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?
All tagged Britain
No Bread, No Tea, No Hope
If Britain and Germany have one thing in common, it’s their obsessions over food and drink. For Germany it’s bread, while for Britain it’s tea, and they’re both certain that the other will never get it right. Is Germany really so bad at making a cuppa, and what makes British bread so ripe for ridicule?
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?
No Bread, No Tea, No Hope
If Britain and Germany have one thing in common, it’s their obsessions over food and drink. For Germany it’s bread, while for Britain it’s tea, and they’re both certain that the other will never get it right. Is Germany really so bad at making a cuppa, and what makes British bread so ripe for ridicule?
When Bread isn’t Bread
What’s the difference between toast and bread? In Germany it’s clear: one is bread, the other isn’t. Are the Germans right to malign toast and what has that got to do with US food culture?
Cold Comfort
“Es Zieht” or “It’s draughty” is a common complaint heard in Germany, even during the summer. 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?
When The Penny Drops
There are a number of generational shifts occurring in Germany at the moment, but one in particular should be a serious cause for concern: young German men are choosing to stand rather than sit when they pee. Why have German men traditionally chosen to stand, and why are they changing now?
God Save Us
The British monarchy fascinates many in Germany, and as a British person, I’m often called upon to explain why it still exists. Is there a reason Britain continues to cling to the Royal Family, and why might that prevent the UK from moving forward?
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?
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?
No Bread, No Tea, No Hope
If Britain and Germany have one thing in common, it’s their obsessions over food and drink. For Germany it’s bread, while for Britain it’s tea, and they’re both certain that the other will never get it right. Is Germany really so bad at making a cuppa, and what makes British bread so ripe for ridicule?
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?
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?
When Bread isn’t Bread
What’s the difference between toast and bread? In Germany it’s clear: one is bread, the other isn’t. Are the Germans right to malign toast and what has that got to do with US food culture?
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?
A Very Efficient Myth
If there is one thing people know about Germany, it’s that it is the home of efficiency. Visitors are certain of it, but many Germans are beginning to have their doubts. Is German efficiency simply a stereotype, a long perpetuated myth or the the true lived experience?