As an American I also have no understanding of why we continue to build toilet stalls with big gaps in them. My only guess is that we do it just because we've always done it and whoever is building bathrooms doesn't like to change.
No, it's just because the person paying for the services and build out does not have any design sense to demand better features. There are some bathrooms in the US that have privately designed stalls, especially in luxury hotels and newer airports.
Believe me, designers are always looking to implement real improvements. It's more expensive to build full walls, harder to maintain (mopping and cleaning, not to mention airflow for drying), and harder to make graffiti-resistant.
I think is because is a standard design. Is just easier follow a standard design than change it and probably is more cheaper, change the design would be more expensive. Is a less job an architect has to do.
Imagine an architect proposing to their peers at the office change the bath design so there is no gap. They will look at him madly and say there is more important things to worry about.
Dude. It freaks me out too. And the locks are so weak that they open anyway and you are just there staring at some dude... like, "hey man close the dang door!"
The reason why there's a gap on the bottom is so you can mop the floor easier rather than going in and out of each stall. I use to be a custodian that's how I know lol.
As a German, there are some points that I can relate to, but the breakfast thing is really stupid. When you go to another country, it's clear that they don't have the same eating habits there as in your home country. You wouldn't expect to eat Bratwurst when you travel to Mexico, so why would you expect to find the same breakfast in the US as in Germany.
As German hotel chains bend over backwards to accomodate international travellers (even starting to serve hot soups that smell like farts for Asian guests for breakfast which really make my stomach turn in the morning), I can't see why US hotels can't manage to serve a continental breakfast for European guests. Just some fruit, joghurt, croissants, rolls, cold cuts and cheese... can't be that difficult.
2 месяца назад
And US tourists surely never demand the breakfast they are used to when travelling to Europe…
@@Baccatube79 it's the same as why German trains are late? or why is there kein Netz in so many places? or why you still are forced to pay cash in so many places (last time I paid in Toyota for a change of oil)? why do they have Giro cards, when the whole world has only credit or debit cards? why you need to wait 3 weeks to open a bank account (4 letters coming to your home). So... in EVERY country there are strange things.
@@tomodomo1000 Meanwhile, we changed to a debit card system, and since the pandemic, cards are way more widely accepted. But there is a difference in refurbishing a wrecked railway system and accomodating to customers by making a breakfast
My first trip (2022) to a large city in Germany was Munich. Upon arriving from Rome, I stood outside the train station trying to figure out the taxi situation. Simultaneously Munich’s largest marathon was just ending so a bit of confusion on where to get taxi. I was standing there, and I asked a woman next to me if she was in the queue to get a taxi? She said “no” but before finishing our conversation, she was kind enough to tell me how she hates Americans. I just looked at her with a big smile and told her to “have a better day”. She just glared at me as I walked away. 😊
You meet rude people in every country. And in Germany are not only people like this. Who knows what ruined her day, that she reacted like that. 🙄 Being another German, I apologize for her.
Just got back from a 2 week trip to Germany (visiting from Canada). I really liked how you are not bugged every few minutes at a restaurant … “How is everything? Would you like something?” Nope. You get your food and that’s that. You will eventually have to ask for your bill. We only came across 2-3 places that took only cash. Everything else we used our Apple Watch for CC payment. We were struck by how many people ate cake for breakfast.
I’ve just been to the US and back in the Netherlands I can tell tou, literally all these points that are mentioned apply to Dutch people as well😂 toilets with cracks, insane tipping, paying everything with credit card. Great conclusion of Germany, but pretty much all of western Europe. Nice video!
I love watching your videos, so, as a german i have to comment this one i think 😉. Please don't generalize so much. I know that you mean more the mentality and not all Germans individually, but I hope it's not really as blatant as you make it out to be. My family and I went to the US (New York) for the first time in March and loved the differences to Germany! Especially on vacation you don't want to experience everything like at home, but rather get to know the other country as it is. This also includes a preliminary research on the customs of the country. We gave 20% in every restaurant, bar and anywhere you had the option to add a tip. I liked the American style, didn't miss a ham at breakfast and loved the great service. At home, we always fill our glasses with ice and then add the drink. After a Yankees game, while waiting for the subway, I had an interesting conversation with a fan who was also waiting and spoke to me (Hi Mike, greetings if you're reading this). He wanted to know what Germans like and don't like about America. I replied that I couldn't say that exactly. Unfortunately, there are certainly many of the clichés that you also mention in your video: the ham-loving, stingy German who is angry when everything is not like in good old Germany. But I hope that this is not the majority of Germans. Many of my friends and I tick differently and I know that the American clichés that are so popular in other countries do not apply to every American. Conclusion: Don't lump everyone together and try to explain more why some things are different. I'm looking forward to my next vacation to the USA and right now I'm missing the nice way of being addressed in shops, the American breakfast and the way of life. But thank you for your videos, which have already helped us to prepare for the trip. Best regards, Tim
Excellent Post! Like too many others, this video has way too many generalizations about hundreds of millions of people in a land area comparable in size to the entire EU. Helps to get out of the cities. Whether commercial or private, most people will make every effort to ensure you feel welcome and comfortable. Happy trails ... 😊
To be fair to Mark, I'm sure he knows that not every German behaves the same way, nor do I think he was saying that all of the criticisms these Germans gave were bad (the bathroom stall critique is extremely valid). However, as an American living in Germany, I've met many Germans who are quick to critique things, it's somewhat of a national sport (especially when DB is involved). In my experience, it's also very common when they find out I'm American. While most Germans I know are polite and great people, so many I meet are quick to complain about things in the US, whether it's public transport, lifestyle, education and so on. While there are many valid criticisms to give about my country, I wouldn't say it is a wise policy to complain about X country immediately after meeting someone from X nationality. Yet many Germans I've met are very quick to do this, at least towards me 😅
There's a new quality about this particular video that i like even more than most of your videos. I can't put my finger on it but the fun & funny factors are amped up a notch or two. Thanks for that!
Bc it’s not “service “ in the US. It’s sales. They are trying to push products or get you through the restaurant so they can move onto the next table and tip)
It's not only the Germans. As a Dane I agree with most, even after visiting USA for more than 20 years. Restrooms are the worst. 😂 And I once had a long debate with a bartender to make him understand that I neither wanted water nor ice in my single malt whisky
For the whiskey you have to order it "neat" -- this is the bar term for no water and no ice. Can also use the term "up" which is short for straight up -- so "a double whiskey neat" or "a double whiskey up"
@@Originalman144 "Up" and "neat" are not the same thing. "Neat" means poured from the bottle directly into the drinking glass with no ice or water. Often brown liquors (scotch, bourbon, whiskey) are served "up." "Up" means the product has been shaken with ice then strained into the drinking glass with no additional ice nor water. Think martinis and Manhattans. "Straight up" is sometimes used as an alternative for "neat," but not always. That one is subject to misinterpretation based on region. If you want a separate glass of water, it's a "water back." In my case, I'm a bourbon drinker, so I'll order "bourbon neat, water back."
@@krillin876 Oh, yeah, I went to a bar once and ordered a bourbon neat. I was shocked when they asked me if I wanted that on the rocks. I answered, "oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were a bartender."
@@Originalman144 I told tge waitress "neat" and she returned to ask if I meant that. When I said yes the bartender came down to the table to ask the same question.
Mate, the US toilet panel issue isn’t just a problem for Germans. Us Aussies don’t like this either when we visit the US. And the comments about over the top service and tipping in the US - us Aussies also don’t like either of these situations when visiting the US. In my case, perhaps it’s my German heritage. Ich wurde in Australien geboren und diese Dinge gehen mir auf die Nerven. Grüße aus Australien. Tschüss.
A lot of this applies to most Europeans, though I'm surprised by the credit card thing. In a lot of ways, Europe got ahead of us on some of the convenient aspects of the cards, like tap/touch. I enjoyed my 4 years in Germany and think it's cool that what I consider my hometown, San Antonio, has so many German-settled little towns, including Fredericksburg, nearby up in the Hill Country. Never understood the bathroom stall configuration myself.
I agree. I think the US government told stores that they need to update their payment options with the tap system by 2023 (?) but store owners started bitching that it would cost too much, so that is why some still have just the slide and not tap.
@@housepianist As an America I agree, epically with the waiters, while trying to have a conversation with a friend. Bug off. As for breakfast...well breakfast for me is a cup of black coffee and an everything bagel.
I’m in Berlin right now. Imagine my utter shock and dismay when I went to pay for my lunch yesterday and the sign read “CARD ONLY”?!?!?! Like I came here for the authentic German experience, why won’t you give it to me?
@@winterlinde5395 haha, wir werden immer etwas über sich beschweren. Thanks for that; there may be a long form video coming out about my observations between my time in Karlsruhe, Köln, Hamburg, and Berlin, in the next few weeks
the worst are the ice cubes they make out of tap water and you taste the chlorine in your soda!!!🤮 I always let the waiter know, that I don’t want ice in my soda!!!
Silkyh was in Cancun Mexico in 1989 and the water treatment plants were disabled. So only drank beer or bottled water. Most important thing to know in Spanish was “Una bebida sin hielo por favor!” Translation a drink without ice please?”
It's interesting to me that we (Americans) are told to adapt to the culture that you are in and not demand it be more like America. But, apparently, the opposite is not true?!
I couldn't agree with you more. Watching these videos I've come to realize that so many from other countries don't like Americans. They use these videos as an opportunity to make that clear with their comments. They complain about us as tourists and they complain about us when they visit our country. There's a lot of division created with these videos highlighting the things they hate about the United States and it's people.
Be more Laissez-faire about it😂 At the end of the day it is a form of entertainment/fun for many to complain all day. Can get a tad depressing if you live here though😂
It turned out what Germans hate about the US is almost the same as what Japanese hate about the US😅 But as for American breakfast thing, we have no complaints at all.
Thanks for that video, I really enjoyed it. Since I'm German and I have visited the U.S. like 15 times over the last 2 decades, I can tell you that you are right. These are really the things that -let's say- "surprise" the typical German tourist. However, after 2 or 3 visits, I got used to all that and thought to myself "hey, that's how THEY do it". What you could also add is that "wait to get seated" thing, and the fact that it's a "no-no" to just walk in and sit down at a random table - or even ask others if it's ok if you join them at their table (how it is done in some places in GER). Keep up your good work dude!
I hate all the garbage and disposable tableware. Even in hotels or restaurants or schools you get plastic cutlery and paper plates. Why?! And the crazy tipping! 10 - 20% is fine, but 25%, 30% and also on take out or Starbucks?! NO! Never! And: why do you need to sell a kidney when you want to buy a beer at a concert? In march we had tickets for Bruce Springsteen in Boston. 17$ for one beer after loooong discussion because we only had our german ID and not our passports with us. We are 37 with 65 years old parants with us. Totally crazy situation for a german adult. But I love America and I love the hospitality and all the nice questions and conversations and the respect and willingness to help. ❤ And I love "Peeps"! I have peepsenality! 🤣
I tried to buy alcohol at the grocery store with only a German ID and had to get political with the manager. "Do you only sell groceries to residents of America?" That got thru to him and he let us have it. Later I looked it up and the reality is, a passport is actually required to purchase alcohol (if you have no American drivers license). Now I know.
I’m French and I strongly relate to all of these except the first one. Special mention for the obsession with ice in drinks, I hate ice cubes with a passion and keep forgetting to specify without ice (and when I do remember, people look at me like I had two heads).
Great video sir and as usual you are always right on the money... :). My family and I enjoyed Fredericksburg, Texas and we would like to go back oneday.
Yes, there is. I grew up in the States but have become more sensitive to all the sugar as I've gotten older. For a long time the only other option was sugar free, which meant artificial sweeteners and (to me) horrible taste. But now there are some 'less sweet' options showing up in the stores, which I prefer. The same thing could be said for the salt in foods here. There are some 'less salt' choices now on the market as well.
On the cash vs card thing - I understand, but a big reason why many places don't like to accept anything over a 20 is that they're worried about people passing them counterfeit bills. Also, it depends on the total. If your bill is $15, forking over a hundred will be looked at with suspicion (for the reason above) and will distaste, especially at a retail shop, where making change for that will likely wipe out much of their smaller bills. A certain portion of the shopping public does that to (apparently) try to impress the cashiers...which doesn't work ;) The only people who get impressed are the local pickpockets. As for the bathroom thing -- Most of us find it weird, too. Tell them to try Buc-ee's if they're in the right part of the country; their bathrooms are a bit more civilized!
Agreed about large bills. Cash registers are usually stocked with a set number of each bank note (bill). Especially early in the day, someone buying a small item with a C-note ($100 bill) can wipe out the cash drawer, rendering it impossible for the cashier to make change on the next several cash purchases.
@@ajs11201 So true! I used to work as a cashier in a supermarket. One time that exact thing happened, a guy came first thing and bought a pack of gum and handed me either a $50 or $100. When I went to hand him a whole bunch of coins he was pissed off. I said “Well what do you expect? I don’t have that kind of change first thing!”
I never get ice in drink too and now I discovered it's a Europe thing. 😮 By the way you can always tell your server you don't want them to go by the table every 2 min cause it is a requirement in some restaurants so If you tell them during you visit they will adjust or come by once you wave them over. 😂 it does help them out as well
Based off my observations from visiting Germany, I think the biggest complaints they would have with the USA would are #1 - lack of beer at breakfast #2 - lack of beer at lunch #3 - lack of beer at dinner
@@TheGoukaruma We do. Weizenbier together with Weißwurst way before noon! But not in all of Germany. That's the main thing. The regional differences and the diversity.
Reverse culture shock from an American first time in Austria, What's with these cold cuts? Don't you have breakfast food? Europe's revenge? I now live in Georgia in Eastern Europe. Breakfast as we know it in the West doesn't even hardly exist here! But I can just make it at home.
Why is OVERTHETOP service so noticeable in the USA? BECAUSE, the servers want BIGGER TIPS, and for no other reason. We all need to start tipping like the Germans. And then, we could eat our meals in peace, in the USA.
LoL, this was fun. I'm Swiss, we have our own kind of quirks, I guess... 😊 Hubby and I will be visiting the US this summer ( mostly National Parks of the West) I can tell you I can't wait! Edit: American breakfast? Gimme that pancake!
You must see Yellowstone and Rocky Mt. national parks. Also Arches in Utah. Also Sequoia in California. A great Museum is the Buffalo bill museum in Cody, Wyoming a short drive from Yellowstone and they have the nighttime rodeo there. Of course the Grand Canyon also. I have some videos of these places on my RUclips channel.
@Richard2003 Yellowstone is on our list. Capitol Reef, Grand Teton, Great Sand Dunes, Rocky Mountain NP, Canyonlands and Bryce Canyon also. We visited the Grand Canyon 1993 ( yes, I'm that old 😂) , with Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Beautiful places all of them. The nature, the views - just breathtaking.
When I visited I really loved the efficiency of Germany and directness of the people. No BS, get to the point and move on. I'm not rude, I'm just covertly German.
I will never forget, living close to San Antonio I visited Fredericksburg. I went to a "German" Restaurant. They served potatosalad. I ordered it and just couldn't eat it. They put loads of sugar on it. 😂. It was not eatable.
@@TeutonicNordwind Some are good. Went to one in Toronto (ok, Canada but heyho) back about a decade ago. That was authentic bavarian-german food. The place was packed. But the food was great. American portion sizes. Good schnitzel, divine mushroom sauce... Can't remember the name of the place though :/
Aso ich habe Nordwind so verstanden, dass er gar nicht bezweifelt hat, was du erzählt hast, sondern nur seine Beobachtung mitteilen wollte, dass das nicht alle so machen.
What I witnessed over the years, the US was known to be a service aka customer 1st paradise but it has gotten bad. Waiters used to be friendly but not any more since most of the time the 20% service fee will automatically be added to the bill. Certain tourists still tip because they do NOT read the bill, you better! Before they added the service fee, I always gave a tip - 15% when it was okay-ish but 20% when it was excellent! When you are at a department store, their staff is friendly until they bring you to the register, no goodbye when actually passing them by while leaving the store. The phrase. How are you?!/How's it going?! is almost the same as: Wie geht's?! - Nobody really cares! It's just an informal/lazy way of greeting people you know. Grüss Gott is only use in Bavaria BUT Germany is NOT just Bavaria 😂
The thing about cash vs. cards is that if you lose your cash, it's gone for good. If you lose your card, it can be 'turned off' with a quick phone call and most banks will credit you for any fraudulent charges that may have been made before you reported it stolen. Additionally, many businesses don't want to handle large amounts of cash because it makes it tempting for thieves, either internal (the employees), or external (the patrons). Lastly, counterfeit money is a genuine concern, while counterfeit debit or credit cards are less so. There's a very good argument for eliminating ALL cash, and going electronic for everything, but I have rambled on long enough...
ha true that bathroom thing is annoying, those gaps! I used to think since im from new york the gaps are used to spot people who might be in there doing drugs lol
I am from Luxembourg , and well you should change your video to What Europeans hate about the USA, because we in Europe all think those things, except for the breakfast I love American Breakfast, I so want one of these pancakes machines that u find in hotels back home haha
@@LythaWausWyes, there are special mixes for pancakes and waffles. You can check out the breakfast/cereal aisles in grocery stores to get that idea. My family likes the Belgian waffle mix, also the Stonewall (comes in a tin like can) pancake/waffle mixes. They have blueberry, chocolate chip, and toasted coconut. At home, I’ve used extracts - like rum.:).
HOW ARE YOU DOING: I HATE that question. I always try to give an honest answer. But then, the Americans hate my honest answer! (I was born in America and lived there 2.5 decades before coming to Asia. When I was born, at that age, NOBODY walked around asking STUPID questions! The dumbing down of America caused me to leave.)
I agree on all counts except the breakfast part. Part of travelling is experiencing the food cultures of other countries. If you need something particular to get you "moving" in the morning, then stock up at the local grocery store. My spouse brings his own tea when we travel.
I agree completely. Why do the Germans complain about how we eat breakfast? I've been to Germany a few times and didn't complain to them about how they eat. I don't understand the pompous attitudes tourists bring to the US. "Why do you Yankees do this or that??" That's just hostile. Don't bother visiting if you hate how people dine. Might as well go to Saudi Arabia and shout at them about why they don't serve pork. I mean it.
@@largol33t1 As a German, I can assure you that it's only a very few "typical tourists" who complain about that type of breakfast. In Germany, you can get a so-called "Bauernfrühstück" ("Farmer's breakfast") as well in a lot of places, which is - wait for it - bacon and eggs with home fries... To make it more clear: this is the type of tourist, who - were they from the US - would run around the whole day in a Hawaiian T-Shirt, Bermuda shorts, white socks and sandals, together with some over-the-top sunglasses and straw hat...
My brother in law is from Germany. When my sister's family visits my parents, they make sure that he has bread, butter, cold cuts and cheese for his breakfast.
Ah the bathroom stalls...I immigrated to the US from India 20 years ago and I still haven't gotten over the gaps in the doors. Maybe our bathrooms need "Mind the gap" signs.
The most accurate part about this video is that Germans have way too many things to complain about. My wife and I have managed vacation rentals for several years and we have noticed a theme that whenever we get German guests we can just about guarantee that they will have lots of complaints and leave very low reviews although 95% of the people from everywhere else will leave five-star reviews and say how fabulous their stay was. 🤣
@@Elatenl 🤣Yeah, whenever we see that a German has booked one of our places we usually groan. We also put small labels on all the kitchen cabinets/drawers so guests can easily find things and one of theses beloved guests put in their review that they were insulted by these labels as they are not five years old. 🤣Most guests LOVED the time saving labels so they didn't have to open every cabinet to find the plates etc. On a side note... I thought my dad was British, but I guess he's German. He's been doing the socks/sandals thing most of his life.
@@cornfedlife Austrian here. We are a little bit different then germans. Most of us don’t like socks in sandals as well. And i would love to have labels on cabinets to find things easily 💪
Toilets are so weird in the US. I had to go in a Red Lobster in Boston and each stall only had salon style doors. I literally sat there looking over the door into the dining area. So uncomfortable.
This just doesnt affect Germans??. As an irish person living in Spain alot of these aspects of America bother me. Again the reference to Germans really confuses me
American here - I agree about the bathroom stalls, the over-the-top service, tipping, and cash. It's worth noting that the overly friendly service people are usually so because they really need the tip or commission.
It's like that in Southeast Asia, you can't walk into a store and just look around without being stalked by an employee the entire time you're in there.
I can live with ham and eggs or bacon and eggs but if they only have the sweet stuff like cereals or overly sweet bread, jupp it's true that is no way to start your morning 😀 But that there were only cereals was only in one hotel I stayed in the US. The others had great breakfast or at least a wonderful breakfast place nearby.
I am beginning to think there is something genetic about this. Many of these traits, I have developed over the years, despite being born ,raised, and never living outside of the USA. Weirdly, as an adult (in my 50's) I learned about German heritage I never knew about.
I wonder about this too. I have a lot of German ancestors and I find myself acting the same way that Germans are described. When I was in college, one of the Sociology majors did a survey of people with German ancestry. This tells me that they had an idea that some of the ways German act are hereditary. Another viewpoint would be that many Germans came to the US in the late 1800s and early 1900s, which is relatively recent. Some of the German customs and mannerisms may still have an affect on us from the way our parents and grandparents acted.
Just spent the past 4 years living in Germany. Had lived there 3 years previously. My long time German friends and I seem to adopted part of both cultures. He would add one only put one piece of ice in a cocktail until I showed the difference more ice makes, but I agree on all other American drinks are too loaded with ice. I totally adopted the salami, cheese on fresh croissants with senf for breakfast. I tend to tip American style in most of Europe. You’d be surprised how the service and becomes as a repeat customer. The one thing both my German friend and I dislike in Germany is the “It’s not possible” answer that comes way too quickly.
2:25 and that is exactly what a lot of Europeans don’t get when it comes to the trans and bathrooms issue. In America you can literally watch what someone is doing . So that’s why a lot of women are concerned. (Not to make this political)
What? We lived in Southern Germany for 2 yrs and they clearly distinguish between male and female bathrooms, maybe in a large city like Berlin it’s an issue? We never had an issue and it seemed more conservative than here in the US, but we also don’t watch television….so idk about media?
Understand, the meaning of the high stall doors is so you can roll the toilet paper out to whoever is there and see how they react through the large gap in the door.
I learned the Germany aversion to ice in 1985 when one of my friends had a German exchange student hang out with us. We were walking around on hot summer day and he bought a two-layer bottle of Coke and to our horror... drank it straight from the bottle... WARM!!! As a high school student who hadn't seen the world I just couldn't get over that for a long time. In college I had a classmate from Berlin who noted that many Germans consider cold drinks an unhealthy shock to the body. And lo and behold as I type this a Scorpions song comes on the radio!
As an American, I must agree with our European friends. I dislike ice in my drinks--or maybe at most one or two cubes. I'd sooner drink a warm beverage than suffer through a glass overfilled with ice.
I’m really surprised about the credit card thing. I live in Norway, and we flat out don’t use cash anymore. I mean, many places still accept it, but almost no one actually use it. I also have a range of credit cards, mostly for airline miles. I haven’t used cash a single time since I was in the US last year, and there it seemed much more common, especially for tipping outside of restaurants. Going to Germany this summer though, I guess I need to bring along some cash.
@anders8154 We left Germany in 2022 and mostly cards were being used, happened during Covid or could be regional… We lived in the Rheinland Pfalz region.
I agree with the toilets, the tipping and the service, the rest I don't really mind. I don't do pancakes for breakfast at home, but when I'm on holiday I like it (although I won't mix sweet pancakes with bacon, but in most hotels you have a buffet and you can pick what you want). And I must say that during my last trip to the US (last month) the service wasn't so over the top as it used to be. They still came to the table more often than I'm used to at home, but a lot less than it used to be. I'm not sure why, but maybe they also have trouble finding staff so waiters have more tables and can't spend as much time at each table as in the past. In any case, the service was good but not over the top, so I was happy. One thing I don't like about the US is that you need a car to go everywhere, as public transport is non-existent (except maybe in the big cities). And one tip for renting a car: don't rent at the airport. Take a taxi, hotel shuttle or Uber and rent a bit away from the airport. I did this (my uncle lives in the US and he picked us up) and I paid half the price than I would have at the airport (same company, same type of car).
Having been to Germany many times, I can tell you that shops are not thrilled to receive large Euro notes. Pretty much, they don't want to take anything higher than a 50 Euro note. Unless you're paying for something that costs a lot (maybe a hotel/accommodation), then OK. But generally no. I'm also not a big fan of lots of ice in my drink.
That’s fine, but THEY are visiting US. I’m not a big fan of a lot of our “isms,” but it is what it is. We have to adapt to their culture whilst in Germany, so it doesn’t matter what they think about our culture. If they don’t like it… go to Canada.
Mark, a great place to take people who are not from San Antonio is Texas Pride BBQ on the south side. They used to direct parking on horse back. They have really good bbq and a good Texas ambience. Hope to see you in town sometime. Take care
I can understand people who don't like credit cards. You easily can lose the overview over your spendings especially when travelling. I prefer also cash.
So we need to accommodate everyone else to their needs here, but when we go abroad, we have to adapt and deal with it. Hmm. No I think if you come here you adapt to our way of life.
It's just a light-hearted look at cultural differences. At no point anywhere in the video does he even imply that people in the USA should accommodate the expectations of visiting tourists by doing things differently. It's just not there at all, Taco.
Exactly! Complain about Americans as tourists in their country and then complain about America and it's people when they visit our country. Sounds like they don't like us period. Well, actually "hate" is the word used.
This is my favorite video so far. I love your channel! But I have so many questions... Why do you speak German so well? Why do you travel so much? And why do you know every country so well? Are you doing all this for RUclips? If so, it would probably be difficult to fund something like that. Or do you have a job where you travel a lot and use it to make videos about different countries? Either way, your videos are always great, informative and it's obvious you know your stuff. Keep up the good work!
I don't know all the specifics but he has had the channel for more than 10 years, and also a website. He's also a university professor (marketing I think?) and lived in Germany as an exchange student, also Argentina and other countries...beyond that, I understand he (and later his wife and kids) early on decided that they wanted to spend their life travelling...whatever that means, may not own much or something, don't know...
French person in Canada, and the massive gaps around toilet doors and the obsession with ice cubes in drinks are major pet peeves of mine. (While I’m at it, we also do the “making eye contact while toasting” thing, it utterly confuses my non-French spouse).
Great video, Mark. Here’s my take: The breakfast thing, they’re just going to have to get over it, lol. Part of the experience of visiting a different country or region is eating the way locals do. Whining that it’s not like it is where you’re from is just childish. Sort of the same with the greeting and “over the top” service. Germans aren’t the happiest, friendliest folks, so no surprise here lol. TOTALLY agree with the bathroom thing! I hate the cracks and peekaboo spaces in the stalls are terrible. I also agree with them about the tipping. It’s over done here. Just like any other profession, take your labor issues up with your employer, don’t lay that burden on me. We always look forward to your videos. God bless.
It's not just Germans who find over the top service annoying. I'm British and it pisses me off too.... especially in restaurants. I find a lot of British eating establishments have adopted this practice. Just leave me alone to eat my meal and talk to my friends and I'll let you know if there's a problem or I need anything 😬
I had to really laugh with this video. My father was raised in Berlin and came to this country in the mid-50s, and I don't think he ever got used to the American breakfast thing. He used to tell my mother that cooked meat in the morning was "barbaric". He lived to be 94 years old and had the same cold meat, cheese, fruit, and that awful German bread every morning!
@Barnaby Thorngate I was referring to that awful prepackaged pumpernickel bread that we could get here in America purported to be the real deal. I've been to Germany several times, and you are right, the fresh bread in Germany is lovely, and I wish we could get something that good over here.
@slv nyc as I said in my own reply. But I stand by what I said. In smalltown mid -America in the 1950s and 60s, the only choices we had for German bread were the prepackaged cardboard slices passed off as real German Pumpernickel. There is absolutely no comparison to a fresh bauernbrot, or potato bread or a rum stollen. The only times I could ever get those as a kid was when we visited my grandmother and went to her local bakery in Rondorf, or when she sent four or five loaves of stollen in Christmas Care packages. I don't know how old you are, but I'm almost seventy, and my choices were far more limited than they are today.
Keeping enough change for $100 bills at gas stations in the US is just reckless. I'm sure Germany doesn't have as many criminals running around with guns. You have to constantly be putting money in the drop safe while working at gas stations in the US. I was in an armed robbery and only had around $30 in the till, and my manager was still annoyed by how much money the guy got.
I'll take the toilet full of water any day (we also have them in Canada) over the German _poop shelf_ toilet. Imagine having to scrub your toilet _every_ single time after flushing.
You've pointed something out that I've adapted to without complaint. Hm. Every Single Time. I can complain a lot though, esp no shopping on Sunday, and empty bottles filling up my house that must be returned to the store.
Lots of this is valid for other European countries. It’s not so much people are annoyed... it’s just it’s different. It is annoying but it’s how it is. Nobody is asking Americans to change
In Ireland we say how are you as a way of just saying hello too. We don't have that 'over the top service' but I noticed that when I lived abroad that the service was over the top . Couldn't stand it. It puts me off going into the shops. That's crazy you can see people in the bathroom! Oh no!!!! Here we accept cash and card. You are not obliged to give a tip here. :-)
Another thing that will confuse Europeans, not just Germans is that the price tag in stores is not what you pay as it doesn't include the sales tax. As far as the use of the "s" on the end of Aldi, then that's just using the possessive. So, what is really happening is somebody in English is basically saying I'm going to Aldi's, or the place owned by Aldi. It's no different to saying I'm going to Fred's which is, short for, I'm going to Fred's place. People speaking English use this as a very common form. That sort of possessive is not part of the German language, or at least not formally, although you might find the odd example borrowed from English usage. The breakfast complaint is a bit odd. You should not visit a foreign country and expect the food to be the same. Maybe if a place specialises in catering for tourists from a particular country, then that might be the case, but not in general.
Me as a German, I would love to travel to the US one day, as I love the open minded and friendly attitude. But the more ore less "open" toilets would be really a hard pull to swallow 😂
As a German who visited the US over 10 times (even Fredricksburg in 2023) I have to say the credit card thing is not true anymore. Since Corona, you can pay almost everywhere in Germany (especially in Munich where I live). I haven't used cash even once this year. I pay everything with my smartphone by tapping. On the other hand in the US, tapping does not work most of the time. It happens so often that I wanted to pay with my phone and the lady says "sorry, no tapping". Then I had to get the credit card from my wallet. Oh and another thing that annoys me regarding credit cards in the US: At most gas stations I can only pay by entering my ZIP code. But I have only German credit cards (yes more than one) and when I enter my German ZIP code, the gas pump does not accept it. So I have to go to the cashier and pay in advance and go back to the gas pump to start filling up my car. Don't you have PIN codes on your credit cards, why using such an unsecure thing as ZIP codes (which everyone can guess if they get your credit card and know where you from).
Americans can go to the moon 6 times, but can’t figure out how to cater breakfast to attract Euro tourists. Germans can’t figure out how to refrigerate beer or cokes, but can design machines surpassing anything. Speaking of Texas: chicken fried steak is essentially schnitzel with beef instead of pork. It’s often bad but sometimes great. There’s a fast food chain called “Wienerschnitzel“ in Texas, but it sells hotdogs. My Austrian family was confused, and I had no explanation. Americans love meat and fried food but can’t figure out German/Austrian schnitzel, even though the Hamburg-er is America’s fave food and originally German, obviously. Lol!
Been to US two times, had a great time there! Actually most of what you have mentioned can be said about every tourist that visit America. We know about high tipping that you guys have and that's fine, but these "How are you", fetish doors, and over-the top service are things everyone needs to get used to! ;)
😂 We lived in Germany for 2 yrs in a village and I always waved and said hallo while driving or walking, they would completely turn around and stare at me. I’m not changing my American Southern ways. 😂
As an American I also have no understanding of why we continue to build toilet stalls with big gaps in them. My only guess is that we do it just because we've always done it and whoever is building bathrooms doesn't like to change.
No, it's just because the person paying for the services and build out does not have any design sense to demand better features. There are some bathrooms in the US that have privately designed stalls, especially in luxury hotels and newer airports.
Believe me, designers are always looking to implement real improvements. It's more expensive to build full walls, harder to maintain (mopping and cleaning, not to mention airflow for drying), and harder to make graffiti-resistant.
I think is because is a standard design. Is just easier follow a standard design than change it and probably is more cheaper, change the design would be more expensive. Is a less job an architect has to do.
Imagine an architect proposing to their peers at the office change the bath design so there is no gap. They will look at him madly and say there is more important things to worry about.
I read somewhere that is because an emergency issue. I feel that they should be deff lower to the ground and have thinner gap.
They’re right about the bathroom stalls. Why, America, why? Metal studs, sheetrock, and doors aren’t much more expensive than stalls.
Dude. It freaks me out too. And the locks are so weak that they open anyway and you are just there staring at some dude... like, "hey man close the dang door!"
The reason why there's a gap on the bottom is so you can mop the floor easier rather than going in and out of each stall. I use to be a custodian that's how I know lol.
@@woltersworld Any clue about the reasoning for it? I can't think of any.
@@AZTUC_520 That one i get. But the door gap? Just why?
@@peterpain6625 So when they knock on the door you can look them in the eye when you tell them it's occupied. It's the polite thing to do.
As a German, there are some points that I can relate to, but the breakfast thing is really stupid. When you go to another country, it's clear that they don't have the same eating habits there as in your home country. You wouldn't expect to eat Bratwurst when you travel to Mexico, so why would you expect to find the same breakfast in the US as in Germany.
In hotel chain? I would
As German hotel chains bend over backwards to accomodate international travellers (even starting to serve hot soups that smell like farts for Asian guests for breakfast which really make my stomach turn in the morning), I can't see why US hotels can't manage to serve a continental breakfast for European guests. Just some fruit, joghurt, croissants, rolls, cold cuts and cheese... can't be that difficult.
And US tourists surely never demand the breakfast they are used to when travelling to Europe…
@@Baccatube79 it's the same as why German trains are late? or why is there kein Netz in so many places? or why you still are forced to pay cash in so many places (last time I paid in Toyota for a change of oil)? why do they have Giro cards, when the whole world has only credit or debit cards? why you need to wait 3 weeks to open a bank account (4 letters coming to your home). So... in EVERY country there are strange things.
@@tomodomo1000 Meanwhile, we changed to a debit card system, and since the pandemic, cards are way more widely accepted. But there is a difference in refurbishing a wrecked railway system and accomodating to customers by making a breakfast
But, have you ever seen a German completely satisfied? “Everything is great” said no German ever.
Hmmm... im going to have to think about that... yes!!! Michael Jackson's Thriller album. They arr satusfied with that 😀
Hear hear!
After 30 years of living near Munich, I attest that this is very much true.
@@woltersworld And David Hasselhoff LOL
Don't generalize! Everybody is different😊
My first trip (2022) to a large city in Germany was Munich. Upon arriving from Rome, I stood outside the train station trying to figure out the taxi situation. Simultaneously Munich’s largest marathon was just ending so a bit of confusion on where to get taxi. I was standing there, and I asked a woman next to me if she was in the queue to get a taxi? She said “no” but before finishing our conversation, she was kind enough to tell me how she hates Americans. I just looked at her with a big smile and told her to “have a better day”. She just glared at me as I walked away. 😊
Should have replied with, "bit rude, innit?" 😂
You meet rude people in every country. And in Germany are not only people like this. Who knows what ruined her day, that she reacted like that. 🙄 Being another German, I apologize for her.
Just got back from a 2 week trip to Germany (visiting from Canada). I really liked how you are not bugged every few minutes at a restaurant … “How is everything? Would you like something?” Nope. You get your food and that’s that. You will eventually have to ask for your bill. We only came across 2-3 places that took only cash. Everything else we used our Apple Watch for CC payment. We were struck by how many people ate cake for breakfast.
Aren’t pancakes cakes?
I’ve just been to the US and back in the Netherlands I can tell tou, literally all these points that are mentioned apply to Dutch people as well😂 toilets with cracks, insane tipping, paying everything with credit card. Great conclusion of Germany, but pretty much all of western Europe.
Nice video!
I love watching your videos, so, as a german i have to comment this one i think 😉. Please don't generalize so much. I know that you mean more the mentality and not all Germans individually, but I hope it's not really as blatant as you make it out to be. My family and I went to the US (New York) for the first time in March and loved the differences to Germany! Especially on vacation you don't want to experience everything like at home, but rather get to know the other country as it is. This also includes a preliminary research on the customs of the country. We gave 20% in every restaurant, bar and anywhere you had the option to add a tip. I liked the American style, didn't miss a ham at breakfast and loved the great service. At home, we always fill our glasses with ice and then add the drink. After a Yankees game, while waiting for the subway, I had an interesting conversation with a fan who was also waiting and spoke to me (Hi Mike, greetings if you're reading this). He wanted to know what Germans like and don't like about America. I replied that I couldn't say that exactly. Unfortunately, there are certainly many of the clichés that you also mention in your video: the ham-loving, stingy German who is angry when everything is not like in good old Germany. But I hope that this is not the majority of Germans. Many of my friends and I tick differently and I know that the American clichés that are so popular in other countries do not apply to every American. Conclusion: Don't lump everyone together and try to explain more why some things are different. I'm looking forward to my next vacation to the USA and right now I'm missing the nice way of being addressed in shops, the American breakfast and the way of life. But thank you for your videos, which have already helped us to prepare for the trip. Best regards, Tim
Danke für deine Mühe!!!
Excellent Post! Like too many others, this video has way too many generalizations about hundreds of millions of people in a land area comparable in size to the entire EU. Helps to get out of the cities. Whether commercial or private, most people will make every effort to ensure you feel welcome and comfortable. Happy trails ... 😊
Oh my God, an upset German, SHOCKING!
@@dobees8183 ???
To be fair to Mark, I'm sure he knows that not every German behaves the same way, nor do I think he was saying that all of the criticisms these Germans gave were bad (the bathroom stall critique is extremely valid). However, as an American living in Germany, I've met many Germans who are quick to critique things, it's somewhat of a national sport (especially when DB is involved). In my experience, it's also very common when they find out I'm American. While most Germans I know are polite and great people, so many I meet are quick to complain about things in the US, whether it's public transport, lifestyle, education and so on. While there are many valid criticisms to give about my country, I wouldn't say it is a wise policy to complain about X country immediately after meeting someone from X nationality. Yet many Germans I've met are very quick to do this, at least towards me 😅
There's a new quality about this particular video that i like even more than most of your videos. I can't put my finger on it but the fun & funny factors are amped up a notch or two. Thanks for that!
Sarcasm... the sarcasm 😉
Bc it’s not “service “ in the US. It’s sales. They are trying to push products or get you through the restaurant so they can move onto the next table and tip)
It's not only the Germans. As a Dane I agree with most, even after visiting USA for more than 20 years. Restrooms are the worst. 😂 And I once had a long debate with a bartender to make him understand that I neither wanted water nor ice in my single malt whisky
For the whiskey you have to order it "neat" -- this is the bar term for no water and no ice. Can also use the term "up" which is short for straight up -- so "a double whiskey neat" or "a double whiskey up"
@@Originalman144 The guy probably went to an Applebees where the bartenders dont know anything..
@@Originalman144 "Up" and "neat" are not the same thing. "Neat" means poured from the bottle directly into the drinking glass with no ice or water. Often brown liquors (scotch, bourbon, whiskey) are served "up."
"Up" means the product has been shaken with ice then strained into the drinking glass with no additional ice nor water. Think martinis and Manhattans.
"Straight up" is sometimes used as an alternative for "neat," but not always. That one is subject to misinterpretation based on region.
If you want a separate glass of water, it's a "water back." In my case, I'm a bourbon drinker, so I'll order "bourbon neat, water back."
@@krillin876 Oh, yeah, I went to a bar once and ordered a bourbon neat. I was shocked when they asked me if I wanted that on the rocks. I answered, "oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were a bartender."
@@Originalman144 I told tge waitress "neat" and she returned to ask if I meant that. When I said yes the bartender came down to the table to ask the same question.
Mate, the US toilet panel issue isn’t just a problem for Germans. Us Aussies don’t like this either when we visit the US. And the comments about over the top service and tipping in the US - us Aussies also don’t like either of these situations when visiting the US. In my case, perhaps it’s my German heritage. Ich wurde in Australien geboren und diese Dinge gehen mir auf die Nerven. Grüße aus Australien. Tschüss.
A lot of this applies to most Europeans, though I'm surprised by the credit card thing. In a lot of ways, Europe got ahead of us on some of the convenient aspects of the cards, like tap/touch. I enjoyed my 4 years in Germany and think it's cool that what I consider my hometown, San Antonio, has so many German-settled little towns, including Fredericksburg, nearby up in the Hill Country. Never understood the bathroom stall configuration myself.
I agree. I think the US government told stores that they need to update their payment options with the tap system by 2023 (?) but store owners started bitching that it would cost too much, so that is why some still have just the slide and not tap.
I'm not German, but I agree with all of this 😂 Been living in the US for a few years now, still not used to it!
I agree. Most of these things are annoying to me as an American, except for the breakfast thing. ☺
@@housepianist As an America I agree, epically with the waiters, while trying to have a conversation with a friend. Bug off. As for breakfast...well breakfast for me is a cup of black coffee and an everything bagel.
I’m in Berlin right now. Imagine my utter shock and dismay when I went to pay for my lunch yesterday and the sign read “CARD ONLY”?!?!?! Like I came here for the authentic German experience, why won’t you give it to me?
Cause the influence of the International / Global Money Dictaturshift, will forbit us our loved Cash.
Americans, nie kann man es ihnen recht machen!!😁
I watched your short video. Love it!
@@winterlinde5395 haha, wir werden immer etwas über sich beschweren. Thanks for that; there may be a long form video coming out about my observations between my time in Karlsruhe, Köln, Hamburg, and Berlin, in the next few weeks
@@Notimp0rtant523 subscribed already 😃. Is that the old Speicherstadt (warehouse district) in Hamburg? The picture on your channel site?
@@winterlinde5395 correct
the worst are the ice cubes they make out of tap water and you taste the chlorine in your soda!!!🤮 I always let the waiter know, that I don’t want ice in my soda!!!
Silkyh was in Cancun Mexico in 1989 and the water treatment plants were disabled. So only drank beer or bottled water. Most important thing to know in Spanish was “Una bebida sin hielo por favor!” Translation a drink without ice please?”
I’m Canadian. I hate that constantly bothering service and the way it’s spreading here! Leave me alone to enjoy my meal and my dining companions.
Dp you guys in Canada have the same issue of servers not getting paid enough as well?
@@MoonOvIce yes although they are generally paid a bit more here, especially since the pandemic which led to labour shortages.
It's interesting to me that we (Americans) are told to adapt to the culture that you are in and not demand it be more like America. But, apparently, the opposite is not true?!
It’s true for everybody and there are people all over the world who don’t know that.
I couldn't agree with you more. Watching these videos I've come to realize that so many from other countries don't like Americans. They use these videos as an opportunity to make that clear with their comments. They complain about us as tourists and they complain about us when they visit our country. There's a lot of division created with these videos highlighting the things they hate about the United States and it's people.
@@Chillaxing113 Agree. In this respect, they're actually destructive.
Be more Laissez-faire about it😂 At the end of the day it is a form of entertainment/fun for many to complain all day. Can get a tad depressing if you live here though😂
It is true, tourists aren't actually annoyed by what americans are doing in their own country.
It turned out what Germans hate about the US is almost the same as what Japanese hate about the US😅
But as for American breakfast thing, we have no complaints at all.
Good to know 😀
@@woltersworld Expect for cinammon rolls maybe. Those are vile. Not german though ;)
Yeah, you guys still love cash, too🙄 I need a new wallet when I go to Germany or Japan😒
@@peterpain6625 Zimtschnecke 😊
I think there still salty about taking the L
Thanks for that video, I really enjoyed it. Since I'm German and I have visited the U.S. like 15 times over the last 2 decades, I can tell you that you are right. These are really the things that -let's say- "surprise" the typical German tourist. However, after 2 or 3 visits, I got used to all that and thought to myself "hey, that's how THEY do it". What you could also add is that "wait to get seated" thing, and the fact that it's a "no-no" to just walk in and sit down at a random table - or even ask others if it's ok if you join them at their table (how it is done in some places in GER). Keep up your good work dude!
I hate all the garbage and disposable tableware. Even in hotels or restaurants or schools you get plastic cutlery and paper plates. Why?!
And the crazy tipping! 10 - 20% is fine, but 25%, 30% and also on take out or Starbucks?! NO! Never!
And: why do you need to sell a kidney when you want to buy a beer at a concert? In march we had tickets for Bruce Springsteen in Boston. 17$ for one beer after loooong discussion because we only had our german ID and not our passports with us. We are 37 with 65 years old parants with us. Totally crazy situation for a german adult.
But I love America and I love the hospitality and all the nice questions and conversations and the respect and willingness to help. ❤
And I love "Peeps"! I have peepsenality! 🤣
I tried to buy alcohol at the grocery store with only a German ID and had to get political with the manager. "Do you only sell groceries to residents of America?" That got thru to him and he let us have it. Later I looked it up and the reality is, a passport is actually required to purchase alcohol (if you have no American drivers license). Now I know.
@@LythaWausWjust like any other country, asking ID of Westerners, but not others.
American here. I agree with you. $17.00 for a beer at a stadium? Spouse and I don’t get out as much because of prices/Ticket Master.
I’m French and I strongly relate to all of these except the first one. Special mention for the obsession with ice in drinks, I hate ice cubes with a passion and keep forgetting to specify without ice (and when I do remember, people look at me like I had two heads).
Great video sir and as usual you are always right on the money... :). My family and I enjoyed Fredericksburg, Texas and we would like to go back oneday.
Worst thing for me still is: WAY too much sugar (or corn sirup) in everything.
High fructose corn syrup... it is a bit much sometimes
Yes, there is. I grew up in the States but have become more sensitive to all the sugar as I've gotten older. For a long time the only other option was sugar free, which meant artificial sweeteners and (to me) horrible taste. But now there are some 'less sweet' options showing up in the stores, which I prefer. The same thing could be said for the salt in foods here. There are some 'less salt' choices now on the market as well.
*syrup
@@thehapagirl92 Thanks for repeating that Mark already corrected with his answer
On the cash vs card thing - I understand, but a big reason why many places don't like to accept anything over a 20 is that they're worried about people passing them counterfeit bills. Also, it depends on the total. If your bill is $15, forking over a hundred will be looked at with suspicion (for the reason above) and will distaste, especially at a retail shop, where making change for that will likely wipe out much of their smaller bills. A certain portion of the shopping public does that to (apparently) try to impress the cashiers...which doesn't work ;) The only people who get impressed are the local pickpockets.
As for the bathroom thing -- Most of us find it weird, too. Tell them to try Buc-ee's if they're in the right part of the country; their bathrooms are a bit more civilized!
Agreed about large bills. Cash registers are usually stocked with a set number of each bank note (bill). Especially early in the day, someone buying a small item with a C-note ($100 bill) can wipe out the cash drawer, rendering it impossible for the cashier to make change on the next several cash purchases.
@@ajs11201 So true! I used to work as a cashier in a supermarket. One time that exact thing happened, a guy came first thing and bought a pack of gum and handed me either a $50 or $100. When I went to hand him a whole bunch of coins he was pissed off. I said “Well what do you expect? I don’t have that kind of change first thing!”
I never get ice in drink too and now I discovered it's a Europe thing. 😮 By the way you can always tell your server you don't want them to go by the table every 2 min cause it is a requirement in some restaurants so If you tell them during you visit they will adjust or come by once you wave them over. 😂 it does help them out as well
After living 13 years in Germany, yes, agree 100% with your observations!
The "how are you" thing is still something I just for some reason couldn't get used to no matter how long I've live in North America.
@Anthony Cotter Just how my body is awkwardly reacting to these, it's hard to describe.
It's the same as saying "hi"
Based off my observations from visiting Germany, I think the biggest complaints they would have with the USA would are
#1 - lack of beer at breakfast
#2 - lack of beer at lunch
#3 - lack of beer at dinner
No we don't drink beer in the morning.
that's a very ignorant observation. germans dont drink beer in the morning
@@TheGoukaruma We do. Weizenbier together with Weißwurst way before noon! But not in all of Germany. That's the main thing. The regional differences and the diversity.
Jeffc1347 you forgot the Weissbeir nightcap🍺.
Reverse culture shock from an American first time in Austria, What's with these cold cuts? Don't you have breakfast food? Europe's revenge? I now live in Georgia in Eastern Europe. Breakfast as we know it in the West doesn't even hardly exist here! But I can just make it at home.
Why is OVERTHETOP service so noticeable in the USA? BECAUSE, the servers want BIGGER TIPS, and for no other reason. We all need to start tipping like the Germans. And then, we could eat our meals in peace, in the USA.
LoL, this was fun. I'm Swiss, we have our own kind of quirks, I guess... 😊 Hubby and I will be visiting the US this summer ( mostly National Parks of the West) I can tell you I can't wait!
Edit: American breakfast? Gimme that pancake!
You must see Yellowstone and Rocky Mt. national parks. Also Arches in Utah. Also Sequoia in California. A great Museum is the Buffalo bill museum in Cody, Wyoming a short drive from Yellowstone and they have the nighttime rodeo there. Of course the Grand Canyon also. I have some videos of these places on my RUclips channel.
@@Richard2003 Also the Black Hills area, and the Colorado and Northern New Mexico Rockies.
Pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, fried potato's etc. Hell, yea!
@Richard2003 Yellowstone is on our list. Capitol Reef, Grand Teton, Great Sand Dunes, Rocky Mountain NP, Canyonlands and Bryce Canyon also. We visited the Grand Canyon 1993 ( yes, I'm that old 😂) , with Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Beautiful places all of them. The nature, the views - just breathtaking.
@@tina6709 You think you're old? I visited the Grand Canyon in 1977. If you're able to at all, I would add Arches national Park.
When I visited I really loved the efficiency of Germany and directness of the people. No BS, get to the point and move on. I'm not rude, I'm just covertly German.
I will never forget, living close to San Antonio I visited Fredericksburg. I went to a "German" Restaurant. They served potatosalad. I ordered it and just couldn't eat it. They put loads of sugar on it. 😂. It was not eatable.
I had that experience with mybgerman girlfriend. She was like... "what the h#$/ is this?" I just laughed and laughed
That's not true everywhere of German restaurants in the US
@@TeutonicNordwind Some are good. Went to one in Toronto (ok, Canada but heyho) back about a decade ago. That was authentic bavarian-german food. The place was packed. But the food was great. American portion sizes. Good schnitzel, divine mushroom sauce... Can't remember the name of the place though :/
@@TeutonicNordwind Oh - you went to every german Restaurant across the US? Wow. Well, I guess you missed the one in Fredericksburg.
Aso ich habe Nordwind so verstanden, dass er gar nicht bezweifelt hat, was du erzählt hast, sondern nur seine Beobachtung mitteilen wollte, dass das nicht alle so machen.
What I witnessed over the years, the US was known to be a service aka customer 1st paradise but it has gotten bad. Waiters used to be friendly but not any more since most of the time the 20% service fee will automatically be added to the bill. Certain tourists still tip because they do NOT read the bill, you better! Before they added the service fee, I always gave a tip - 15% when it was okay-ish but 20% when it was excellent!
When you are at a department store, their staff is friendly until they bring you to the register, no goodbye when actually passing them by while leaving the store.
The phrase. How are you?!/How's it going?! is almost the same as: Wie geht's?! - Nobody really cares! It's just an informal/lazy way of greeting people you know. Grüss Gott is only use in Bavaria BUT Germany is NOT just Bavaria 😂
The thing about cash vs. cards is that if you lose your cash, it's gone for good. If you lose your card, it can be 'turned off' with a quick phone call and most banks will credit you for any fraudulent charges that may have been made before you reported it stolen. Additionally, many businesses don't want to handle large amounts of cash because it makes it tempting for thieves, either internal (the employees), or external (the patrons). Lastly, counterfeit money is a genuine concern, while counterfeit debit or credit cards are less so. There's a very good argument for eliminating ALL cash, and going electronic for everything, but I have rambled on long enough...
Funnily enough, lots of Germans are really lovely and friendly.
Much love from UK.
As a GERMAN🇩🇪 who lives in GERMANY 🇩🇪 and love clocking american girls.
I appreciate american women.
I'm american and I agree with them about restrooms. Sometimes the gap is like an inch! why? it's nasty.
ha true that bathroom thing is annoying, those gaps! I used to think since im from new york the gaps are used to spot people who might be in there doing drugs lol
I am from Luxembourg , and well you should change your video to What Europeans hate about the USA, because we in Europe all think those things, except for the breakfast I love American Breakfast, I so want one of these pancakes machines that u find in hotels back home haha
That's to funny, You can make pancakes at home very easily you just need a box of pancake mix and milk and eggs.
@@MidwestBoom "A box of pancake mix" - isn't that just flour and baking powder?
@@LythaWausW Yep that's pretty much all it is I'm sure you could make it home easily.
Or a video about what Americans hate about Europe?
@@LythaWausWyes, there are special mixes for pancakes and waffles. You can check out the breakfast/cereal aisles in grocery stores to get that idea. My family likes the Belgian waffle mix, also the Stonewall (comes in a tin like can) pancake/waffle mixes. They have blueberry, chocolate chip, and toasted coconut. At home, I’ve used extracts - like rum.:).
HOW ARE YOU DOING: I HATE that question. I always try to give an honest answer. But then, the Americans hate my honest answer! (I was born in America and lived there 2.5 decades before coming to Asia. When I was born, at that age, NOBODY walked around asking STUPID questions! The dumbing down of America caused me to leave.)
I agree on all counts except the breakfast part. Part of travelling is experiencing the food cultures of other countries. If you need something particular to get you "moving" in the morning, then stock up at the local grocery store. My spouse brings his own tea when we travel.
I agree completely. Why do the Germans complain about how we eat breakfast? I've been to Germany a few times and didn't complain to them about how they eat. I don't understand the pompous attitudes tourists bring to the US. "Why do you Yankees do this or that??" That's just hostile. Don't bother visiting if you hate how people dine. Might as well go to Saudi Arabia and shout at them about why they don't serve pork. I mean it.
@@largol33t1 As a German, I can assure you that it's only a very few "typical tourists" who complain about that type of breakfast. In Germany, you can get a so-called "Bauernfrühstück" ("Farmer's breakfast") as well in a lot of places, which is - wait for it - bacon and eggs with home fries...
To make it more clear: this is the type of tourist, who - were they from the US - would run around the whole day in a Hawaiian T-Shirt, Bermuda shorts, white socks and sandals, together with some over-the-top sunglasses and straw hat...
My brother in law is from Germany. When my sister's family visits my parents, they make sure that he has bread, butter, cold cuts and cheese for his breakfast.
Nice of them.
@@brianpratt3224 With all these recalls, Americans are hoping that what they get, won’t become the next item recalled in the following days🙀
Ah the bathroom stalls...I immigrated to the US from India 20 years ago and I still haven't gotten over the gaps in the doors. Maybe our bathrooms need "Mind the gap" signs.
The most accurate part about this video is that Germans have way too many things to complain about. My wife and I have managed vacation rentals for several years and we have noticed a theme that whenever we get German guests we can just about guarantee that they will have lots of complaints and leave very low reviews although 95% of the people from everywhere else will leave five-star reviews and say how fabulous their stay was. 🤣
@@Elatenl 🤣Yeah, whenever we see that a German has booked one of our places we usually groan. We also put small labels on all the kitchen cabinets/drawers so guests can easily find things and one of theses beloved guests put in their review that they were insulted by these labels as they are not five years old. 🤣Most guests LOVED the time saving labels so they didn't have to open every cabinet to find the plates etc. On a side note... I thought my dad was British, but I guess he's German. He's been doing the socks/sandals thing most of his life.
Sounds about right 😀
Blue socks... blue socks and sandles
@@woltersworld 🤣 that sounds awesome! 😎
@@cornfedlife Austrian here. We are a little bit different then germans. Most of us don’t like socks in sandals as well. And i would love to have labels on cabinets to find things easily 💪
Gotta love it. Be practical and calm down!!
Huge fan of your content. Happy to know you’re in San Antonio, TX.
Toilets are so weird in the US. I had to go in a Red Lobster in Boston and each stall only had salon style doors. I literally sat there looking over the door into the dining area. So uncomfortable.
This just doesnt affect Germans??. As an irish person living in Spain alot of these aspects of America bother me. Again the reference to Germans really confuses me
Maybe something RUclips algorithm related.
American here - I agree about the bathroom stalls, the over-the-top service, tipping, and cash. It's worth noting that the overly friendly service people are usually so because they really need the tip or commission.
There's a happy medium between American service and German service. I feel we have something like that here in Ireland (the UK also).
Could always move to Germany
It's like that in Southeast Asia, you can't walk into a store and just look around without being stalked by an employee the entire time you're in there.
Hey Mark, awesome video
Thanks T.O
You pretty much nailed it
Danke!
@@woltersworld The pain with american bread is also a big one for me
I can live with ham and eggs or bacon and eggs but if they only have the sweet stuff like cereals or overly sweet bread, jupp it's true that is no way to start your morning 😀 But that there were only cereals was only in one hotel I stayed in the US. The others had great breakfast or at least a wonderful breakfast place nearby.
I am beginning to think there is something genetic about this. Many of these traits, I have developed over the years, despite being born ,raised, and never living outside of the USA. Weirdly, as an adult (in my 50's) I learned about German heritage I never knew about.
I wonder about this too. I have a lot of German ancestors and I find myself acting the same way that Germans are described.
When I was in college, one of the Sociology majors did a survey of people with German ancestry. This tells me that they had an idea that some of the ways German act are hereditary.
Another viewpoint would be that many Germans came to the US in the late 1800s and early 1900s, which is relatively recent. Some of the German customs and mannerisms may still have an affect on us from the way our parents and grandparents acted.
Great scenery! Just been to SA and Fredericksburg! Absolutely amazing.
Just spent the past 4 years living in Germany. Had lived there 3 years previously. My long time German friends and I seem to adopted part of both cultures. He would add one only put one piece of ice in a cocktail until I showed the difference more ice makes, but I agree on all other American drinks are too loaded with ice. I totally adopted the salami, cheese on fresh croissants with senf for breakfast. I tend to tip American style in most of Europe. You’d be surprised how the service and becomes as a repeat customer. The one thing both my German friend and I dislike in Germany is the “It’s not possible” answer that comes way too quickly.
It seems like Buc-Ee’s is the only public place in America that does bathroom stalls correctly.
2:25 and that is exactly what a lot of Europeans don’t get when it comes to the trans and bathrooms issue. In America you can literally watch what someone is doing . So that’s why a lot of women are concerned. (Not to make this political)
What? We lived in Southern Germany for 2 yrs and they clearly distinguish between male and female bathrooms, maybe in a large city like Berlin it’s an issue? We never had an issue and it seemed more conservative than here in the US, but we also don’t watch television….so idk about media?
the problem with this list is that so many of these items annoy Americans too. i say we correct this no?!! thanks for the video.
Understand, the meaning of the high stall doors is so you can roll the toilet paper out to whoever is there and see how they react through the large gap in the door.
I learned the Germany aversion to ice in 1985 when one of my friends had a German exchange student hang out with us. We were walking around on hot summer day and he bought a two-layer bottle of Coke and to our horror... drank it straight from the bottle... WARM!!! As a high school student who hadn't seen the world I just couldn't get over that for a long time. In college I had a classmate from Berlin who noted that many Germans consider cold drinks an unhealthy shock to the body. And lo and behold as I type this a Scorpions song comes on the radio!
Mein Gott! O_O I'm sorry you had to see that.
@@EricTheKei Most of Europe doesn't have heat waves.
@@Crosswalker91711 Aye :)
I was referring to the existential horror of watching someone drink warm Coke, let alone drinking it oneself.
Cola Beer! Warm Soda mixed with Warm Beer! 🤯 Crazy Germans! 🤷
As an American, I must agree with our European friends. I dislike ice in my drinks--or maybe at most one or two cubes. I'd sooner drink a warm beverage than suffer through a glass overfilled with ice.
I’m really surprised about the credit card thing. I live in Norway, and we flat out don’t use cash anymore. I mean, many places still accept it, but almost no one actually use it. I also have a range of credit cards, mostly for airline miles. I haven’t used cash a single time since I was in the US last year, and there it seemed much more common, especially for tipping outside of restaurants.
Going to Germany this summer though, I guess I need to bring along some cash.
Same in Switzerland. You HAVE to bring loads of cash to go anywhere in that country.
Same in Czech Republic.
@anders8154 We left Germany in 2022 and mostly cards were being used, happened during Covid or could be regional… We lived in the Rheinland Pfalz region.
Lovely a new video❤❤/Marcus Sweden
I agree with the toilets, the tipping and the service, the rest I don't really mind. I don't do pancakes for breakfast at home, but when I'm on holiday I like it (although I won't mix sweet pancakes with bacon, but in most hotels you have a buffet and you can pick what you want).
And I must say that during my last trip to the US (last month) the service wasn't so over the top as it used to be. They still came to the table more often than I'm used to at home, but a lot less than it used to be. I'm not sure why, but maybe they also have trouble finding staff so waiters have more tables and can't spend as much time at each table as in the past. In any case, the service was good but not over the top, so I was happy.
One thing I don't like about the US is that you need a car to go everywhere, as public transport is non-existent (except maybe in the big cities). And one tip for renting a car: don't rent at the airport. Take a taxi, hotel shuttle or Uber and rent a bit away from the airport. I did this (my uncle lives in the US and he picked us up) and I paid half the price than I would have at the airport (same company, same type of car).
I´m German and I totally agree. But: I love the US and the people!
No big surprise, but I think this list applies to the Dutch as well...
dit is logica en gezond verstand. In amerika is veel over de top, en de mensen net een beetje té vriendlijk
Having been to Germany many times, I can tell you that shops are not thrilled to receive large Euro notes. Pretty much, they don't want to take anything higher than a 50 Euro note. Unless you're paying for something that costs a lot (maybe a hotel/accommodation), then OK. But generally no. I'm also not a big fan of lots of ice in my drink.
The Germans sound very sensible, to me :)
That’s fine, but THEY are visiting US. I’m not a big fan of a lot of our “isms,” but it is what it is. We have to adapt to their culture whilst in Germany, so it doesn’t matter what they think about our culture. If they don’t like it… go to Canada.
1st time i hear it. Informative video.
Good points.
So cool heading you speak German!
Mark, a great place to take people who are not from San Antonio is Texas Pride BBQ on the south side. They used to direct parking on horse back. They have really good bbq and a good Texas ambience. Hope to see you in town sometime. Take care
' where's the ham n cheese ? '
Hilarious !😂
I can understand people who don't like credit cards. You easily can lose the overview over your spendings especially when travelling.
I prefer also cash.
So we need to accommodate everyone else to their needs here, but when we go abroad, we have to adapt and deal with it. Hmm. No I think if you come here you adapt to our way of life.
Dont worry. They adapt veru quickly tobfree refills 😀
I agree with Taco Rob. 😎
It's just a light-hearted look at cultural differences. At no point anywhere in the video does he even imply that people in the USA should accommodate the expectations of visiting tourists by doing things differently. It's just not there at all, Taco.
I agree with anyone who has Taco in their name. Because they are just that good.
Exactly! Complain about Americans as tourists in their country and then complain about America and it's people when they visit our country. Sounds like they don't like us period. Well, actually "hate" is the word used.
That thumbnail is hilarious 😂 😅
This is my favorite video so far. I love your channel! But I have so many questions...
Why do you speak German so well?
Why do you travel so much?
And why do you know every country so well?
Are you doing all this for RUclips? If so, it would probably be difficult to fund something like that. Or do you have a job where you travel a lot and use it to make videos about different countries? Either way, your videos are always great, informative and it's obvious you know your stuff. Keep up the good work!
I don't know all the specifics but he has had the channel for more than 10 years, and also a website. He's also a university professor (marketing I think?) and lived in Germany as an exchange student, also Argentina and other countries...beyond that, I understand he (and later his wife and kids) early on decided that they wanted to spend their life travelling...whatever that means, may not own much or something, don't know...
French person in Canada, and the massive gaps around toilet doors and the obsession with ice cubes in drinks are major pet peeves of mine.
(While I’m at it, we also do the “making eye contact while toasting” thing, it utterly confuses my non-French spouse).
to be fair, german cold cuts are sublime
Great video, Mark. Here’s my take:
The breakfast thing, they’re just going to have to get over it, lol. Part of the experience of visiting a different country or region is eating the way locals do. Whining that it’s not like it is where you’re from is just childish.
Sort of the same with the greeting and “over the top” service. Germans aren’t the happiest, friendliest folks, so no surprise here lol.
TOTALLY agree with the bathroom thing!
I hate the cracks and peekaboo spaces in the stalls are terrible. I also agree with them about the tipping. It’s over done here. Just like any other profession, take your labor issues up with your employer, don’t lay that burden on me.
We always look forward to your videos. God bless.
The crack thing just is "yuck" for me.
Ja, they need to "get over" a WHOLE BUNCH of things.
It's not just Germans who find over the top service annoying. I'm British and it pisses me off too.... especially in restaurants. I find a lot of British eating establishments have adopted this practice. Just leave me alone to eat my meal and talk to my friends and I'll let you know if there's a problem or I need anything 😬
If they can't speak your name correctly, they just give you a new one 😂 my friend Franziska was called Francesca all the time
Great and funny videos 👍
I had to really laugh with this video. My father was raised in Berlin and came to this country in the mid-50s, and I don't think he ever got used to the American breakfast thing. He used to tell my mother that cooked meat in the morning was "barbaric". He lived to be 94 years old and had the same cold meat, cheese, fruit, and that awful German bread every morning!
Awful German bread? What, that stuff that's not hyper processed fluffy white nothingness?
@Barnaby Thorngate I was referring to that awful prepackaged pumpernickel bread that we could get here in America purported to be the real deal. I've been to Germany several times, and you are right, the fresh bread in Germany is lovely, and I wish we could get something that good over here.
@@sodoffbaldrick3038That was close 😅
What? German bread is awesome. Went to Germany and said, "This is how people could live on bread and water." Can't live on just bread here.
@slv nyc as I said in my own reply. But I stand by what I said. In smalltown mid -America in the 1950s and 60s, the only choices we had for German bread were the prepackaged cardboard slices passed off as real German
Pumpernickel. There is absolutely no comparison to a fresh bauernbrot, or potato bread or a rum stollen. The only times I could ever get those as a kid was when we visited my grandmother and went to her local bakery in Rondorf, or when she sent four or five loaves of stollen in Christmas Care packages. I don't know how old you are, but I'm almost seventy, and my choices were far more limited than they are today.
Such a funny thumbnail 😂
And Mark, your German accent is very good 👍I think you said once that you studied there but still, it is quite good for an American 😁
I especially liked the self-critical bit about the over the top friendliness in retail shops! Good observation!
Keeping enough change for $100 bills at gas stations in the US is just reckless.
I'm sure Germany doesn't have as many criminals running around with guns. You have to constantly be putting money in the drop safe while working at gas stations in the US. I was in an armed robbery and only had around $30 in the till, and my manager was still annoyed by how much money the guy got.
I'll take the toilet full of water any day (we also have them in Canada) over the German _poop shelf_ toilet.
Imagine having to scrub your toilet _every_ single time after flushing.
Yeah... i remember my first poop shelf experience. Asked why? They said in case i needed to examine it... i was assuming they were joking
You've pointed something out that I've adapted to without complaint. Hm. Every Single Time. I can complain a lot though, esp no shopping on Sunday, and empty bottles filling up my house that must be returned to the store.
Lots of this is valid for other European countries. It’s not so much people are annoyed... it’s just it’s different. It is annoying but it’s how it is. Nobody is asking Americans to change
In Ireland we say how are you as a way of just saying hello too. We don't have that 'over the top service' but I noticed that when I lived abroad that the service was over the top . Couldn't stand it. It puts me off going into the shops. That's crazy you can see people in the bathroom! Oh no!!!! Here we accept cash and card. You are not obliged to give a tip here. :-)
I am German and I love American peanut butter for breakfast.
Ok I have to admit a beer ore two as well😂
Another thing that will confuse Europeans, not just Germans is that the price tag in stores is not what you pay as it doesn't include the sales tax.
As far as the use of the "s" on the end of Aldi, then that's just using the possessive. So, what is really happening is somebody in English is basically saying I'm going to Aldi's, or the place owned by Aldi. It's no different to saying I'm going to Fred's which is, short for, I'm going to Fred's place. People speaking English use this as a very common form. That sort of possessive is not part of the German language, or at least not formally, although you might find the odd example borrowed from English usage.
The breakfast complaint is a bit odd. You should not visit a foreign country and expect the food to be the same. Maybe if a place specialises in catering for tourists from a particular country, then that might be the case, but not in general.
Me as a German, I would love to travel to the US one day, as I love the open minded and friendly attitude.
But the more ore less "open" toilets would be really a hard pull to swallow 😂
As a German who visited the US over 10 times (even Fredricksburg in 2023) I have to say the credit card thing is not true anymore. Since Corona, you can pay almost everywhere in Germany (especially in Munich where I live). I haven't used cash even once this year. I pay everything with my smartphone by tapping. On the other hand in the US, tapping does not work most of the time. It happens so often that I wanted to pay with my phone and the lady says "sorry, no tapping". Then I had to get the credit card from my wallet.
Oh and another thing that annoys me regarding credit cards in the US: At most gas stations I can only pay by entering my ZIP code. But I have only German credit cards (yes more than one) and when I enter my German ZIP code, the gas pump does not accept it. So I have to go to the cashier and pay in advance and go back to the gas pump to start filling up my car. Don't you have PIN codes on your credit cards, why using such an unsecure thing as ZIP codes (which everyone can guess if they get your credit card and know where you from).
Americans can go to the moon 6 times, but can’t figure out how to cater breakfast to attract Euro tourists.
Germans can’t figure out how to refrigerate beer or cokes, but can design machines surpassing anything.
Speaking of Texas: chicken fried steak is essentially schnitzel with beef instead of pork. It’s often bad but sometimes great. There’s a fast food chain called “Wienerschnitzel“ in Texas, but it sells hotdogs. My Austrian family was confused, and I had no explanation.
Americans love meat and fried food but can’t figure out German/Austrian schnitzel, even though the Hamburg-er is America’s fave food and originally German, obviously. Lol!
Been to US two times, had a great time there! Actually most of what you have mentioned can be said about every tourist that visit America. We know about high tipping that you guys have and that's fine, but these "How are you", fetish doors, and over-the top service are things everyone needs to get used to! ;)
As a GERMAN🇩🇪 who lives in GERMANY 🇩🇪 and love clocking american girls.
I appreciate american women.
great video Mark :) you are my idol
Thanks Sonny
I'm in Norway right now and I've said how are you to all the shop keepers and they look at me like I'm crazy 😅
😂 We lived in Germany for 2 yrs in a village and I always waved and said hallo while driving or walking, they would completely turn around and stare at me. I’m not changing my American Southern ways. 😂
The only one I'm sympathetic with in this list is paying with cash. I'm old school and can relate.