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?
All in Society
The Cult of the Spargel Eaters
Tis the season to eat Spargel in all its many and varied forms and you better believe Germany takes Spargelzeit very seriously. This makes things difficult for the tiny minority of us who actually don’t like it, but is it worth incurring the wrath of the Spargel lovers?
Easter, Eastern, Ostern
Despite the chocolate and schools holidays, Easter isn’t really much of a celebration in the UK. Here, things couldn’t be more different. Whether it’s decorations, fairs or Ostermarkt, Germany seems to come alive at Easter. the only question is: Do you say Easter, Eastern or Ostern?
The Power Of No
Learning to deal with direct communication is key to living in Germany, especially if you come from a culture that avoids brute force bluntness, but what happens when you adopt the power of German directness?
An Unwelcome Culture
For another year running, Germany has been labelled as unwelcoming to expats. While some may dislike the results, Germans will surely recognise the issues mentioned. How useful are the opinions of expats, and is it possible for Germany to change?
For the Love of the Pub
For much of my adult life, pubs have been deeply important spaces. While Germany has many bars, they tend to differ from the pub culture in the UK and Ireland in various ways. What are these small but important differences, and how do Irish pubs in Germany help or hinder a new arrivals?
A Never Ending Story
For years, Germany has been talking about "digitalisierung". It’s the perennial topic, the mood music to discussions about the future of Germany. What seems to be holding up progress, and why do some blame German culture itself?
The Rules of Politeness
English speakers often assume their politeness rules are as global as their language, but this is not the case. Politeness is not uniform from country to country, Germany has different ideas of what is or isn’t polite. What happens when these rules clash?
Why Can't We Be Friends?
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?
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?