The English speaking world may be familiar with Kraftwerk and Nena, but they probably have never heard of one of the most successful performers in Germany. How did Helene Fischer become so successful and what on earth is Schlager Music?
All tagged UK
Expats, Migrants and the Germans
Most of the time in Germany, people don’t consider me a migrant. Some will even complain about migrants in front of me. Is there a hierarchy of “good migrants”and why would some rather label me an expat?
Clarity and the Germans: Ja oder Nein?
In Germany they say order is essential, which can sound restrictive, but does create clarity. How does the German desire for order effect daily life and why does it often create conflict with native-English speakers?
Germany: Why can't we be friends?
According to surveys of expats, 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?
Confusing the Germans
It's easy to get confused in Germany, but it’s often just as easy to cause the confusion. Why might saying thanks to the bis driver seem odd and how did ordering chips in a restaurant lead to a minor international incident?
The Art of Kaffee und Kuchen
Often compared to the British ritual of afternoon tea, Kaffee und Kuchen is the bedrock of German culture, but how does it differ from the UK?
Congratulations, you're an idiot!
Learning German is often easier with context, but sometimes you might wish you hadn’t. Is a mother’s mouth really so important and why is mother cake something you might prefer to leave uneaten?
Work Hard, Play Sometimes
Germany regularly features in the top ten most productive countries, even though Germans work fewer hours than many of their neighbours in Europe. What is it like to work in this environment and has Germany really mastered work/life balance?
Fasching: Nothing is Forbidden
Fasching is a favorite time of year for many Germans, with a long tradition going back to the medieval period. Although primarily a celebration, the costumes worn by some have come under scrutiny due to accusations of racism and cultural stereotyping. Can a costume be racist even if worn in celebration and is ignorance ever a defence?
The German Newspaper: Death Proof?
The German print market is the largest in Europe, but does that make the average German better informed? What’s prevented German newspapers from failing as in other countries, and how long can it last?
Are the Germans Funny?
In the English speaking world, it is accepted that Germans are humourless robots, but how true is the stereotype? Can Germans really be funny?
Reverse Culture Shock
Reverse culture shock is common among those who have moved to other countries, but does it become more acute when they begin to see how many problems their former home now has?
Christmas Markets and German Regional Diversity
Many people want to visit the best Christmas market in Germany, but with regional differences being such a crucial factor, is there such a thing?
Germany and Fireworks: How Not To Get Blown Up
It’s Bonfire Night in the UK, which means plenty of fireworks. How does Germany treat fireworks and is it really as safe as it could be?
Is Two Weeks Enough to Know a Country?
How long does it take to understand a country? James Delingpole’s two week stint suggests that it may take at least a month to work out Germany.
Fuck Trump, Fuck the Far-Right and Fuck You If You Think It's OK
I think the title says it all.
I don't Hate the Royals (I just don't see the Point)
Germany is not the only country that seems infatuated with the British Royal Family, but is the monarchy the best representative of what it means to be British?
My Love Affair With The Royals (And Nearly Anything Else That's British)
The Royal wedding is only five days away, guest blogger @hepburn4ever tries to explain why the Germans, and herself in particular, still love the Royal family and all things British.
Carnival in the Land of the Humourless
Germans are humourless, everyone knows that. So how do we explain the carnival season in Germany and why are they so worried about what is and isn't funny?
Germany & the Office Christmas Party
It's time for the Christmas party, but why aren't the Germans dreading it?