Healthcare is not free in Germany. We pay health insurance each month which is mandatory for most people. The difference is that money goes into a big bucket out of which treatment for those is payed who are sick I'm glossing over details here like private vs. public insurance and deductibles, but this is the general idea. Give as you can, get as you need. It's a different way of financing health care for the community.
The biggest difference really is that healthcare cost is controlled in Germany. There are lists of treatments and the amount of money you can charge for these treatments. In the US, you can end up paying 500 USD for a bandaid. This cost control is crucial (and often overlooked as a contributor to good affordable healthcare).
This is true. However, in the US, you pay a ton for private insurance and, when you are sick, you hope the insurance covers it. If you are lucky, they will cover 60-80% of the expenses -- that is after you have paid the annual deductible. At the end of the day, you pay about the same for US insurance vs being systematically taxed in Germany. The big difference is that you will not go bankrupt in Germany if you get sick. That cannot be said of the US system.
In the early eighties I got sick with cancer, still in my Apprenticeship, earning 150 €. I was of work for 18 months, with costs at around 100.000,00 € for treatment, surgeries, medication, retraining etc. My costs: 0,00 €. I still haven’t payed back the amount of money with my contribution into the system 40 years later and never had to think about that.
@@berndkahlau9770 das ist der punkt. Klar zahlen wir inzwischen auch bei einigen Dingen dazu aber hier stirbt zb keiner weil er sich kein Insulin leisten kann und alles lebenswichtige ist quasi umsonst.
And everything wrong in Germany with the healthcare system (and there are quite a few things) can be contributed to the same reasons the American healthcare system is just a scam on top of a scam. After all our and the US healthcare system just reflects how tight the moneyed interests have a grip on politics.
The "ignorants." Brilliant description. As an American living in Ireland I'm really happy to see fellow Americans being really smart, open and positive in the countries they move to. Thanks for being a good ambassador for your fellow immigrants.
Hey, maybe the reason the ignorants have a(tiny) voice in the US is the same reason you need to call them the ignorants. Censorship is bad, it didn't stop the ignorants from coming to power, and when they did the ignorants used the same the powers of Censorship to further their goals. Pick a lane freedom or Censorship.
@@warthunder9155 freedom for everyone only comes with respect and responsibilities towards others, there is no freedom for everyone in a *me first culture* like the US. If the sentence starts with *My freedom* there is mainly not a selfless thought behind it.
@@warthunder9155 "Pick a lane freedom or Censorship." You need a balance between the two. A country cannot prosper if people are free to merc each other, but they also cannot live properly if they have to ask the state for permission to take a dump. You need a balance between freedom and control, and the US has way too much control in all the wrong parts and too much freedom where there should be control.
@@allezfc8166 Darling, US American politics are the Circus. You know Trump was the trash tv Series everyone like to watch to make them feel better about their Politics. But might be hart for your nationalistic ideology mind to grasp that.
The only reason why to move out of the USA is because of Presidents like Joe Biden. Trump gave us no incentive to leave the greatest most productive nation on earth. But Biden has single-handedly turned the USA into a a massive shit hole. The difference is like night and day.
I'm not even from the US, I'm from the UK, but I'm so glad people are moving out of the US and realising the world is not how you've been taught it was. With you and others spreading this information and informing all the Americans who can't leave, something is sure to change in the future. If there's one thing Americans value it's their freedom, and once they're aware how "un-free" they really are compared to most other countries they will actually fight for the freedom they deserve.
You and your family are so welcome in Germany. I hope you stay here for the rest of your life. We really appreciate people like you. Glad you are here in this beautiful country.
People who have the courage, without prejudice, not only to look beyond their borders, but also to transcend them, should be welcome in every enlightened country in the world. Every step these people take will make the world a better place as we all understand each other. To really understand and not just accept each other. Acceptance is always connected with: one is better than the other. Understanding means learning why the other is the way he is and acts the way he does. Acceptance is always linked to social or racial prejudice. "I accept the neighbor - but actually I'm better than him..." No, we are all the same! And the USA simply forgot that in its religious and party-political debates. You have forgotten how to communicate at eye level. It doesn't matter where I come from, what religion I follow, whether I'm an atheist, gay, lesbian, gender, what skin color I have or something similar. We are human and everyone is (or better) should be the same. have the same value. It doesn't matter if he's rich, poor, crippled or whatever. Everyone has the right to a happy life. Here's to a life free of fear and a life where he can, in turn, teach people to do the same! In my opinion, the USA and most of its citizens have not yet realized and/or understood this.
Does anyone else feel like all those American newcomers in Germany are really great, mature, self-reflected people? I dunno, but I definitely feel like when America sends its people, they're sending their best. ;)
The Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” The Staue of Germania: "Ok, I'll take the well-educated, reasonable and decent then."
Yes please, send more of them Americans. All those that I have seen on RUclips are wonderful people. :D In my honest opinion "multiculture" is the future. Europe is already densely populated by so many different cultures and has a great potential to develop further into this direction. I have so much respect for the educational system of Finland and there is a bunch of areas where Sweden and Norway are ahead of us. We can learn so much from each other and maybe in the future we will have developed a perfect multicultural society where we can all live our happy lifes together. :)
The thing about German Autobahn is not so much that they are so much more secure but that drivers have to go through a lot more training before you can get a driving license. Plus there is the TÜV which demands technical check-ups for your car. So overall the whole German system is designed so that people can drive faster safely. That said there are still more than enough casualties on the Autobahn because of speeding sometimes with really horrible outcomes. But we and our politicians accept it as the automobil industry is a very powerful lobbyist in Germany.
Tbh - and I say this as a German national - discussing a global speedlimit on the Autobahn in Germany is not unlike discussing the 2nd amendment in the US. The automotive lobby has a hand in it , but it's mostly emotionally overblown as a virtue of personal freedom by the people. And truth be told - going really fast on the BAB gets old very quick. And very expensive.
@@69quato Der ADAC hat kürzlich eine Umfrage unter seinen Mitgliedern durchgeführt und selbst eine Mehrheit der Mitglieder war für ein allgemeines Tempolimit. Und wie wir beim Sonderetat für die Bundeswehr sehen oder am Tankrabatt ist Popularität kein echter Faktor, wenn es um politische Entscheidungen geht. Siehe Mautskandal, siehe Dieselgate, siehe Maskendeals usw. Am Ende des Tages ist es der Lobbyismus der in unserem Land Politik macht, da brauchen sie sich keine Illusionen zu machen.
The problem that I, as a German, see among Americans is that they think in very distinct categories. Always seeing everything in black or white. If you're not for me, you're against me. You can see it in your party system. What democracy can exist if only two parties are available in political elections. Again: black or white. Here politicians and parties have to form alliances, form coalitions and learn to make concessions and compromises in order to remain politically capable of acting. That also rubs off on the voters. Citizens will grow up to be more cosmopolitan. And such a policy is also due to Germany's geographical location. Nine neighboring countries, three of them in the former Warsaw Pact. You have to learn to make compromises. And the US: Just the magic two again! Canada is the good neighbor, Mexico is the (to put it mildly) less good neighbor. Again a black or white, a yes or no situation. Also, I'll ask a question: If you are firmly convinced that you are the best, the crown of creation, the non plus ultra, who do you still listen to in dialogues with others? Who can then convey a point of view or bring it closer to you that you might not represent yourself at the moment? Do you really listen or do you form your own opinion and smile at the other person?
West and Central Europeans see the World in colour. Americans see the World in black and white. U.S has the Democrats party more centre too world standards. Republican party more extreme right wing too World standards.
I (german too) think you oversimplified alot of things here while at the same time have some blind spots regarding Germany. So I feel urged to put things a bit more into perspective. First of all, the thing you call "black and white"-thinking is present in every democratic system in the form of "right and left" affiliation. So we in Germany also have a polarized political spectrum as well. Left (Linke, Grüne, SPD) vs. right (CDU/CSU, FDP, AFD). While the US election process ultimatly ends in a vote between two candidates, the selection of those two candidates is a long and elaborated process in which multiple presidential candidates (political wings and streams) within the two parties compete against each other for voter support in primaries and caucuses. During that process actually alot of compromises and "coalitions" (platforms) are formed. Talking about concessions I might remind you of Kamella Harris which famously once brutally attacked Biden in the primaries (basically accused him of racism) only to be selected by him as his vice president a few month later. Germany as well categorizes its neighbours into "good" and "bad", and its north vs. south as well. I hope you remember the euro-crisis in which southern countries were famously branded P.I.G.S and the northern (frugals) countries were portraited as the ultimaly sane, all well, supercountries. The stereotype of "lazy", "unorganized", "corrupt" get constantly attached to the southern and eastern countries, while the western and northern countries are overly praised. Do you remember how Germany lectured especially Greece for years on fiscal policy and reforms, with giving little to no room different opinions. I do. Ask a greek person how they feel about Germany. You might get more sentiments of Germany thinking of itself as superior, non plus ultra, condesending as you like. Lastly, don't forget without the US Germany would have shifted into a one party system, not one, but magically two times. Without the US either the Nazis or the Soviet-Communists would have taken over Germany, so thats that. It's also cringe that Germany with the experience of maybe 75 years of democracy, tries to lecture the US with almost 250 years of democracy.
@@Fruehlingseffekt Regarding the last point first: You are right that democracy in Germany has only existed for 75 years. The attempt by the Weimacher Republic was simply overrun with nailed boots into the thousand-year Reich. But Germany has a constitution that is also only 75 years old and may fit better into today's world than a constitution that was written 250 years ago. The gun law alone dates back to a time when firearms had a single shot and could only be reloaded within minutes. From a time without a real republic, without a police force, without an army and without shopping malls. Everyone had to have a weapon in order to be able to defend themselves against arbitrariness or wild animals or to hunt for the next food to survive. The USA has never managed to adapt this law to today's time, where guns can shoot up to 1000 rounds per minute, there are multiple state security organizations and a functioning legal system (if you want to call it that in the USA). There is also a voting system, which seems to come from the days of the Pony Express. States with their "electors" have different weights compared to their population compared to others, because at the time of these enactments there weren't that many US states. The "electors" alone come from a time when elections were held in a region and they then took part in the elections in the capital on horseback. Let's be honest: is such a system still up to date? Just because something lasts longer doesn't mean it's better. It will only get better if it is adapted and adapted to today's conditions. And yes, we owe a lot to the United States and their victims in World War II. And in post-war Germany, too, provisions such as the Marshal Plan prevented a catastrophe that could only have arisen after the First World War through demands for reparations. But if they say that we owe it to the USA for preventing a one-party system, I wonder why the USA itself cannot manage to expand a two-party system to several parties, as in almost all democracies. Diversity, the selection from different perspectives on one and the same problem is what makes a democracy. On election day for the federal government, I not only ask myself which party I will vote for, I also find out exactly which party I have chosen would form an alliance with and whether I like their goals as much. In my opinion, that is democracy! And Greece is a bad example but a good one for corruption. The country was economically and financially drained, but the old rules still applied: nothing works without bribery and kickbacks. How should the Greeks break out of such a system that is firmly anchored in the country when the individual no longer has anything with which to bribe anyone. Just enter the word "Fakelaki" in Wiki... I have also never named Germany as the non plus ultra for democracy. Lobbying is also widespread here and large corporations influence politics and political decisions. But the appointment of a candidate for an office (also for the Federal Chancellery) is not as much of a show as it is in the USA. Of course, dirty laundry is washed and every advantage is sought that one can use for oneself. On all sides. Ultimately, however, the party decides on the candidate and does not hack itself up in advance. And of course we have polarizations on the right or left side. In contrast to the USA, however, we still have a wide range of parties that fill the space between right and left. We are, and if you are also German you have to confirm that, with the great advantage of not only seeing elections in black or white, but the color spectrum of our party landscape is far more lush. And that's what the USA lacks in my view. It's just my own, very personal opinion. I also like breakfast at the hotel better when I have a buffet from which I can choose what I eat instead of being given a choice: either ham or cheese.
@@Gnin1000 A Dutch person here. I very much agree. The Netherlands also has a multiparty system. 40 at the moment. I do like the german system a bit better, where you know with who everyone wil end up working. It takes to long here to decide. The American system can be manipulated to not function. And there is one party that prides itself into the tale that the government can not function. They are very good at marketing, because to lie is protected speech. De Santos who was flat against infrastructure money is playing Santa with Democrats money, as if he arranged it for the people and he will get the credits for something he tried to stop... Like blaming the "green new deal" that has not started and is not on the program for problems that are already there. How strange must an education system be to make that seem logical? You have to ingnore reality for they do not even try to hide the truth, just bluster over it. Only a loyalist would accept that. Someone who needs to believe to belong to something and disregard everything else they might hear. You can only have that if there are just 2 possible choices. Otherwise, if you mess up, multiple parties will point it out and profit. The very populist right everywhere did notice and blame everything and anything on the left, regardless whether they were actually in power anywhere at all. They usually were not. But they were not for so long, people did not remember how they would do things. And it is not like they actually try and explain stuff. The othering of people is an easy tool. And yes, every party does this. And it is dangerous. In a multiparty system this works not as easy. Because the actual fired up base, can not get enough power to push out the ones they deem to be others. In a tiered 2 partysystem, it can. Because you just have to win enough parts to climb a bit higher. And if the other side is not very happy about their person, and voting for their group is harder, they just might not show up in high enough numbers to counter the vote of the others. And to fire it up, you actually HAVE to "other" the other candidate to get people to go vote at all and there is a huge incentive to stop/hinder the other side from voting. Which we do not have. This deepens the divide.
Yes, I'm from Germany - probably like the most people commenting here 😅. Considering the fact that many Germans think they live in a bad country we really should make channels like yours a mandatory watch for them. Yes, there is always room for improvement, yes, some of your statements sounded strangely optimistic (maybe because I'm a Germen myself 😁), but the bigger picture still shows we are extremely lucky to live here. Not because I think we are the best (we aren't), but because there are so many people out there who don't even know how to feed their children, let alone even THINK about freedom. We really should start to appreciate what we have... thanks for your content on that.
I agree. Channels like these really helped me appreciate my country, The Netherlands, a lot more. Even with its flaws. Things could be better, but I am grateful to live here and be ‘surrounded’ by equally great countries.
Right now there are many people in Germany who struggle to feed their children. Social inequality is not as bad as in the US, but it's still gotten pretty bad over the past decades.
@@seeibe I agree, social inequality has significantly worsened. But that's only partially because of money - my parents were poor, too (my father was a male nurse, my mom just a housewife), but they still did their best to give us a good life. The other part is missing social competence (i.e. not being able to cook inexpensive meals, or being too stubborn to compare prices). I worked with poor people for some time, and most of them had never been taught how to lead a simple but fulfilling life. A "poor" woman didn't have enough money because she was too lazy to go to the grocery store and bought at the nearest kiosk - with double the price. You can't do much about complacent stupidity...
First article of Germanys Basic Law (Grundgesetz): "Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority." That law alone guarantees more freedom to German citizens, than the entire American constitution.
@@m.h.6470 Grundgesetz is the German constitution No non-native speaker knows what Basic Law is supposed to mean (even if it's the literal translation)
And the most amazing thing, that the German "Grundgesetz" has been strongly "influenced" (well, been set up) by the USofA. They've established in Germany what they've negated to their own people: creating a social market economy, where the keyword is social* AKA caring for your people. * nope, not that aMurican stereotype labeling each & everything not-American as socialist/communist - making themself looking like the masters of illiteracy.
As an American now living in England, I get what you’re saying completely about the US. I can’t imagine living there again. Best of luck to you and your family
People here in Europe are really worried about the US. Personally, I've always viewed the USA as a big brother of Germany....the first shock to my worldview was Ronald Reagan as President, that's when I noticed for the first time how divided this country is and what fears of foreign invaders there are. With Donald Trump all the hatred really came out and there is a lot of pressure on the cauldron right now that will be discharged in the near future. Unfortunately, there is no solution, as most people there are no longer willing to accept other views and opinions, and conflict will inevitably arise because the inequality has become too great. I really hope I'm wrong, but I don't believe in a good outcome for the country. Many greetings.
to be honest imo and i know its kinda harsh, but imo americans are slaves. I mean seriously the only thing that counts is money. If you get sick you get fired, if you get pregnant you get fired. Americans get blinded by the so called "American Dream". Once i wanted to live in america, my views have changed dramaticly. If beeing free means my kid beeing shot in school, then sry thats not the freedom i am looking for. I feel VERY sad, because america could do so much better. I am not saying Germany is doing great, we have ALOT corrupt politicians, and certainly the Germans are not always happy with the goverment, but looking at america, we cant be so bad. I have tried to talk to some americans, but its hard to convice them, because of their Country is the "best" of the world mentality
I too share that concern. In sociology and anthropology the US is one big case study we use to understand social concepts. However I don't think there are no solutions. Understanding is the path to many of these solutions. Rant: Politics tend to not orientate themselves as closely to the sciences as scientists would like, which means state action and legislature aren't always as scientifically sound as one would like. Sadly this is doubly true for the social sciences, partly because most social scientists I've met aren't as willing to point the way and partly because laymen tend to not believe in the results of social studies as much as in those of the natural sciences. Both of which is the case because imo social studies don't have that "easy-access-appeal" as, say, a big spaceship. Social studies are very dependent on context, especially so called qualitative studies. They are complex and rarely have easy answers. But that doesn't make their findings less true or important. Imo, one solution would be some kind of Carl Sagan for social studies. Somebody able to cater to a broad audience comprehensively. Teach the construction of the self, formation of identity, baselines of the social like you teach math. So much social upheaval could be rectified by proper teachers fighting ignorance. Cultures are inherently valid. They are non linear. And they are always evolving. You cannot be a culture by yourself because without another self you'd just be you. You need other people. Other people are different than you. Ergo your mutual culture must encompass differences as well as similarities. Cultural superiority doesn't exist, racism didn't need to exist, but being social is a fact of life.
@@Lindform As a Dane I find it astounding that a country that big with such differences, still have one government. Its literally like the danish PM making politics in Greece or Italy
@@thomashovgaard3134 It's interesting for sure. As are other huge governments like India or China. What a tremendous administrative task, astounding as you said. But feasible I think. Could certainly use some improvements though. But that's going to happen eventually, if not for one country then the next one that takes it place. Our tech improves over time and so will our social systems hopefully. Seeing as difference is inevitable might as well try to build governance that reflects that.
Hey there! First of all, as a German, it Makes me Happy that you are having such a great experience here and i Hope IT continues to be this way. I did have to chuckle during parts of the Video because i feel Like you are waaaaayyyy to nice to us. I am learning to appreciate Germany More and More. I grew Up in the US (Detroit Michigan) for five years as a child and IT is honestly heartbreaking to see what has been going on in the US in the Last years. Anyways i wanted to leave a quick hi :)
@@senormatzy498 i think he's being a little too nice when IT comes to "ignorants", LUCKILY they arent Part of the national government but they are in Parlament and they sit in many state Parlaments as Well. I'm Glad He hasnt Had to Deal with racism in Germany much But IT IS there, Maybe More in rural areas. Also i guess the German government does a better Job at talking Care of IT's people than the US government but unfortunately the socio-economic divide is growing. And idk...Like that we're one big Happy Family... i've whitnessed petty and spiteful but also caring and supportive neighbourhood situations on both sides of the pond
I think driving at a certain speed is not the issue but rather the traffic education and rules like the „Rechtsfahrgebot“ which says to drive on the utmost right lane whenever possible. This frees the left lane from slow cars, you may overtake only on the left. That makes it easier to have a good overview of the road.
In addition to 15:00, i was some time in USA and felt way more unsave there at driving. not as speeding, but simply as it is allowed to overtake left AND right. Therefore you always have to be awayre of all sides of your car, if someone approaches and overtakes. In Germany you simply know, if I like to speed up and overtake, go left, else stay right... sooo easy and so convenient... and utmost save (er). And also in Germany cars are checked regularly for full function. If we would in addition have a speed limit of 120 or 130, then we would also have a two digit perdentage less casulties from car accidents, but lobbyism prevents so.
True, had the pleasure of living in Ireland for a couple of years. Never had been so relaxed on the Autobahn/Motorway/Interstate. Just putting the cruise control on 120km/h and enjoy. ;-)
@@sdelzer7896 But if driving is too monotonous, you quickly become inattentive. I don't think relaxing while driving is the right thing to do. I would fall asleep with cruise control. I can't imagine a trip more boring. Having nothing to do and having to be careful. At only 120 km/h, the train is a better choice and more relaxing.
27:26 Hmm, proud of being german. Hard topic. We are proud of the country we are now but we also know where we came from. There is a difference between a german citizen and a german. It has nothing to do with skin colour but a lot with history. I try to explain with an example. Your kids will go to school and learn a lot about german history. You will probably discuss that at home with your kids. BUT You won´t have to think about the question: Dad, what was grandpa doing during WW2? You won´t find some stuff in the attic or cellar after dear uncle Peter passed away. Like uniforms, medals, letters, fotos and other mementos. That is in my humble opinion a key difference between a german and a german citizen. That means in no way that you are not welcome or ;even more ridiculus; have to share our cultural guilt. But it is important ; at least to me; that our imigrants understand and respect that. This distinction will hopefully vanish in 2-3 generations.
one important thought about race: as europeans understood is that there are several different human races wich are Homo sapiens, Homo neanderthalensis, Homo floresiensis, Homo denisova... and Homo sapiens is the only surviving one. What people in the US understand as race is a concept, that most people here do not agree with!
@@slackerbob4437 I beg your pardon, but you are totally wrong. According to the scientific nomenclature of systematics, the first name designates the genus, while the second name designates the species. In this case Homo is the genus and sapiens the species. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxonomic_rank "Names of zoological taxa A taxon above the rank of species has a scientific name in one part (a uninominal name). A species has a name composed of two parts (a binomial name or binomen): generic name + specific name; for example Canis lupus. A subspecies has a name composed of three parts (a trinomial name or trinomen): generic name + specific name + subspecific name; for example Canis lupus italicus. As there is only one possible rank below that of species, no connecting term to indicate rank is needed or used."
@@xxromanovaxx6682 Like I´ve said, they are all different species of the genus Homo and of course they can bred with all of them. The result of these crosses is then called a hybrid.
Few additions to your comment about driving in Germany and why it might feel safer than in the U.S.: 1) For most parts drivers in Germany are used to drive at high speeds, knowing the limits which come with higher speeds. So they don't get too anxious, doing less mistakes out of anxiety when it comes to driving fast. 2) There's much more training on driving before you will be granted a license. Especially the practical part is much tougher than in U.S. Did you know e.g., that if a trainee drives on an Autobahn during the driving exam, he/she is urged to speed up to catch up with the rest of the traffic, even that might mean to drive beyond 120 km/h. A trainee not matching this demand, just won't pass the exam! 3) There's a very easy regulation, when it comes to Autobahn in Germany, that is: the left lane is for speed overtaking only! If you are not speeding, than you are to remain on the lanes on the right side of the Autobahn. That is completely different to what US freeways are like, where you can have cars even on the far left lane driving with just 60 mph, creating a huge confusion behind with overtaking either on the right side or the left side of your car, which is really dangerous actually! That won't happen in Germany: The overtaking will for most parts only take place on the left side. And to be able to count on that, makes it much safer to drive even at much higher speeds. So... it is not, that driving faster is much safer, which your argument is, but because of the way Germans are trained to drive.
The thing about driving in germany is, that we (I am german) learn to control these high speeds relatively early in the driving school (with a professional). For exsample, my first time on the Autobahn was in my fourth practical lesson. We dont learn to fear speed and there is a motto, that says think for the other person. It means that you should be aware off your sourundings and think about the moves other drivers could do, so that you are prepared, if they do something stupid.
yep. Tempolimit is a whole different discussion, but we learn and are being told to find out what level of speed feels safe for us. Also, we learn "vorausschauendes Fahren" (driving with anticipation of what may happen next) - which means that we should always be aware of our surroundings and make sure that everyone can drive safely. Like giving people space to change lines or only drive past someone if your vehicle can make the minimum speed difference or switching lines if someone needs that space to enter the Autobahn.
My driving instructor told me I had to drive 4 cars: mine, the one in front of me, the one behind me and the one I'm overtaking - signal intentions to the others to get them to work with me instead of against me.
A big problem on the highways in the US is people passing in the right lane and the idiots driving under the speed limit in the left lane. Makes driving on the highways very dangerous.
16:52 True but remember a german drivers license will cost 1500 to 5000 Euros and involve a lot of training. If you don`t pass after 5000 Euro worth of training, please us our public transportation.😉
For some or other reasons - some totally my fault, some less so - I took six attempts at getting my drivers license. Which also meant, due to the time limits, I had to take the theoretical test two times. It wasn't cheap. But by now, I have been driving over 30 years without an accident or even a ticket.
@@xXDrocenXx I know that. I am German and live in Germany and have a German car. However, for the scope of this comment section, I thought mentioning the 2-year-interval was sufficient.
@@alcidesforever In fact I ment chemicals. They don't taste it, because they're used to it. You can use that bundle of bread as a pillow. But I wouldn't like to eat eat it.
It's our job. We're Americans. Now where the hell is my bucket of KFC? Why would we have better food than you? Ours may be slightly cheaper, that's the only difference I can think of? A cow is a cow, and wheat is wheat?
I find it very strange that the USA says our freeways are dangerous when the danger of being shot in the USA is greater than dying on a German freeway.
By far the greatest danger of being shot in the USA is in cities which are ruled & reigned by Democrats and Uncle Joe. He has introduced by far the worst of everything in the last half century - the worse economy, worst control of crime, worst control of illegal immigration, the worst business climate. The Democrats are accomplishing their goal of fucking up as much as they possibly can.
I really appreciate your videos. My family and I are planning on moving to Germany in the next year or two once I finish my bachelors in Landscape Architecture. Once I found out that they offer essentially free masters programs for international students I was hooked. Watching your videos really keep me inspired and excited for our future. Thank you
I live in Berlin, and I really love how diverse the culinary aspect is. I can eat Italian today, Turkish tomorrow, then Korean, then Iranian, then Indian, then Greek, and so on and so forth. The list goes on like this for a lot longer.
@@danielh5127 like there is No Culture whatsoever, No History in Berlin, nothing to explore and be amazed about. No Amount of Mutli Culture and vastly different Life Styles. Yep you are correct, be German about it nag about the few Negatives, never heard about completly positive City anywhere, but even If you found one import a German and a few Seconds later you will be amazed to be told by the latter that you actually live in a dumpster. Be Safe and Healthy
95 percent of what you say Is correct. I have dual citizenship U.S.A AND DEUTSCHLAND. I moved with my wife From California 2 years ago to the Black Forest. My wife is Vietnamese became a U.S. citizen them moved here with me. It was a little rough at 1st in the countryside however we more freedom here than in California, Orange county to be exact. We plan on living here forever. Not to mention we can travel anywhere in Europe!!! Thank you for your input and we are glad you and your family like it here in Germany 🇩🇪
The german constitution does not allow dual citizenship, I know this because I can't get German citizenship without relinquishing my British citizenship. How have you managed it?
@@davemccrudden1999 I was born in America and because both of my parents are German I was allowed German Citizenship. So I have my American and German. Now they have new laws in place that my wife has her American citizenship and we are married she also can apply for a German Citizenship and keep her American just like me.
Don't worry, no execution, just some mild torture. Choose between two German favourites: 1. Ten hours of reading German "Uhm, actually ..." comments (including mine 😉) 2. Ten hours of listening to Germans replying to "How are you?" (I personally am suffering in this heatwave, today is better, though)
I am french from Bordeaux , and I have lived in Tubingen (4 years) and in Miami (cutler ridge) for 8 years ! I know exactly what you are talking about and I couldn"t agree with you more ! USA a free country is a joke ! I love the way you mentioned all those mythes that are absolutly true ! Enjoy watching you ! Mike
Tübingen is really nice, i grew up there. Though the rent and housing prices have got way too high in recent years, but its like that at most places in Baden-Württemberg.
There are several different freedom score pages on the Net. In some the USA is ranked higher than Germany, in others vice versa. It really depends on how you define freedom and how you weigh different aspects of freedom. The scary thing is, that the USA is on the path of loosing the freedom for its citizens and trading it for even more freedom for the rich and for companies. If the political trajectory of the past years continues, in the next decade the USA will join Russia and China as an autocratic-fascist regime and will be regarded as some kind of fundamentalist Christian Iran.
regarding my post about taking some distance and looking for things that (maybe) can be improved, why dont you try to answer your own question. Thinking is good!
Im Grunde lässt sich die Thematik so zusammenfassen: Hat der Staat zu viel Macht, verliert der Bürger mehr Freiheit. Haben Unternehmen (Wirtschaft) zu viel Macht, verliert der Bürger mehr Freiheit. Wenn sich Staat und Unternehmen (Wirtschaft) Kräftegleich die Waage halten, so hat der Bürger die größtmögliche Freiheit. Das beste aus beiden Welten ohne das schlimmste.
Really would love to hear about those freedoms you are about to lose. And which freedoms do you weigh as more important? And it's not been a trend for the last years, better try decades. Corruption and crime with Nixon, Reagan dismantling social security and giving tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy, the Bushs giving more voice to the fanatic fundamentalists while seeding the SCOTUS and destabilising the middle east for oil and profit. Trump is only the last step at the moment, showing that full on racism is the new norm, promising his loyal cultists a way back to the simpler 1950s, while grifting as much of their money as possible, giving well paid positions to his family members, and destabilising furthermore the international standing of the US. While strengthening whom? And I bet it won't get better with DeSantis or Abbott in the White House. And let's just ignore that the electoral college is a joke and your judicial system is massivly flawed. You have always been on the brink of drestruction, racism and aggression simmering so close beneath the surface. The endless gerrymandering, your neverending culture wars to know who to hate at the moment and what to buy from whom, good education and medical service only if you are wealthy or enlist. Be wary of your neighbour, don't trust anyone, fight for everything. If you show weakness you are gone. And remember kids, say your pledge of allegiance because that piece of cloth is worth more than your lifes. There are only three ways to show worth at the moment: - through blood that you lose somewhere to secure oil for your corporations and to be a smokescreen for some unpopular decisions from the acting president - through entertainment, no matter if you are on the silver screen or scoring big on the field, be popular and you can become anything you want - or just be wealthy from birth, you can get away with murder with the right lawyers and media coverage
My dad is a physician and your dad is also a physician. They are even working in kinda the same field. So speaking son to son here :) I love the US for so many things. The beauty of the country, the people, the food and the diversity and so much more. it is really a great country. I considered studying and maybe even living there after I lived there for a year. One of the things was jsut the freaking medical bills. I could not imagine myself having to worry about being broke if I lose a leg in an accident or even have to worry about that at all. Especially with my then girlfriend in SC. I said dang raising kids is just a burden then and it is constant stress with the bills. That really blew it for me. Not saying anything is better or worse. The risc it involves was just not for me. For a good living standard there would be too much things that you cant calculate and that can eff you up really quick. BTW: The Police chief in the US makes more bank than our Chancelor/President. My ex Gf went to law school in Columbia, SC and one of her Profs made 400k a year and then you wonder why university is so expensive. :D I cant wait to see Golden grow up and you comparing costs to what it would cost in the US to get him through daycare, Kindergarten, School and eventually University if he chooses that path. PSS: I like that you bring up the fact that you say you are not anti american. Iam neither. I just feel that if you talk to certain people in any country of the world they think it is "unpatriotic" to go for changes and improving thins or adopting things from other countries. I think there is nothing more patriotic than trying to make change for the better for EVERYBODY that you to look in the eye when you walk down the street :) Germany also has a lot of improvement to do. It is important to check out other ways, adapt and improve for every country in the world.
Diff is what i have read, Americans dont complain about their Country, and if there no complain the country wont change for the better because people seem to be happy. Germans complain about their own country alot and not like everything and this we speak out. And its somewhat true, if everything is negative u have the will to change it.
I think one of the biggest advantages of the sort of socialised healthcare system countries like Germany or Austria have is, that instead of individuals just having to pay for meds any price a huge corporation chooses there is a giant powerful system doing the bartering for you and keeping those corporations in check. So instead of you against a giant powerful system its you as part of a giant powerful system against another powerful system which is a way better position to be in to get a good deal.
Concerning healthcare in germany: My father needed eye surgery a few years back. He has a basic public healthcare provider("gesetzliche Krankenkasse"). Still he had a surgeon who just a few days before operated a sheik from dubai who had extra come to germany for his surgery. Ok, it wasnt totally free for my father, all in all it cost him about 20€ i think (he had to stay in hospital for 2 days, so he had to pay "Krankenhauszuzahlung" , 10 € per day, but if i remember correctly thats only for the first 20 days, then its free again). I doubt he would have had that level of care in the US
My wife had brain surgery (12 hrs) plus special radiation surgery a few months later, 10+ MRTs, several specialist treatments etc. and still she only paid for those max. 20 days in hospital. The reason for those €10.- per day being ... if you're in hospital you are provided for on every level, for instance you receive several meals per day - saving the expenses you'd have otherwise when buying food etc.
I have lived in both countries. In Germany you pay more in taxes but more "services" are included. The roads are 1000 times better (which is why this whole no-speed-limit thing works) Many things in the US seem voluntary while they really aren't. The most important difference is that in Germany the checks&balances is working 100%. In the US it's not.
Thank you for all you do! You are such a wonderful example about going to another country and learning and respecting their country and culture! Thank you for also trying to inform/ wake people up.
Hey Trey! Thank you so much for shouting me out ... I got a big ole smile on my face😫 The first point really made me laugh because I have seen the N* flag more times in the USA than I have in Germany 🙄 If you are ever in the Munich area let me know!!
You shouldn’t have seen it at all as it is a criminal offense to own it (AFAIK), or even worse show it in public. Something an American would decry as repression.
@@agn855 Not entirely true. Sorry to be a kind of know-it-all here. There is tight regulation around it prohibiting its usage in almost every context. If you were only referring to usage in a private context or for political reasons, you were absolutely correct. That is clearly forbidden: You can´t put it on a random flag pole or just wave it around as you like. BUT... you _can_ own _and_ show it in certain limited contexts and if you have good reasons to do so. Museums? Sure. Arts/Movies? Sure. History lessons? Sure.
@@TreyDaze hey man, my I recommend you the works of Friedrich Schiller.. he's the great spirit of truth and freedom that shaped Germany for a big part. Maybe you could even male a video of him after reading his works. Let me know what you think of the idea.
I've been watching your videos over the past few days because we just applied for a PCS in Germany. I love your approach to telling things like they are. I especially loved your video speaking to the black experience in not only America but also in Germany. I really appreciate you taking the time to educate your viewers on your experience to debunk myths that are out there. Blessings to you and your family and hoping you all are well!
As a german I just want to ground you and say that he is idealizing it. Germany is not "one big family" and most germans do not have a healthy "pride being german" in that sense that most are still struggling with that concept of feeling national pride unfortunately - which is ridiculous after so many years. Stuttgart is a city that is very well off bc of the car industry and therefore surely going to have nicer and ceaner parks then others in other regions. I am happy for his seemingly very pleasant exp so far but would no over generalize it. And yes, combined tax and social security contributions are one of the highest among the bigger developed countries - a very huge chunk is spent on social welfare.
Yes, and we surely feel it in the USA, despite the fact there are citizens among us who deny this fact. It is only the Americans who have never lived in a nation which limits freedoms who complain about having freedoms in the USA, the nation in which they reside. In other words, the average American has no damn clue how to count his blessings. These are the people who have been elected to public office who spend every spare minute verbally trashing the USA.
Thanks for the very wholesome video. Agree in many points. I only don't think that driving fast is safer but the driving education and the rules are more complicated and oriented towards safety. That's why you can drive faster in Germany and be safe at the same time. Greetings from Austria
I was often on business trips to the US, and was very shocked, when several years aho KFC introduced their family menues, where stuff was packed in these paper buckets. You know that something went wrong, when companies start to serve their food to people in buckets. Pigs are feed with buckets...
Several years ago would be 1957, five years after the founding of KFC. "These paper buckets" are a staple of that fast food chain. There's definitely a lot of things wrong with America, the american food industry, etc. But the bucket is in my opinion not one of them. Otherwise you should be outraged about popcorn buckets as well. And btw, animals are fed in troughs, not buckets.
16:28 But that is a solid point. YOU risk other peoples lifes. Your own in the first place but let´s be honest: a lot of cars we drive today are WEAPONS! My Benz goes 280Kmh if i would want to. At that speed the smallest distraction can be fatal for you and the passengers of the 1-2 other cars you colide with. Do i drive that fast? HELL NO! Why should i? My Father was a unit behind the wheel, he had a license for EVERYTHING that drives on ground, 60 years of experience, millions of Km on his clock, he drove and tested tracktools as a hobby. And when someone asked him if he tought he could drive my Dad just sayed "I´ve been around a little but i wouldnt say i can drive." And thank god he embeded this humbleness in me. Too many think that driving fast is a sign of masculinity. I have lost friends and acquaintance, taking Daddies AMG or M5 for a spin, having no clue what they are doing. And some made other people suffer for their arrognace.
I can't help but smile the whole time I'm listening to you! Great to see you thriving and living your best life! Germany offers a wonderful framework for this, but the most you contribute as a person yourself. All the best to your family and keep it up! ❤❤❤
Stuttgart ist the 3rd expensive city in germany. Also I suggest to take your camera and take a walk through Rosenstein-Park to show what a public park looks like in Germany
If you like the food quality in germany i suggest you to go to a weekly market. It's a big stepup if you buy your chicken directly from the farmer than the chicken you get at a supermarket. You can even go to your butcher / farmer and order a whole animal. They buy a pig for example and you get it when it has grown adult. You can choose the cuts you want and how you want the rest to be processed (like sausages etc.). You really know what you're getting and you start to consume your food differently and give it a higher value.
The most outstanding point is the last one. Germany would not be a diverse country? Well, Germany is the second most popular migration destination in the world. Just belaten by the US. Oh and btw, there are tons of Americans moving over in the last few yeahs, so... LoL
Maybe they mean that compared to the US we don't have as many black people here - and that is true. I have the impression that skin colour and sexual identity is all the US people think of when they talk about diversity.
The thing I love the most on my bavarian country life is, for not much more cost I can go to my butcher and look up where and how the animals where raised. And he has all ingredients of every product he makes with the animals that he kills by himself. It's all in a binder on the counter.
Hi there! I just subscribed to your channel! I really enjoyed listening to you; you are without doubt one of the best U.S. expats both when it comes to content and to how good you are at expressing yourself. It's a joy to listen to you! I'm actually not German myself, although German is one of my five languages, the other ones being Swedish (my mother tongue), Finnish, English and French. I've lived in France (Paris) for a year and three years in the U.S. (Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Chicago, Illinois) a long time ago, that is, in the late 1960s. I have never been to Germany, but being a European, I know a lot about Germany. I'm actually from Finland and a representative of the Swedish-speaking Finlanders. So not an ethnic Finn, but of course familiar with the Finnish culture, as well as with the cultures of all the other languages that I know. Finland is one of the Nordic welfare states, and you may have heard that the country was voted "the happiest country of the world" for a fifth time in a row. Together with our Scandinavian neighbors we make up one big Nordic family of siblings with very close ties and similar lifestyles. But back to Germany. I am very happy to learn that you and other U.S. expats have found Germany to be such a good country to live in. Actually, The Netherlands and Germany come closest to the Scandinavian/Nordic way of living. We do have some additional freedoms, rights and benefits, but all in all, the differences are not very big. My mother tongue, Swedish, as well as Norwegian, Danish and Dutch are all fairly closely related to German, by the way. The U.S. in the late sixties was not quite as 'bad' as it is today but still baffled me by sometimes seeming surprisingly old-fashioned for somebody coming from a 'modern' Nordic-Scandinavian environment, and sometimes by being narrow-minded, prejudiced and racist. Personally, I had no difficulties, but even then, the prevalence of hand guns, drugs, crime, corruption and fear was something very unfamiliar to me. My late husband and I went on an extended weekend trip to San Francisco, a city that I liked very much and always had hoped to visit some day. At that time, San Francisco was very European in many ways in comparison to Chicago. Well, that was about it. I look forward to your future reports from Stuttgart. I'm far from updated about how things are in Germany at the present.
In U.S. a big change has taken place. In former times you could observe people were demonstrating for abortion on one side of the street close to the Capitol in Washington. On the other side of the road people were demonstrating against abortion. None of the people tried to get physical against the other. An I thought: Wow, this is how democracy should work. America was giving a good example about a working democracy. Nowadays , as you mentioned in your video, the U.S. is the most political divided country in the world. My explanation for that is a lack of information an education. If there is a garbage can burning somewhere in New York, 5 minutes later there will be a report about it in our German news. On the other hand in American News channels you will not get to know that a world outside the U.S. is even existing. There are only American News and baseball results. I was so shocked about American TV during my several visits to the U.S. The second reason is the American education system. You will get a degree even without being able to read or to write. Just by following your sports abilities. The academic part of an education is hopelessly underestimated. The result of it is that ordinary American people have an opinion of everything but no clue about anything. But this is not their fault. They are all victims of an insufficient education system.
The general minimum health insurance contribution (without nursing care insurance) right now is 153,53 €. Depending on your income and status it will change. (If you are employed or unemployed or self-employed, etc.) Also the different health insurance companies are not allowed to take below that minimum but of cause won´t take much much more because then they wouldn´t be able to stay in buisness. (Another exception: If you are under 25 of age and still in training and/or studying and if you are under 30 and studying then the price will be different.) The thing is that you have to have health insurance. You are not allowed to have none. So if you can´t afford health insurance then the goverment basically will pay for you. Me for example: I´m a student and 31 years old. I don´t have any income and get financed by government support via BAföG (= Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz = Federal Training Assistance Act). BAföG is a govermential student loan where you only have to pay back half of what you received and if it would be over 10k then they cut it at that amount. Within the monthly payment I get it includes a lot of basic amounts they calculated for living, housing, insurances etc. I think for health insurance with nursing care you get around 180-190 € per month. The insurance company I chose takes ~206 €. (Extra-info: When I was under 30 I payed 115€ per month and got ~95€ for it via BAföG.)
I love the videos of Hayley Alexis.She tries to point out grievances as objectively as possible and also thinks about how it could perhaps be done better. Without a doubt, she loves her home country, unfortunately she is deliberately misunderstood and hostile by many 'patriotic' Americans.
I just wanted to thank you cause sometimes I just can't believe how we are still portrayed in the world. Like we are the root of evil,of course we should never forget,but honestly my kids didn't see any of it.When I was a child i could feel a lot of stuff through my grandparents and parents, like the shame or the starvation after the war ended,so it was part of my emotions as well.But my kids?they know it from history lessons and it makes me sad that so many nations didn't notice how much this country evolved,so I am very grateful that you are seeing that 🙂
I have public health care and if i want to consult a medical professor who is a leading expert in his field of medicine i just pay like 40€ to 50 € on my own (depends on the doctor) and usually get an appointment within a few days. And if you are sent to university hospitals by your doctor because you got something serious like cancer you will also be treated by leading experts on public healthcare without additional payment
As a German who got around Europe but not much to the US, some things i would like to comment: 1. Awesome video, thanks. It makes Germany seem so much better than we living her often perceive it. It really helps the mood, thanks. :) 2. On Germany being expensive, it kind of depends. People here generally complain how expensive rent is. And prices have risen a lot the last decade. But when you visit places like GB, France or Norway, Germany suddenly indeed seems more affordable. 3. On the healthcare system, it's ok but there's still room for improvement. The system in GB might actually be a bit better, but is clearly more expensive and wasteful. When comparing to France, it's basically a toss, depending on how you evaluate it, either can win. But Denmark absolutely wins. Their system is far better than any other in Europe, as far as i know. (And yea, all of the systems in western Europe beat the US health system by far. ) 4. On tax and costs: thanks for reminding us that things here are better. We also spot plenty of waste of tax money, but when you put it into perspective like that, it kind of calms you down. 5. The part about government involvement and spying on people: yea, the US are pretty bad there in what they actually do, only somehow really good in making people believe that it's not bad. Unfortunately that's a battle we all have to fight. In places like China and Russia, the population already lost, people are being monitored like crazy. But all over Europe, all countries also keep pushing for more rights so spy on people. When the agenda of crime prevention did not work any more, they went over to child protection. Because who could ever say no to anything which is supposed to protect children? Our status might be much better than the US, but we also have to pay attention, on what politicians try to do. 6. On the speed limit stuff: i never drove in the US. But i can tell that driving in other countries in Europe, generally feels saver. Sure, most people drive properly here. But when you commute to work for 40 minutes (one way) each day, you are guaranteed to see a loonie driving not necessarily at the limit every other week. (Not necessarily the limits of his car, but definitely the limit of his abilities. ) It's just a small number of oddballs, but they really are a danger. And statistics from motorways where speed limits were installed speak a clear language: wherever speed limits were put in place, both the general quota of accidents and especially the one of lethal accidents went down. In some cases drastically. (And actually: if those dying would just be those driving too fast, i would shrug my shoulders and go "good riddance". But more often than not, victims of such accidents are people who did nothing wrong, merely were the victims of somebody not knowing his personal limits. Which means, external limits can indeed save many innocent lives. ) 7. On the food: ah, come on. We indeed only have beer and bretzels. Just like Italians only have pizza and wine, Americans have nothing else than coke and burgers and the Brits have... uh... ok, let's forget about English food, ok? *evil grin* 8. Again on the food, this time quality: it might be true that we have stricter quality regulations than the US. But when comparing regulations all over Europe and EU laws, you find that Germany actually lags behind on many regulations and a number of EU quality regulations are not or improperly implemented in Germany. 9. As you mentioned government influence and education: yea, we're clearly doing better than the US. But within Europe, compared to population and GPD, we spend rather little on education. And it unfortunately shows. I'd really wish that our Government would take a look at places like Denmark, Estonia or Sweden, for example. Their system is much better than what we got. But i guess doing that would just cost money our politicians don't want to spend. So yea, our school system is a good deal better than the US, much better than large parts of the world, but when just comparing to other states in Europe, we're in the lower half and even worse, loosing ground every year. 10. Even more on food: it's actually close to impossible to get "first choice" fruits and vegetables in Germany. The highest quality levels are usually sold in other countries, especially France, Italy and Spain. The mere background for that: very many Germans buy food on the guideline, that it first of all has to be cheap. So foreign countries export their second and third pick products here for low price, while the more expensive stuff is sold in those countries where there are enough people ready to pay for it. 11. On diversity, i find that great if you find it like that. I mean, when going to one of the bigger cities, i also spot a bigger variety, but at the mid-sized city where i live, a non-white person is quite an oddity. My personal impression is that i saw more diversity when i was in the UK. I was sent to bigger cities there, so that might also play into it, but i think it also to a large degree is the result of the Commonwealth and so many places around the world where you for many decades were able to very easily get a brititsh passport. (Post-Brexit i don't know how that is by now... too much chaos there. ) Despite all of this: i hope what i wrote does not drag you down. It's merely the point of view a local. I like your video, as it puts a so much more positive perspective on a lot of things, which most Germans are actually critical of. (Often not even realizing, that while there's some things which could be done better, we're still generally in a quite good spot. )
Hallo aus Deutschland ☺️ Ich mag Hayleys Videos auch sehr. Wie du schon sagtest, ist sie sehr aufrichtig. Das gleiche Gefühl habe ich bei dir auch ❤️ Es ist eben nicht alles perfekt hier in Deutschland, genauso wie überall in der Welt. Jedoch gibt es hier auch viel Gutes und es ist schade, dass es soviele Menschen gibt, die einfach alles glauben, was ihnen gesagt, oder suggeriert wird, ohne sich selbst davon zu überzeugen, oder sich genau zu informieren. Vielen Dank für dein Video!
Even Cuba has a better health system than the USA. Yes, Cuba is not perfect, but the education and health systems there are much better than in some other states..
Really? They might have a better healthcare system, but not healthcare. They just don't have the infrastructure we do. I do like how they produce a ton of level 1 physicians. (PAs) The US should follow their lead on that one. We keep adding more requirements for PAs, and limiting them, when they could be great first line providers.
This is not Cuba’s fault, the problem is that the USA has imposed sanctions on them and Cuba has been excluded from world trade... Cuba is a country whose medical assistance was gladly used in the event of global disasters, but they were only granted participation in world trade by the Communist countries. The GDR was one of the few countries that traded with Cuba…
I not a fan of the US imposing its will on the Americas, but here I make an exception. I'm going to be the American you expect me to be. Cuba was our enemy. It maintained a military far greater than its need, it exported communism to the Americas, and allowed the Soviet Union to place nuclear weapons in the country for use against the United States. It was a Soviet proxy. It is not a democracy, and neither was the gdr.
Why is that because the USA does not recognize independence... this is the tragic point and I do not want to say that Cuba did everything right, but the fight for its freedom was important even if the wrong president ruled and dictates the country afterwards.. even now in Guantanamo, the USA has unlawful control of Cuba and has a prison camp there which is not in order and would also have its justification under other circumstances.
Trey you should visit the North of Germany. It has a different culture and I think it would be interesting for you. You should also visit the Watt in the north sea (but there where it is very muddy)
I love to take big city holidays in Berlin. Restaurants are affordable, and you don't feel “ripped off”. There is food from all over the world. The place to find restaurants in Berlin is Prenzlauer Berg (old DDR).
Excellent video Trey. The choice to start with the stereotype about the ignorants is great and not something i have heard anyone talk about. It made me realize as a Dutch person that the German people have to deal with being stereotyped that way still after all their effort and so many years. Honestly your messaging is so clear and important I would think any of these subject deserves a separate video. Don't mind me being stereo-typically direct as a Dutch guy but I think you are hiding behind being an American abroad instead of a political commentator. I really feel you have the ability to help your extended family even more that way. I don't mean talk about Pelosi going to Taiwan. Just repackage all these points into separate videos with a title to match and your honest face on the thumbnail. Maybe do a separate channel so you can also do what you already do on this one. One little thing about the speeding. I feel it is true what you said but it is so difficult to set up anywhere else. In the Netherlands there are no helmet laws for bicycles. That is a good idea in my opinion but only because we have good infrastructure, geography AND culture. This might be disastrous somewhere else. The autobahn concept is uniquely German I think All the best, Jorrit
Do you know My Merry Messy Life ... they are an american family that moved to German and they are so enthousiastic about our country. Thank you, Trey, for showing us how wonderful Germany is... wonderful, but not perfect, because as along as there are people, there are mistakes ;)
thank you as someone who is half British and half German,and who spent his early life in Germany,I'm so fed up with the rubbish which is always told about Germany,mostly by people who never been there.
That is so true! We Germans are not proud of our country because we think it is better than others, or even the best country in the world (as the US always presents itself), but because we are proud of having a good education system, a good social and health care system, and because we know that our central location in Europe gives us the opportunity to travel quickly and easily to many different countries with different mentalities and cultures and we therefore are open to new things. 💕 PLUS I have to add that we Europeans are worried about the Ignorance and self-centredness that is rising by day in the States. 😰😰Always thinking about yourself and your possessions first is what brought us as humans to the worst parts of history! Please consider rethinking your actions and what this could mean to other people.
For me as a German it's strange to see this different positive perspective about our country. The Germans have the habit to see all a bit darker than others see it. And the typical "german scheiss angst" do the rest. So your voice is a good counterweight to this. Thank you!
I was involed in a crash on the Autobahn once, a car crashed in the trailer of the truck i was in. The car hit the trailer with colse to 180Km/h (110 mp/h). The car swung around the truck and came to a stop something like 400meters in front of us. The driver of the car was totaly unharmed, of course it could have ended totaly different, but that crash showed me how safe modern cars realy are.
There are huge problems in Healthcare. Did you realize that there has been a strike at all university hospitals in NRW? For a better staffing ratio? For better care of patients? The Healthcare professionals work too much and too lang shifts. There is a beyond serious staff shortage.
@@peter_meyer Thats why I love all those expats praising Germany. Free advertisement attracting people we desperately need for our continued success. Still - as you can see in my comment above - I don´t want anyone to naively run into potentially very harmful situations, just because they simply dont know better and someone on RUclips told them so.
true- but maybe the reason is that Germany see their doctors much more often that people in other countries and also have more surgeries than other- which of course creates a lot of workload for the healthcare professionals.
@@RainerSpielberg dont forget covid and the massive current exodus out of care jobs into better jobs. Pay is not the reason here, its level of responsibility, being forced to continously fail expectations of everyone involved by understaffing and completely missing work-life-balance right up to burnout. Care workers in the state of Northrhine-Westphalia are on strike for months now demanding better staffing (explicitely: not for better pay!), and the German public doesn´t seem to give a s*it. Those striking idiots (sarcasm!) still provide emergency care for humanitarian/ethic reasons while being on strike. Public doesn´t care => Employers don´t care (and save money during the strike by not paying salaries). That is a hell of an effective strike. Lets continue clapping on the balconys. Perhaps that helps anyone... (sarcasm!)
Germany and the USA (as well as Japan) have the same score on the 2022 Freedom Index (8.73 out of 10). Neither of them are in the top 10. Number 1 is Switzerland (9.11).
Well, i looked at worldpopulationreview. Not sure if CATO's review isn't based on financial points as it includes "Sound money" ... Also, CATO's latest numbers online are from 2021, WPR has numbers from Q1 2022. But, as always regarding such information, the intention of the organization has to be kept in mind. CATO seems to have specific interests as worldpopulationreview seems to be an independent organisation. i'd prefer to trust the latter.
@@peter_meyer I've been to the U.S. I would put the U.S. at bottom the list for personal freedom of all counties I've been too and so would alot of other people.
Nice to hear so much positive things about this country. Watching this video makes me feel a little better, being a german just for now. Unfortunately I‘m watching the news.
Nice comments about germany, thank you! Wow, I am a little nervous about my vacation in September to the US. My last big trip to the US was in 2009 (5 days NY excluded in 2016) and I'm really nervous what to expect. How America has changed in this 13 years and what experiences we have with people there. I hope for the best! I had to laugh at the "food is better in america". No, definitivly not! Too sweet, too unhealthy and way too expensive when you want decent food. But we will survive for 3 weeks😂
There are a lot more factors to driving safety in germany, which are equally important but seldom mentioned. For example before obtaining a driving licence eyerone has to do mandatory driving lessons with a certyfied instructor. And cars are a lot safer and better maintainded due to mandatory safty checks (TÜV) every two years.
Federal taxes are super easy to compare based more than just on "feel" If you make 50,000 a year (actual taxable income, so after deductions etc) In Germany your take home is 30,351 and in the USA your take home is 39,471 (just used online calculators to come up with these numbers...includes fica and social security etc in both countries). It does not take into account state or sales tax. Where I live I think the state taxes would be another 2500, but then there's also sales tax... which in Germany is a whopping 19%! In the USA it varies a lot but the highest sales tax in the USA is in California at 13.3% and where I live it's only 7.5%. Also, healthcare can be more expensive in Germany, but I do admit it's usually not...if you make 50,000 in germany you pay 290 eur a month for healthcare. My comparable USA healthcare costs me about 190 a month... Of course every time I see a doc here I pay 30 bucks and in Germany it was 10 bucks every 3 months, but a healthy single person who doesn't go to the doctor more than a couple times a year will pay less in the USA... and my cap that I might have to pay for procedures etc in a given year is like 7,000, which is a lot but it's not like I'm going to be financially ruined if something major happens to me (except for missing work, which is def. another topic altogether). Most importantly when it comes to healthcare, both the German and the American system do provide similar access to care, but the priority of the comfort an amenities is where you really see a difference. My best personal example of this is that one of my kids was born in America (we did have decent insurance) and the other in Germany.... stories below if you care to read. When I had a kid in America the midwife decided to induce us because the baby's heartbeat was just a little slow, so we went to the hospital and my wife was expertly given an epidural and she was induced. This was about midnight so after that we both got a little sleep. Then in the morning sometime between 6 and 7 am, she was ready to start pushing. A healthy girl was born at 7:14 am. After the birth, I was able to stay in a private room with my wife for like 3-4 days and there was a little soda machine/ice machine down the hall where I could grab drinks and stuff for both of us. Also btw, the bill for all of this on top of the regular healthcare premium was maybe 350-400 bucks I think. However, when I had a kid in Germany... my wife's amniotic fluid was low, but rather than inducing her they wanted her to stay in the hospital for so they could keep an eye on her... after a few days her labor started and then it stopped, so they gave her an herbal bath (lol) to try to induce her but it didn't work so they moved her back from the labor room to a regular room. We both just wanted her to be induced, and after about 24 hours of pushing the hospital they agreed. After she was induced, she wanted an epidural but they delayed giving her one for like 8+ hours... finally when someone did come they tried letting a student do it... my wife was towards the end of her labor at this point and in a lot of pain. The student tried unsuccessfully 3-4 times before someone else finally took over and did it correctly (but they were super stingy on letting her push that button to give her a little more relief... dumb since it's not even her first kid). When my son was born he was healthy, but he was a little blotchy, and I noticed some looks of concern between the nurses... apparently he was dangerously close to being in there too long for his own good, so they really should have induced days ago (like when we first went there because her fluid was low). Lastly... after the birth, she was put in a room with like 5 other beds, at least half of which were always full. I couldn't stay there with her; I could only visit during regular visiting hours. Basically... I have seen first hand the benefits of both healthcare systems, but I also see the downsides to both. There's other stories and examples of specifics, but I'm pretty sure nobody will read this anyway and making it even longer isn't going to help that.
Watching all those videos from you and the other American fellows I am sure something will change and come up in the US very soon and prepares to coming up.
I'm genuinely shocked about those myths. I know many Americans (I used to work both in a multinational NATO unit and for a huge US IT company) and I never had the impression that my American colleagues thought of Germany like that. But obviously there are people who do not make an effort to educate themselves and instead believe everything they see on TV/read on Facebook. Otherwise accidents like Trump would not have happened. However I'm not blaming the average American, it's what they hear every day and they really have no reason to doubt it. I just find it sad.
So nice to hear that from you/your side of view, and as a inborn german, i am happy to hear that, what i meant to feel, if i see life on the streets, instead just listen to the mainstream-media :)
Hey man, you and your family should check out northern Germany. Hamburg's Hafengeburtstag is from 16 to 18 September, there's lots of food and live music. Plus, Denmark and the Netherlands are close by.
One reason why there is a difference in production of goods is because before something is manufactured the Manufacturer has to proof that it is safe in Europe. In the US it is safe unless it proofen unsafe and just then control measures are implemented. There are also scandals in Europe like Contagan but that is the exception instead of the norm.
tbh, i hope for Nate he get's his butt over here ASAP. That goes for Amy and her husband, too. And surely all the others looking forward to get out of the US. But, tbrh, i'd prefer the US citizens to wake up, register, and go to the voting stations and end this nightmare. I think it was a republican claiming that if all US citizens would go vote, the REPs wouldn't have a chance to win at all.
The German Autobahn is still the safest road in the country. Least accidents, least dead people, least injured people. Some people claim that even the ADAC-members voted for a general speed limit on the Autobahn. But that's not all true. They only voted for a temporary speed limit whilest looking at the current circumstances with the war and the oil problems. And we are not all ADAC-members. The opposit is true. Much more of us aren't.
Car is just generally an unsafe mode of travel. Train, bus and plane are all much safer. And bikes would also be very safe if it weren't for the cars on the roads..
Its so cool to see how a person that was not born in germany actually appreciates the things in germany more then a lot of people that are born here. You hear from a lot of people "where does our moeny go what does the goverment with that" etc. but you know better because you experienced worse
15:30 It's the speed that makes the German transportation safe. It's the way how to get the driving license, the TÜV and the streets and cities are designed (not just for cars). Speeding is dangerous and kills a lot of people.
@@scotthullinger4684 Gun violence (the USA is and was never meant to be the safest country in the world, that title goes to Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, and Ireland. Patriotic Americans keep telling you that the USA is safe and that's one of the biggest lies ever to be taught in the world. Are Hungary, Romania, and Greece also dangerous? GTFO.) Quality of Life (food & drink, labor markets, education, healthcare, nature, cost of living, etc. Food & drink give you a long life expectancy and make you healthier. Healthcare is cheap if you include the dental. Nature like architecture and landscapes, and they are more appealing than you will ever see in the USA.) Sports (Europe does not have many sports as the USA does, and non-soccer-like football if you name the NFL is uncommon in Europe. Soccer is very popular than you see in the USA. Baseball is big in Japan. Hockey does exist in Romania as well as other European countries, and it is okay to wear hockey/NHL jerseys anywhere in Europe.) What is more to say???
@@TheRecklessMetalhead - There are more guns than people in the USA. That which the USA does NOT have is law enforcement and a justice system which will assign the proper corrections & deterrents for all of the law breakers among us. Guns don't kill people. People kill people. Evil people. Where are the vast majority of these gun crimes occurring? They of course occur everywhere - but MUCH more commonly in states & cities which are ruled by Democrats. Only the tiniest percentage of citizens are committing crimes with guns. Who won't resolve the problem? Democrats. Who has NO intention of resolving ANY problem which presents itself? Yes, those same idiot Democrats. Oh, they might talk about making improvement, but their solutions are worthless, and they typically have a goal of eliminating our Bill of Rights - such as the right to own a gun. But what they SHOULD be doing is controlling the criminal element among us. Chicago, for example, experiences at least one murder a day. Who's the mayor? An idiot Democrat. California won't hold a person in jail who has committed a gun crime for more than a day or so. They just turn them loose again.
A lot of this reminds me of the Newsroom Monologue - especially the freedom part. I am looking now to move to Europe - can't wait to experience a different way of life!
You look like a young Nas ngl
@@HinkelAnton 😮💨
Healthcare is not free in Germany. We pay health insurance each month which is mandatory for most people. The difference is that money goes into a big bucket out of which treatment for those is payed who are sick I'm glossing over details here like private vs. public insurance and deductibles, but this is the general idea. Give as you can, get as you need. It's a different way of financing health care for the community.
The biggest difference really is that healthcare cost is controlled in Germany. There are lists of treatments and the amount of money you can charge for these treatments. In the US, you can end up paying 500 USD for a bandaid. This cost control is crucial (and often overlooked as a contributor to good affordable healthcare).
This is true. However, in the US, you pay a ton for private insurance and, when you are sick, you hope the insurance covers it. If you are lucky, they will cover 60-80% of the expenses -- that is after you have paid the annual deductible. At the end of the day, you pay about the same for US insurance vs being systematically taxed in Germany. The big difference is that you will not go bankrupt in Germany if you get sick. That cannot be said of the US system.
In the early eighties I got sick with cancer, still in my Apprenticeship, earning 150 €. I was of work for 18 months, with costs at around 100.000,00 € for treatment, surgeries, medication, retraining etc. My costs: 0,00 €. I still haven’t payed back the amount of money with my contribution into the system 40 years later and never had to think about that.
@@berndkahlau9770 das ist der punkt. Klar zahlen wir inzwischen auch bei einigen Dingen dazu aber hier stirbt zb keiner weil er sich kein Insulin leisten kann und alles lebenswichtige ist quasi umsonst.
And everything wrong in Germany with the healthcare system (and there are quite a few things) can be contributed to the same reasons the American healthcare system is just a scam on top of a scam. After all our and the US healthcare system just reflects how tight the moneyed interests have a grip on politics.
The "ignorants." Brilliant description. As an American living in Ireland I'm really happy to see fellow Americans being really smart, open and positive in the countries they move to. Thanks for being a good ambassador for your fellow immigrants.
Hey, maybe the reason the ignorants have a(tiny) voice in the US is the same reason you need to call them the ignorants.
Censorship is bad, it didn't stop the ignorants from coming to power, and when they did the ignorants used the same the powers of Censorship to further their goals.
Pick a lane freedom or Censorship.
@@warthunder9155 freedom for everyone only comes with respect and responsibilities towards others, there is no freedom for everyone in a *me first culture* like the US. If the sentence starts with *My freedom* there is mainly not a selfless thought behind it.
@@warthunder9155 "Pick a lane freedom or Censorship."
You need a balance between the two.
A country cannot prosper if people are free to merc each other, but they also cannot live properly if they have to ask the state for permission to take a dump.
You need a balance between freedom and control, and the US has way too much control in all the wrong parts and too much freedom where there should be control.
@@allezfc8166 Darling, US American politics are the Circus. You know Trump was the trash tv Series everyone like to watch to make them feel better about their Politics. But might be hart for your nationalistic ideology mind to grasp that.
The only reason why to move out of the USA is because of Presidents like Joe Biden.
Trump gave us no incentive to leave the greatest most productive nation on earth. But Biden has single-handedly turned the USA into a a massive shit hole. The difference is like night and day.
I'm not even from the US, I'm from the UK, but I'm so glad people are moving out of the US and realising the world is not how you've been taught it was. With you and others spreading this information and informing all the Americans who can't leave, something is sure to change in the future. If there's one thing Americans value it's their freedom, and once they're aware how "un-free" they really are compared to most other countries they will actually fight for the freedom they deserve.
Spot on
www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/2021-12/human-freedom-index-2021-country-profiles.pdf
Well, I bet Trump still is free. Jeff Bezos and Billy Gates too... ;-) But there are lots of others that aren't. That's true.
Unfortunately many will fight to ensure their fallacies are not threatened by facts
@@davemccrudden1999That's unfortunately most Americans. They can be eating dog food and still think they live in the best country in the world.
You and your family are so welcome in Germany. I hope you stay here for the rest of your life. We really appreciate people like you. Glad you are here in this beautiful country.
People who have the courage, without prejudice, not only to look beyond their borders, but also to transcend them, should be welcome in every enlightened country in the world.
Every step these people take will make the world a better place as we all understand each other.
To really understand and not just accept each other.
Acceptance is always connected with: one is better than the other. Understanding means learning why the other is the way he is and acts the way he does. Acceptance is always linked to social or racial prejudice. "I accept the neighbor - but actually I'm better than him..."
No, we are all the same!
And the USA simply forgot that in its religious and party-political debates. You have forgotten how to communicate at eye level.
It doesn't matter where I come from, what religion I follow, whether I'm an atheist, gay, lesbian, gender, what skin color I have or something similar. We are human and everyone is (or better) should be the same.
have the same value. It doesn't matter if he's rich, poor, crippled or whatever. Everyone has the right to a happy life. Here's to a life free of fear and a life where he can, in turn, teach people to do the same!
In my opinion, the USA and most of its citizens have not yet realized and/or understood this.
@赵正华 I'm German and living in Germany.
Sorry, but you absolutely cannot speak “for Germany”. Your personal feelings are just that: YOUR feelings.
Speak only for youself. So far, the Americans have only brought destruction everywhere.
Does anyone else feel like all those American newcomers in Germany are really great, mature, self-reflected people? I dunno, but I definitely feel like when America sends its people, they're sending their best. ;)
The Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”
The Staue of Germania: "Ok, I'll take the well-educated, reasonable and decent then."
@@hape3862 lets not make the same mistake as the americans and put the statue on an naval port, lets build it on the Frankfurt Airport 😂
@@kustanhardelus6919 No, let´s build it on BER
Yes please, send more of them Americans. All those that I have seen on RUclips are wonderful people. :D
In my honest opinion "multiculture" is the future.
Europe is already densely populated by so many different cultures and has a great potential to develop further into this direction.
I have so much respect for the educational system of Finland and there is a bunch of areas where Sweden and Norway are ahead of us.
We can learn so much from each other and maybe in the future we will have developed a perfect multicultural society where we can all live our happy lifes together. :)
@@trueiodun7031 the question is, do we take the UK back, if they ask nicely...
(yeah, we probably should)
The thing about German Autobahn is not so much that they are so much more secure but that drivers have to go through a lot more training before you can get a driving license. Plus there is the TÜV which demands technical check-ups for your car. So overall the whole German system is designed so that people can drive faster safely. That said there are still more than enough casualties on the Autobahn because of speeding sometimes with really horrible outcomes. But we and our politicians accept it as the automobil industry is a very powerful lobbyist in Germany.
What a polite way to talk about the automobile lobby!
Tbh - and I say this as a German national - discussing a global speedlimit on the Autobahn in Germany is not unlike discussing the 2nd amendment in the US.
The automotive lobby has a hand in it , but it's mostly emotionally overblown as a virtue of personal freedom by the people.
And truth be told - going really fast on the BAB gets old very quick. And very expensive.
yea it is a bit like the gun lobby in the us(a bit)
@@wora1111 Yeah I am also taking their money ofc that´s why.
@@69quato Der ADAC hat kürzlich eine Umfrage unter seinen Mitgliedern durchgeführt und selbst eine Mehrheit der Mitglieder war für ein allgemeines Tempolimit. Und wie wir beim Sonderetat für die Bundeswehr sehen oder am Tankrabatt ist Popularität kein echter Faktor, wenn es um politische Entscheidungen geht. Siehe Mautskandal, siehe Dieselgate, siehe Maskendeals usw.
Am Ende des Tages ist es der Lobbyismus der in unserem Land Politik macht, da brauchen sie sich keine Illusionen zu machen.
The problem that I, as a German, see among Americans is that they think in very distinct categories.
Always seeing everything in black or white.
If you're not for me, you're against me.
You can see it in your party system. What democracy can exist if only two parties are available in political elections. Again: black or white.
Here politicians and parties have to form alliances, form coalitions and learn to make concessions and compromises in order to remain politically capable of acting. That also rubs off on the voters. Citizens will grow up to be more cosmopolitan.
And such a policy is also due to Germany's geographical location. Nine neighboring countries, three of them in the former Warsaw Pact. You have to learn to make compromises.
And the US:
Just the magic two again! Canada is the good neighbor, Mexico is the (to put it mildly) less good neighbor. Again a black or white, a yes or no situation.
Also, I'll ask a question:
If you are firmly convinced that you are the best, the crown of creation, the non plus ultra, who do you still listen to in dialogues with others?
Who can then convey a point of view or bring it closer to you that you might not represent yourself at the moment?
Do you really listen or do you form your own opinion and smile at the other person?
West and Central Europeans see the World in colour.
Americans see the World in black and white.
U.S has the Democrats party more centre too world standards.
Republican party more extreme right wing too World standards.
I (german too) think you oversimplified alot of things here while at the same time have some blind spots regarding Germany. So I feel urged to put things a bit more into perspective. First of all, the thing you call "black and white"-thinking is present in every democratic system in the form of "right and left" affiliation. So we in Germany also have a polarized political spectrum as well. Left (Linke, Grüne, SPD) vs. right (CDU/CSU, FDP, AFD).
While the US election process ultimatly ends in a vote between two candidates, the selection of those two candidates is a long and elaborated process in which multiple presidential candidates (political wings and streams) within the two parties compete against each other for voter support in primaries and caucuses. During that process actually alot of compromises and "coalitions" (platforms) are formed. Talking about concessions I might remind you of Kamella Harris which famously once brutally attacked Biden in the primaries (basically accused him of racism) only to be selected by him as his vice president a few month later.
Germany as well categorizes its neighbours into "good" and "bad", and its north vs. south as well. I hope you remember the euro-crisis in which southern countries were famously branded P.I.G.S and the northern (frugals) countries were portraited as the ultimaly sane, all well, supercountries. The stereotype of "lazy", "unorganized", "corrupt" get constantly attached to the southern and eastern countries, while the western and northern countries are overly praised.
Do you remember how Germany lectured especially Greece for years on fiscal policy and reforms, with giving little to no room different opinions. I do. Ask a greek person how they feel about Germany. You might get more sentiments of Germany thinking of itself as superior, non plus ultra, condesending as you like.
Lastly, don't forget without the US Germany would have shifted into a one party system, not one, but magically two times. Without the US either the Nazis or the Soviet-Communists would have taken over Germany, so thats that.
It's also cringe that Germany with the experience of maybe 75 years of democracy, tries to lecture the US with almost 250 years of democracy.
@@Fruehlingseffekt Regarding the last point first:
You are right that democracy in Germany has only existed for 75 years. The attempt by the Weimacher Republic was simply overrun with nailed boots into the thousand-year Reich.
But Germany has a constitution that is also only 75 years old and may fit better into today's world than a constitution that was written 250 years ago.
The gun law alone dates back to a time when firearms had a single shot and could only be reloaded within minutes. From a time without a real republic, without a police force, without an army and without shopping malls.
Everyone had to have a weapon in order to be able to defend themselves against arbitrariness or wild animals or to hunt for the next food to survive.
The USA has never managed to adapt this law to today's time, where guns can shoot up to 1000 rounds per minute, there are multiple state security organizations and a functioning legal system (if you want to call it that in the USA).
There is also a voting system, which seems to come from the days of the Pony Express.
States with their "electors" have different weights compared to their population compared to others, because at the time of these enactments there weren't that many US states. The "electors" alone come from a time when elections were held in a region and they then took part in the elections in the capital on horseback.
Let's be honest: is such a system still up to date?
Just because something lasts longer doesn't mean it's better.
It will only get better if it is adapted and adapted to today's conditions.
And yes, we owe a lot to the United States and their victims in World War II. And in post-war Germany, too, provisions such as the Marshal Plan prevented a catastrophe that could only have arisen after the First World War through demands for reparations.
But if they say that we owe it to the USA for preventing a one-party system, I wonder why the USA itself cannot manage to expand a two-party system to several parties, as in almost all democracies. Diversity, the selection from different perspectives on one and the same problem is what makes a democracy.
On election day for the federal government, I not only ask myself which party I will vote for, I also find out exactly which party I have chosen would form an alliance with and whether I like their goals as much. In my opinion, that is democracy!
And Greece is a bad example but a good one for corruption.
The country was economically and financially drained, but the old rules still applied: nothing works without bribery and kickbacks.
How should the Greeks break out of such a system that is firmly anchored in the country when the individual no longer has anything with which to bribe anyone.
Just enter the word "Fakelaki" in Wiki...
I have also never named Germany as the non plus ultra for democracy. Lobbying is also widespread here and large corporations influence politics and political decisions.
But the appointment of a candidate for an office (also for the Federal Chancellery) is not as much of a show as it is in the USA.
Of course, dirty laundry is washed and every advantage is sought that one can use for oneself. On all sides. Ultimately, however, the party decides on the candidate and does not hack itself up in advance.
And of course we have polarizations on the right or left side. In contrast to the USA, however, we still have a wide range of parties that fill the space between right and left.
We are, and if you are also German you have to confirm that, with the great advantage of not only seeing elections in black or white, but the color spectrum of our party landscape is far more lush.
And that's what the USA lacks in my view. It's just my own, very personal opinion.
I also like breakfast at the hotel better when I have a buffet from which I can choose what I eat instead of being given a choice: either ham or cheese.
This kind of debate is the most german thing ever.
Love you guys.
@@Gnin1000 A Dutch person here. I very much agree. The Netherlands also has a multiparty system. 40 at the moment. I do like the german system a bit better, where you know with who everyone wil end up working. It takes to long here to decide.
The American system can be manipulated to not function. And there is one party that prides itself into the tale that the government can not function. They are very good at marketing, because to lie is protected speech. De Santos who was flat against infrastructure money is playing Santa with Democrats money, as if he arranged it for the people and he will get the credits for something he tried to stop... Like blaming the "green new deal" that has not started and is not on the program for problems that are already there. How strange must an education system be to make that seem logical? You have to ingnore reality for they do not even try to hide the truth, just bluster over it.
Only a loyalist would accept that. Someone who needs to believe to belong to something and disregard everything else they might hear. You can only have that if there are just 2 possible choices. Otherwise, if you mess up, multiple parties will point it out and profit. The very populist right everywhere did notice and blame everything and anything on the left, regardless whether they were actually in power anywhere at all. They usually were not. But they were not for so long, people did not remember how they would do things. And it is not like they actually try and explain stuff. The othering of people is an easy tool. And yes, every party does this. And it is dangerous.
In a multiparty system this works not as easy. Because the actual fired up base, can not get enough power to push out the ones they deem to be others. In a tiered 2 partysystem, it can. Because you just have to win enough parts to climb a bit higher. And if the other side is not very happy about their person, and voting for their group is harder, they just might not show up in high enough numbers to counter the vote of the others. And to fire it up, you actually HAVE to "other" the other candidate to get people to go vote at all and there is a huge incentive to stop/hinder the other side from voting. Which we do not have. This deepens the divide.
Yes, I'm from Germany - probably like the most people commenting here 😅. Considering the fact that many Germans think they live in a bad country we really should make channels like yours a mandatory watch for them. Yes, there is always room for improvement, yes, some of your statements sounded strangely optimistic (maybe because I'm a Germen myself 😁), but the bigger picture still shows we are extremely lucky to live here. Not because I think we are the best (we aren't), but because there are so many people out there who don't even know how to feed their children, let alone even THINK about freedom. We really should start to appreciate what we have... thanks for your content on that.
I agree. Channels like these really helped me appreciate my country, The Netherlands, a lot more. Even with its flaws. Things could be better, but I am grateful to live here and be ‘surrounded’ by equally great countries.
For me it just shows me what bad path lies ahead if we don´t seriously make changes about how our politics and economics work.
Right now there are many people in Germany who struggle to feed their children. Social inequality is not as bad as in the US, but it's still gotten pretty bad over the past decades.
@@burninghard That’s also true and worries me sometimes. Those are the things we could do better.
@@seeibe I agree, social inequality has significantly worsened. But that's only partially because of money - my parents were poor, too (my father was a male nurse, my mom just a housewife), but they still did their best to give us a good life. The other part is missing social competence (i.e. not being able to cook inexpensive meals, or being too stubborn to compare prices). I worked with poor people for some time, and most of them had never been taught how to lead a simple but fulfilling life. A "poor" woman didn't have enough money because she was too lazy to go to the grocery store and bought at the nearest kiosk - with double the price. You can't do much about complacent stupidity...
German cuisine is already diverse by itself since germany has so many different local cultures
Just spent 2 weeks visiting Germany. Totally agree with you. I felt many more freedoms than back in USA.
wtf? are you on drugs?
First article of Germanys Basic Law (Grundgesetz): "Human dignity shall be inviolable. To respect and protect it shall be the duty of all state authority."
That law alone guarantees more freedom to German citizens, than the entire American constitution.
Constitution is the word
@@Esther_Herbst ?
@@m.h.6470 Grundgesetz is the German constitution
No non-native speaker knows what Basic Law is supposed to mean (even if it's the literal translation)
@@Esther_Herbst it is not just the literal translation, it IS the English name for it. Yes, Basic Law is a Constitution, but the name is Basic Law.
And the most amazing thing, that the German "Grundgesetz" has been strongly "influenced" (well, been set up) by the USofA. They've established in Germany what they've negated to their own people: creating a social market economy, where the keyword is social* AKA caring for your people.
* nope, not that aMurican stereotype labeling each & everything not-American as socialist/communist - making themself looking like the masters of illiteracy.
As an American now living in England, I get what you’re saying completely about the US. I can’t imagine living there again. Best of luck to you and your family
People here in Europe are really worried about the US. Personally, I've always viewed the USA as a big brother of Germany....the first shock to my worldview was Ronald Reagan as President, that's when I noticed for the first time how divided this country is and what fears of foreign invaders there are. With Donald Trump all the hatred really came out and there is a lot of pressure on the cauldron right now that will be discharged in the near future. Unfortunately, there is no solution, as most people there are no longer willing to accept other views and opinions, and conflict will inevitably arise because the inequality has become too great. I really hope I'm wrong, but I don't believe in a good outcome for the country. Many greetings.
I share your concern.
to be honest imo and i know its kinda harsh, but imo americans are slaves. I mean seriously the only thing that counts is money. If you get sick you get fired, if you get pregnant you get fired. Americans get blinded by the so called "American Dream". Once i wanted to live in america, my views have changed dramaticly. If beeing free means my kid beeing shot in school, then sry thats not the freedom i am looking for.
I feel VERY sad, because america could do so much better. I am not saying Germany is doing great, we have ALOT corrupt politicians, and certainly the Germans are not always happy with the goverment, but looking at america, we cant be so bad.
I have tried to talk to some americans, but its hard to convice them, because of their Country is the "best" of the world mentality
I too share that concern. In sociology and anthropology the US is one big case study we use to understand social concepts. However I don't think there are no solutions. Understanding is the path to many of these solutions.
Rant:
Politics tend to not orientate themselves as closely to the sciences as scientists would like, which means state action and legislature aren't always as scientifically sound as one would like. Sadly this is doubly true for the social sciences, partly because most social scientists I've met aren't as willing to point the way and partly because laymen tend to not believe in the results of social studies as much as in those of the natural sciences.
Both of which is the case because imo social studies don't have that "easy-access-appeal" as, say, a big spaceship.
Social studies are very dependent on context, especially so called qualitative studies. They are complex and rarely have easy answers. But that doesn't make their findings less true or important.
Imo, one solution would be some kind of Carl Sagan for social studies. Somebody able to cater to a broad audience comprehensively. Teach the construction of the self, formation of identity, baselines of the social like you teach math.
So much social upheaval could be rectified by proper teachers fighting ignorance.
Cultures are inherently valid. They are non linear. And they are always evolving.
You cannot be a culture by yourself because without another self you'd just be you. You need other people. Other people are different than you.
Ergo your mutual culture must encompass differences as well as similarities.
Cultural superiority doesn't exist, racism didn't need to exist, but being social is a fact of life.
@@Lindform As a Dane I find it astounding that a country that big with such differences, still have one government.
Its literally like the danish PM making politics in Greece or Italy
@@thomashovgaard3134 It's interesting for sure. As are other huge governments like India or China.
What a tremendous administrative task, astounding as you said.
But feasible I think. Could certainly use some improvements though.
But that's going to happen eventually, if not for one country then the next one that takes it place.
Our tech improves over time and so will our social systems hopefully. Seeing as difference is inevitable might as well try to build governance that reflects that.
Hey there!
First of all, as a German, it Makes me Happy that you are having such a great experience here and i Hope IT continues to be this way.
I did have to chuckle during parts of the Video because i feel Like you are waaaaayyyy to nice to us.
I am learning to appreciate Germany More and More.
I grew Up in the US (Detroit Michigan) for five years as a child and IT is honestly heartbreaking to see what has been going on in the US in the Last years.
Anyways i wanted to leave a quick hi :)
Do you have examples where he is to nice?
@@senormatzy498 i think he's being a little too nice when IT comes to "ignorants", LUCKILY they arent Part of the national government but they are in Parlament and they sit in many state Parlaments as Well.
I'm Glad He hasnt Had to Deal with racism in Germany much But IT IS there, Maybe More in rural areas.
Also i guess the German government does a better Job at talking Care of IT's people than the US government but unfortunately the socio-economic divide is growing.
And idk...Like that we're one big Happy Family... i've whitnessed petty and spiteful but also caring and supportive neighbourhood situations on both sides of the pond
I think driving at a certain speed is not the issue but rather the traffic education and rules like the „Rechtsfahrgebot“ which says to drive on the utmost right lane whenever possible. This frees the left lane from slow cars, you may overtake only on the left. That makes it easier to have a good overview of the road.
In addition to 15:00, i was some time in USA and felt way more unsave there at driving. not as speeding, but simply as it is allowed to overtake left AND right. Therefore you always have to be awayre of all sides of your car, if someone approaches and overtakes. In Germany you simply know, if I like to speed up and overtake, go left, else stay right... sooo easy and so convenient... and utmost save (er). And also in Germany cars are checked regularly for full function. If we would in addition have a speed limit of 120 or 130, then we would also have a two digit perdentage less casulties from car accidents, but lobbyism prevents so.
I agree. The constant weaving in and out is nerve-wraking.
True, had the pleasure of living in Ireland for a couple of years. Never had been so relaxed on the Autobahn/Motorway/Interstate. Just putting the cruise control on 120km/h and enjoy. ;-)
You probably think the FDP is preventing that
@@frankk1pro484 Isn't that just the same as lobbyism?... 😞
@@sdelzer7896 But if driving is too monotonous, you quickly become inattentive. I don't think relaxing while driving is the right thing to do.
I would fall asleep with cruise control. I can't imagine a trip more boring. Having nothing to do and having to be careful.
At only 120 km/h, the train is a better choice and more relaxing.
27:26 Hmm, proud of being german. Hard topic.
We are proud of the country we are now but we also know where we came from.
There is a difference between a german citizen and a german.
It has nothing to do with skin colour but a lot with history.
I try to explain with an example.
Your kids will go to school and learn a lot about german history. You will probably discuss that at home with your kids.
BUT
You won´t have to think about the question: Dad, what was grandpa doing during WW2?
You won´t find some stuff in the attic or cellar after dear uncle Peter passed away.
Like uniforms, medals, letters, fotos and other mementos.
That is in my humble opinion a key difference between a german and a german citizen.
That means in no way that you are not welcome or ;even more ridiculus; have to share our cultural guilt.
But it is important ; at least to me; that our imigrants understand and respect that.
This distinction will hopefully vanish in 2-3 generations.
very difficult this burden,i agree
one important thought about race: as europeans understood is that there are several different human races wich are Homo sapiens, Homo neanderthalensis, Homo floresiensis, Homo denisova... and Homo sapiens is the only surviving one. What people in the US understand as race is a concept, that most people here do not agree with!
Please do not confuse race with species. Neanderthalensis, sapiens and so on are different species.
@@clausfries5590 all different races in the Species Homo, a different species is Australopithicus for example.
@@clausfries5590 no they're not, they're human species. Homo Sapien successfully bred with Homo neanderthalensis.
@@slackerbob4437 I beg your pardon, but you are totally wrong. According to the scientific nomenclature of systematics, the first name designates the genus, while the second name designates the species.
In this case Homo is the genus and sapiens the species.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxonomic_rank
"Names of zoological taxa
A taxon above the rank of species has a scientific name in one part (a uninominal name).
A species has a name composed of two parts (a binomial name or binomen): generic name + specific name; for example Canis lupus.
A subspecies has a name composed of three parts (a trinomial name or trinomen): generic name + specific name + subspecific name; for example Canis lupus italicus. As there is only one possible rank below that of species, no connecting term to indicate rank is needed or used."
@@xxromanovaxx6682 Like I´ve said, they are all different species of the genus Homo and of course they can bred with all of them. The result of these crosses is then called a hybrid.
Few additions to your comment about driving in Germany and why it might feel safer than in the U.S.:
1) For most parts drivers in Germany are used to drive at high speeds, knowing the limits which come with higher speeds. So they don't get too anxious, doing less mistakes out of anxiety when it comes to driving fast.
2) There's much more training on driving before you will be granted a license. Especially the practical part is much tougher than in U.S. Did you know e.g., that if a trainee drives on an Autobahn during the driving exam, he/she is urged to speed up to catch up with the rest of the traffic, even that might mean to drive beyond 120 km/h. A trainee not matching this demand, just won't pass the exam!
3) There's a very easy regulation, when it comes to Autobahn in Germany, that is: the left lane is for speed overtaking only! If you are not speeding, than you are to remain on the lanes on the right side of the Autobahn. That is completely different to what US freeways are like, where you can have cars even on the far left lane driving with just 60 mph, creating a huge confusion behind with overtaking either on the right side or the left side of your car, which is really dangerous actually! That won't happen in Germany: The overtaking will for most parts only take place on the left side. And to be able to count on that, makes it much safer to drive even at much higher speeds.
So... it is not, that driving faster is much safer, which your argument is, but because of the way Germans are trained to drive.
Thank you for speaking so nicely about my country! I'm so glad you and your family are doing so well, it makes me very proud to be german :)
The thing about driving in germany is, that we (I am german) learn to control these high speeds relatively early in the driving school (with a professional). For exsample, my first time on the Autobahn was in my fourth practical lesson. We dont learn to fear speed and there is a motto, that says think for the other person. It means that you should be aware off your sourundings and think about the moves other drivers could do, so that you are prepared, if they do something stupid.
yep. Tempolimit is a whole different discussion, but we learn and are being told to find out what level of speed feels safe for us. Also, we learn "vorausschauendes Fahren" (driving with anticipation of what may happen next) - which means that we should always be aware of our surroundings and make sure that everyone can drive safely. Like giving people space to change lines or only drive past someone if your vehicle can make the minimum speed difference or switching lines if someone needs that space to enter the Autobahn.
That`s the exact way i learned how to drive💯 Aber seien wir ehrlich, so manch einer hat den Führerschein eher gewonnen als ihn sich verdient xD😂
My driving instructor told me I had to drive 4 cars: mine, the one in front of me, the one behind me and the one I'm overtaking - signal intentions to the others to get them to work with me instead of against me.
A big problem on the highways in the US is people passing in the right lane and the idiots driving under the speed limit in the left lane. Makes driving on the highways very dangerous.
16:52 True but remember a german drivers license will cost 1500 to 5000 Euros and involve a lot of training. If you don`t pass after 5000 Euro worth of training, please us our public transportation.😉
For some or other reasons - some totally my fault, some less so - I took six attempts at getting my drivers license. Which also meant, due to the time limits, I had to take the theoretical test two times. It wasn't cheap.
But by now, I have been driving over 30 years without an accident or even a ticket.
Plus, the vehicles have to be maintained at a high safety standard (there is a mandatory technical inspection every two years).
@@Mehaara when you buy a new one than the first check is in 3 years, after that in 2 years and than every year from now on
@@xXDrocenXx I know that. I am German and live in Germany and have a German car. However, for the scope of this comment section, I thought mentioning the 2-year-interval was sufficient.
@@Mehaara it was.
If what you say is true for even a small part, I am just staggered by how arrogant the USA is. 'Food is better in USA' made me laugh out loud.
Me too. It's so crasy when you think about how many chemicals they hav e in theire food. Only in bread 13, as I heard.
@@connycatlady7429 No, I think you mean 13 grams of sugar (per slice), not chemicals 🤪
@@alcidesforever In fact I ment chemicals. They don't taste it, because they're used to it. You can use that bundle of bread as a pillow. But I wouldn't like to eat eat it.
@@alcidesforever check out "How The U.S. Ruined Bread" by Johnny Harris
It's our job. We're Americans. Now where the hell is my bucket of KFC?
Why would we have better food than you? Ours may be slightly cheaper, that's the only difference I can think of? A cow is a cow, and wheat is wheat?
I find it very strange that the USA says our freeways are dangerous when the danger of being shot in the USA is greater than dying on a German freeway.
By far the greatest danger of being shot in the USA is in cities which are ruled & reigned by Democrats and Uncle Joe. He has introduced by far the worst of everything in the last half century - the worse economy, worst control of crime, worst control of illegal immigration, the worst business climate. The Democrats are accomplishing their goal of fucking up as much as they possibly can.
That is kinda fun, i saw a video US has more car crashs than germany.
@@katsu9582 - No common sense and very little law enforcement in the USA. That's the reason for crashes in the USA.
You don't even have to mention shootings, the US has like 3 times the amount of traffic related deaths per capita than Germany anyway.
Take a look to the prisoners, in USA compaird to every else country tho
I really appreciate your videos. My family and I are planning on moving to Germany in the next year or two once I finish my bachelors in Landscape Architecture. Once I found out that they offer essentially free masters programs for international students I was hooked. Watching your videos really keep me inspired and excited for our future.
Thank you
There are a lot of good channels from expats in Germany
It depends on the state that you want to go to. My state for example has fees of 3000€ per year for international students.
I live in Berlin, and I really love how diverse the culinary aspect is. I can eat Italian today, Turkish tomorrow, then Korean, then Iranian, then Indian, then Greek, and so on and so forth. The list goes on like this for a lot longer.
You may have found the only positive thing about Berlin
@@danielh5127 like there is No Culture whatsoever, No History in Berlin, nothing to explore and be amazed about. No Amount of Mutli Culture and vastly different Life Styles.
Yep you are correct,
be German about it nag about the few Negatives, never heard about completly positive City anywhere, but even If you found one import a German and a few Seconds later you will be amazed to be told by the latter that you actually live in a dumpster.
Be Safe and Healthy
95 percent of what you say Is correct. I have dual citizenship U.S.A AND DEUTSCHLAND. I moved with my wife From California 2 years ago to the Black Forest. My wife is Vietnamese became a U.S. citizen them moved here with me. It was a little rough at 1st in the countryside however we more freedom here than in California, Orange county to be exact. We plan on living here forever. Not to mention we can travel anywhere in Europe!!! Thank you for your input and we are glad you and your family like it here in Germany 🇩🇪
The german constitution does not allow dual citizenship, I know this because I can't get German citizenship without relinquishing my British citizenship. How have you managed it?
@@davemccrudden1999 I was born in America and because both of my parents are German I was allowed German Citizenship. So I have my American and German. Now they have new laws in place that my wife has her American citizenship and we are married she also can apply for a German Citizenship and keep her American just like me.
@@oliverthaesler8001 ah I see, I was hoping for a chink of opportunity. I'm glad it worked out for you and your wife. Thank you for replying.
You are a truley inteligent, objective and fundamentally nice person. Thank you for being so clear. So honest.
Where do you come from.? Your Comm.absolutly false.about driving on German Autobahn.
I made a mistake saying German Healthcare is free for some! Apologies…and please don’t send me to the gallows!
Don't worry, no execution, just some mild torture. Choose between two German favourites:
1. Ten hours of reading German "Uhm, actually ..." comments (including mine 😉)
2. Ten hours of listening to Germans replying to "How are you?" (I personally am suffering in this heatwave, today is better, though)
Don't worry, we won't.
No need to fear the gallows, just do some research before editing your videos.
It is actually free if you are on welfare (Hartz IV). You pay for it if you earn your own money.
@@e.458 2. - The northern german version is short: "Gut."
I am french from Bordeaux , and I have lived in Tubingen (4 years) and in Miami (cutler ridge) for 8 years ! I know exactly what you are talking about and I couldn"t agree with you more ! USA a free country is a joke ! I love the way you mentioned all those mythes that are absolutly true ! Enjoy watching you ! Mike
Tübingen is really nice, i grew up there. Though the rent and housing prices have got way too high in recent years, but its like that at most places in Baden-Württemberg.
There are several different freedom score pages on the Net. In some the USA is ranked higher than Germany, in others vice versa. It really depends on how you define freedom and how you weigh different aspects of freedom.
The scary thing is, that the USA is on the path of loosing the freedom for its citizens and trading it for even more freedom for the rich and for companies. If the political trajectory of the past years continues, in the next decade the USA will join Russia and China as an autocratic-fascist regime and will be regarded as some kind of fundamentalist Christian Iran.
agree they will be just another kind of "Gottesstaat" a christian Saudi-Arabia... if nobody stops that
Your post doesn't contain any specific examples. What are a few?
regarding my post about taking some distance and looking for things that (maybe) can be improved, why dont you try to answer your own question. Thinking is good!
Im Grunde lässt sich die Thematik so zusammenfassen:
Hat der Staat zu viel Macht, verliert der Bürger mehr Freiheit.
Haben Unternehmen (Wirtschaft) zu viel Macht, verliert der Bürger mehr Freiheit.
Wenn sich Staat und Unternehmen (Wirtschaft) Kräftegleich die Waage halten, so hat der Bürger die größtmögliche Freiheit.
Das beste aus beiden Welten ohne das schlimmste.
Really would love to hear about those freedoms you are about to lose. And which freedoms do you weigh as more important?
And it's not been a trend for the last years, better try decades. Corruption and crime with Nixon, Reagan dismantling social security and giving tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy, the Bushs giving more voice to the fanatic fundamentalists while seeding the SCOTUS and destabilising the middle east for oil and profit. Trump is only the last step at the moment, showing that full on racism is the new norm, promising his loyal cultists a way back to the simpler 1950s, while grifting as much of their money as possible, giving well paid positions to his family members, and destabilising furthermore the international standing of the US. While strengthening whom?
And I bet it won't get better with DeSantis or Abbott in the White House. And let's just ignore that the electoral college is a joke and your judicial system is massivly flawed.
You have always been on the brink of drestruction, racism and aggression simmering so close beneath the surface. The endless gerrymandering, your neverending culture wars to know who to hate at the moment and what to buy from whom, good education and medical service only if you are wealthy or enlist. Be wary of your neighbour, don't trust anyone, fight for everything. If you show weakness you are gone. And remember kids, say your pledge of allegiance because that piece of cloth is worth more than your lifes.
There are only three ways to show worth at the moment:
- through blood that you lose somewhere to secure oil for your corporations and to be a smokescreen for some unpopular decisions from the acting president
- through entertainment, no matter if you are on the silver screen or scoring big on the field, be popular and you can become anything you want
- or just be wealthy from birth, you can get away with murder with the right lawyers and media coverage
My dad is a physician and your dad is also a physician. They are even working in kinda the same field. So speaking son to son here :) I love the US for so many things. The beauty of the country, the people, the food and the diversity and so much more. it is really a great country. I considered studying and maybe even living there after I lived there for a year. One of the things was jsut the freaking medical bills. I could not imagine myself having to worry about being broke if I lose a leg in an accident or even have to worry about that at all. Especially with my then girlfriend in SC. I said dang raising kids is just a burden then and it is constant stress with the bills. That really blew it for me. Not saying anything is better or worse. The risc it involves was just not for me. For a good living standard there would be too much things that you cant calculate and that can eff you up really quick. BTW: The Police chief in the US makes more bank than our Chancelor/President. My ex Gf went to law school in Columbia, SC and one of her Profs made 400k a year and then you wonder why university is so expensive. :D I cant wait to see Golden grow up and you comparing costs to what it would cost in the US to get him through daycare, Kindergarten, School and eventually University if he chooses that path. PSS: I like that you bring up the fact that you say you are not anti american. Iam neither. I just feel that if you talk to certain people in any country of the world they think it is "unpatriotic" to go for changes and improving thins or adopting things from other countries. I think there is nothing more patriotic than trying to make change for the better for EVERYBODY that you to look in the eye when you walk down the street :) Germany also has a lot of improvement to do. It is important to check out other ways, adapt and improve for every country in the world.
Diff is what i have read, Americans dont complain about their Country, and if there no complain the country wont change for the better because people seem to be happy. Germans complain about their own country alot and not like everything and this we speak out. And its somewhat true, if everything is negative u have the will to change it.
I think one of the biggest advantages of the sort of socialised healthcare system countries like Germany or Austria have is, that instead of individuals just having to pay for meds any price a huge corporation chooses there is a giant powerful system doing the bartering for you and keeping those corporations in check.
So instead of you against a giant powerful system its you as part of a giant powerful system against another powerful system which is a way better position to be in to get a good deal.
"...people have come from all over the world to call Germany home..." is such a beautiful and powerful half sentence. thank you :)
More US-Germany Expats channel recommendations: "The Black Forest Family", "My Merry Messy Life" and "Passport Two"
Add "Our Story To Tell" or, Most recommendable, "Hayley Alexis"
Add "Our Story To Tell" or, Most recommendable, "Hayley Alexis"
You are right. I follow them since a while.
@@janheinbokel3969 he mentioned and linked Hayley already. I just wanted to add on additional recommendations here.
Also "NALF"
Concerning healthcare in germany: My father needed eye surgery a few years back. He has a basic public healthcare provider("gesetzliche Krankenkasse"). Still he had a surgeon who just a few days before operated a sheik from dubai who had extra come to germany for his surgery. Ok, it wasnt totally free for my father, all in all it cost him about 20€ i think (he had to stay in hospital for 2 days, so he had to pay "Krankenhauszuzahlung" , 10 € per day, but if i remember correctly thats only for the first 20 days, then its free again). I doubt he would have had that level of care in the US
My wife had brain surgery (12 hrs) plus special radiation surgery a few months later, 10+ MRTs, several specialist treatments etc. and still she only paid for those max. 20 days in hospital.
The reason for those €10.- per day being ... if you're in hospital you are provided for on every level, for instance you receive several meals per day - saving the expenses you'd have otherwise when buying food etc.
I have lived in both countries. In Germany you pay more in taxes but more "services" are included. The roads are 1000 times better (which is why this whole no-speed-limit thing works) Many things in the US seem voluntary while they really aren't. The most important difference is that in Germany the checks&balances is working 100%. In the US it's not.
Thank you for all you do! You are such a wonderful example about going to another country and learning and respecting their country and culture! Thank you for also trying to inform/ wake people up.
Hey Trey! Thank you so much for shouting me out ... I got a big ole smile on my face😫 The first point really made me laugh because I have seen the N* flag more times in the USA than I have in Germany 🙄 If you are ever in the Munich area let me know!!
Hey Hayley! I appreciate you! I’ll be in touch for sure!
You shouldn’t have seen it at all as it is a criminal offense to own it (AFAIK), or even worse show it in public. Something an American would decry as repression.
@@agn855 Not entirely true. Sorry to be a kind of know-it-all here. There is tight regulation around it prohibiting its usage in almost every context. If you were only referring to usage in a private context or for political reasons, you were absolutely correct. That is clearly forbidden: You can´t put it on a random flag pole or just wave it around as you like.
BUT... you _can_ own _and_ show it in certain limited contexts and if you have good reasons to do so. Museums? Sure. Arts/Movies? Sure. History lessons? Sure.
@@TreyDaze hey man, my I recommend you the works of Friedrich Schiller.. he's the great spirit of truth and freedom that shaped Germany for a big part. Maybe you could even male a video of him after reading his works. Let me know what you think of the idea.
Our N Flags are only out if worldchampionships (soccer) is happening, if they lose trust me they will be gone asap x)
I've been watching your videos over the past few days because we just applied for a PCS in Germany. I love your approach to telling things like they are. I especially loved your video speaking to the black experience in not only America but also in Germany. I really appreciate you taking the time to educate your viewers on your experience to debunk myths that are out there. Blessings to you and your family and hoping you all are well!
As a german I just want to ground you and say that he is idealizing it. Germany is not "one big family" and most germans do not have a healthy "pride being german" in that sense that most are still struggling with that concept of feeling national pride unfortunately - which is ridiculous after so many years.
Stuttgart is a city that is very well off bc of the car industry and therefore surely going to have nicer and ceaner parks then others in other regions. I am happy for his seemingly very pleasant exp so far but would no over generalize it. And yes, combined tax and social security contributions are one of the highest among the bigger developed countries - a very huge chunk is spent on social welfare.
Freedom can not be told, only be felt.
Yes, and we surely feel it in the USA, despite the fact there are citizens among us who deny this fact.
It is only the Americans who have never lived in a nation which limits freedoms who complain about having freedoms in the USA, the nation in which they reside. In other words, the average American has no damn clue how to count his blessings. These are the people who have been elected to public office who spend every spare minute verbally trashing the USA.
Thanks for the very wholesome video. Agree in many points. I only don't think that driving fast is safer but the driving education and the rules are more complicated and oriented towards safety. That's why you can drive faster in Germany and be safe at the same time. Greetings from Austria
I was often on business trips to the US, and was very shocked, when several years aho KFC introduced their family menues, where stuff was packed in these paper buckets. You know that something went wrong, when companies start to serve their food to people in buckets. Pigs are feed with buckets...
Several years ago would be 1957, five years after the founding of KFC. "These paper buckets" are a staple of that fast food chain. There's definitely a lot of things wrong with America, the american food industry, etc. But the bucket is in my opinion not one of them. Otherwise you should be outraged about popcorn buckets as well.
And btw, animals are fed in troughs, not buckets.
I am from Germany, lived there for 30 years before I came to the US some 27 years ago - gotta say, your analysis is 100% spot on !!!
Hayley surely hauls it... I mean delivers the goods...
A really heartily welcome to you and your family. We need more of your kind here.
16:28 But that is a solid point. YOU risk other peoples lifes. Your own in the first place but let´s be honest: a lot of cars we drive today are WEAPONS!
My Benz goes 280Kmh if i would want to. At that speed the smallest distraction can be fatal for you and the passengers of the 1-2 other cars you colide with.
Do i drive that fast? HELL NO! Why should i?
My Father was a unit behind the wheel, he had a license for EVERYTHING that drives on ground, 60 years of experience, millions of Km on his clock, he drove and tested tracktools as a hobby.
And when someone asked him if he tought he could drive my Dad just sayed "I´ve been around a little but i wouldnt say i can drive." And thank god he embeded this humbleness in me.
Too many think that driving fast is a sign of masculinity. I have lost friends and acquaintance, taking Daddies AMG or M5 for a spin, having no clue what they are doing.
And some made other people suffer for their arrognace.
I can't help but smile the whole time I'm listening to you! Great to see you thriving and living your best life! Germany offers a wonderful framework for this, but the most you contribute as a person yourself. All the best to your family and keep it up! ❤❤❤
Stuttgart ist the 3rd expensive city in germany.
Also I suggest to take your camera and take a walk through Rosenstein-Park to show what a public park looks like in Germany
Or walk past the bordering walls of the Wilhelma sputtered with the shrapnell wounds of WW2 bombings.
@@spitefulwar Or both.
If you like the food quality in germany i suggest you to go to a weekly market. It's a big stepup if you buy your chicken directly from the farmer than the chicken you get at a supermarket.
You can even go to your butcher / farmer and order a whole animal. They buy a pig for example and you get it when it has grown adult. You can choose the cuts you want and how you want the rest to be processed (like sausages etc.). You really know what you're getting and you start to consume your food differently and give it a higher value.
The most outstanding point is the last one.
Germany would not be a diverse country?
Well, Germany is the second most popular migration destination in the world. Just belaten by the US.
Oh and btw, there are tons of Americans moving over in the last few yeahs, so... LoL
Maybe they mean that compared to the US we don't have as many black people here - and that is true. I have the impression that skin colour and sexual identity is all the US people think of when they talk about diversity.
The thing I love the most on my bavarian country life is, for not much more cost I can go to my butcher and look up where and how the animals where raised. And he has all ingredients of every product he makes with the animals that he kills by himself. It's all in a binder on the counter.
Hi there! I just subscribed to your channel! I really enjoyed listening to you; you are without doubt one of the best U.S. expats both when it comes to content and to how good you are at expressing yourself. It's a joy to listen to you!
I'm actually not German myself, although German is one of my five languages, the other ones being Swedish (my mother tongue), Finnish, English and French. I've lived in France (Paris) for a year and three years in the U.S. (Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Chicago, Illinois) a long time ago, that is, in the late 1960s.
I have never been to Germany, but being a European, I know a lot about Germany. I'm actually from Finland and a representative of the Swedish-speaking Finlanders. So not an ethnic Finn, but of course familiar with the Finnish culture, as well as with the cultures of all the other languages that I know.
Finland is one of the Nordic welfare states, and you may have heard that the country was voted "the happiest country of the world" for a fifth time in a row. Together with our Scandinavian neighbors we make up one big Nordic family of siblings with very close ties and similar lifestyles.
But back to Germany. I am very happy to learn that you and other U.S. expats have found Germany to be such a good country to live in. Actually, The Netherlands and Germany come closest to the Scandinavian/Nordic way of living. We do have some additional freedoms, rights and benefits, but all in all, the differences are not very big.
My mother tongue, Swedish, as well as Norwegian, Danish and Dutch are all fairly closely related to German, by the way.
The U.S. in the late sixties was not quite as 'bad' as it is today but still baffled me by sometimes seeming surprisingly old-fashioned for somebody coming from a 'modern' Nordic-Scandinavian environment, and sometimes by being narrow-minded, prejudiced and racist. Personally, I had no difficulties, but even then, the prevalence of hand guns, drugs, crime, corruption and fear was something very unfamiliar to me. My late husband and I went on an extended weekend trip to San Francisco, a city that I liked very much and always had hoped to visit some day. At that time, San Francisco was very European in many ways in comparison to Chicago.
Well, that was about it. I look forward to your future reports from Stuttgart. I'm far from updated about how things are in Germany at the present.
Mentioning Frankfurt in the context of diversity makes me proud. ❤ Most of us love it. Especially myself. People who like Frankfurt are one of us.
In U.S. a big change has taken place. In former times you could observe people were
demonstrating for abortion on one side of the street close to the Capitol in Washington.
On the other side of the road people were demonstrating against abortion.
None of the people tried to get physical against the other. An I thought:
Wow, this is how democracy should work. America was giving a good
example about a working democracy. Nowadays , as you mentioned in your video,
the U.S. is the most political divided country in the world.
My explanation for that is a lack of information an education.
If there is a garbage can burning somewhere in New York, 5 minutes later there will be a report
about it in our German news. On the other hand in American News channels you will not
get to know that a world outside the U.S. is even existing.
There are only American News and baseball results. I was so shocked about American TV
during my several visits to the U.S.
The second reason is the American education system. You will get a degree even
without being able to read or to write. Just by following your sports abilities.
The academic part of an education is hopelessly underestimated.
The result of it is that ordinary American people have an opinion of everything but no
clue about anything. But this is not their fault. They are all victims of an
insufficient education system.
The USA is what I call the Land of the Propaganda, not the Free.
The general minimum health insurance contribution (without nursing care insurance) right now is 153,53 €. Depending on your income and status it will change. (If you are employed or unemployed or self-employed, etc.) Also the different health insurance companies are not allowed to take below that minimum but of cause won´t take much much more because then they wouldn´t be able to stay in buisness. (Another exception: If you are under 25 of age and still in training and/or studying and if you are under 30 and studying then the price will be different.) The thing is that you have to have health insurance. You are not allowed to have none. So if you can´t afford health insurance then the goverment basically will pay for you.
Me for example: I´m a student and 31 years old. I don´t have any income and get financed by government support via BAföG (= Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz = Federal Training Assistance Act). BAföG is a govermential student loan where you only have to pay back half of what you received and if it would be over 10k then they cut it at that amount. Within the monthly payment I get it includes a lot of basic amounts they calculated for living, housing, insurances etc. I think for health insurance with nursing care you get around 180-190 € per month. The insurance company I chose takes ~206 €. (Extra-info: When I was under 30 I payed 115€ per month and got ~95€ for it via BAföG.)
I love the videos of Hayley Alexis.She tries to point out grievances as objectively as possible and also thinks about how it could perhaps be done better. Without a doubt, she loves her home country, unfortunately she is deliberately misunderstood and hostile by many 'patriotic' Americans.
So lucky Germany is so diverse and I hope all the people here appreciate it each way.
I just wanted to thank you cause sometimes I just can't believe how we are still portrayed in the world. Like we are the root of evil,of course we should never forget,but honestly my kids didn't see any of it.When I was a child i could feel a lot of stuff through my grandparents and parents, like the shame or the starvation after the war ended,so it was part of my emotions as well.But my kids?they know it from history lessons and it makes me sad that so many nations didn't notice how much this country evolved,so I am very grateful that you are seeing that 🙂
I have public health care and if i want to consult a medical professor who is a leading expert in his field of medicine i just pay like 40€ to 50 € on my own (depends on the doctor) and usually get an appointment within a few days. And if you are sent to university hospitals by your doctor because you got something serious like cancer you will also be treated by leading experts on public healthcare without additional payment
As a German who got around Europe but not much to the US, some things i would like to comment:
1. Awesome video, thanks. It makes Germany seem so much better than we living her often perceive it. It really helps the mood, thanks. :)
2. On Germany being expensive, it kind of depends. People here generally complain how expensive rent is. And prices have risen a lot the last decade. But when you visit places like GB, France or Norway, Germany suddenly indeed seems more affordable.
3. On the healthcare system, it's ok but there's still room for improvement. The system in GB might actually be a bit better, but is clearly more expensive and wasteful. When comparing to France, it's basically a toss, depending on how you evaluate it, either can win. But Denmark absolutely wins. Their system is far better than any other in Europe, as far as i know. (And yea, all of the systems in western Europe beat the US health system by far. )
4. On tax and costs: thanks for reminding us that things here are better. We also spot plenty of waste of tax money, but when you put it into perspective like that, it kind of calms you down.
5. The part about government involvement and spying on people: yea, the US are pretty bad there in what they actually do, only somehow really good in making people believe that it's not bad. Unfortunately that's a battle we all have to fight. In places like China and Russia, the population already lost, people are being monitored like crazy. But all over Europe, all countries also keep pushing for more rights so spy on people. When the agenda of crime prevention did not work any more, they went over to child protection. Because who could ever say no to anything which is supposed to protect children? Our status might be much better than the US, but we also have to pay attention, on what politicians try to do.
6. On the speed limit stuff: i never drove in the US. But i can tell that driving in other countries in Europe, generally feels saver. Sure, most people drive properly here. But when you commute to work for 40 minutes (one way) each day, you are guaranteed to see a loonie driving not necessarily at the limit every other week. (Not necessarily the limits of his car, but definitely the limit of his abilities. ) It's just a small number of oddballs, but they really are a danger. And statistics from motorways where speed limits were installed speak a clear language: wherever speed limits were put in place, both the general quota of accidents and especially the one of lethal accidents went down. In some cases drastically. (And actually: if those dying would just be those driving too fast, i would shrug my shoulders and go "good riddance". But more often than not, victims of such accidents are people who did nothing wrong, merely were the victims of somebody not knowing his personal limits. Which means, external limits can indeed save many innocent lives. )
7. On the food: ah, come on. We indeed only have beer and bretzels. Just like Italians only have pizza and wine, Americans have nothing else than coke and burgers and the Brits have... uh... ok, let's forget about English food, ok? *evil grin*
8. Again on the food, this time quality: it might be true that we have stricter quality regulations than the US. But when comparing regulations all over Europe and EU laws, you find that Germany actually lags behind on many regulations and a number of EU quality regulations are not or improperly implemented in Germany.
9. As you mentioned government influence and education: yea, we're clearly doing better than the US. But within Europe, compared to population and GPD, we spend rather little on education. And it unfortunately shows. I'd really wish that our Government would take a look at places like Denmark, Estonia or Sweden, for example. Their system is much better than what we got. But i guess doing that would just cost money our politicians don't want to spend. So yea, our school system is a good deal better than the US, much better than large parts of the world, but when just comparing to other states in Europe, we're in the lower half and even worse, loosing ground every year.
10. Even more on food: it's actually close to impossible to get "first choice" fruits and vegetables in Germany. The highest quality levels are usually sold in other countries, especially France, Italy and Spain. The mere background for that: very many Germans buy food on the guideline, that it first of all has to be cheap. So foreign countries export their second and third pick products here for low price, while the more expensive stuff is sold in those countries where there are enough people ready to pay for it.
11. On diversity, i find that great if you find it like that. I mean, when going to one of the bigger cities, i also spot a bigger variety, but at the mid-sized city where i live, a non-white person is quite an oddity. My personal impression is that i saw more diversity when i was in the UK. I was sent to bigger cities there, so that might also play into it, but i think it also to a large degree is the result of the Commonwealth and so many places around the world where you for many decades were able to very easily get a brititsh passport. (Post-Brexit i don't know how that is by now... too much chaos there. )
Despite all of this: i hope what i wrote does not drag you down. It's merely the point of view a local. I like your video, as it puts a so much more positive perspective on a lot of things, which most Germans are actually critical of. (Often not even realizing, that while there's some things which could be done better, we're still generally in a quite good spot. )
Hallo aus Deutschland ☺️ Ich mag Hayleys Videos auch sehr. Wie du schon sagtest, ist sie sehr aufrichtig. Das gleiche Gefühl habe ich bei dir auch ❤️ Es ist eben nicht alles perfekt hier in Deutschland, genauso wie überall in der Welt. Jedoch gibt es hier auch viel Gutes und es ist schade, dass es soviele Menschen gibt, die einfach alles glauben, was ihnen gesagt, oder suggeriert wird, ohne sich selbst davon zu überzeugen, oder sich genau zu informieren. Vielen Dank für dein Video!
I just stumbled across your channel. I look forward to vicariously living your adventures. You're living my dream, sir.
Welcome to the party Stephen!
DAYUM!!!
I never knew my country was that cool!!!
Anyway, belated Willkommen. Glad you like it here.
Even Cuba has a better health system than the USA. Yes, Cuba is not perfect, but the education and health systems there are much better than in some other states..
Really? They might have a better healthcare system, but not healthcare. They just don't have the infrastructure we do. I do like how they produce a ton of level 1 physicians. (PAs) The US should follow their lead on that one. We keep adding more requirements for PAs, and limiting them, when they could be great first line providers.
This is not Cuba’s fault, the problem is that the USA has imposed sanctions on them and Cuba has been excluded from world trade... Cuba is a country whose medical assistance was gladly used in the event of global disasters, but they were only granted participation in world trade by the Communist countries. The GDR was one of the few countries that traded with Cuba…
I not a fan of the US imposing its will on the Americas, but here I make an exception. I'm going to be the American you expect me to be. Cuba was our enemy. It maintained a military far greater than its need, it exported communism to the Americas, and allowed the Soviet Union to place nuclear weapons in the country for use against the United States. It was a Soviet proxy. It is not a democracy, and neither was the gdr.
Why is that because the USA does not recognize independence... this is the tragic point and I do not want to say that Cuba did everything right, but the fight for its freedom was important even if the wrong president ruled and dictates the country afterwards.. even now in Guantanamo, the USA has unlawful control of Cuba and has a prison camp there which is not in order and would also have its justification under other circumstances.
Well observed Trey. Having been in the US many times as well as in other countries in the world, I totally agree.
Trey you should visit the North of Germany. It has a different culture and I think it would be interesting for you. You should also visit the Watt in the north sea (but there where it is very muddy)
I love to take big city holidays in Berlin. Restaurants are affordable, and you don't feel “ripped off”. There is food from all over the world. The place to find restaurants in Berlin is Prenzlauer Berg (old DDR).
Excellent video Trey. The choice to start with the stereotype about the ignorants is great and not something i have heard anyone talk about. It made me realize as a Dutch person that the German people have to deal with being stereotyped that way still after all their effort and so many years.
Honestly your messaging is so clear and important I would think any of these subject deserves a separate video. Don't mind me being stereo-typically direct as a Dutch guy but I think you are hiding behind being an American abroad instead of a political commentator. I really feel you have the ability to help your extended family even more that way. I don't mean talk about Pelosi going to Taiwan. Just repackage all these points into separate videos with a title to match and your honest face on the thumbnail. Maybe do a separate channel so you can also do what you already do on this one.
One little thing about the speeding. I feel it is true what you said but it is so difficult to set up anywhere else. In the Netherlands there are no helmet laws for bicycles. That is a good idea in my opinion but only because we have good infrastructure, geography AND culture. This might be disastrous somewhere else. The autobahn concept is uniquely German I think
All the best, Jorrit
Do you know My Merry Messy Life ... they are an american family that moved to German and they are so enthousiastic about our country. Thank you, Trey, for showing us how wonderful Germany is... wonderful, but not perfect, because as along as there are people, there are mistakes ;)
I was in the US last month. PLEASE don't encourage them to drive faster. First start teach them to drive.....
thank you as someone who is half British and half German,and who spent his early life in Germany,I'm so fed up with the rubbish which is always told about Germany,mostly by people who never been there.
That is so true! We Germans are not proud of our country because we think it is better than others, or even the best country in the world (as the US always presents itself), but because we are proud of having a good education system, a good social and health care system, and because we know that our central location in Europe gives us the opportunity to travel quickly and easily to many different countries with different mentalities and cultures and we therefore are open to new things. 💕
PLUS I have to add that we Europeans are worried about the Ignorance and self-centredness that is rising by day in the States. 😰😰Always thinking about yourself and your possessions first is what brought us as humans to the worst parts of history! Please consider rethinking your actions and what this could mean to other people.
cool points of view.. thanks for sharing, i have been living in germany for 10 years now.. moved from CA to Hessen and i will never go back !!!
For me as a German it's strange to see this different positive perspective about our country. The Germans have the habit to see all a bit darker than others see it. And the typical "german scheiss angst" do the rest. So your voice is a good counterweight to this. Thank you!
I was involed in a crash on the Autobahn once, a car crashed in the trailer of the truck i was in. The car hit the trailer with colse to 180Km/h (110 mp/h). The car swung around the truck and came to a stop something like 400meters in front of us. The driver of the car was totaly unharmed, of course it could have ended totaly different, but that crash showed me how safe modern cars realy are.
There are huge problems in Healthcare. Did you realize that there has been a strike at all university hospitals in NRW? For a better staffing ratio? For better care of patients?
The Healthcare professionals work too much and too lang shifts. There is a beyond serious staff shortage.
100% agree.
But we have a general shortage in work force in Germany.
@@peter_meyer Thats why I love all those expats praising Germany. Free advertisement attracting people we desperately need for our continued success. Still - as you can see in my comment above - I don´t want anyone to naively run into potentially very harmful situations, just because they simply dont know better and someone on RUclips told them so.
I hear you, now research the current state of affairs at hospitals and medical institutions in the US. They’re in shambles.
true- but maybe the reason is that Germany see their doctors much more often that people in other countries and also have more surgeries than other- which of course creates a lot of workload for the healthcare professionals.
@@RainerSpielberg dont forget covid and the massive current exodus out of care jobs into better jobs. Pay is not the reason here, its level of responsibility, being forced to continously fail expectations of everyone involved by understaffing and completely missing work-life-balance right up to burnout.
Care workers in the state of Northrhine-Westphalia are on strike for months now demanding better staffing (explicitely: not for better pay!), and the German public doesn´t seem to give a s*it.
Those striking idiots (sarcasm!) still provide emergency care for humanitarian/ethic reasons while being on strike. Public doesn´t care => Employers don´t care (and save money during the strike by not paying salaries).
That is a hell of an effective strike. Lets continue clapping on the balconys. Perhaps that helps anyone... (sarcasm!)
Gudee (Hessian greeting). Yes, I think I have the best expression for the life situation of people in the USA. "Golden cage". Wish you all the best.
Germany and the USA (as well as Japan) have the same score on the 2022 Freedom Index (8.73 out of 10). Neither of them are in the top 10. Number 1 is Switzerland (9.11).
Look at the "Personal Freedom" index. As an individual, i'm not interested in the freedom of international industries.
Well, i looked at worldpopulationreview. Not sure if CATO's review isn't based on financial points as it includes "Sound money" ...
Also, CATO's latest numbers online are from 2021, WPR has numbers from Q1 2022.
But, as always regarding such information, the intention of the organization has to be kept in mind. CATO seems to have specific interests as worldpopulationreview seems to be an independent organisation.
i'd prefer to trust the latter.
@@peter_meyer I've been to the U.S. I would put the U.S. at bottom the list for personal freedom of all counties I've been too and so would alot of other people.
Nice to hear so much positive things about this country. Watching this video makes me feel a little better, being a german just for now. Unfortunately I‘m watching the news.
"Germany only has Beer, Bratwurst and Schnitzel"
Let me introduce you to: our 50 or so kinds of bread! XD
Wir Deutschen haben circa 3000 verschiedene Sorten Brot 😁
Hey man I'm not German, or planning to live in Germany, or anything like that, but your video helped me in ways you probably can't even imagine.
Nice comments about germany, thank you! Wow, I am a little nervous about my vacation in September to the US. My last big trip to the US was in 2009 (5 days NY excluded in 2016) and I'm really nervous what to expect. How America has changed in this 13 years and what experiences we have with people there. I hope for the best! I had to laugh at the "food is better in america". No, definitivly not! Too sweet, too unhealthy and way too expensive when you want decent food. But we will survive for 3 weeks😂
There are a lot more factors to driving safety in germany, which are equally important but seldom mentioned. For example before obtaining a driving licence eyerone has to do mandatory driving lessons with a certyfied instructor. And cars are a lot safer and better maintainded due to mandatory safty checks (TÜV) every two years.
NO Nazis! #Neveragain!
Federal taxes are super easy to compare based more than just on "feel" If you make 50,000 a year (actual taxable income, so after deductions etc) In Germany your take home is 30,351 and in the USA your take home is 39,471 (just used online calculators to come up with these numbers...includes fica and social security etc in both countries). It does not take into account state or sales tax. Where I live I think the state taxes would be another 2500, but then there's also sales tax... which in Germany is a whopping 19%! In the USA it varies a lot but the highest sales tax in the USA is in California at 13.3% and where I live it's only 7.5%.
Also, healthcare can be more expensive in Germany, but I do admit it's usually not...if you make 50,000 in germany you pay 290 eur a month for healthcare. My comparable USA healthcare costs me about 190 a month... Of course every time I see a doc here I pay 30 bucks and in Germany it was 10 bucks every 3 months, but a healthy single person who doesn't go to the doctor more than a couple times a year will pay less in the USA... and my cap that I might have to pay for procedures etc in a given year is like 7,000, which is a lot but it's not like I'm going to be financially ruined if something major happens to me (except for missing work, which is def. another topic altogether).
Most importantly when it comes to healthcare, both the German and the American system do provide similar access to care, but the priority of the comfort an amenities is where you really see a difference. My best personal example of this is that one of my kids was born in America (we did have decent insurance) and the other in Germany.... stories below if you care to read.
When I had a kid in America the midwife decided to induce us because the baby's heartbeat was just a little slow, so we went to the hospital and my wife was expertly given an epidural and she was induced. This was about midnight so after that we both got a little sleep. Then in the morning sometime between 6 and 7 am, she was ready to start pushing. A healthy girl was born at 7:14 am. After the birth, I was able to stay in a private room with my wife for like 3-4 days and there was a little soda machine/ice machine down the hall where I could grab drinks and stuff for both of us. Also btw, the bill for all of this on top of the regular healthcare premium was maybe 350-400 bucks I think.
However, when I had a kid in Germany... my wife's amniotic fluid was low, but rather than inducing her they wanted her to stay in the hospital for so they could keep an eye on her... after a few days her labor started and then it stopped, so they gave her an herbal bath (lol) to try to induce her but it didn't work so they moved her back from the labor room to a regular room. We both just wanted her to be induced, and after about 24 hours of pushing the hospital they agreed. After she was induced, she wanted an epidural but they delayed giving her one for like 8+ hours... finally when someone did come they tried letting a student do it... my wife was towards the end of her labor at this point and in a lot of pain. The student tried unsuccessfully 3-4 times before someone else finally took over and did it correctly (but they were super stingy on letting her push that button to give her a little more relief... dumb since it's not even her first kid). When my son was born he was healthy, but he was a little blotchy, and I noticed some looks of concern between the nurses... apparently he was dangerously close to being in there too long for his own good, so they really should have induced days ago (like when we first went there because her fluid was low). Lastly... after the birth, she was put in a room with like 5 other beds, at least half of which were always full. I couldn't stay there with her; I could only visit during regular visiting hours.
Basically... I have seen first hand the benefits of both healthcare systems, but I also see the downsides to both. There's other stories and examples of specifics, but I'm pretty sure nobody will read this anyway and making it even longer isn't going to help that.
since my childhood in the 80th-90th the Ingnorance shrinks to almost non in my Region /Town in Germany the Neo/Ignorants
Watching all those videos from you and the other American fellows I am sure something will change and come up in the US very soon and prepares to coming up.
I'm genuinely shocked about those myths. I know many Americans (I used to work both in a multinational NATO unit and for a huge US IT company) and I never had the impression that my American colleagues thought of Germany like that. But obviously there are people who do not make an effort to educate themselves and instead believe everything they see on TV/read on Facebook. Otherwise accidents like Trump would not have happened. However I'm not blaming the average American, it's what they hear every day and they really have no reason to doubt it. I just find it sad.
The real problem is: They get more and more.
So nice to hear that from you/your side of view, and as a inborn german, i am happy to hear that, what i meant to feel, if i see life on the streets, instead just listen to the mainstream-media :)
Hey man, you and your family should check out northern Germany. Hamburg's Hafengeburtstag is from 16 to 18 September, there's lots of food and live music. Plus, Denmark and the Netherlands are close by.
We’re stuck between visiting Hamburg and Berlin next! You may have just sold me by mentioning this upcoming festival! Thank you!
@@TreyDaze hamburg is better,the majority of germans don t like berlin that much
@@oliverdecker249 sehr kühne Behauptung.
@@grandmak. Berlin ist cool, Hamburg ist cooler 😁
@@katrinbethge3355 finde ich ja auch, aber gleich von der "majority of Germans" zu sprechen ist übertrieben.
One reason why there is a difference in production of goods is because before something is manufactured the Manufacturer has to proof that it is safe in Europe. In the US it is safe unless it proofen unsafe and just then control measures are implemented.
There are also scandals in Europe like Contagan but that is the exception instead of the norm.
tbh, i hope for Nate he get's his butt over here ASAP.
That goes for Amy and her husband, too. And surely all the others looking forward to get out of the US.
But, tbrh, i'd prefer the US citizens to wake up, register, and go to the voting stations and end this nightmare.
I think it was a republican claiming that if all US citizens would go vote, the REPs wouldn't have a chance to win at all.
28:41 To add to the point, I really love the quote: "I don't want to be a rich man in a poor country" I think that sums is up.
The German Autobahn is still the safest road in the country. Least accidents, least dead people, least injured people. Some people claim that even the ADAC-members voted for a general speed limit on the Autobahn. But that's not all true. They only voted for a temporary speed limit whilest looking at the current circumstances with the war and the oil problems. And we are not all ADAC-members. The opposit is true. Much more of us aren't.
Car is just generally an unsafe mode of travel. Train, bus and plane are all much safer. And bikes would also be very safe if it weren't for the cars on the roads..
@@seeibe Yeah, that's why bikes should not be on the road. They don't even pay taxes 😉
the majority of Germany favor a speed limit-still one of the higher ones in the wold 80Miles/h.
@@RainerSpielberg I highly doubt that. Most survey results are not to trust.
Its so cool to see how a person that was not born in germany actually appreciates the things in germany more then a lot of people that are born here. You hear from a lot of people "where does our moeny go what does the goverment with that" etc. but you know better because you experienced worse
15:30 It's the speed that makes the German transportation safe. It's the way how to get the driving license, the TÜV and the streets and cities are designed (not just for cars). Speeding is dangerous and kills a lot of people.
Americans may not know how free we are in Europe, but we know how deluded they are.
How recently have you detailed this supposed "delusion"? Give me multiple examples. Such as ... ? I'm all ears -
@@scotthullinger4684 Most recent example: Your delusional attempt to sound smart.
@@scotthullinger4684 Gun violence (the USA is and was never meant to be the safest country in the world, that title goes to Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, and Ireland. Patriotic Americans keep telling you that the USA is safe and that's one of the biggest lies ever to be taught in the world. Are Hungary, Romania, and Greece also dangerous? GTFO.)
Quality of Life (food & drink, labor markets, education, healthcare, nature, cost of living, etc. Food & drink give you a long life expectancy and make you healthier. Healthcare is cheap if you include the dental. Nature like architecture and landscapes, and they are more appealing than you will ever see in the USA.)
Sports (Europe does not have many sports as the USA does, and non-soccer-like football if you name the NFL is uncommon in Europe. Soccer is very popular than you see in the USA. Baseball is big in Japan. Hockey does exist in Romania as well as other European countries, and it is okay to wear hockey/NHL jerseys anywhere in Europe.)
What is more to say???
@@TheRecklessMetalhead - There are more guns than people in the USA. That which the USA does NOT have is law enforcement and a justice system which will assign the proper corrections & deterrents for all of the law breakers among us. Guns don't kill people. People kill people. Evil people. Where are the vast majority of these gun crimes occurring? They of course occur everywhere - but MUCH more commonly in states & cities which are ruled by Democrats. Only the tiniest percentage of citizens are committing crimes with guns. Who won't resolve the problem? Democrats. Who has NO intention of resolving ANY problem which presents itself? Yes, those same idiot Democrats. Oh, they might talk about making improvement, but their solutions are worthless, and they typically have a goal of eliminating our Bill of Rights - such as the right to own a gun. But what they SHOULD be doing is controlling the criminal element among us. Chicago, for example, experiences at least one murder a day. Who's the mayor? An idiot Democrat.
California won't hold a person in jail who has committed a gun crime for more than a day or so. They just turn them loose again.
A lot of this reminds me of the Newsroom Monologue - especially the freedom part. I am looking now to move to Europe - can't wait to experience a different way of life!