All in Society
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?
A common complaint from Germans and non-Germans alike concerns the general quality of German radio. Is German radio so terrible, and what has that got to do with P!nk?
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?
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?
Despite a growing awareness, British food doesn’t have a good reputation in #Germany. Why does mint sauce seem to exemplify this negative image in the minds of Germans, and why might Asterix & Obelix be to blame?
Of all the topics I’m asked about, the relationship between Germans and small talk is the most frequent. Is Germany really a desert of friendly chit-chat and what happens when you can no longer fall back on polite conversations about the weather?
Shopping in Germany is rarely described as convenient. Supermarkets are hard to navigate, payment methods aren’t uniform and customer service is disinterested. Is Germany a land of inconvenience culture and could that actually be a good thing?
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?
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?
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?
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?
It seems trite to say Germany loves a bit of paperwork, but when it comes to the small details, some stereotypes ring true. Why might sharing your full name on official documents cause issues and how might things be changing in the land of process?
It may seem like weddings in Germany are the same as the UK & the US but there are many small differences worth knowing should you be invited to one. Why are German weddings like a marathon and why should you bring some extra plates just in case?
Learning to drive in Germany is no easy feat, but once you pass, the open Autobahn awaits. It can be exhilarating, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. What’s it like to drive on the Autobahn and why should you be careful when discussing speed limits?
Germany is seen as a land of punctuality and organisation. Although broadly accurate, there are areas where chaos is allowed to reign. Queuing is one such area. Why are German queues a contact sport and what does that tell us about the importance of timekeeping over organisation?
Despite efforts in many German companies to create a “Zero blame” work culture, problems still persist. How does Germany deal with responsibility and does it have a problem with blame?
2024 is only two weeks old, but in Germany it already feels as febrile as the last twelve months. The Bauernproteste, along with the rail strikes have to a feeling that things are beginning to fall apart. IS this Germany’s winter of discontent, and is there any light at the end of the tunnel?
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?
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?
Sunday trading is a contentious issue for many in Germany. Whereas some see it as the perfect way to boost local economies after the pandemic, others see it as direct attack on the rights of workers and a particular way of life. Should shops be allowed to open on Sundays or would it be a slippery slope to 24/7 consumerism?
