tolerant than its German cousin that ignoring some of the things you mention here are okay. Yet, certain things, such as those you've mentioned here, could so easily be applied to both cultures.
I used to teach internationally in both East and West. And, to me, a lot of mistakes made when particularly visiting a western culture is to believe and behave as if it's like your own, which it is not. If we observe and respond to the nuances in our differing cultures we demonstrate our respect to them while still having fun while travelling or staying a short while via work or study as guests to our host countries.
This made me smile alot, nicely put and greetings from Hamburg.
Couple little things that took me a year or two to "get" - 1. A limp handshake ... they will re-grab your hand, and give it a firm shake, cuz you're being a dishrag. 2. And the other thing - when you clink glasses and say "Prosit" you look into their eyes. Not making eye contact is almost an insult. They're not stupid about it, but they will gently prompt you.
I can't abide with people who are constantly late. Its as if your time doesn't matter to them.
it drives me nuts too
I have to live with a girlfriend like that. She'll be late at her own funeral.
Being consistently late shows lack of respect for others' time.
@@rosc2022
Exactly.
I moved to Thailand a few weeks ago. Its nearly standard to be late 1 or 2 hours. Soooo annoying. Loved it so much more in germany.
I love Germany and I love my German friends. I already knew a fair bit about Germany before I first went there so I was prepared for some of the supposed eccentricities. I actually think I like how things work in Germany better than in my own country! As for things Germans find amusing about other countries? When my friends were visiting Scotland from Hamburg I took them to a local chinese restaurant. Obviously Chinese food varies wherever you go, and many restaurants here serve a sweet and sour chicken with a sauce that's very red or even a little pink in colour. My German friends found this hysterical as sweet and sour sauce where they are is always brown, so they were shrieking with laughter and pointing at it so much the owner came over to check everything was okay! They were very apologetic but kept bursting out randomly laughing for the rest of the meal!
Haha! Seems like they were being a bit loud to draw the attention of the owner. 😂🤣
And they don’t like loud people in their country?
Why is that so hysterical? Would they like it if someone loudly made barfing noises when looking at blood sausages on a German menu? Seems pretty rude to me.
I appreciate your reflection assessment. You are on spot!
Greetings from a polyglot U.S. American in Germany (Munich) for a few decades.
Nicely done.
Important things to know for new tourists.
On the party topic: you can often bring people with you. Really depends on the type of party.
Let's say a student "WG Party" you can bring people with you or at least if you ask people will most likely say yes.
If it is a more private party (a smaller birthday party) if you ask if you can a +1, they most likely also say yes - they just need to know in advance.
I dated a lovely man from Frankfurt and once whilst out shopping he did not hesitate to call out for the store Mgr and instructed (not ask) them to put another cashier on duty to make the check out line move faster 😅 I also irritated him by rinsing my plates as he wanted to test his new dish washers efficiency to deep clean - he was precise but also so sweet, generous and fun loving. I loved my time in Germany esp the saunas! Years later I learned I have German relatives from Hesse on my mother's side so no wonder I felt so at home there!
Why wouldn't you let the Manager know ? Also don't waste water !!
Please 🙏 pray for the United German citizens this winter ♦️♦️♦️‼️
It‘s so funny how good you described us Germans 😂😂 I loved the „Hallo???!“ part, it’s so true bc I just recognized I do that myself 😭
Yeah because that’s an international thing, not a German thing. Is everyone in this comment section regarded?
@@hackett152332 You wrote the same lame statement twice in this comment section. That’s a lot of emotion for a random observation like this.
But you are so great in bringing out the best of of the tough stuff! Thank you
Spot on in every Detail 👍
The „move to heck to the right lane-thing“ has a reason (of course 😂)
On the Autobahn you get fined for overtaking right.
So if you don‘t move over, you block any empty lane right of your as well.
By the way: you get a ticket for not moving over to the right as well.
Oh my goodness, Im American and my grandmother is German. I've never been. But I'm absolutely cracking up, because he is describing me in this video. I didn't realize that I must have been raised with German vibes. . I go on a RANT when people don't recycle correctly, i'm twenty minutes early for any appointment because I'm terrified of being late, and my mother used to freak out if we jaywalked. Although, I don't take people's seats on the train, and I love to drink my big gulp, which is very American.
*Genes don't lie ;)*
*Many Greetings from Hamburg !!*
You aren't taking their seat, they have been taking your seat. I'm not going to stand in the middle of the crowded train, if I have already reserved a seat
It is incredible how accurate your impression of germans is, i feel very well pictured
Look at how organized and clean everything is compared to the United States, ❓❓❓
That crossing the road thing really caught me out the first time I was in Germany! Even though there was literally no traffic, I was stunned that German people still stood waiting patiently at the 'red man', and as you describe Wolter, I was even more amazed when they tutted and physically stopped me when I was about the cross on the red! A really quick and powerful cultural lesson.
There even is a joke about that : how can you tell the nationality of a person ? - -The pedestrian standing still at the red lights in the middle of the night when there is absolutely no traffic is definitely German.
- YET : some of us here are fiercely pretending to be Italians ! -Yes, every day !
- " Hallo ?!? " - 🤸🏃🚦
My Late Father Was a Good Hearted German from Eastern Germany...Further out from BERLIN....And was Strict But Fair..💯💯💯😑🇩🇪🙏🏼🙏🏼💪🏼💪🏼😑😪😑
Very good analysis
I lived in Africa, Asia and 20 years in Spain!
Knowing other cultures are so interesting. Beautiful. 🎉🎉🎉🎉
How did I miss this video??????? Excellent video as always my friend!!! You are 100 percent on the money here with your facts :).I remember as a nine-year-old kid my friends and I were making a lot of noise outside and an old lady poured a bucket of water on me, lol.BTW, I upset a German once when I was filming a RUclips video in Berlin and he thought that I was filming him, which I wasn't. :)
Probably one of the most accurate videos on german culture I’ve seen but i still have a few corrections/additions
5. it’s important to disagree on certain things with people but it’s just as important to explain why you disagree with them so they can adjust their opinion based on that
10. I don’t know if this is just different for me and the people I know but no is is going to be secretively mad or annoyed for feeling obligated to share their food, alot actually ask right away if someone else wants to try something they’re eating (but it is very important to ask because they will be pissed if you don’t and just grab their food)
14. certain references to the third Reich are actually illegal and will get you in trouble e.g. drawing the swastika (§86 Absatz 4 StGB) or doing the hitler salute (§86a and §130) (there are however exeptions when it comes to talking about the topic in an educational context)
oh. you definately are german 😀
We were blessed to have a trip to Bavaria for my daughter's Make-A-Wish Foundation wish. We absolutely loved Bavaria. It was wonderful. The only thing we were slightly taken aback by was the lack of certain courtesies we are use to back in the U.S. In the grocery store people would bump into us or step in front of us without saying excuse me; actually they said nothing, so the language barrier was not the issue and we didn't understand them. As you have shown in this video, people are different in different cultures. It doesn't necessarily mean they are wrong, it means they are different. When we were lost or confused about the train, people were more than happy to help us. Again, it is always helpful to understand a little bit about other culture's norms. It can certainly help avoid misunderstandings that would otherwise leave a very sour taste in one's experience abroad.
Another great video! Thanks!
Actually, United States where I live many people have stepped in front of me in the grocery store without saying excuse me. Maybe it depends how you brought up.
German here, people stepping in front of you without saying a word..its not meant in a unfriedly way.. the states are huge and people have a bigger "personal bubble".When a stranger comes to close you will feel threatend.
In germany everything is more "packed" many people on a small place and therefor our personal bubble is smaller. i freak out when i can feel or hear someone breathing behind me, but i dont care when someone is stepping in front of me to get an item from the shelf.
I was in the states back in the 90ties and for me it felt strange when someone said excuse me without even bumbing into me..
@@enjoyslearningandtravel7957 wjwjmjmjwjwmmwmmwmwmjmmwmmmmmm
I'm just gonna assume that you guys left so much room to the person in front of you that it might have looked like you are waiting or not in line but not sure. It is considered rude to just skip the line ofc and i have maybe seen it 3-4 times. Usually people just let others in front if they have just an item or two.
What I hope is a useful tip about the time-keeping !
In BrItain (and, I assume America and Canada &c) half-eight means 8:30 (ie half-PAST eight) - in Germany halb-acht means 07:30 (ie half-TO eight). If you aren't careful you could end up being out by an hour for your meeting !
Honestly, based on this I think I’d enjoy Germany very much!
Sorry. Not on my list.
I have a number of friends in Germany and have been visiting them there regularly for a long time, some for over 40 years. All of what you said in your video, I encountered in my early visits. Now, as they know me well and I know them well, they don't happen, except for "hallooooooo"! In the case of my Hamburg friends it is always "Aber Halloooooooo!" if I do something or say something that grates against their lifestyle. I'm used to it. Es tut mir leid (I'm sorry) is always a good get out phrase.
Uk be like SORRRRRRYYYYYYYY 😂
"Be an example for the children." I love it.
HEHHEHEEEE, me too!!!
Food sharing (after asking) is totally fine for me, and most people I know. But the rest is very (embaressingly) accurate, Mark! :) Very well done!
Food sharing is okay, but should be agreed on before ordering the food in German restaurant. Otherwise people would by default a dish they are like and planning to eat by themselves individualy.
I'd say this applies to most points. It's okay to be late (at least if it's not all the time) or to bring someone along (unless we're talking about weddings etc., something that involves a lot of planning beforehand) - just ask. Let the others know about it and it shouldn't be a problem.
Does food sharing equal cost sharing?
9:29 From Colorado and have a 1990 MB 560SEL. I know this all too well, and have to explain it when I go through drive-through windows sometimes. Although it's actually quite nice when you get a large cold drink with ice in the spring/summer and you have to hold it between your legs. I don't have to run the A/C as hard.
Moin, i am german by myself, and i really like videos like this. For me the most things are just daily life, and it is interesting to hear and see, what people from other countries and cultures think about us. Thank you :) and please excuse my bad english. Schönen Gruß aus Hamburg :)
*I can't understand why some people make so many clichés about French or another nation because I think Germans are very special. They are persuaded they are right everytime and think it's normal to impose their point of view to everybody. I'm particularly shocked by the fact they sit in your seat and are upset simply because you ask them politely to leave... for people who are know for "respecting the rules"...* 😵🤦🏼♂
I lived in Cologne for 5 years and my mortally was it’s their country their rules.. I have nothing but love for Germany & Germans I miss living there a lot 😢
Thank you and all the best to you❣ I miss my Germany very much too... as I moved to Canada getting married many years ago. 😢😢
@@sonjagatto9981
Like what and why, please?
I am Dutch, and I can say this video captures German attitudes quite well. Another thing to be aware of is Germans are very social, and when you are with a group be prepared to put the social vibe ahead of your own individualism. Germans prefer an atmosphere where people blend in rather than stand out.
Absolutely. As a German, this is one of the few points in which I differ from the rest of the Germans... In fact I find that a bit too constricting....
I hear the opposite. That Germans tend to be antisocial and difficult to get to know. Of course, that is only a generalization and obviously there will always be exceptions
@@elgatofelix8917 It depends on the area.
The reason why Germans don't tip more than say 5-10% is because tipping is considered a convenience for the guest so we don't have to deal with all the small pocket change(if the bill is 47,83 Euro a German would likely pay 50 for example, there you have your "5% tip" if they were very happy with you and the meal was great, the tip might be bumped up to 15% in this case, them paying 55 Euro). Waitresses and other workers are paid a reasonable wage, while it's not astronomical it's enough to get by, even without ever receiving a tip -unlike in the US where you guys sometimes only get 3 or 4 bucks an hour and you're dependant on tips. That said it's still considered polite to tip, as these kinds of jobs don't pay that well(compared to many other) and the tip is usually split between all of the personell that was working that day, so the cook gets some as well for the meal he prepared for you.
I grew up in the USA and my mom worked for a German company and the higher-ups would come to the place to make sure everything was running smoothly. To me those German business people were somewhat soft spoken and often serious, but a nice reserved humor. Definitely punctual. It left a positive impression on me, plus I figured Germans are probably a little more outgoing with friends and family.
What does that mean, to be outgoing with s.o.? Like being extrovert?
@@Hakunamatahayes
@@raudigerrudiger9713 11 months later☺️ thx 4 the answer
The Bavarian alps, the most beautiful place I have ever been.
Mexican here who has been living in Germany for 6 years. I think the tipping issue is more due to Germans having a different tipping system than to them being frugal. Here waiters are paid above minimum wage and they don't make most of their earnings from tips, unlike many countries like US and Canada. So most Germans only tip rounding up to the next euro in bills lower than 20€, and up to 10% when the bill is higher than 20€. At least that's what I've seen in my experience.
Some thoughts:
1. It's good that you say, that we are not offended when someone is direct to us, that's the point. We don't get hurt if someone cancels an appointment, but we definitely get hurt if someone just doesn't show up without telling.
2. The thing with the red light crossing, I was in England and it took AGES for the red light to switch to green, so it's kinda obvious to just cross on red. The green light comes earlier in Germany so there is no need to break the rules :D
Oh and last, it may be kinda hard for someone abroad to deal with the harsh German way, but actually it's not that bad. We are friendly at heart but can be rude and direct on the streets. Nothing personal. :D
I'll tell you why the green light didn't appear because you didn't press the button probably
. In the UK the traffic signals for cars are only interrupted when a pedestrian wants to cross the road. So depending on the location it will Be constantly green all the time for the cars unless a pedestrian presses the button to cross which makes logical sense. As in the traffic keeps moving until a person wishes to cross, the cars constantly flow.
In Germany the traffic is continually interpreted regardless whether there's a pedestrian who wants to cross or not, its a timer based system pressing the button does nothing rrqlly because they signal is on a timer anyway. The traffic signal will turn red for cars even if there's no pedestrian who wishes to cross at that point.
A highly inefficient and un-germanic way to control the traffic/pedestrian flow.
Also the bosch allow you to turn left and right at traffic lights in a car at a junction while also its green for pedestrians crossing the same junction. Makes no sense its both green who's at fault if there's an accident highly dangerous .
And in the U.S. both of the above apply, depending on where you are. So, no generalizations should be coming from an American....3...2...1...lol 😊
Really cool video wolter, greetings from germany love ❤
Dankeschön!
Love these! I lived in Germany as a kid waaay back. Learned how to ask if I could play football with groups of German kids. Happier days
😍 so nice
(real football) 😂
Don’t take red roses to a German’s house as a gift if you are friends or getting to know them. Red roses in Germany means love or romance. In 1984, my mother made that mistake and my father only told her not to do it as we were walking up to their door. Thankfully, they were understanding. My mother was so embarrassed and mad at my father for not warning her. We lived in Munich for five years and miss it very much. One day, my mother and I plan to go back to visit.
Something similar exists also regarding ties: only ever wear a black one to a funeral as they are exclusively worn as a sign of mourning here. It's quite insulting to see someone showing up to e.g. a wedding in mourning colours
@@hmvollbanane1259
Nope!
As a German I must say that's spot on. Well observed and presented. 👍
However, especially in the bigger cities the people with a German cultural background are meanwhile the minority, so you might experience also completely different reactions.
and about the food: it is not about the 'not want to share'. It is about the 'I really do not want your distgusting germs on my plate'.
The eating food without asking is no joke. I was in a summer university programme in Ireland in the early 2000s and half of the students were Americans so we were housed in 4-bedroom student flats with 2 Americans and 2 people of other nationalities in each. After a couple of days me and the Italian girl started to notice that our food was disappearing from the fridge. We were so confused and it turned out the Americans just ate whatever was in there, without asking, letting us know afterwards or replacing anything. I thought I was hallucinating, I come from poverty and was on a shoe-string budget to even be able to afford that stay on a scholarship, and to me it was literally just stealing - which it kind of is, by definition. I understood it was a cultural thing but it didn't make it ok as I still didn't have money to feed them, especially considering they were quite well-off. Maybe this has changed since but talk about culture shock lol.
As a German living in the US you have enlightened me on a couple things that I did not know . I have never driven over there so I would definitely have to practice a more aggressive driving maybe like they do in New York city 😂 . I wasn't around when they started the recycling thing , but the rest of it I knew and pretty well still practice living here . Thank you for sharing.