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?
Swearing Like the Germans
There are many native English speakers in Germany who find the liberal use of English swear words by Germans both surprising and disturbing. Why might Germans find English swear words so appealing?
Son of a Beach
It’s the summer holidays and many in Germany have packed up and headed directly to the nearest beach. Germans, especially in the south, are fascinated by the coast. For those who stay behind, they can still enjoy the beach with a replacement, the Stadtstrand.
Es Zieht: Are Germans Scared of a Cool Breeze?
“Es Zieht” or “It’s draughty” is a common complaint heard in Germany. Are the Germans overly sensitive about the dangers of air flow and why might it be difficult for the British to take their concerns seriously?
Germany's Class System
Most people in Germany know about the British class system, but few would discuss German society in terms of class. Does Germany have a class system and how is it different from the UK?
Don’t worry, everyone speaks English
Language learning has dropped throughout the UK, but many still hold on to the belief that “Everyone speaks English”. Is this really true in Germany? If so, why do so many Germans find English native-speakers so hard to understand?
Coming Home? I never left.
It’s been a weird month. Watching England progress to a final, in Germany, during a pandemic would be enough, but fielding questions about England fans booing or explaining English covid restrictions has also been odd. Can these even be explained and could it get weirder?
Safe Spaces
I’ve often admired the German ability to separate private lives from work lives. Speaking English seems to change this cultural rule, opening up conversations and allowing people to speak frankly. However, is this honesty always refreshing?
It's A Funny Old Game
There’s always a feeling of inevitability about England vs Germany at a major football tournament. Fans from both sides anticipate the upcoming clash, does Germany really consider England a major football rival and why do England fans often feel the fixture is more more than just a game of football?
Ain't No Party Like a German Grillparty
Summer has arrived and what better way to celebrate than getting some friends together for a good old German Grillparty! Barbecue culture is serious business in Germany but what should a visitor here expect should they ever be lucky enough to get an invite?
Keeping It Conservative
Months ago it looked like Germany was preparing for serious political change. The Green Party was surging ahead in the polls. However, minor scandals, attacks from rivals and media scrutiny have cast doubts. Will German voters opt for more of the same?
Germany's Political Posters
In some countries, the build up to an election can start years in advance. In Germany, some people only know an election is coming when the streets are suddenly covered in political posters. Are political posters really so important or is this just another example of low-tech Germany?
And a Cherry on Top
What do you get if you cross Albrecht Dürer’s Rhinocerus, a slice of pineapple and a less than talented TV chef? You might be surprised to discover that it’s one of Germany’s more bizarre food creations, Toast Hawaii. How did such a whimsical creation become so popular in Germany and why is its creator still disputed?
The Tyranny of Choice
Making decisions can be difficult, especially if we have too many choices. Germany might have the answer to decision fatigue, at least for consumer products, in the form of the consumer guide Stiftung Warentest. Can one company be trusted to give objective product recommendations or are the Germans incredibly naive?
German Hangover cures – Fighting the Cat
“Der Kater” or “the cat” is how Germans lovingly refer to a hangover. Germany has many suggestions for how to rid yourself of the feline presence from a traditional breakfast to a certain type of fish, but is the best answer simply good old pragmatism?
An Adventure in German Healthcare
A sudden health issue is alarming enough but when it happens in a different country, even one you know well, there are extra anxieties to deal with. Can you explain the problem in a different language, will you accidentally say the wrong word and end up losing something you’d have preferred to keep, and what exactly is the German for bedside manner?
The Theft of Germany's Public Holidays
In a good year, Germany can have nine public holidays and several regional Feiertagen, with some states gaining 14 paid public holidays per year. 2021 is not a good year. Some states could see their quota of public holidays drop to six for the year. Why are Germans losing public holidays and why aren’t they more angry about it?
The Yorkshire of Germany
Bavaria holds the strange position of being both the source of German stereotypes, while also being considered the least German of the Bundesländer. Obviously this makes it hard to describe to non-Germans what it’s like living here. While some make comparisons with Texas, perhaps a better example can be found in the UK?
The Wind of Change
Over the last year there have been many changes in Germany, with possibly largest being its perception of itself. Order, efficiency, privacy, economic policy have all come under scrutiny, now that we know what needs to change, is there energy to actually do it?
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?