According to surveys, it’s hard to settle in Germany and difficult to make friends here. How is German unfriendliness measured and why might it be so difficult for migrants to make friends?
All in Society
Food Fight
Is food a useful way of viewing a different culture? Is Wurst an indicator of how Germany thinks? Maybe, but what happens when you mess with traditional recipes and what do reactions to simple culinary changes tell us about a country?
Positively Negative
It’s a common complaint that Germany is a land of pessimism and negativity, but is that really a bad thing? How does German and British pessimism differ and might German pessimism actually be a superpower?
Honestly Dishonest
The simple question ‘How are you?’ can cause consternation in Germany. Germans will often see it as another example of dishonest and superficial English communication. With honesty seemingly prized by Germans in communication, is this the case in all areas of German life?
Does Germany Have A Fireworks Problem?
It’s Silvester in Germany, and many will ring in the New Year with a private firework display. At the same time, thousands of people across the country will be treated for firework related injuries. Does Germany have a fireworks blindspot?
Land of the Rule Followers
Not only is Germany considered the land of rules but it’s also seen as the land of the rules followers. Prussian values, Martin Luther and hyperinflation have all been credited with shaping this ordered society. Are all Germans really obsessed by the rules and has the pandemic changed that perception?
The Myth of German Impoliteness
Listening to some, it would be easy to assume that Germany is a land of impoliteness. Are the Germans really impolite or are we all missing something?
Move Slow and Fix Things
One of the most common complaints levelled at Germany is how slow it is to change. Decisions can feel drawn out, and in a world of disruptors, it can feel like Europe’s largest economy is voluntarily stuck in the mud. Is Germany really so averse to change, or is there something else going on?
The Grass is Always Greener
This week, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach presented key points for the possible legalization of cannabis to the public. Although hurdles to legal weed remain, a change in law could come by 2024. What form will legal cannabis culture in Germany take, and will it ever be accepted?
The Theft of Germany's Public Holidays
In a good year, Germany can have nine public holidays and several regional Feiertagen, with some states getting 14 paid public holidays per year. In a bad year, such as 2021, the quota of public holidays dropped to six. Why do Germans lose their public holidays and why aren’t they more angry about it?
A Royal Send-Off
The reaction of Germans to the death of the Queen has been surprising, but as in Britain, feelings range from sadness to disinterest. We may have this in common, but there are many nuances that might be missed in both countries. How have Germany and the UK differed, and what does the funeral of a monarch actually mean?
Complainers United
If there’s one thing that unites the UK and Germany it’s complaining. That being said, the approach to complaining is wildly different. What are the different cultures of complaining and why might having a cathartic moan lead to trouble in Germany?
The Power of Punctuality
If there’s one thing we all know it’s that Germany is the land of punctuality, but everywhere you look there are examples to the contrary. Time keeping here isn’t always as simple as just being on time. How punctual are the Germans and why might it be counterproductive to punish latecomers?
English for Beamte
In a country that has wrestled with its acceptance of migrants, one thing all sides of the political spectrum have agreed on is that migrants to Germany should learn to speak German. However, a recent FDP proposal may well see English become the an official bureaucratic language. Will this really make things easier for migrants and how difficult will it be to achieve?
Waiting Is For The Weak
I was always taught that 'patience is a virtue, but in Germany it can feel like waiting is for the weak. Are Germans really so impatient or is it simply efficiency in disguise?
Getting the Hoff
Many of my preconceptions about Germany have been thoroughly shattered over the years, but only one truly hurt; David Hasselhoff might not be the German icon I was led to believe. Despite being told this in my first years living here, I come to wonder If my early assumption was actually correct. Is Hasselhoff a cult hero or simply a curious historical footnote?
Integrating the Germans
At what point can we say a migrant has fully integrated? Is full integration even possible and who gets to judge? These questions are asked periodically in Germany, especially during an election year. Why are answers so hard to find and are we asking the wrong questions?
Where's Your Lederhosen?
Despite the protests of northern Germans, Lederhosen are still considered to be the national dress of Germany. They might be a rather Bavarian peculiarity, but how common is it to see people wearing their Trachten out in the wild?
No Limit
Learning to drive in Germany can be one pitfall after another, but once you pass your test, the open Autobahn awaits. Driving on the Autobahn can be terrifying and exhilarating in equal measure, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. What’s it like to drive on the Autobahn and why must you be careful when discussing speed limits?
Spot the Difference
Whenever I’m asked about Germany, I sometimes find myself asking “which one?”. How different are the regions of Germany and what does that mean for those living here?