AMAA - Germany - 13 Things To Know BEFORE Visiting Germany - Reaction - Average Middle Aged American

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  • Опубліковано 9 лис 2024

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  • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
    @Average_Middle_Aged_American  4 місяці тому +1

    The blurred out or muted audio parts were done by her, not me. She changed her information after this video was created. I always give credit to the original video's creator.

    • @Joseph13163
      @Joseph13163 4 місяці тому +3

      I don't know exactly why the British didn't take on the EURO when they were in the EU,but they have left the EU and can tell you why they did that.The EU is not just a trading block its a proto european superstate which takes a good bit of the members national sovereignty which the british given their history didn't like and the other main thing was immigration because one of the main things about the EU is freedom of movement of people accross the member states of the EU.

    • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
      @Average_Middle_Aged_American  4 місяці тому

      @@Joseph13163 - makes sense. Thanks!

    • @Crisslybaer
      @Crisslybaer 4 місяці тому +1

      She had named disputes for her channel. Her old name is "german girl in America" or something like this. She had to change it. That's why it was removed.

    • @Muck006
      @Muck006 4 місяці тому

      @@Average_Middle_Aged_American The EU is intended to become "The United States of EUrope" ... since the treaty of Lisbon (sometime in the 90s). This is SCARY to me as a german ...

  • @atconnys8786
    @atconnys8786 4 місяці тому +9

    Hi, The drinks are to pay for bc:
    1. Meals are relatively cheap in comparison, so they make their money from drinks.
    2. In those drinks also is the salary for the stuff included. Min. wage here is ca 12.50
    All in all you could say the prices balance each other out. You pay waiters in tips, we pay them in drinks incl. health and other insurances though :)

  • @annfrancoole34
    @annfrancoole34 4 місяці тому +5

    Restaurants in Germany generally serve bottled water when you order water. If you would like tap water (Leitungswasser) you need to ask for it. They charge for bottled water.

    • @Muck006
      @Muck006 4 місяці тому

      Bottled water comes in two varieties:
      - "Tafelwasser" / table water ... is TAP WATER filled into bottles but it might also have some "additions" to it
      - "Mineralwasser" / mineral water ... comes straight from a well in the ground and typically comes in three levels of "bubbliness": still / medium / classic (the full bubbly ... comparable to soft drinks)

  • @hape3862
    @hape3862 4 місяці тому +5

    12:00 No, bicycles have (most of the time) a green light together with pedestrians, so when you want to turn right on a traffic light, there may be pedestrians and/or bicyclists that go straight and have the right of way. Also when there is no traffic light, you have to watch out for them when turning in or out a street or driveway.
    15:00 The reason for the expensive drinks is simply the distances the waiters have to go. In Europe, nobody runs after you. They are happy to bring you anything you want, as often as you want, but you have to pay for it! In Italy, there is even a charge for plates, cutlery and napkins, i.e. for having them cleaned again.

  • @Arch_Angelus
    @Arch_Angelus 4 місяці тому +6

    My 2 cents and as always, no offense meant just my opinion😉
    There are several reasons why restaurants do not offer tap water free of charge: (btw. btw. tap water is one of the most highly controlled foods in Germany and can be drunk directly from the tap without hesitation)
    Costs: the landlord has to pay for the installation, maintenance and cleaning of the drinking water system. These costs are not borne by the guests, but by the restaurant's turnover.
    Pricing policy: Restaurants set their prices voluntarily and can offer tap water as a separate drink. The price is set by the host and can vary depending on the restaurant and the offer.
    Gastronomic tradition: In Germany, it is not customary to offer tap water free of charge. In other countries such as Spain or Italy, however, this is a matter of course.
    GEMA, GEZ or membership fees: The landlord must pay for GEMA (License fees for music), GEZ (Fee for TV and Radio) or membership fees required for the use of music, television or other services. These costs are passed on to the prices of drinks and food.
    Service: The landlord must pay the employees who are responsible for the service. The revenue from the drinks and food is used to pay the staff.
    However, there are also some restaurants that offer tap water free of charge, especially in more upmarket or tourist areas. However, this is a voluntary decision on the part of the host and not an obligation.
    But let me ask you one more question when you do the math on the 15 euros for drinks, for example: You don't agree to pay for several drinks because you always need so much when you eat, but you unconditionally pay medical bills that are completely exaggerated and drive many US citizens into debt? Think about why you pay 300 dollars for a box of insulin in the US while the same box costs only 20-30 dollars in Canada. Where is the proportionality there? Meanwhile 1 third of all gofund me campaigns 66% are from the USA because of medical bills or treatment, is that still normal? Begging strangers for money so you can survive ? Are you worried about 15 Euro drinks in a restaurant ?
    I'd rather pay for drinks in a restaurant because the landlord also wants to survive and has to pay his staff (The minimum wage in Germany is the minimum wage that cannot be undercut. A statutory minimum wage of €12.41 per hour has been in force since January 1, 2024. On January 1, 2025, the minimum wage will rise to 12.82 euros, unlike in the USA where everyone makes what they want and people rely on tips). He also has to pay social security contributions for his employees, rent for the restaurant if he is not the owner, additional costs like water, electrical power, repairs and, of course, the food.
    The staff are not dependent on tips and you decide for yourself whether you were satisfied with the service or not, but it is not taken amiss.
    The Bathroom Money is also a tip to the cleaning service. And the Bathrooms are clean when there is a service like that, belive me. On the Autobahn you pay 1 Euro but you get 50 cent back as a coupon which you can use in the shop on the autobahn.
    Jaywalking depents on you if there is no traffic light, lets go. These statements only apply to pedestrian traffic lights. What you do when there are no traffic lights is up to you. But if there are childrens around at the traffic lights than others will yell at you to be a good example to children. If there is police around you will be fined with 5 to 10 € cause as a pedestrian you are also a Road user like cars and bikes and have to respect the lights

    • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
      @Average_Middle_Aged_American  4 місяці тому +1

      I have discussed the US healthcare system in nauseum. The true cost to US citizens has been dramatically exaggerated over the years. 40% of Americans do not pay income tax and 62 million Americans get FREE health care. So, yes, I have a problem paying $20 for soda and water. lol. :-)

    • @Arch_Angelus
      @Arch_Angelus 4 місяці тому +4

      @@Average_Middle_Aged_American In Germany there are about 17 million net taxpayers who keep Germany running and about 84 million have free healthcare. I have no problem paying €15 for drinks. After all, you spend the whole evening in a restaurant or pub. You don't just get thrown out because the operators know you're bringing in money. Btw. Going to a restaurant isn't as often, for me maybe 4 times a year. Most of the time we cook ourselves at home (saves the most money and everything is fresh) or we go to medieval markets (hobby) and eat there but those are different prices again.

  • @philippbamberger5864
    @philippbamberger5864 4 місяці тому +1

    Feli made a video some years ago about that lease/rental thing. 'Why germans don't buy houses' i think. That explains very well how these things work in germany and what are the historical reasons for that. We actually bought a house some years ago which was built around 1900. And there are very small bedrooms and literally no space to build something inside. But there are some additional reasons why housing in germany (and europe) is that different from the us. How houses are built, how often we move ( not that much), etc. And of course a lot of that became a traditional/cultural thing over the decades and centuries.

  • @arnodobler1096
    @arnodobler1096 4 місяці тому +3

    France has banned free refills for health reasons (obesity).
    Restaurants make most of their turnover and profit from drinks, food prices are relatively favourable.
    Tipping is just a thank you, not the main part of the salary as in the USA.
    Don't ask for a bathroom if you are looking for a toilet!

    • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
      @Average_Middle_Aged_American  4 місяці тому

      Tipping gets a bad rap in the USA. Waiters and bartenders in good restaurants and bars can easily make $250-$500 per day.

    • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
      @Average_Middle_Aged_American  4 місяці тому

      Banning refills and American music on radio stations are just 2 examples of freedoms the French enjoy...

    • @arnodobler1096
      @arnodobler1096 4 місяці тому +1

      @@Average_Middle_Aged_American
      Well, they protect their culture and the health of their people.

    • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
      @Average_Middle_Aged_American  4 місяці тому +1

      @@arnodobler1096 - You call it protection, I call it control. Perfect example of our cultural difference.

    • @arnodobler1096
      @arnodobler1096 4 місяці тому +3

      @@Average_Middle_Aged_American
      This is why food safety in the EU is so far ahead of the US, and many US products are banned here: Pork, beef (except organic), chicken, egg, bread, etc.
      EU: For foods, substances or processes that are subject to authorisation,
      a full scientific assessment is carried out by the
      EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) as a prerequisite for
      a prerequisite for market access.
      USA: US authorities mainly rely on the risk assessments carried out by the companies
      risk assessments carried out by the companies themselves or the
      that their products have GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) status.
      status.
      Freedom for the Producer.🤔

  • @diehandgottes6721
    @diehandgottes6721 3 місяці тому +2

    Cyclists and pedestrians alike must comply with the traffic regulations.
    Cyclists on the road must follow the rules, which motorists must also follow.

  • @ProfTydrim
    @ProfTydrim 3 місяці тому +2

    The reason you don't like cyclists in the US is that they ride for sport in the street. In german cities everyday people ride mostly for transportation and mostly on dedicated paths. Without their own proper infrastructure, you'll only have a certain type of cyclists on the road: the daring type.
    For many the bike is their main means oft transport within the city, so standing in the bikelane is essentially like standing on the road.

  • @diehandgottes6721
    @diehandgottes6721 3 місяці тому +2

    Cinemas and restaurants that are open on Sundays have their day off on another day - this is all regulated, the working hours are regulated by law.

  • @chriscb8353
    @chriscb8353 4 місяці тому +2

    You had a 2hrs dinner? Where in America is this possible. When I am in the US I get thrown out of the restaurant before finished my meal by get the bill delivered. In Germany you sit as long as you want. It is more a cultural and communication when you go for dinner together with friends than just eat and goodby

    • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
      @Average_Middle_Aged_American  4 місяці тому

      I live in the south and have not EVER been thrown out of a restaurant. I have felt a little pressure to free up the table a few times. I have had 3 hour meals where the waiter kept bringing us drinks after our meal is over. I try not to go at the busiest times, maybe that matters more.

    • @chriscb8353
      @chriscb8353 4 місяці тому +1

      @@Average_Middle_Aged_American I can only tell my experience as a german in american restaurants, sorry if I hurt you that was not my intention

    • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
      @Average_Middle_Aged_American  4 місяці тому

      @chriscb8353 - no, not hurt at all. There are 19,000 different cities and towns in America, let alone hundreds of thousands of restaurants. Experiences differ.

  • @Crisslybaer
    @Crisslybaer 4 місяці тому +3

    Freestanding furniture is not only common in Germany. I think it's the way you build a house. Built-in closets would be made of thick stone walls in Germany, that would be too expensive and impractical. You can get a 2 meter closet for 600€, for 4 people it costs about 3000€ every 10 to 20 years. Built-in closets would be far too inflexible for me.

    • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
      @Average_Middle_Aged_American  4 місяці тому +1

      a 2x3 meter walk in closet would be impractical? Why would a closet be made out of stone? are all the walls that separate your rooms made out of stone? I think it is all about what one is used to.

    • @Crisslybaer
      @Crisslybaer 4 місяці тому +2

      @@Average_Middle_Aged_American Yes, in a typical German house are all walls made of bricks. Many houses in German cities are build with the old bricks from buildings that was bombed in WW2. In villages houses are often over 200 years old and was originally half-timbered and the walls was later filled up with bricks. The house where i live in is around 250 years old and the walls are 7 to 11 inches thick.

    • @Crisslybaer
      @Crisslybaer 4 місяці тому +1

      ​@@Average_Middle_Aged_Americanhere is video from deana and phil (room tour) maybe it explains the differences better. ua-cam.com/video/2UjMB_MqfJU/v-deo.htmlsi=Uwrltj6VpGkvPReY

    • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
      @Average_Middle_Aged_American  4 місяці тому +1

      @@Crisslybaer - even the interior walls? That is cool! I can punch a hole through my interior walls. LOL

    • @arnodobler1096
      @arnodobler1096 4 місяці тому +2

      @@Average_Middle_Aged_American Don't try this in a European house, you'll end up in the emergency room.😂

  • @Krokostad
    @Krokostad 4 місяці тому +1

    23.00: Some Americans who live abroad in Germany complain that they don't get the chance to practice their German because everyone answers them in English.
    For tourists this is good, of course. 😅

  • @arnodobler1096
    @arnodobler1096 4 місяці тому +2

    How do you get from imperial vs. metric system to currency? Some EU countries have not adopted the euro. The rest are called the eurozone.

  • @diehandgottes6721
    @diehandgottes6721 3 місяці тому +1

    There's a huge difference between buying your Coke around the corner in the supermarket and buying a glass of Coke in a restaurant, where you pay for the whole service etc. too.
    There's no such nonsense as tipping in your country - it's voluntary if you don't tip, it's not a problem.
    The prices are final prices, even in stores the price that is displayed is the final price with the tax already included, which I also don't understand why this is so complicated with you.

    • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
      @Average_Middle_Aged_American  3 місяці тому

      Restaurants in America have free refills on most non-alcoholic drinks generally. $2-4 for 1-10 glasses of Coke is quite different. There is no sales tax in many states on groceries that are food.

  • @arnodobler1096
    @arnodobler1096 4 місяці тому +2

    Well grocery shopping is not entertainment, at least not on this side of the Atlantic. Most of the people working in the German retail sector are women and mothers who should have time for their families. Markets used to be closed on Sundays in the US too, older people still remember that. I think one day a week to recharge the batteries is important and healthy.
    Don't work, do something with family or friends instead: go to the zoo, hiking, amusement park, cinema, theatre, restaurants, swimming at the lake, doing nothing, etc.

  • @benjaminrieker5244
    @benjaminrieker5244 4 місяці тому +2

    The thing with the jwalk is because of to be an good example for kids. As an mature big man you can jwalk possible with out problems but kids learn by viewing and they don't show always for traffic or are overseen by big cars or trucks. German are lower self centric and teached more group thinking. What result has my action in my environment. The most germans will not risk an child is harmed by win 2 minutes not waiting on traffic lights.

  • @diehandgottes6721
    @diehandgottes6721 3 місяці тому +2

    We do not sell tap water but water that is bottled at special springs. (Quellwasser)
    I would also say that our water is healthier than your free water.
    And while we're at it, take a look at some videos to see what of your food is banned in the EU and you'll see your food with completely different eyes.
    You are not living a healthy life but are being contaminated with chemicals and additives that have been banned almost worldwide because of greed.

    • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
      @Average_Middle_Aged_American  3 місяці тому

      I dont disagree. There are healthier options in America, but they are less convenient and more expensive.

  • @MartinAmbrosiusHackl
    @MartinAmbrosiusHackl 4 місяці тому +1

    If you sell your house, that does not automatically allow the new owner to push the tenant out.
    It is nearly impossible for you as a landlord to kick someone out. The process might even take you 18 months, if the tenant does not pay his rent.

    • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
      @Average_Middle_Aged_American  4 місяці тому

      If that is accurate, that is crazy. There has to be terms in the lease for the owner to get his property back with notice.

    • @MartinAmbrosiusHackl
      @MartinAmbrosiusHackl 4 місяці тому +2

      @@Average_Middle_Aged_American Only if (s)he wants to use it for themselfs, for their family or for another adequate perpuse.
      In the constitution you can read the sentence: "Eigentum verpflichtet." to be trranslated as "Ownership entails obligations" or "Ownership entails responsibilities." The very most people in Germany would totally agree with it.
      I as an employer also agree with likewise regulations with employees. You cannot hire and fire easily. (There are certain exceptions for small businesses with less than 10 employees, of course.) So what Elon Musk likes to do in his companies... would bring him many serious problems. Or to be accurate: He actually has a lot of problems with his factory in Brandenburg (Germany) für such reasons.
      German and European ethics in respect of protectitve rights for the weaker are VERY MUCH different compared to the US. Most here cannot really believe, what we only know from Hollywood movies.
      Thank you for your video!
      Best wishes from Haan
      (Rhineland, German)
      :o)
      ------
      P.S.: Literally IN GERMAN:
      "Art 14
      (1) Das Eigentum und das Erbrecht werden gewährleistet. Inhalt und Schranken werden durch die Gesetze bestimmt.
      (2) Eigentum verpflichtet. Sein Gebrauch soll zugleich dem Wohle der Allgemeinheit dienen.
      (3) [...]"
      IN ENGLISH
      "Article 14
      (1) Property and the right of inheritance shall be guaranteed. Their content and limits shall be determined by the laws.
      (2) Ownership entails obligations. Its use shall also serve the public good.
      (3) [...]"

  • @Crisslybaer
    @Crisslybaer 4 місяці тому +1

    You get free refills in Subway restaurants

    • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
      @Average_Middle_Aged_American  4 місяці тому +1

      I went to a SubWay in St Maarten and I swear it was smaller than my guest bedroom. Food was good though. lol. 🙂

  • @Krokostad
    @Krokostad 4 місяці тому +2

    Restaurants, hair dressers and so on normaly have a restday instead of sunday, they are closed mostly mondays or tuesdays.
    Tipping is not uncomfortable . The waiters earn at least minimum wage and are thankful for every tip. At least that's my experience.
    I don't understand zhe way it works in the US: Why do you write down the tip you want to give AFTER they ran your card? 🤔

    • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
      @Average_Middle_Aged_American  4 місяці тому +1

      Card gets run twice. Once for hold authorization, then again with the exact amount. Sometimes, we pay with a card but tip in cash.

  • @Pekingdragon1965
    @Pekingdragon1965 4 місяці тому +5

    You can be very relaxed regarding the tipping....german waiters get a salary which is not tipp based as in the US....10% is absolutely ok and they won't be annoyed...really no big deal here...and you will realize that groceries here are much cheaper than in the US 😊👍🫶

  • @TrumpFanClubDeutschland
    @TrumpFanClubDeutschland 4 місяці тому +1

    14:13
    The Restaurants have to pay "fair" wages to the waiters. So they have to make some money...
    And what u save in tipping, u can spend for drinks 😀
    20:25
    India is probably a nightmare for an average middle aged german 🤣

  • @claregale9011
    @claregale9011 4 місяці тому +2

    Hi , you mean cyclists not byclists. I had to learn German in school this was back in the late 80s all I remember now is how to count to 10 in German 😅. More older buildings I Europe maybe why no walk in closets?? I'd love one but it is what it is I suppose 😊

  • @wietholdtbuhl6168
    @wietholdtbuhl6168 4 місяці тому +3

    No No nobody walk away with my Card ! crasy

    • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
      @Average_Middle_Aged_American  4 місяці тому +1

      LOL!

    • @melchiorvonsternberg844
      @melchiorvonsternberg844 4 місяці тому +1

      @@Average_Middle_Aged_American That is not so funny... True story: My neighbor and old friend is a mechanical engineer. And he is an enthusiastic motorcyclist. He often goes on long tours and likes to visit an old friend who has moved about 250 km further south to go on motorcycle trips together. A few years ago, he had to fill up at a unknown gas station on the way to his friend. Since he paid with a card, his data was stolen without him noticing. A few weeks later, he and his wife went on a 3-week summer vacation to Iceland. And while he was in Iceland, his data was used with a fake card in Turkey to plunder his account. The damage amounted to just over 6,000 euros. Luckily for him, however, the fake card was used just half an hour before my friend actually made a withdrawal in Iceland. And he wouldn't have been able to cover that distance in that time, even with a rocket. At the end of the story, it was the bank that had to pay for the damage... As I always say... Cash is king...

    • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
      @Average_Middle_Aged_American  4 місяці тому

      I never use debit cards, only credit cards. My cards notify me of any purchases over set amounts. A simple phone call solves the problem. Plenty of skimmers out there to duplicate cards without ever losing sight of your card. Just have to have several cards from several banks - just in case.

    • @Average_Middle_Aged_American
      @Average_Middle_Aged_American  4 місяці тому

      @twoeyedjack6836 - That is not the case in America. There are skimmers that are attached to the machine itself. It is not an employee. Gas pumps, ATM machines, etc. I would never use debit for anything. I think America's credit system is different than Europe's. I get paid to use my credit cards. I get 1-10% back on purchases depending on the card and category. Gas, travel, groceries, dining, etc. In addition, I get extended warranties, theft reimbursement, travel insurance, etc. These benefits can add up to thousands of dollars per year.

    • @wietholdtbuhl6168
      @wietholdtbuhl6168 4 місяці тому +1

      @@Average_Middle_Aged_American You PayPal with your Data,for me is CASH King!

  • @Muck006
    @Muck006 4 місяці тому +1

    *Stop whining about bicyclists* ... you would HATE them even if they obeyed the rules. Try cycling yourself and you'll notice that STARTING is ANNOYING ... especially when you have to STOP at a stupid sign ... when there is no traffic around or at a red light which turned red just as you arrived there.
    tl;dr Learn to UNDERSTAND why bicyclists act like they do ... and then you'll understand that "forcing them to obey the same rules as a motorcycle" is STUPID and CAR-CENTRIC.