Generally good info for do's and don'ts while in Germany. However allow me to add a few more. 1) you are the foreigner, do not assume all Germans speak english. Although many Germans do speak english it is polite to make an effort to learn some basic phrase 2) when eating out be prepared to wait. The waitress will normally not bring your bill until you specifically ask. 3) remember you are a guest in their country, respect their customs, and property, and always be polite. 4) Germany is a wonderful place to visit as well as live. Enjoy your visit
Richard Overton I think that making an effort to learn the language applies to every country, well not necessarily when you're only on vacation but when you want to live there for let's say about 6 months or maybe a year or 2. I like your little list of do's and don'ts, it is very accurate :) Have a nice day!
I am german and I follow almost none of this rules. Nobody will judge you for not following the rules since everybody does it his own way, and they know you're not from here. The worst thing that can happen is that they laugh with you and say thats uncommon. (haha) 1. Beeing on time should be common everywhere. To be a bit earlier is not bad. 2. Burping is disgusting and should be made silently into your fist without much attention if needed. 3. Don't go anywhere in the house without asking and don't take anything before you're allowed to by the owner. If he says "go anywhere and take anything, feel like you're home" it's ok. But never go to the bedroom. 4. Take your shoes off. The owner will let you know when you come in that you can leave them on if he's ok with it. Everything else is an own lifestyle. My parents are seperated. One of them waits until everyone finished eating, the other doesn't care.
GoannaCS :)) Only in Turkey (if you ever intend to visit Turkey) you should be prepared for delays at least 30 minutes :)) Thats "normal"!! Thats the part I like most :) Ich bin in Deutschland geboren und aufgewachsen und ich finde es kurios wie man versucht Deutschland den Ausländern zu präsentieren. Als wären alle Spießbürger und borniert. Dabei empfinde ich das nicht dementsprechend, außer bei den Älteren, aber das ist eine andere Geschichte. Ich finde, dass man den Ausländern, die sich ernsthaft für Deutschland interessieren, dieses Bild zunächst nicht vermitteln sollte.
Germany is a beautiful country with absolutely wonderful people. I have visited and lived in many countries, none as good as Germany. I could never say enough wonderful things about visiting or living there. I absolutely loved my time living in Germany and would happily live there anytime. Can't wait to visit again.
As someone who moved to Germany most of this is wrong. Generally Germans accept you don't know how the country works and have no problem accepting that you don't understand sometimes. Germany is like anywhere else, they walk across the road when the man is red, they get drunk often and yes smalltalk is acceptable here.
I'd kick you in the pants if I saw you crossing the street at a red light.... verbally of course. It still applies that you can be fined, but that's your business. If you have the money to waste, who am I to keep you from do so. But setting an example for kids is important and really the waiting time isn't that long.
Well I can tell you you're the odd one out in Germany then...most of them don't care. I'd rather teach my kids to look left and right and that if you can tell it's 100% safe to cross the road then cross it. I'd hate to think my kids would be robots obeying a system. But well some people are just sadly like that.
GrahamPhelan Well, it's your choice to teach your kids the rules and why to ignore them. But it is a slippery slope. School teachers tell them one thing, the visiting police officer tells them the same thing the teacher does. You tell them not to bother with that rule. It's just a little thing so what's the big deal. And than the kids start thinking on their own and start to question and disregard other rules, even your rules are up for questioning and breaking.
I'm from Ireland, it's not illegal here to cross when the man is red and it's not disobeying a rule to cross when the man is red, having experienced both systems this one works better. I've travelled and lived over the world, only Germany and Switzerland from where I have visited have it as illegal. Anyway in Ireland because it's legal to cross when the man is red no policeman or teacher ever tells the kids not to cross, the phrase is "look left and right when crossing the street" this is *logic*. So I don't tell anyone to disobey a rule. Never ever has it happened that I hear of an accident cause someone crossed when the man is red and the news in Ireland is lower key so we would here of something like that here on the news. If you can't decide whether or not it's safe to cross the road without that red man green man then that's just stupidity. I'd just like to point out again if it's legal in Ireland I'm not disregarding or questioning rules.
GrahamPhelan You should have mentioned that first, because it changes things. It means you have a save gate, but it is up to you to use it or disregard it. It is similar to the imperative to not exceed the speed limit of 130 km/h where no speed limit is posted at German autobahns. It is expected that you keep to that speed limit, but if you don't, you don't break a rule. But if you get in trouble, like causing an accident, you are the guilty party if your speeding is or might in all likelihood be the cause. In your case living in Ireland you may or may not obey the pedestrian signal and neither may your kids. But what happens in your country if disregarding causes an accident? Who is the guilty party and do you have to expect to be punished by law? In Germany you certainly will be.
Außerdem ist es keine Pflicht, des Ausweis die ganze Zeit dabei zu haben. Richtig ist, das man als Bundesbürger einen Ausweiß haben MUSS, aber der darf auch an einem sicheren Platz sein. Aber was auch stimmt ist, das es hilfreich ist, wenn man ihn immer dabei hat.
+IceCold Wo ist das Problem? Die meisten Sachen stimmen doch noch. Dass einige hier einfach kein Benehmen haben ist eine andere Sache, aber da sind wir Deutschen bestimmt auch nicht alleine.
This video made me laugh, well done and all very true. I love going to Germany (I'm in the Rheinpfalz right now) and I am very fond of Germans. 02:35 Yes! They cane a bit like "bears", seemingly unfriendly at first, but once they get to know know you they are the most loyal and wonderful people.
Never ring twice in short intervals, it´s annoying. Also never take books out of ze fridge! Don´t feed Germans after midnight. Except beer. Germans always love beer. And Schnaps.
Oh. Germany I wish to visit someday. I am from America and I love it here, but I would love to travel to Germany!! My grandma came from Germany when she was a teenager during World War II and the rest of my mother's family is German. My grandma drinks a lot of beer. lol! Also, I am in middle school (14 yrs old) and I learned some German. Wasser = Water Milch = Milk Ich = I and more ahaha! Anyways I don't know much about Germany, but I still don't mind traveling there some day. Wow I type too much!!
visiting with my sisters in Austria I had a chance to talk to police officers while in a train station who of great help. We where trying to find our hotel I stopped by police station the desk officer was very nice and helped me find our hotel. We had a chance to visit in Germany and enjoyed our visit. We had a good time on your railway system
»Remember to carry a passport or an ID Card with you all the time« … Sorry, that's Bullshit. You have to OWN an ID, but not have to carry it with you all the time.
Du musst im BESITZ eines Personalausweises sein und bist verpflichtet ihn vorzuzeigen. Nirgendwo steht, dass du ihn IMMER mitführen musst (Siehe §1 des unten verlinkten Gesetzes: www.bmi.bund.de/cae/servlet/contentblob/607490/publicationFile/35245/eperso.pdf) Jetzt lässt sich trefflich streiten, ob es sinnvoll ist, den Perso immer mitzuführen. Aber eine Pflicht dazu gibt es nicht.
If someone visits me at my home, I don't want flowers or wine. My sister almost comes later, maybe half an hour (or later), but it's ok. If I had a doctor title, I wouldn't want that everybody calls me doctor. I don't ever say "Guten Appetit" - depending on with who I'm eating. At mobile phone we often just use "Hallo", "Ja?" You don't have to pay with cash - just few exceptions. All in all: How you should behave is depending on the ppl you are with. Sorry for weak english :)
Started off pretty well... But DO NOT, WHATEVER YOU DO, do that little dance-y thing at 1:55. No one fucking does that. Tip: Definitely not exactly 10%. Round up the bill so that it makes between 5 and 10%. For example, if the bill is 9.20, round it up to 10, and either you pay it exactly (saying "passt so" - "fits like that") or tell them the amount you want to pay (saying "Machen wir es 10" - "We'll make it 10"). Oh, and getting drunk is not all that frowned upon here. A surprising number even get drunk with their families. As to jaywalking - a little insider tip: if it's necessary (e.g. you need to catch a train), check if there are any police, check if it's safe, possibly check to see if there are any young children walking, and if everything is OK make a dash for it. I, for example, live in an area where the traffic light timings are terrible, and sometimes, it's just necessary. Politically incorrect, but usually the way it's done. As to the combined bike and walking lanes - you can use those, but make sure you don't have any heart problems... every once in a while you will have morons who pass by you extremely closely at high speeds. Can scare the living shit out of you if you're not used to or not expecting it.
+DJtrainman261 "Passt so"! works perfectly, yet: "Machen wir es 10." is unfortunetaly not a correct German sentence. I would say: "Machen Sie 10 draus!" or just "Zehn Euro.", that should be understood as well.
PeBu34 "Machen wir es 10", or "machen wir's 10", as it's usually said, is definitely correct. "Machen Sie 10 draus" could work as well, but "10 Euro" isn't _quite_ clear enough - it _could_ be misinterpreted as wanting 10 Euros back when that's not what you meant to say.
DJtrainman261 Well, let's not quarrel about it. I can just say, that I have never heard the experssion "Machen wir es 10" before but I have often heard "Machen Sie 10 daraus." (or: draus)" and used the short term "10 Euro" quite often myselfe and was never misunderstood. Maybe I have just never lived in a region of Germany, where it is said the other way.
Prussian84 True Story. In Germany I often show up 15 Minutes later to an appointment with friends. And in Turkey I am 15 MInutes too early, thats confusing for both :D
I think there are only a few points worth remembering in this video. It's true that jaywalking in the presence of children under 12 is frowned upon, at least in small and midsizes cities. The most valid point is concerning small-talk. Behind that is the same attitude that leads to what some perceive as rude behavior. Germans tend to expect the worst until proven otherwise, and that applies to meeting strangers as well. And they don't see a point in faking interest or sympathy for people they have no connection with. This may be considered rude in other cultures, but it's also honest. Germans value honesty and substance, in conversations they don't really care if your opinion is PC as long as your argument is sound.
As a German I think that the video is pretty accurate and most of them are rather international rules of good behaviour than only german rules. Even though Germans can be more easy going I advice you to follow these rules since you never know whom you're dealing with. Wait for the other person to tell you that this or that infact is not necessary. Flowers and wine are always welcome but your hosts won't expect those gifts in case you're a student or simply know that at the moment you're haing some financial difficulties. There is actually no point I would disagree with even though the rule with adressing the other person with Dr. X is more out of custom or because that particular person has been presented to you that way. I've never actually seen a person who got offended because someone didn't address him with his proper title. The point you really should keep in mind is the one about the fridge. Just opening the fridge without asking for permission (even as a kid) is considered very rude, even if noone tells you that at the moment, it still is.
blueslove61 In most of the world, this is just common sense and good manners. Yet, most people have none, so they have to teach it as some sort of cultural extravagance.
Das war vielleicht vor 30 Jahren mal so, aber mittlerweile ist das alles VIEL Lockerer. Funny rules ;) - Maybe 30 years ago. Today, its not as strict as told in the vid. at all!
The rule about calling a doctor a doctor in non-academic environment is ridiculous and no one should follow this rule. I never use a title when writing/talking to my professors and have never seen one who does. edited: I learn in technical area
Be prepared to discuss politics or philosophy? I wish that were the case! "being drunk is frowned upon" I'd like to clarify that: you can get drunk, and nobody expects you to come home completely sober when you go celebrating. But you have to show that you're in control. If you get wasted over and over again and end up in places you shouldn't, that's were you're reputation will start to turn bad.
We don`t call everybody Doctor!!That`s austrian style! Mr. and Mrs. is enough for us....:)) One important thing you forgot:We like to laugh...sometimes also about ourself. :))
Schmarrn! Der Doktortitel wird offiziell zum Teil des Namens (kommt auch so in den Paß) und sollte auch gebraucht werden, es sei denn denn man wird vom Titelträger aufgefordert den Titel wegzulassen. Baloney! The title "Doktor" is officially part of the name of said person (also goes into the passport) and should be used to address this person - unless the Doktor allows you to skip the title. 1 x 1 der Benimmregeln...
AndiB. Darauf legen nur kleine Persönlichkeiten die sich ohne ihren Titel nackt fühlen. Leute die wert legen auf ihren Akademischentitel überall sind meist ziemliche Arschlöcher
The most important thing is, don't bear hug everyone you've met just recently. Germans don't follow the American 'howdy fella, well met' pilosophy. Hugging is reserved for close family members or very close long time friends. And even then, there are specific protocols. Learn them! You are always doing the right thing if you let the woman take the lead. She will give you her hand and if she feels a friendship for you, she will kiss you on both sides of the cheeks, while still holding your hand. Don't ever let go of the hand to bear hug.
I have no idear when they did they reseach, but it has to be a very long time ago... 1. Bringing Presents is not a must. 2. Shaking hands is not a must. Often its not even liked if you meet someone the first times. (Execpt buisness stuff, there it is friendly to do so.) 3. Its hard to get friends with us germans, yes. We like to protect our social life. But we wont bite you just because you try... 4. Dont walk in the bedroom unless invited? What? Dont run around in the fucking house at all unless you know them better. Like already said, we like to protect our private space like the social life. 5. When you finish just put down your knife and spoon and such on the plate... almost nobody knows the knigge today. (Knigge is how to act rules...) 6. "Prost"? Only saw Tourists and people 45+ years doin this... Thats a weird thing... 7. "Zum wohl" is only at "upper class" (or how u call it). And only if there is no food and expensiv drinks. Hard to explain. 8. Getting drunk is totaly normal. Unless you are to young to drink or you are very often drunk. But normaly nobody cares aslong you dont trow up. And now after fixing this stupid video a few hints from me (a german) to you: 1. Never ever make jokes or even talk about Hiter, Nazi's and such. Germans hate this and get easy offended by this. 2. Dont drink alcohol when children are with you or nobody orders some too. Thats just weird. 3. If you go into a restaurant, say what you want. We seems unfrendly but we are professionel, so if you ask as example for a little more time to choose or such, they will understand and come back in few minutes. 4. Always walk on the right side of a path or stairs and such. We are used to pass people who come in front of us on the right side. (Dont need to change street to the right side, only walk on the right side of the way you walking on.) 5. Almost everyone in germany can also speak english. Mostly older people are not. So if you have a problem, dont be shy and ask. There is only a very little chance to ask someone who cant speak english. But please speak clear and a little slower hen you are used to. Then its easyer to understand you because we are not used to talk english, even if we are able to. 6. Mostly you will feel be starred at, but i promise you, you are not. (Unless you look weird for some reason). Germans only hole the eyecontact a few milliseconds longer then most other countrys. That extremly tiny time can feel for the most as they would get stared at. 7. Yes, we have black people too in germany. Totaly normal for us. And if you are black, dont worry about the police, maybe only 1% of them are racist.
"6. "Prost"? Only saw Tourists and people 45+ years doin this... Thats a weird thing..." well, it's pretty common where i live, even today. (Niederbayern)
Don't mention a part of your history? I get that WW2 was shitty, but it seems germans want to forget about it or pretend it never happened? I think it is important to discuss subjects such as Hitler or WW2 because remembering the past will prevent it from happening in the future. When we forget our past we are doomed to repeat it. You should not feel ashamed of what happened unless you actively took part in what happened, we do not and should not carry the sins of our fathers or in this case, grandfathers/great grandfathers. But you should look back and understand not just what happened but how it happened, what mechanisms led humans to do such cruel things? My ancestors come from a mix of German and English, during the settlement of Australia I know of one or two ancestors alive during this time, the Aboriginals were cruelly treated by the peers of my ancestors and possibly directly by my ancestors. I do not feel ashamed of this as obviously I was not alive 200 years ago. However I do not forget why and how my people could have been so cruel, so I can learn from the mistakes of my people and not repeat them. If we try to forget we risk it happening again.
Holger Kracker Did I ever say the Germans enjoyed WW2? I have every right to talk about WW2, my grandparents came to Australia fleeing WW2, and my grandparents on my british side of the family sent their brothers and fathers to die in WW2. So if anything I have the privilege of seeing both sides of the picture which is why I am interested in the subject. I was talking about Germans talking about the war with other Germans, I would never expect a German to talk about the war to some hick American who does not understand what happened. I have family ties in 3 of the countries that fought. I know of German family members that fought or were killed, I know of British family members that fought or were killed, I also know of Australian family members that fought or were killed. Does that mean I have 3x more right to talk about the war than you having only German perspective?
If you told someone in the U.S. to bring a muffler to weare we would think you are nuts! Mufflers go under your car, and quiet the noise of your exhaust!
I am german... and i can tell you most of the stuff you saw in this vid is absolutely correct. If you keep up the lectures you heard in this vid you won't make any major mistakes in the german society. In general. Keep in mind, this doesn't approve for each situation you will face in germany.
As another native German, I concur this person. We usually do make small talk as well, just not as heavily as anglo-saxon cultures do. And maybe in a bit different tone. We are not talking about philosophy all day, but also about more mundane stuff like football (soccer) or work or other things. We like to complain :p
In Germany it is frowned upon when you put your weener in a blender... It is also considered rather weird if in public reading up loud a manual of an old VHS taperecorder...and believe it or not Austria is no exception.
I am German. And I was pretty surprised - some of those aspects are rlly familiar to me, but I didn't noticed they are for Germans only *-* For me it's just polite or normal to act like that :D But...half of the pointed behaviours are ridiculous xD
Don't do what some British people do - Impersonate Adolf Hitler or mention the war. Why some Brits have that childish obsession, I don't know. I've always got on with German people.
I find it's more likely to be Americans who do that, because those who know (at least some) German often learn it from war films. But never perform a Nazi salute as this is an imprisonable offence in Germany and tourists from various areas of the world have been arrested for it. And yet the FCO STILL hasn't mentioned this in their travel advice for Germany!
The information on tipping (10% of the bill) is completely false. You round up the cost of the bill and maybe add a couple euros, depending on the cost of the meal and the service.
+Techne Yes, most people would not feel offended, just because you are from somewhere else. But that does not make it wrong to make a good first impression. Showing that you try to respect others code of behaviour is always an effective way to be respectful. What should be wrong about that?
olafspetzki It's more than that my friend. It's simply that the code of behaviour differs depending on which part of the German speaking world you're in. Just as in if you're in the UK and call someone Sir it would be weird unless you're a waiter in a fancy restaurant, a shopkeeper in a fancy shop, a pupil in a school addressing a teacher, or in the army. However, if you're the South of the USA it's common for young people to address older males as Sir. Same thing applies in the German speaking world, and a good rule of thumb might be that the further south you travel the more Sie is normal between strangers. Whereas if you're in Cologne and use Sie with someone your own age it just seems weird or comical in many situations.
One thing not mentioned is a part of saying "Prost". One must make full eye contact, not the glancing look one normally gives in North America. You have to look a person in the eyes as you clink glasses together. This should last about half a second. To a North American this can feel a bit uncomfortable at first. It is only a warm greeting and meant to show that you really mean it. If everyone starts "clinking" glasses with each other, make the rounds as well and "clink" everyone's glass as well. Watch the person you are with and see how it plays out. (lived in Austria 7 years, believe me I am not kidding.)
Another thing I noticed is that Americans tend to clink the necks of their beer bottles together. I'm not sure about Germany as a whole but where I am it is custom to clink with the lower part of the bottle.
***** ...not really, the heinies were equally welcoming, but in 1945 they were more open about it....the first day of the battle of berlin cost 50,000 russian lives, but these days they prefer to take your money over your life
Plexpara ....why would you expect him to behave differently from german soldiers everywhere....after ww2 the russian soldier on occupation duty in germany was in daily danger of being raped by german women....the casualty rates were so high that german women were desperate to find anything male....it was almost as bad in russia, where women outnumbered men by 20% for almost 50 years afterwards
Plexpara ...that didn't happen, but in the few cases it might have, your hitler-loving society should be grateful for the genetic improvement....in 1953, the US army did a survey in west germany, in it's de-nazification program, and discovered that 53% of you morons wouldn't disavow admiral donitz, the last nazi head of state....naziism is in your blood and bone, and anything russians did there is called social and genetic improvement
***** ....donitz was the last head of a government that produced 75% casualties in the entire german army, and 46% casualties in the entire german male population....11 million total ....it would seem to me that there was something to repudiate and condemn ...i wasn't kidding when i said the russian soldier or any other was in danger of being raped....german women were frantic to find anything wearing pants
***** ...it doesn't matter what he did when the war started, he accepted the post of leader, and he should have received the odium and condemnation for his government's failure....but....instead he received more nazi love, which is why i'm pretty sure there's a hitler junge lurking in each of you rule-lovin' folks
The thing with knife and fork is bullshit. if you're right-handed hold the knife with your right hand, if you're left-handed hold the knife in the left hand. And if you do it in another way because you're used to it nobody will kill you.
What I got from this video: You are expected to be polite and respectful in Germany. Kinda like it used to be here in the USA before the masses became impolite, disrespectful, foul mouth A-holes! This made me want to move to Germany! I wasn't aware that they were such polite people that don't like BS. I'm impressed!
Yes, so polite that they invaded my Grandfather farm and offered my whole family a vacation to Germany. Even gave my grandfather a job in a labor camp while giving my family 5 star accommodation of a immigrant camp with no heat of food. They were also impressed.
klauskarlkraus Thanks, but aren't you going to thank me also, my family in America helped out you guys too, helped them right into their Nazi graves. Hahahahahahaha, Nazi loser.
Habe mich zu letzt mit einem Freund darüber unterhalten - die Mutter ist Kniggetrainerin - Der Brauch ist nicht angloamerikanisch. Hier geht es auch primär nicht um die Bezahlung, sondern um den Respekt dem man der Arbeit der Person entgegenbringt. Übrigens ist das auch der wahre Gedanke hinter dem "Knigge". Benehmen ist eigentlich fast schon Nebensache. Respektieren und respektiert werden.....
We often only use a fork in Canada too, but having spent time being employed by the forces, the table etiquette being shown in this video is part of the same stuff we learned.
you are so wrong. I mean, sure in a family enviroment you can be informal, but as soon as you talk buisness, go for knigge (a collection of good manors) I come from a place with many foreigners (Big NATO military base) and most don't have well enough table-manors. Manors are extremly Important! Though they do some things wrong here, you bring flowers if you are the only guest, but not if there could be many, imagine the poor housewife having to get a new vase everytime! Also you don't "clink" the wine clases, only beer! Its a little outdated but fun too watch our habits from another perspective... Judas, if you should have any questions feel free to ask!
sry too long text while avoiding learning. Flowers -> Sure thats more general manors after all.i have a manor coach who told me he would never bring flowers to a gathering at the home of someone due to the "Vase-issue" to the manors, i had the feeling you underestimated their value in Germany, not meant as a offense though i see that i formulated that a little rough^^
Boston2George Yes, that's true. The Germans are so. The Germans, who have moved away from Germany, you can still endure. They are a bit more human. But the Germans in Germany take the last vitality from you.
Is this a guidebook for idiots? These things you are "to do" or "not to do" in Germany apply I imagine in every civilized society. Things pointed out here are just plain good manners.
well Croatian society may be called "the Balkan's society" sometimes but when I see these guidelines to visit a German family I can tell you that same apply in Croatia
I remember that i send greetings message to my German fiancee before his birthday. I don't have any idea that this is a bad luck for them. I did apologized and never do it again. LOL!!
+DJtrainman261 No, it is logical / wise / sane. I lived near Stuttgart for 3 years, then near Kaiserslautern for 3 years. . . . . . learned the Deutsch way and had no problems. I live in California now. . . . . . . . . pure idiocracy in most of my travels. People "jay-walking", crossing in the cross walk during the red, rolling through a red light to turn right at the intersection, driving with their bloody cell phone on their ear! I don't even blame America. You can't blame the whole country for some individual idiots.
whiteribbonman1 I live in Germany. I also study transportation here. And no, it's not about some individuals, it's a question of how traffic flows. Bikes simply belong on the street, and not on the sidewalk, unless it's a child. And I'm also saying this as a cyclist.
+DJtrainman261 I do so wish I could figure out where you misunderstand me? I agree with you! When I said rolling I was referring to people that are driving some type of automobile.
whiteribbonman1 Oh OK my bad, I misunderstood. I thought you were referring to German cities as an example of why bikes should be on a sidewalk - I forgot that that development is fairly recent.
+Andreas Lukasczyk My sister works as a waitress and according to her, most people tip even more than 10%. I think the lower the bill the higher the average tip is. Most people would round up to 20 on a 18 Euros bill, but roundig up a 90 Euros bill to 100 is less likely to happen. It is also not uncommon that the tip is shared between all the staff (waiter, cook, cleaning personal etc.) even those who aren't on shift that night, so the single person finally doesn't receive a noticeable amount of tip out of an evening, even though almost every guest had been quite generous. Even though waiters do get a proper salary nowadays, it's stil relatively low, since they are expected to get some extra thanks to tip.
Except the rule with "be in time". I am living in the Philippines and here they handle it "a bit" different. But much more different I experienced it in Thailand. They have "the foreigner time" when you have to be in time or maybe your flight will be gone (without you) and they have their "local way to handle time". Like: Let's meet in the evening for dinner at "place, Resto or wherever". If you are in time, don't expect your friend will be there also. Maybe he will appear, or maybe not. But never expect, he will appear "in time". My 2 cents for this topic. :-))
SaviOr747 French people doesn't care about traffic light neither they watch the street if they cross it. That was very scary tbh, when I was there for a little exchange.
I'm a German and I have to say that this film gives a good basic idea, but: - the most people accept it when guests are a little bit too early or late (+/- 15 minutes) - on the streets you mostly don't use "Dr." or "Prof."- just "Herr/Frau" and the Name - normaly supermarket and bigger shops accept credit cards, too (not just cash) but little shops like "Kiosk" (shown in the video) mostly accept just cash If you would do something not perfectly- don't be worried! (Foreign) Guests are welcome!
Who does that when their eating at someone esles house? (Dont belch. Dont take books out of their bookcase. Dont go into their bedroom.) Well obviously
Belching is not universally frowned upon. To some it's just like a sneeze... something that just happens. This video is for the benefit of people from all cultures including those where a burp is no big deal.
Up Up Try Googling it for your education. I am not your university. www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=belching+as+a+compliment
Komme meinerseits mitten aus dem Pott (allerdings nur knappe 30 Jahre) & bin meist auch hier unterwegs, muss aber sagen, dass ich es einfach nicht anders kenne, als in einer Lokalität/Restaurant Trinkgeld zu geben, sofern ich zufrieden (!) war; egal, ob ich mit Bekannten, Freunden oder der Familie irgendwo war; und wenn Trinkgeld gegeben wird, dann eben die 10%; wenn ich wirklich pos. überrascht bin kann es ggf. auch etwas mehr werden; weiter auswärts (in D) verfahren mein Umfeld & ich genauso.
lol...manches davon ist schon etwas übertrieben. 1. "Dokor": Das kann man eigentlich nur dann sagen, wenn man weiß, dass jemand einen Doktortitel hat, man ihn aber nicht persönlich kennt. Bei Personen, die man persönlich kennt sollte man das besser lassen...sonst kommen die sich schnell "leicht" verarscht vor...da die Anrede als Doktor ein Zeichen von (höflicher) Distanz ist. 2. Telefon: Das mache ich selbst genau so, wie es hier empfohlen wird es nicht zu tun. Wer sich verwählt, mir nur irgendwas verkaufen will oder sonst bei mir fehl am Platz ist, braucht meinen Namen nicht zu wissen. Und wer mich anruft, weil er die Nummer von mir bekommen hat, der weiß auch wen er anruft. 3. Kühlschrank: Es stimmt zwar, dass es nicht gerade höflich ist, sich aus dem Kühlschrank ungefragt zu bedienen...wenn man den Gastgeber jedoch darüber informiert, *dass* man dies getan hat, ist das nicht so tragisch. Wenn man jedoch ungefragt anfängt, in der Wohnung eines Nichtrauchers zu rauchen (oder man etwas macht, von dem man ausgehen muss, dass der Gastgeber das nicht will), sollte man sich nicht wundern, wenn man nie wieder eingeladen wird.
Wenn man wo als Gast eingeladen wird (z.B. Abendessen),dann bringt man der Gastgeberin normalerweise Blumen mit,um sich bei Ihr für die Mühe,die sie sich macht zu bedanken. So sehe ich das um mich herum,und mache es auch selber.
"Always ask, before you do things." Isn't that... you know... normal? "The tip is usually about 10% of the bill." I work in a german restaurant and usually, people just give you as much as they think you deserve. If they feel they received good service, they may give you a highter tip and while it's considered rude, if you don't tip the waiter, people do this to show the restaurant when they were not satisfied with the service. Tips are common, but they're also by choice.
Aw thank you! That's really nice of you to offer! I haven't decided where exactly I'll go yet, but I have a WHILE to plan before I leave. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I do feel a lot better now. I just got myself all worked up. :/ I guess I was reliving my trip to (Que dramatic music)...Canada.... lol x)
Also its pretty weird that German elders nap from 1-3. Where I'm from they nap from 3-5, so I'm used to not calling during that time. I need one of these videos for every country I visit. Please make more!!!
I don't need woollen underwear in Germany, it's not that cold here. A thick jeans is in my opinion enough. And i also don't hold the fork in my left-hand and the knife in my right hand i do it the other way.
The punctuality thing too? I feel like we Germans are just a tiny bit more insistent on being on time than anybody else. Although in this video it is exaggerated. Being 5 minutes early is fine but that's the limit.
... this is not outdated. Just because our generation isn't following this rules, doesn't mean they don't exist. Most listed rules do exist and it'd be important to keep them.
some are perfectly logical others are right down retatred really. They don't like small talk ,give me a brake . So do they talk about engineering all day long ?
Well, Germans do smalltalk as well. It is just a little different, because Germans are very direkt and honest people. So if you're asking a German, how he is doing (and it is very common to ask that in Germany, too) he won't awnser: "Oh, I'm fine, how are you?". He will just tell you how he is doing. ;)
When someone is appearing with big scratches in the face on Mondays at work, then you can be sure that he was practicing using fork and knive again at the weekend.
Be prepared to talk about politics and philosophy? Really? I mean...SOME germans do that but I think there are not much less people who do that in other countries. My tip...watch the most stupid reality show you'll find on TV and talk about how you don't watch it and how lame it is...its a good topic, at least among educated germans.
Bristol Blue Well thats pretty much depends who you talk to...most people are pretty pissed if you mention the war (like somebody who once raped a woman don't wants to be reminded about that) but they are also used to it....a lot of tourists and foreigner do that...and more important the war is still pretty present in the media...so most people are just bored by that topic. But remember you hardly find people who actually been to the war so it is as strange to them as it is to you...most people are really ashamed of what happened back than but they don't want to play the guilt game...because talking about the war is often seen as a charge...but on the other hand there is a good chance to have an educated conversation about the war the Nazi Regime and all its horrible aspects. As I said..it depends who you talk to.
It's my British humour, sorry :-) If we tell someone that we're having a business meeting or a date with a German, someone will say "Don't mention the war!" . It comes from a 1975 sitcom called Fawlty Towers. Basil the hotelier is told by his Wife that some German guests are arriving, so what ever you do ,don't mention the war... Obviously the exact opposite happens to great comedic effect! Another phrase used is "They don't like it up 'em!" : This comes from a catch phrase used by Lance Corp. Jones in "Dad's Army" ... Actually I'm 47 ,the same age my Dad was when I was born, so growing up I learned all about what it was like to be there fighting and from my Mum what it was like at home in England. It's a subject that has always interested me, WW2 and all the politics pre, during & post war. Shit happens ! With the current terror threat it appears the British , the Germans, and the rest of the Civilised world all have a common enemy at last to bring us closer together.
Bristol Blue "Don't mention the war!" I'll keep that in mind...thats actually pretty funny. But what does "They don't like it up 'em!" mean? I don't get it... Whatever WW2 is a very interesting period to learn about...and I think that we can learn a lot about democracy and values and how all can be flushed down the toilet within a few years....it always frightens me. Shit happens but its supposed to never happened again. But I really like the english people they always do things with style and they got the right amount of craziness I'am sometimes missing here...but beside a few little differences I think germans and britons are very alike...we both like drinking...we both love to complain about the rest of europe...we both adore football we are known for technical innovations and we both have shitty weather we both like to picture ourselves as hard workers while immigrants do most of our shitty jobs. If I ever leave germany I would probably head over to briton...only problems most britons don't really like germans (as far as i know) :( But you are right...future challenges should let us forget the grudge of the past
I think Germans are accepted in Britain. I have met a few over the years that live here and the differences in our cultures are not really noticeable. LOL on your comments on how we view ourselves, so true ! In the sitcom Dad's Army: It's about a "Home Gaurd" unit in a small seaside town. All the young fighting age men are off to Europe and these units at home were nicknamed "dad's army, because they were the Dads and Grandads that were left over ! Jones is a Butcher by trade, but when the unit have their uniforms on and meet in the evenings at the Church Hall he is Lance Corporal Jones who was in the first War and talks about his experiences, often repeating himself as stereotype old people do. For instance: "Permission to speak Sir, in the First War we....." and "Don't Panic!!" (as he clearly panics!) ... "In the first War Sir , them Fuzzy Wuzzies...." and best of all he can't wait to fix his Bayonet to his rifle ,using the phrase "They don't like it up 'em, Mr.Mainwaring!" (He should also be calling the superior Officer Captain Manwairing but as Mainwaring is the Bank manager ,Jones calls him Mister all the time!) Cheers mate :-)
That part about not wishing a happy birthday in advance came back to bite me recently even though I'm German... I guess that's what I get for not being in the country for almost a whole decade -_-
GrundlosDumm ***** What if you're a left hander though??? Every western culture uses a knife and fork. I'm just pointing out how ridiculously irrelevant that information is. I've been to Germany three times & was never kicked out for holding my knife in my left....
Into The East Sure you can use it otherways if you are left handed. I am german and i kinda fell a little bit offended by this guide since some of the "tips" are just cliché
That depends. During formal or informal meetings with friends or family it is generally allowed. But during business meetings you have to watch out. You are NEVER ever allowed to blink while looking at a superior. It's a huge offense, even worse than flipping him off and will surely get you fired.
Dont be worry! I'm a german and if you are punctually and polite you will get no problems! Most of the told things here are for high society. And some things are really wrong! So, you can join germany and have fun here!
I lived in Germany 22 years and then came back to the States. Watching this, I now realize why all of my colleagues at work tell me I'm more German than American. LOL
I can't believe that these social rules only apply to Germany (like don't burp, put your cutlery on the right side of your plate when you're finished, don't call after 10 pm - except in case of emergency, do not walk on a bicycle lane etc.)
(part 2) Generaly: A lot of people can speak and write English quite fluently- English is one of a "must have" lessons in school- when you want to find a special street or building you can ask people on the street- normaly you will get help- use "Entschuldigen Sie bitte. Ich suche ..."("Excuse me, please. I'm searching..."). The split-up is: very fast (street/cars), fast (bike path, sometimes colored in red and marked with a bike), slow (walker). Sometimes bikes and walkers are together (6:20)
I enjoyed watching this, there are a lot of good aspects in this video, eg don't wish happy birthday before the birthday, and don't go through people's books without asking permission. That is so true! Some aspects mentioned apply globally, eg coming home drunk when being a visitor is most likely something you will keep on the quiet side, plus it would be considered rude anywhere coming home late, and being loud and waking people up...
Who the fuck opens fridges and looks into rooms at their host xDD
+Jannis Biboudis = a lot of americans do so...........!!!!!!!!
+Jannis Biboudis I do because I'm looking for cats to pet. Well, not in the fridge.
...eben Amerikaner.....!!!!
Rufdesign1 Genau.
+Jannis Biboudis Gib mir deine Nahrung Ich bin hungrig! hehehe
My left ear liked this
Generally good info for do's and don'ts while in Germany. However allow me to add a few more. 1) you are the foreigner, do not assume all Germans speak english. Although many Germans do speak english it is polite to make an effort to learn some basic phrase
2) when eating out be prepared to wait. The waitress will normally not bring your bill until you specifically ask.
3) remember you are a guest in their country, respect their customs, and property, and always be polite.
4) Germany is a wonderful place to visit as well as live. Enjoy your visit
Richard Overton I think that making an effort to learn the language applies to every country, well not necessarily when you're only on vacation but when you want to live there for let's say about 6 months or maybe a year or 2. I like your little list of do's and don'ts, it is very accurate :) Have a nice day!
Confirmed
I am german and I follow almost none of this rules. Nobody will judge you for not following the rules since everybody does it his own way, and they know you're not from here. The worst thing that can happen is that they laugh with you and say thats uncommon. (haha)
1. Beeing on time should be common everywhere. To be a bit earlier is not bad.
2. Burping is disgusting and should be made silently into your fist without much attention if needed.
3. Don't go anywhere in the house without asking and don't take anything before you're allowed to by the owner. If he says "go anywhere and take anything, feel like you're home" it's ok. But never go to the bedroom.
4. Take your shoes off. The owner will let you know when you come in that you can leave them on if he's ok with it.
Everything else is an own lifestyle. My parents are seperated. One of them waits until everyone finished eating, the other doesn't care.
GoannaCS :)) Only in Turkey (if you ever intend to visit Turkey) you should be prepared for delays at least 30 minutes :)) Thats "normal"!! Thats the part I like most :)
Ich bin in Deutschland geboren und aufgewachsen und ich finde es kurios wie man versucht Deutschland den Ausländern zu präsentieren. Als wären alle Spießbürger und borniert. Dabei empfinde ich das nicht dementsprechend, außer bei den Älteren, aber das ist eine andere Geschichte.
Ich finde, dass man den Ausländern, die sich ernsthaft für Deutschland interessieren, dieses Bild zunächst nicht vermitteln sollte.
***** Veieln Dank! Das beste Kommentar seit langem! Und das mit den Ältern ist sowieso immer ein wenig anders und anstrengender nicht? :)
So Fluffy Richtig :) Deswegen ist es eine andere Geschichte.
+So Fluffy Eltern*
Kip pe
Danke hast recht xD Ich bin aus Franken ich darf das...
"Give them time, don't force the friendship" xDD hahaha echt süß, wirklich :D
Germany is a beautiful country with absolutely wonderful people. I have visited and lived in many countries, none as good as Germany. I could never say enough wonderful things about visiting or living there. I absolutely loved my time living in Germany and would happily live there anytime. Can't wait to visit again.
Thank you for that! It's so nice to hear something good about my country. And I'm very glad you liked it here :)
As someone who moved to Germany most of this is wrong. Generally Germans accept you don't know how the country works and have no problem accepting that you don't understand sometimes. Germany is like anywhere else, they walk across the road when the man is red, they get drunk often and yes smalltalk is acceptable here.
I'd kick you in the pants if I saw you crossing the street at a red light.... verbally of course. It still applies that you can be fined, but that's your business. If you have the money to waste, who am I to keep you from do so. But setting an example for kids is important and really the waiting time isn't that long.
Well I can tell you you're the odd one out in Germany then...most of them don't care. I'd rather teach my kids to look left and right and that if you can tell it's 100% safe to cross the road then cross it. I'd hate to think my kids would be robots obeying a system. But well some people are just sadly like that.
GrahamPhelan Well, it's your choice to teach your kids the rules and why to ignore them. But it is a slippery slope.
School teachers tell them one thing, the visiting police officer tells them the same thing the teacher does. You tell them not to bother with that rule. It's just a little thing so what's the big deal. And than the kids start thinking on their own and start to question and disregard other rules, even your rules are up for questioning and breaking.
I'm from Ireland, it's not illegal here to cross when the man is red and it's not disobeying a rule to cross when the man is red, having experienced both systems this one works better. I've travelled and lived over the world, only Germany and Switzerland from where I have visited have it as illegal. Anyway in Ireland because it's legal to cross when the man is red no policeman or teacher ever tells the kids not to cross, the phrase is "look left and right when crossing the street" this is *logic*. So I don't tell anyone to disobey a rule. Never ever has it happened that I hear of an accident cause someone crossed when the man is red and the news in Ireland is lower key so we would here of something like that here on the news. If you can't decide whether or not it's safe to cross the road without that red man green man then that's just stupidity. I'd just like to point out again if it's legal in Ireland I'm not disregarding or questioning rules.
GrahamPhelan You should have mentioned that first, because it changes things. It means you have a save gate, but it is up to you to use it or disregard it. It is similar to the imperative to not exceed the speed limit of 130 km/h where no speed limit is posted at German autobahns.
It is expected that you keep to that speed limit, but if you don't, you don't break a rule. But if you get in trouble, like causing an accident, you are the guilty party if your speeding is or might in all likelihood be the cause.
In your case living in Ireland you may or may not obey the pedestrian signal and neither may your kids. But what happens in your country if disregarding causes an accident? Who is the guilty party and do you have to expect to be punished by law? In Germany you certainly will be.
Gotta buy me woolen underwear. I never had those things. BTW I am German.
sorry i am German and I must say the video is 25 to 30 years late ...
definitiv es sei denn du willst wie ein altbackener spinner
+EumlOriginal es wurde aber von Deutschen gemacht...
argento1111
wann den Anfang der 90ger ?
Außerdem ist es keine Pflicht, des Ausweis die ganze Zeit dabei zu haben.
Richtig ist, das man als Bundesbürger einen Ausweiß haben MUSS, aber der darf auch an einem sicheren Platz sein.
Aber was auch stimmt ist, das es hilfreich ist, wenn man ihn immer dabei hat.
+IceCold Wo ist das Problem? Die meisten Sachen stimmen doch noch. Dass einige hier einfach kein Benehmen haben ist eine andere Sache, aber da sind wir Deutschen bestimmt auch nicht alleine.
This video made me laugh, well done and all very true. I love going to Germany (I'm in the Rheinpfalz right now) and I am very fond of Germans. 02:35 Yes! They cane a bit like "bears", seemingly unfriendly at first, but once they get to know know you they are the most loyal and wonderful people.
Das wirklich witzige an dem Video....dass es überhaupt Menschen gibt die solche Videos ernsthaft brauchen.^^
Das Video ist für andere Deutschen. 🤪
Das Video ist für andere Deutschen. Es steht im BGB.
3:53 ...I was so angry when my friend called me at 11h55 pm the night just before my birthday to wish me happy birthday...
who wast that idiot
Never ring twice in short intervals, it´s annoying.
Also never take books out of ze fridge!
Don´t feed Germans after midnight. Except beer. Germans always love beer. And Schnaps.
do you have a beer?
HapaFM no. No one gets mein Bier.
Roberto Gomes Brasil no
***** that´s right. When you feed Germans after midnight, zey party all night long and that reduces productivity.
+1337fraggzb00N If I go to Germany will Germans buy me beer if I promise to say zum wohl before I raise it? I won't be late...promise.
This is good advise for those of us from the US as manners here have waned, especially punctuality and table manners.
Oh. Germany I wish to visit someday. I am from America and I love it here, but I would love to travel to Germany!! My grandma came from Germany when she was a teenager during World War II and the rest of my mother's family is German. My grandma drinks a lot of beer. lol! Also, I am in middle school (14 yrs old) and I learned some German. Wasser = Water Milch = Milk Ich = I and more ahaha! Anyways I don't know much about Germany, but I still don't mind traveling there some day. Wow I type too much!!
Great, but this video does not express german culture, i live in Germany and
the only thing i hate personally is when you arrive late
Be welcome!
visiting with my sisters in Austria I had a chance to talk to police officers while in a train station who of great help. We where trying to find our hotel I stopped by police station the desk officer was very nice and helped me find our hotel. We had a chance to visit in Germany and enjoyed our visit. We had a good time on your railway system
As a german i can confirm nearly every dos and donts they mention.
»Remember to carry a passport or an ID Card with you all the time« …
Sorry, that's Bullshit. You have to OWN an ID, but not have to carry it with you all the time.
For germans it is enough to have an ID. Foreigners have to carry their IDs always with them.
i think it depends on the part of germany. in thuringia i dont need a passport. if i drive to another part, i carry one with me.
AFAIR this ist a federal law and it doesn't depends on the single states.
ok, nirgends brauch ich nen perso? muss ich dann ne kopie nach münchen schicken, sollte polizei meine personalien wissen wollen?
Du musst im BESITZ eines Personalausweises sein und bist verpflichtet ihn vorzuzeigen. Nirgendwo steht, dass du ihn IMMER mitführen musst (Siehe §1 des unten verlinkten Gesetzes: www.bmi.bund.de/cae/servlet/contentblob/607490/publicationFile/35245/eperso.pdf)
Jetzt lässt sich trefflich streiten, ob es sinnvoll ist, den Perso immer mitzuführen. Aber eine Pflicht dazu gibt es nicht.
If someone visits me at my home, I don't want flowers or wine. My sister almost comes later, maybe half an hour (or later), but it's ok. If I had a doctor title, I wouldn't want that everybody calls me doctor. I don't ever say "Guten Appetit" - depending on with who I'm eating. At mobile phone we often just use "Hallo", "Ja?" You don't have to pay with cash - just few exceptions. All in all: How you should behave is depending on the ppl you are with. Sorry for weak english :)
Your English is quite good, the writing makes you seem completely fluent in English actually. Far better then most here in America.
Started off pretty well... But DO NOT, WHATEVER YOU DO, do that little dance-y thing at 1:55. No one fucking does that.
Tip: Definitely not exactly 10%. Round up the bill so that it makes between 5 and 10%. For example, if the bill is 9.20, round it up to 10, and either you pay it exactly (saying "passt so" - "fits like that") or tell them the amount you want to pay (saying "Machen wir es 10" - "We'll make it 10").
Oh, and getting drunk is not all that frowned upon here. A surprising number even get drunk with their families.
As to jaywalking - a little insider tip: if it's necessary (e.g. you need to catch a train), check if there are any police, check if it's safe, possibly check to see if there are any young children walking, and if everything is OK make a dash for it. I, for example, live in an area where the traffic light timings are terrible, and sometimes, it's just necessary. Politically incorrect, but usually the way it's done.
As to the combined bike and walking lanes - you can use those, but make sure you don't have any heart problems... every once in a while you will have morons who pass by you extremely closely at high speeds. Can scare the living shit out of you if you're not used to or not expecting it.
Confirmed
+DJtrainman261 "Passt so"! works perfectly, yet: "Machen wir es 10." is unfortunetaly not a correct German sentence. I would say: "Machen Sie 10 draus!" or just "Zehn Euro.", that should be understood as well.
PeBu34
"Machen wir es 10", or "machen wir's 10", as it's usually said, is definitely correct. "Machen Sie 10 draus" could work as well, but "10 Euro" isn't _quite_ clear enough - it _could_ be misinterpreted as wanting 10 Euros back when that's not what you meant to say.
DJtrainman261 Well, let's not quarrel about it. I can just say, that I have never heard the experssion "Machen wir es 10" before but I have often heard "Machen Sie 10 daraus." (or: draus)" and used the short term "10 Euro" quite often myselfe and was never misunderstood. Maybe I have just never lived in a region of Germany, where it is said the other way.
"Machen wir es 10"? Never heard this. This is definitely not German. "Machen sie 10 daraus" or "machen wir 10€" or just "10"
Be punctual!! Most important thing in Germany. We are not in south europe, where they come 30mins later.
Prussian84 True Story. In Germany I often show up 15 Minutes later to an appointment with friends. And in Turkey I am 15 MInutes too early, thats confusing for both :D
+Prussian84 Well try India We are alwasy late
ArunRai
Sorry can t. My wife fears to get raped.
In 2014 the newspapers were full with rapings in India. So I am not joking. It looks like a really dangerous country to me.
Prussian84 Well you better not come to india we can not stand ignorance
I think there are only a few points worth remembering in this video. It's true that jaywalking in the presence of children under 12 is frowned upon, at least in small and midsizes cities.
The most valid point is concerning small-talk. Behind that is the same attitude that leads to what some perceive as rude behavior. Germans tend to expect the worst until proven otherwise, and that applies to meeting strangers as well. And they don't see a point in faking interest or sympathy for people they have no connection with. This may be considered rude in other cultures, but it's also honest. Germans value honesty and substance, in conversations they don't really care if your opinion is PC as long as your argument is sound.
no, the best present is a bar of gold 1:47
As a German I think that the video is pretty accurate and most of them are rather international rules of good behaviour than only german rules. Even though Germans can be more easy going I advice you to follow these rules since you never know whom you're dealing with. Wait for the other person to tell you that this or that infact is not necessary. Flowers and wine are always welcome but your hosts won't expect those gifts in case you're a student or simply know that at the moment you're haing some financial difficulties. There is actually no point I would disagree with even though the rule with adressing the other person with Dr. X is more out of custom or because that particular person has been presented to you that way. I've never actually seen a person who got offended because someone didn't address him with his proper title.
The point you really should keep in mind is the one about the fridge. Just opening the fridge without asking for permission (even as a kid) is considered very rude, even if noone tells you that at the moment, it still is.
Always put "Digger" and" Alder" at the End of your sentences.
diggah
And very important is the stretched pronunciation of the "e" in "Alder"
How to pronounce:
NOT Alder,
Aldha.
zotzklof Nah at the start as well
Sag ma digger, was meinste damit alta, booah eh, nee ne, digger?
An Indian with an English accent telling me how to behave in Germany.
mmmmmkay.
In my part of the States most of this is just common sense and good manners.
blueslove61 In most of the world, this is just common sense and good manners. Yet, most people have none, so they have to teach it as some sort of cultural extravagance.
Samyag Drsti Yeah, unfortunately it has been my experience that ignorance knows no color, creed, or country.
One thing they failed to mention is that it is a faux paux in Germany to wear a Mexican sombero on Sundays.
Das war vielleicht vor 30 Jahren mal so, aber mittlerweile ist das alles VIEL Lockerer.
Funny rules ;) - Maybe 30 years ago. Today, its not as strict as told in the vid. at all!
Most of the rules are still valid. Except that one about non-productive conversations...
Böse Susi tztz
The rule about calling a doctor a doctor in non-academic environment is ridiculous and no one should follow this rule. I never use a title when writing/talking to my professors and have never seen one who does.
edited: I learn in technical area
Be prepared to discuss politics or philosophy?
I wish that were the case!
"being drunk is frowned upon"
I'd like to clarify that: you can get drunk, and nobody expects you to come home completely sober when you go celebrating. But you have to show that you're in control. If you get wasted over and over again and end up in places you shouldn't, that's were you're reputation will start to turn bad.
We don`t call everybody Doctor!!That`s austrian style!
Mr. and Mrs. is enough for us....:))
One important thing you forgot:We like to laugh...sometimes also about ourself. :))
Schmarrn! Der Doktortitel wird offiziell zum Teil des Namens (kommt auch so in den Paß) und sollte auch gebraucht werden, es sei denn denn man wird vom Titelträger aufgefordert den Titel wegzulassen.
Baloney! The title "Doktor" is officially part of the name of said person (also goes into the passport) and should be used to address this person - unless the Doktor allows you to skip the title.
1 x 1 der Benimmregeln...
AndiB. Darauf legen nur kleine Persönlichkeiten die sich ohne ihren Titel nackt fühlen.
Leute die wert legen auf ihren Akademischentitel überall sind meist ziemliche Arschlöcher
The most important thing is, don't bear hug everyone you've met just recently. Germans don't follow the American 'howdy fella, well met' pilosophy. Hugging is reserved for close family members or very close long time friends. And even then, there are specific protocols. Learn them!
You are always doing the right thing if you let the woman take the lead. She will give you her hand and if she feels a friendship for you, she will kiss you on both sides of the cheeks, while still holding your hand. Don't ever let go of the hand to bear hug.
I have no idear when they did they reseach, but it has to be a very long time ago...
1. Bringing Presents is not a must.
2. Shaking hands is not a must. Often its not even liked if you meet someone the first times. (Execpt buisness stuff, there it is friendly to do so.)
3. Its hard to get friends with us germans, yes. We like to protect our social life. But we wont bite you just because you try...
4. Dont walk in the bedroom unless invited? What? Dont run around in the fucking house at all unless you know them better. Like already said, we like to protect our private space like the social life.
5. When you finish just put down your knife and spoon and such on the plate... almost nobody knows the knigge today. (Knigge is how to act rules...)
6. "Prost"? Only saw Tourists and people 45+ years doin this... Thats a weird thing...
7. "Zum wohl" is only at "upper class" (or how u call it). And only if there is no food and expensiv drinks. Hard to explain.
8. Getting drunk is totaly normal. Unless you are to young to drink or you are very often drunk. But normaly nobody cares aslong you dont trow up.
And now after fixing this stupid video a few hints from me (a german) to you:
1. Never ever make jokes or even talk about Hiter, Nazi's and such. Germans hate this and get easy offended by this.
2. Dont drink alcohol when children are with you or nobody orders some too. Thats just weird.
3. If you go into a restaurant, say what you want. We seems unfrendly but we are professionel, so if you ask as example for a little more time to choose or such, they will understand and come back in few minutes.
4. Always walk on the right side of a path or stairs and such. We are used to pass people who come in front of us on the right side. (Dont need to change street to the right side, only walk on the right side of the way you walking on.)
5. Almost everyone in germany can also speak english. Mostly older people are not. So if you have a problem, dont be shy and ask. There is only a very little chance to ask someone who cant speak english. But please speak clear and a little slower hen you are used to. Then its easyer to understand you because we are not used to talk english, even if we are able to.
6. Mostly you will feel be starred at, but i promise you, you are not. (Unless you look weird for some reason). Germans only hole the eyecontact a few milliseconds longer then most other countrys. That extremly tiny time can feel for the most as they would get stared at.
7. Yes, we have black people too in germany. Totaly normal for us. And if you are black, dont worry about the police, maybe only 1% of them are racist.
"6. "Prost"? Only saw Tourists and people 45+ years doin this... Thats a weird thing..."
well, it's pretty common where i live, even today.
(Niederbayern)
yorx
I dont count Bayern as a part of germany sorry. xD
Don't mention a part of your history? I get that WW2 was shitty, but it seems germans want to forget about it or pretend it never happened? I think it is important to discuss subjects such as Hitler or WW2 because remembering the past will prevent it from happening in the future. When we forget our past we are doomed to repeat it.
You should not feel ashamed of what happened unless you actively took part in what happened, we do not and should not carry the sins of our fathers or in this case, grandfathers/great grandfathers. But you should look back and understand not just what happened but how it happened, what mechanisms led humans to do such cruel things?
My ancestors come from a mix of German and English, during the settlement of Australia I know of one or two ancestors alive during this time, the Aboriginals were cruelly treated by the peers of my ancestors and possibly directly by my ancestors. I do not feel ashamed of this as obviously I was not alive 200 years ago. However I do not forget why and how my people could have been so cruel, so I can learn from the mistakes of my people and not repeat them.
If we try to forget we risk it happening again.
Yeah... nobody cares.
Holger Kracker Did I ever say the Germans enjoyed WW2? I have every right to talk about WW2, my grandparents came to Australia fleeing WW2, and my grandparents on my british side of the family sent their brothers and fathers to die in WW2.
So if anything I have the privilege of seeing both sides of the picture which is why I am interested in the subject.
I was talking about Germans talking about the war with other Germans, I would never expect a German to talk about the war to some hick American who does not understand what happened.
I have family ties in 3 of the countries that fought. I know of German family members that fought or were killed, I know of British family members that fought or were killed, I also know of Australian family members that fought or were killed.
Does that mean I have 3x more right to talk about the war than you having only German perspective?
If you told someone in the U.S. to bring a muffler to weare we would think you are nuts! Mufflers go under your car, and quiet the noise of your exhaust!
I am german... and i can tell you most of the stuff you saw in this vid is absolutely correct. If you keep up the lectures you heard in this vid you won't make any major mistakes in the german society. In general. Keep in mind, this doesn't approve for each situation you will face in germany.
As another native German, I concur this person.
We usually do make small talk as well, just not as heavily as anglo-saxon cultures do. And maybe in a bit different tone. We are not talking about philosophy all day, but also about more mundane stuff like football (soccer) or work or other things. We like to complain :p
Des Deutschen Lieblingssport, meckern auf hohem Niveau ^^
Fritado Sebbl So isset :D
Fritado Sebbl what do they bitch about?
Michael Strelka
Who is bitching about what ?
These are great comments. I need to know who I can before moving to Germany! I'm stoked!
I NEVER did get ANY fucking flowers from my guests :(
@)---
too many fungi's.
Never is probably the most appropriate time to call the elderly
In Germany it is frowned upon when you put your weener in a blender...
It is also considered rather weird if in public reading up loud a manual of an old VHS taperecorder...and believe it or not Austria is no exception.
When clinking glasses, make eye contact with the person. Not doing so is also considered bad luck / impolite.
I am German.
And I was pretty surprised - some of those aspects are rlly familiar to me, but I didn't noticed they are for Germans only *-*
For me it's just polite or normal to act like that :D
But...half of the pointed behaviours are ridiculous xD
"While drinking is normal, getting drunk is frowned upon". Still pondering that one.
Say my family name.. LIES! What if its telemarketers!
Well, technically, that's illegal in Germany.
A Mexican ID of Mike Huckabee .... LOL h ah ahaaa haaaa haa ha ... this is one of the best comedy movies I have seen in a long time.
Don't do what some British people do - Impersonate Adolf Hitler or mention the war.
Why some Brits have that childish obsession, I don't know. I've always got on with German people.
I find it's more likely to be Americans who do that, because those who know (at least some) German often learn it from war films.
But never perform a Nazi salute as this is an imprisonable offence in Germany and tourists from various areas of the world have been arrested for it. And yet the FCO STILL hasn't mentioned this in their travel advice for Germany!
The information on tipping (10% of the bill) is completely false. You round up the cost of the bill and maybe add a couple euros, depending on the cost of the meal and the service.
Lol you can ignore like 90% of this, especially if you're somewhere like Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg and such xD
+Techne Then you are rude! Bad boy! :-)
+Techne Yes, most people would not feel offended, just because you are from somewhere else. But that does not make it wrong to make a good first impression. Showing that you try to respect others code of behaviour is always an effective way to be respectful. What should be wrong about that?
olafspetzki It's more than that my friend. It's simply that the code of behaviour differs depending on which part of the German speaking world you're in. Just as in if you're in the UK and call someone Sir it would be weird unless you're a waiter in a fancy restaurant, a shopkeeper in a fancy shop, a pupil in a school addressing a teacher, or in the army. However, if you're the South of the USA it's common for young people to address older males as Sir. Same thing applies in the German speaking world, and a good rule of thumb might be that the further south you travel the more Sie is normal between strangers. Whereas if you're in Cologne and use Sie with someone your own age it just seems weird or comical in many situations.
One thing not mentioned is a part of saying "Prost". One must make full eye contact, not the glancing look one normally gives in North America. You have to look a person in the eyes as you clink glasses together. This should last about half a second. To a North American this can feel a bit uncomfortable at first. It is only a warm greeting and meant to show that you really mean it. If everyone starts "clinking" glasses with each other, make the rounds as well and "clink" everyone's glass as well. Watch the person you are with and see how it plays out. (lived in Austria 7 years, believe me I am not kidding.)
Another thing I noticed is that Americans tend to clink the necks of their beer bottles together. I'm not sure about Germany as a whole but where I am it is custom to clink with the lower part of the bottle.
my russian grandpa visited germany in 1945 and didn't observe any of these customs...i won't either....the announcer looks particularly german
***** ...not really, the heinies were equally welcoming, but in 1945 they were more open about it....the first day of the battle of berlin cost 50,000 russian lives, but these days they prefer to take your money over your life
Plexpara ....why would you expect him to behave differently from german soldiers everywhere....after ww2 the russian soldier on occupation duty in germany was in daily danger of being raped by german women....the casualty rates were so high that german women were desperate to find anything male....it was almost as bad in russia, where women outnumbered men by 20% for almost 50 years afterwards
Plexpara ...that didn't happen, but in the few cases it might have, your hitler-loving society should be grateful for the genetic improvement....in 1953, the US army did a survey in west germany, in it's de-nazification program, and discovered that 53% of you morons wouldn't disavow admiral donitz, the last nazi head of state....naziism is in your blood and bone, and anything russians did there is called social and genetic improvement
***** ....donitz was the last head of a government that produced 75% casualties in the entire german army, and 46% casualties in the entire german male population....11 million total
....it would seem to me that there was something to repudiate and condemn
...i wasn't kidding when i said the russian soldier or any other was in danger of being raped....german women were frantic to find anything wearing pants
***** ...it doesn't matter what he did when the war started, he accepted the post of leader, and he should have received the odium and condemnation for his government's failure....but....instead he received more nazi love, which is why i'm pretty sure there's a hitler junge lurking in each of you rule-lovin' folks
The thing with knife and fork is bullshit. if you're right-handed hold the knife with your right hand, if you're left-handed hold the knife in the left hand. And if you do it in another way because you're used to it nobody will kill you.
as a german I have to say - although it is embarassing - that most of this is true.
Most of these things seem very outdated. For example, nobody would expect a guest present or have a problem with small talk.
What I got from this video: You are expected to be polite and respectful in Germany. Kinda like it used to be here in the USA before the masses became impolite, disrespectful, foul mouth A-holes! This made me want to move to Germany! I wasn't aware that they were such polite people that don't like BS. I'm impressed!
Yes, so polite that they invaded my Grandfather farm and offered my whole family a vacation to Germany. Even gave my grandfather a job in a labor camp while giving my family 5 star accommodation of a immigrant camp with no heat of food. They were also impressed.
Anthony Malin
good to hear that my country was able to help our grandfather.
klauskarlkraus Thanks, but aren't you going to thank me also, my family in America helped out you guys too, helped them right into their Nazi graves. Hahahahahahaha, Nazi loser.
Anthony Malin
Yeah and the Romans raped my great, great, great grandmother.
***** hahahahahah, Kiss my ass, I live in America and have a right to speak.
Habe mich zu letzt mit einem Freund darüber unterhalten - die Mutter ist Kniggetrainerin - Der Brauch ist nicht angloamerikanisch. Hier geht es auch primär nicht um die Bezahlung, sondern um den Respekt dem man der Arbeit der Person entgegenbringt. Übrigens ist das auch der wahre Gedanke hinter dem "Knigge". Benehmen ist eigentlich fast schon Nebensache. Respektieren und respektiert werden.....
The table etiquette is the same as any other English speaking country. I doubt the Germans observe it any more than we do.
Well, I don't know. My Scottish mother-in-law was shocked to see that most people in the USA only used a fork during the meal :D
We often only use a fork in Canada too, but having spent time being employed by the forces, the table etiquette being shown in this video is part of the same stuff we learned.
you are so wrong. I mean, sure in a family enviroment you can be informal, but as soon as you talk buisness, go for knigge (a collection of good manors)
I come from a place with many foreigners (Big NATO military base) and most don't have well enough table-manors. Manors are extremly Important! Though they do some things wrong here, you bring flowers if you are the only guest, but not if there could be many, imagine the poor housewife having to get a new vase everytime! Also you don't "clink" the wine clases, only beer! Its a little outdated but fun too watch our habits from another perspective... Judas, if you should have any questions feel free to ask!
I fail to see how flowers are part of table etiquette. You haven't really said why i'm wrong really.
sry too long text while avoiding learning.
Flowers -> Sure thats more general manors after all.i have a manor coach who told me he would never bring flowers to a gathering at the home of someone due to the "Vase-issue"
to the manors, i had the feeling you underestimated their value in Germany, not meant as a offense though i see that i formulated that a little rough^^
bringing wine will never be seen negatively, but it also is THE stereotype, of a somewhat unpersonal gift, when you dont know, what to bring.
Is this a video for apes? It's cold - wear a jacket. Hold your fork in the left hand. Man oh man.
Boston2George
Yes, that's true.
The Germans are so.
The Germans, who have moved away from Germany,
you can still endure.
They are a bit more human.
But the Germans in Germany take the last vitality from you.
Monk Tyson Betcha know fuck about my country!
+Boston2George idians eats mostly with their hands...idiot not everyone uses spoons forks knifes ;)
and indian dont have winter :P
Greetings from Germany: every single advice is correct, well done job!
Is this a guidebook for idiots? These things you are "to do" or "not to do" in Germany apply I imagine in every civilized society. Things pointed out here are just plain good manners.
well Croatian society may be called "the Balkan's society" sometimes but when I see these guidelines to visit a German family I can tell you that same apply in Croatia
I remember that i send greetings message to my German fiancee before his birthday. I don't have any idea that this is a bad luck for them. I did apologized and never do it again. LOL!!
Dont be an American in Germany. Period.
I know it's made in a funny way, to better understand, but I can't help but think how you make Germany look frightening for strangers.
Amazing. You can bike on a sidewalk without getting fined.
+Phillip Mulligan Actually pretty terrible. It's a convoluted, dangerous, mess.
+DJtrainman261 No, it is logical / wise / sane. I lived near Stuttgart for 3 years, then near Kaiserslautern for 3 years. . . . . . learned the Deutsch way and had no problems. I live in California now. . . . . . . . . pure idiocracy in most of my travels. People "jay-walking", crossing in the cross walk during the red, rolling through a red light to turn right at the intersection, driving with their bloody cell phone on their ear! I don't even blame America. You can't blame the whole country for some individual idiots.
whiteribbonman1
I live in Germany. I also study transportation here. And no, it's not about some individuals, it's a question of how traffic flows. Bikes simply belong on the street, and not on the sidewalk, unless it's a child. And I'm also saying this as a cyclist.
+DJtrainman261 I do so wish I could figure out where you misunderstand me? I agree with you! When I said rolling I was referring to people that are driving some type of automobile.
whiteribbonman1
Oh OK my bad, I misunderstood. I thought you were referring to German cities as an example of why bikes should be on a sidewalk - I forgot that that development is fairly recent.
10% tip for the waitress? I don't know any German who gives such high tip. Waiters and waitresses earning a salary from the restaurant, bar, etc.
+Andreas Lukasczyk My sister works as a waitress and according to her, most people tip even more than 10%.
I think the lower the bill the higher the average tip is. Most people would round up to 20 on a 18 Euros bill, but roundig up a 90 Euros bill to 100 is less likely to happen.
It is also not uncommon that the tip is shared between all the staff (waiter, cook, cleaning personal etc.) even those who aren't on shift that night, so the single person finally doesn't receive a noticeable amount of tip out of an evening, even though almost every guest had been quite generous.
Even though waiters do get a proper salary nowadays, it's stil relatively low, since they are expected to get some extra thanks to tip.
Lol, this is fucking true. But I always though these are commen rules all over the world.
Except the rule with "be in time". I am living in the Philippines and here they handle it "a bit" different. But much more different I experienced it in Thailand. They have "the foreigner time" when you have to be in time or maybe your flight will be gone (without you) and they have their "local way to handle time". Like: Let's meet in the evening for dinner at "place, Resto or wherever". If you are in time, don't expect your friend will be there also. Maybe he will appear, or maybe not. But never expect, he will appear "in time". My 2 cents for this topic. :-))
Sounds like hell tbh.
SaviOr747 French people doesn't care about traffic light neither they watch the street if they cross it. That was very scary tbh, when I was there for a little exchange.
I'm a German and I have to say that this film gives a good basic idea, but:
- the most people accept it when guests are a little bit too early or late (+/- 15 minutes)
- on the streets you mostly don't use "Dr." or "Prof."- just "Herr/Frau" and the Name
- normaly supermarket and bigger shops accept credit cards, too (not just cash) but little shops like "Kiosk" (shown in the video) mostly accept just cash
If you would do something not perfectly- don't be worried! (Foreign) Guests are welcome!
Who does that when their eating at someone esles house? (Dont belch. Dont take books out of their bookcase. Dont go into their bedroom.) Well obviously
Belching is not universally frowned upon. To some it's just like a sneeze... something that just happens. This video is for the benefit of people from all cultures including those where a burp is no big deal.
tuschman168 In some cultures belching is considered a compliment to the cook.
Up Up Try Googling it for your education. I am not your university.
www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=belching+as+a+compliment
+Up Up ..Japan
Eine wirklich tolle Gebrauchsanweisung für uns Deutschen! *sarkastisch*
Drinking is normal getting drunk is frowned upon.
lol what.
Germans don't get drunk but when they do... (I don't know how to complete this sentence, maybe i'm drunk)
It's ok to get drunk, but don't make a show. Keep you shit to urself, stay quiet and don't annoy others.
Komme meinerseits mitten aus dem Pott (allerdings nur knappe 30 Jahre) & bin meist auch hier unterwegs, muss aber sagen, dass ich es einfach nicht anders kenne, als in einer Lokalität/Restaurant Trinkgeld zu geben, sofern ich zufrieden (!) war; egal, ob ich mit Bekannten, Freunden oder der Familie irgendwo war; und wenn Trinkgeld gegeben wird, dann eben die 10%; wenn ich wirklich pos. überrascht bin kann es ggf. auch etwas mehr werden; weiter auswärts (in D) verfahren mein Umfeld & ich genauso.
lol...manches davon ist schon etwas übertrieben.
1. "Dokor":
Das kann man eigentlich nur dann sagen, wenn man weiß, dass jemand einen Doktortitel hat, man ihn aber nicht persönlich kennt. Bei Personen, die man persönlich kennt sollte man das besser lassen...sonst kommen die sich schnell "leicht" verarscht vor...da die Anrede als Doktor ein Zeichen von (höflicher) Distanz ist.
2. Telefon:
Das mache ich selbst genau so, wie es hier empfohlen wird es nicht zu tun. Wer sich verwählt, mir nur irgendwas verkaufen will oder sonst bei mir fehl am Platz ist, braucht meinen Namen nicht zu wissen. Und wer mich anruft, weil er die Nummer von mir bekommen hat, der weiß auch wen er anruft.
3. Kühlschrank:
Es stimmt zwar, dass es nicht gerade höflich ist, sich aus dem Kühlschrank ungefragt zu bedienen...wenn man den Gastgeber jedoch darüber informiert, *dass* man dies getan hat, ist das nicht so tragisch. Wenn man jedoch ungefragt anfängt, in der Wohnung eines Nichtrauchers zu rauchen (oder man etwas macht, von dem man ausgehen muss, dass der Gastgeber das nicht will), sollte man sich nicht wundern, wenn man nie wieder eingeladen wird.
Naja...jemand, bei dem mich das mit dem "schnüffeln" stören würde, würde ich auch garnicht in die Wohnung lassen ^_^
Wenn man wo als Gast eingeladen wird (z.B. Abendessen),dann bringt man der Gastgeberin normalerweise Blumen mit,um sich bei Ihr für die Mühe,die sie sich macht zu bedanken. So sehe ich das um mich herum,und mache es auch selber.
Germany is just too perfect....so orderly
"Always ask, before you do things." Isn't that... you know... normal?
"The tip is usually about 10% of the bill." I work in a german restaurant and usually, people just give you as much as they think you deserve. If they feel they received good service, they may give you a highter tip and while it's considered rude, if you don't tip the waiter, people do this to show the restaurant when they were not satisfied with the service. Tips are common, but they're also by choice.
IM AN AMERICAN !!! I DO WHAT I WANT!!! USA!! USA!!! USA!!!
Oh dear.🤦♂️ There's always one.
Aw thank you! That's really nice of you to offer! I haven't decided where exactly I'll go yet, but I have a WHILE to plan before I leave. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I do feel a lot better now. I just got myself all worked up. :/ I guess I was reliving my trip to (Que dramatic music)...Canada.... lol x)
You forgot sth... don't drink beer on ice.
Also its pretty weird that German elders nap from 1-3. Where I'm from they nap from 3-5, so I'm used to not calling during that time. I need one of these videos for every country I visit. Please make more!!!
Do: Invade Poland
Don't: Not invade France
Kudos to German humor :D
I corrected it:
Do: Invade Poland
Invade France
Don`t: Not invade Russia
Lukas4186
I correct again:
Do: Invade Poland
Invade France
Invade Netherlands
Don't:
Invade Russia during Winter
I don't need woollen underwear in Germany, it's not that cold here. A thick jeans is in my opinion enough.
And i also don't hold the fork in my left-hand and the knife in my right hand i do it the other way.
Many of these points of etiquette are the same in Ireland, or the UK even. I suppose its western European etiquette really.
The punctuality thing too? I feel like we Germans are just a tiny bit more insistent on being on time than anybody else. Although in this video it is exaggerated. Being 5 minutes early is fine but that's the limit.
... this is not outdated. Just because our generation isn't following this rules, doesn't mean they don't exist. Most listed rules do exist and it'd be important to keep them.
some are perfectly logical others are right down retatred really.
They don't like small talk ,give me a brake . So do they talk about engineering all day long ?
Well, Germans do smalltalk as well. It is just a little different, because Germans are very direkt and honest people. So if you're asking a German, how he is doing (and it is very common to ask that in Germany, too) he won't awnser: "Oh, I'm fine, how are you?". He will just tell you how he is doing. ;)
When someone is appearing with big scratches in the face on Mondays at work, then you can be sure that he was practicing using fork and knive again at the weekend.
Be prepared to talk about politics and philosophy? Really? I mean...SOME germans do that but I think there are not much less people who do that in other countries.
My tip...watch the most stupid reality show you'll find on TV and talk about how you don't watch it and how lame it is...its a good topic, at least among educated germans.
+DerGuteHut ... Politics and Philosophy eh? Can we mention the War ? LOL :-)
Bristol Blue
Well thats pretty much depends who you talk to...most people are pretty pissed if you mention the war (like somebody who once raped a woman don't wants to be reminded about that) but they are also used to it....a lot of tourists and foreigner do that...and more important the war is still pretty present in the media...so most people are just bored by that topic.
But remember you hardly find people who actually been to the war so it is as strange to them as it is to you...most people are really ashamed of what happened back than but they don't want to play the guilt game...because talking about the war is often seen as a charge...but on the other hand there is a good chance to have an educated conversation about the war the Nazi Regime and all its horrible aspects. As I said..it depends who you talk to.
It's my British humour, sorry :-)
If we tell someone that we're having a business meeting or a date with a German, someone will say "Don't mention the war!" . It comes from a 1975 sitcom called Fawlty Towers. Basil the hotelier is told by his Wife that some German guests are arriving, so what ever you do ,don't mention the war... Obviously the exact opposite happens to great comedic effect! Another phrase used is "They don't like it up 'em!" : This comes from a catch phrase used by Lance Corp. Jones in "Dad's Army" ...
Actually I'm 47 ,the same age my Dad was when I was born, so growing up I learned all about what it was like to be there fighting and from my Mum what it was like at home in England. It's a subject that has always interested me, WW2 and all the politics pre, during & post war.
Shit happens ! With the current terror threat it appears the British , the Germans, and the rest of the Civilised world all have a common enemy at last to bring us closer together.
Bristol Blue
"Don't mention the war!" I'll keep that in mind...thats actually pretty funny.
But what does "They don't like it up 'em!" mean? I don't get it...
Whatever WW2 is a very interesting period to learn about...and I think that we can learn a lot about democracy and values and how all can be flushed down the toilet within a few years....it always frightens me.
Shit happens but its supposed to never happened again.
But I really like the english people they always do things with style and they got the right amount of craziness I'am sometimes missing here...but beside a few little differences I think germans and britons are very alike...we both like drinking...we both love to complain about the rest of europe...we both adore football we are known for technical innovations and we both have shitty weather we both like to picture ourselves as hard workers while immigrants do most of our shitty jobs.
If I ever leave germany I would probably head over to briton...only problems most britons don't really like germans (as far as i know) :(
But you are right...future challenges should let us forget the grudge of the past
I think Germans are accepted in Britain. I have met a few over the years that live here and the differences in our cultures are not really noticeable. LOL on your comments on how we view ourselves, so true !
In the sitcom Dad's Army: It's about a "Home Gaurd" unit in a small seaside town. All the young fighting age men are off to Europe and these units at home were nicknamed "dad's army, because they were the Dads and Grandads that were left over ! Jones is a Butcher by trade, but when the unit have their uniforms on and meet in the evenings at the Church Hall he is Lance Corporal Jones who was in the first War and talks about his experiences, often repeating himself as stereotype old people do. For instance: "Permission to speak Sir, in the First War we....."
and "Don't Panic!!" (as he clearly panics!) ... "In the first War Sir , them Fuzzy Wuzzies...." and best of all he can't wait to fix his Bayonet to his rifle ,using the phrase "They don't like it up 'em, Mr.Mainwaring!" (He should also be calling the superior Officer Captain Manwairing but as Mainwaring is the Bank manager ,Jones calls him Mister all the time!) Cheers mate :-)
That part about not wishing a happy birthday in advance came back to bite me recently even though I'm German... I guess that's what I get for not being in the country for almost a whole decade -_-
Jordi Nagel Don't tell me you forgot that?! How could you! ^^
What a load of crap or trivialities.
"be prepared to discuss politics or philosophy with them" hahaha
Whats funny about that?
I think it is really common amongst friends, to do that here in Germany.
ich weiß doch aber die formulierung ist einfach irgendwie witzig... wie überhaupt das ganze video ein bisschen schräg ist. :)
"Germans hold the knife in the right hand and the fork in the left"
What?!!!
Is this a bit of a laugh?
Where do they hold the pistol?
Umm.. no, it's true.
***** Why so offensive?
GrundlosDumm *****
What if you're a left hander though??? Every western culture uses a knife and fork. I'm just pointing out how ridiculously irrelevant that information is. I've been to Germany three times & was never kicked out for holding my knife in my left....
Into The East
Sure you can use it otherways if you are left handed. I am german and i kinda fell a little bit offended by this guide since some of the "tips" are just cliché
That depends. During formal or informal meetings with friends or family it is generally allowed. But during business meetings you have to watch out. You are NEVER ever allowed to blink while looking at a superior. It's a huge offense, even worse than flipping him off and will surely get you fired.
germany is healthiest nation
Negative.
i think Singapore? ( im german )
no they very skiny and brown like chocolate
Maher Baba my aunt have tell me that nobody is allowed to eat gum and smoke zigaretts ( sry my english insnt very good )
Letsgame Hexxit jo stimmt so
My grandpa was a great singer when coming home drunk ;) Oh, and be 5 to 10 minutes early when you are invited.
Too many rules, I am not going there
Dont be worry! I'm a german and if you are punctually and polite you will get no problems! Most of the told things here are for high society. And some things are really wrong! So, you can join germany and have fun here!
We have almost no legal restrictions on public nudity though.
tuschman168
We do.
dejure.org/gesetze/StGB/183a.html
OpenGL4ever
That's sexual activity. Nudity is not inherently sexual.
Good, when people know they should stay away, if they can't follow some simple rules. That actually makes you a bit likable.
Sehr nutzlich. Ich werden es meinen Schuelern zeigen. Danke!
I lived in Germany 22 years and then came back to the States. Watching this, I now realize why all of my colleagues at work tell me I'm more German than American. LOL
I can't believe that these social rules only apply to Germany (like don't burp, put your cutlery on the right side of your plate when you're finished, don't call after 10 pm - except in case of emergency, do not walk on a bicycle lane etc.)
Mike Huckabee at 6:03!
Also, very informative and enjoyable.
(part 2)
Generaly: A lot of people can speak and write English quite fluently- English is one of a "must have" lessons in school- when you want to find a special street or building you can ask people on the street- normaly you will get help- use "Entschuldigen Sie bitte. Ich suche ..."("Excuse me, please. I'm searching...").
The split-up is: very fast (street/cars), fast (bike path, sometimes colored in red and marked with a bike), slow (walker). Sometimes bikes and walkers are together (6:20)
This is certainly very much applicable to the small towns, and I am having some problems, which I guess this video will sort out.
I enjoyed watching this, there are a lot of good aspects in this video, eg don't wish happy birthday before the birthday, and don't go through people's books without asking permission. That is so true!
Some aspects mentioned apply globally, eg coming home drunk when being a visitor is most likely something you will keep on the quiet side, plus it would be considered rude anywhere coming home late, and being loud and waking people up...