REVERSE CULTURE SHOCKS returning to Germany 🇩🇪 from the United Kingdom 🇬🇧
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- Опубліковано 26 чер 2024
- REVERSE CULTURE SHOCKS returning to Germany 🇩🇪 from the United Kingdom 🇬🇧// In this video, we explore the reverse culture shocks that we experience when returning to Germany from the United Kingdom. We have been living in the UK for more than 8 years now and are surprised how accustomed we have become to certain way here. From differences in social norms, to adjusting to the pace of life and cultural expectations, we cover it in today's video. Join us as we navigate the challenges and surprises. Let us know in the comments if you've experienced any reverse culture shocks when moving back to Germany or visiting from the UK. Kirsten & Joerg
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CONTENTS OF THIS VIDEO:
0:00 - Intro
1:44 - Why we moved from Germany to the UK
4:30 - Crossing the border
5:03 - The German Autobahn
6:40 - German Service Stations
8:00 - Shop opening times in Germany
9:47 - You can't buy medicine at German supermarkets
12:14 - There's not much small talk at German tills
14:10 - If you are allergic to certain foods, you have a problem at German restaurants & cafés
16:22 - German villages are very different
17:53 - Churches & churchyards are different
20:02 - There are no real country lanes in Germany
21:27 - Restaurants in Germany are not like a quirky British pub
23:32 - The Germans aren't as colourful as the Brits
26:48 - Outro
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MUSIC:
The music in our videos is from Epidemic Sound & Artlist, royalty free music sharing sites which you have to pay a monthly fee to be able to access: www.epidemicsound.com/ & artlist.io/
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CONNECT WITH US:
INSTAGRAM: / kirstenandjoerg
PINTEREST: / kirsten_wick
FACEBOOK: / kirstenandjoerg
#reversecultureshocks #cultureshocks #cultureshock
I'm from the states and the only time I've been in germany was in Frankfurt airport for a connecting flight. The official did not seem happy, but when he handed back my passport, i said "danke" and then he looked up at me and smiled so brightly. It surprised me. It seemed like such a small thing to say thanks in german. But it meant something to him. And for some reason that small exchange left an impression on me.
🙏🥰
aww that's really a nice memory! and yes, it's true- such a little thing means a lot to us. He was happy that an American said "thank you" to him in German. It means that someone takes the time to be nice in a foreign language. And that makes us happy! 🙂🙂
Poor thing was probably stressed out of his mind...
Always learn please and thank you words of country you are visiting. Goes a long way.
@@user-ks8wh5oz5pyes, and I try to learn “excuse me” or “pardon me” as well- for when I make a boo boo.😂
I volunteer for the National Trust in Cornwall. We have many many German visitors. I speak German to them. They are always polite, well behaved and have good manners. They are good ambassadors for their country
Love this! Of course, you can't always generalise and it was an oversimplification. We know and meet many amazing Germans in Germany.
Thank you
Wasn't there a German TV soap filmed in Cornwall?
@@marflitts No, we never had a soap set in Cornwall. A lot of things from the author Rosamunde Pilcher were filmed in Cornwall for German TV but that wasn’t a soap.
@@marflitts Yes, it has been a long running TV serial based on the stories of Rosamunde Pilcher
People run our country down but I love living in the Uk x we are socially friendly but awkward with it 😂 I love how we can walk on ancient tracks, our old beautiful churches, our moss covered stone walls , little things that are free but lifts your soul x thank you for reaffirming this cause news can bring you down
😂😂socially awkward…..nobody beats the British sense of humour! Hang in there❤and take a break from the news
❤I AM FROM THE USA AND I LOVE EVERYTHING ENGLAND ITS AMAZING.
I have grown so fond of you both. The best thing about today's video is that you chose to come to a new country and are appreciating what it has to offer. You are not trying to change its uniqueness.
Maby I'm wrong but I think the Germans are all about being efficient and the British are all about being comfortable 🤭❤🤗
Haha yes Germans are quite efficient and this is definitely something we miss but we wanted to talk about reverse culture shocks but you can trust us there’s a lot of German in us lol.
That's a lovely way to put it, Carla.
PERFECTLY EXPLAINED - I say this as a German.
We have definitely gotten used to New England being now here longer than we had been in France. Though I was born in France and lived there most of my childhood, when I went back it wasn’t as comfortable. I think that going back is very difficult for most people. Though I thought I would always go back, we are now at the conclusion that perhaps we will stay in New England because we’ve gotten used to the ways and the good things that are here. Thanks for a great episode explaining bi cultural differences and why you prefer England.
❤❤❤
It's so nice to hear Jörg talk equally as you Kirsten, because usually he's more the quiet one. I've seen your previous videos on differences between Germany and UK and loved them very much, so this new one is a great addition. Here is to another 8 years in UK, and may you spend them in bliss and happiness. 😊
Thanks so much! Hahah yes, this is the real Jörg and I love it.
@@KirstenJoerg Please encourage him to talk more, he's so good on these topics. Part two would be welcomed. 😊
Yes, Joerg was full of life and wit today! Lovely to hear.
You're both so lovely, really sweet people.
@@KirstenJoerg Keep being real Joerg & Kirsten will keep on loving you forever! Hehe :)
Kirsten, I think you truly do have a German heart and an English heart. ♥♥Together, those two hearts beat as one. I’m sure the same is true of Joerg.
Thanks so much - yes, that's definitely true.
Yes, I would say you have become an hybrid
Ich bin wirklich schockiert soviele Kommentare zu lesen in denen von "deutschen oder englischen Herzen" die Rede ist. Hier sogar von "deutschem Blut". Und ich dachte oder hoffte zumindest es gäbe nur " menschliche.Herzen" und "menschliches Blut" Wie naiv von mir. Ich bin, seit ich dieses Video und all die Kommentare (von ein paar Ausnahmen abgesehen) gesehen und gelesen habe, sehr deprimiert. @@beverly9
@@rheingold2000 es gibt eine tiefe seelische Verbindung zwischen den Angelsachsen und den Deutschen,zumindest aus dem Norden.Das ist auch an den Dialekten zu erkennen.Vor der Eroberung Englands durch die Normannen aus dem heutigen Frankreich sprachen die Engländer einen Dialekt,der eng verwandt war mit Friesland und den heutigen Niederlanden.
As a proud Englishman, to hear positive comments from two lovely Germans is high praise indeed.
Thank you! We want to stress again that it’s less about praise and what is good or bad about a country which is why we mentioned again that we love Germany so much. It’s just a reverse culture shock video which happens to everyone living abroad for years. We also had the very same living in Egypt and visiting Germany twice a year as you simply become so immersed in the culture of another country.
Absolutely! You can be! I have to visit UK again just for feelgood 😊
Makes a change from those UK loathing remoner UA-cam sites who remind us how terrible we as a country are.
Your grasp of English is brilliant ! It is marvellous to see you are relaxed and enjoying your time living in Britain as we have been hearing so much negativity from people born here saying that EU countries are so much better. That wasn’t the case before the Brexit vote of course. 🇬🇧🇩🇪
@@anthonyferris8912 Yes, I've got really tired of the bashers who boast of having escaped years ago and would never set foot here again. Good riddance, I sez
I am a German and stayed in Newcastle for half a year while I was studying and 100% agree with these. Still miss the friendliness in English everyday life a lot. It just adds so much to your happiness, I believe. Also, the pubs! We had such a nice one in our neighbourhood where local blues bands played once a week. I just loved the sense of community and the feeling of belonging in your area it created for me + giving a platform to local artists! In Germany it is more often than not lonely, older men drinking several pints of beer at the counter. Completely different!
You've made me realise how friendly we Brits are - I tend to take it for granted. I live on the South coast of England (we are generally deemed to be the least friendly people in the UK!) but even in my little local Sainsbury's shop, I have built a rapport with the staff. They recognise me and ask about my day, apologise if I have had to wait and wish me good day when I leave. They come across as thoughtful and kind. I have seen them help disabled people pack their shopping and accompany them to the door. One could cynically say this is training and a ploy to up the company profile - but it works! What's wrong with showing gratitude for shopping at their establishment? It makes my day a little better.
Yes that’s also the case in German villages of course - everyone knows each other and the shop assistants will always talk to you. I so agree about your last point.
Ich bin immer wieder beeindruckt wie absolut akzentfrei Kirsten spricht. Manche Leute haben einfach ein Ohr für Sprache und den Klang der Sprache, wunderschön.
Vielen lieben Dank!
There is an indefinable inflection, that if you didn't know she's German, you wouldn't easily guess where she's from
Kirsten has a lovely gentle voice,very pleasant to listen to!
@@ninamoores Yes she could speak audiobooks.I would love to listen to her voice.
I feel that after all the sad history our two counties have had we have turned the corner and now Germans and the British see how much more they have in common than they ever realized. After the USA and South Africa I have visited Germany more than any other country and there is so much to enjoy. Greetings to you both.
Dear jasonsmart. Vielen vielen lieben Dank für diesen Kommentar. Er macht mein Herz ein wenig leichter nach all dem, was ich über Deutschland hier erfahren mußte. Ganz herzliche Grüße aus Deutschland verbunden mit dem Wunsch, dass deine Empathie und Freundlichkeit dir erhalten bleibt. 😘
I live in Germany and everything is true! Even we Germans notice that people are becoming increasingly unfriendly. A very negative attitude to life has arisen. And so it happens that more and more pubs, bars and cafes are closing because people don't go there anymore. I have a house in a village and an apartment in the city. There are no shops in the village anymore. People just go to the supermarket and the street is empty, you don't see anyone. In the city you only greet your neighbors but you don't talk to each other. Things used to be different.
Yes though I really think it depends on where you live - usually in smaller villages where we come from (in Germany) everyone knows each other. It actually can be a big problem in the UK because people move so much whereas in Germany people tend to stay in their homes. Yes, sadly more and more German villages have few shops.
There are fewer small shops, because everyone is shopping on Amazon. I boycott it.
Same over here in the Netherlands.
Oh that’s so sad 😞
Hallo ihr Lieben,
ich lebe anscheinend in einer rosaroten Blase.
Ich bin rundum glücklich und zufrieden. Ich habe einen wundervollen Lebenspartner, eine tolle Familie, unterhaltsame und gute Freunde. Ich bin soweit gesund, kann meinen Hobbys nachgehen. Ich bin nicht reich, muss aber nicht jeden Pfennig umdrehen. Ich freue mich auch an Kleinigkeiten, es muss nix Großes sein, es darf auch mal ein wundervoller Sonnenuntergang oder schön gefärbte Blätter im Herbst zum Erleben sein. Ich bin jeden Tag dankbar, gesund aufstehen zu dürfen und einen neuen Tag zu erleben.
Das Leben kann kürzer sein, als man denkt. Ich habe einen sehr engen Freund an Krebs verloren und er war noch nicht einmal 30.
Ich glaube, wenn man seine Mitte gefunden hat und mit sich zufrieden ist, sich realistische Ziele steckt, niemandem etwas missgönnt und auch mal fünf gerade lässt, was sich nicht ändern lässt, dann strahlt man das auch aus.
Ein freundliches Lächeln auf dem Gesicht hat auch noch nie geschadet. Ich komme aus Franken, die sind als nicht so freundlich oder kommunikativ bekannt.
Offen gesagt, kann ich mich nicht beklagen, dass mir Menschen oft ruppig oder unverschämt kommen. Klar gibts auch mal einen Ausreißer (sehr selten), ich denke mir da nur, wer weiß, was diesem Menschen gerade für eine Laus über die Leber gelaufen ist. Ich bin da großzügig und gestehe meiner Umwelt auch mal einen schlechten Tag zu.
Ich genieße den Sonntag, wenn ich etwas Schönes mit meiner Familie oder Freunden unternehmen kann. Ich glaube, das Vorausplanen nimmt man in Deutschland mit
der Muttermilch auf. Es kommt selten vor, dass was fehlt und sonntags der Wunsch besteht, was einzukaufen. Ich habe immer Vorräte und bin da flexibel. Mittlerweile gibt es bei uns bei Bauernhöfen Automaten, wo man ihre Selbsterzeugnisse kaufen kann.
Ich zahle gerne einen kleinen Beitrag, wenn die Toilettenanlage dafür sauber ist. Früher waren die Toiletten einfach widerlich auf Rasthöfen oder Parkplätzen.
Ich wohne am Stadtrand von Nürnberg in einer Marktgemeinde (Feucht) und wir haben Gott sei Dank noch viele Geschäfte und Ärzte in ausreichender Menge und Vielfalt. Ansonsten ist Nürnberg nicht weit, 11 Minuten mit der S-Bahn.
Für mich hat unsere Landschaft auch Ihren Reiz. Ich brauche nur in die Fränkische Schweiz zu fahren. Auch in meiner Heimatgemeinde, die Schwarzachklamm www.schwarzachklamm-nuernberg.de/ ist für mich sehenswert. Trotzdem fahre ich auch gerne woanders hin, um Eindrücke zu sammeln. Leider kann ich nicht überall wohnen, wo es schön ist. Deswegen genieße ich Urlaub und zu Hause ist zu Hause. Und öfter gehe ich auf Reisen, wenn ich Videos von Ihnen oder anderen UA-camrn sehe. Vielen Dank für Ihre Mühe dafür, uns an Ihr leben teilnehmen zu lassen.
Ich wünsche Ihnen eine gute Zeit und danke.
Viele Grüße aus Franken
Alexandra
Hi Kirsten and Joerg. I enjoyed your sit down chat with us all. So refreshing. I’m British born and bred, a Yorkshire lass and it’s so nice to hear you talk about the many aspects of the UK that you enjoy. I remember the days when our shops did close on Sundays. We went to church, had our Sunday lunch (roast beef with Yorkshire puds) and then went to the park with our parents. Happy days! But I think the old saying ‘There’s no place like home’ comes to mind and you may find the pull of your family and homeland will take you back to Germany some day. But it would be lovely if you decide to make the UK your forever home. Come live in Yorkshire. Friendliest folk on earth 😀. You’d be so welcome. But I’m sure Germany is lovely too. ❤❤
I came from France to UK in 1967 and left in 2011, but I am to go back soon as I miss 'home'. When I arrived it was a very different England, very British in its traditions and culture. Everything was 'dead' on a Sunday....I loved the traditional Sunday lunch and high tea later after walking the dogs of my then boyfriend...By Kirsten & Joerg account Germany is very similar to where I now live in France, villages are shadows of their former selves, people shop in soulless out of town shopping centres. I loved Yorkshire, the Dales, the moors, the villages...Hope it all remains the same for a long time?
@@lisejacquelinerigault2575 That is so true and very sad. Times have changed so much and, in my humble opinion, not for the better. The Yorkshire Dales are beautiful as are the North Yorkshire Moors. Sadly we are losing a lot of our British traditions but I hope when you return you can enjoy life here again. I live in a village. We don’t have many facilities, only a village shop and post office but we have a lively community who organise lots of typically British events, annual bonfire, flower show, summer gala, Christmas carolling etc. I hope it can continue. We must preserve our traditions. Sending you greetings from Yorkshire.
Totally agree with you regarding Yorkshire. In my next life I'm coming back as a Yorkshireman.
I’m sorry to hear abt the graveyards, being from Australia we love the old (comparatively) graves. I love seeing your videos @ it was interesting to hear the differences you find. When I went to Japan I understood why a lot of germans went to work there as everything was so exacting @ ran like clockwork.
Here in many Yorkshire villages, we still go to the Church, eat full Sunday Yorkshire pudding dinners, and take the kids for walks, or to the park.
Our local church and club means we have a community. Plus a small busy high street.
Great interesting video.I lived in Germany for six years and loved it. Germans make good friends…..friends for life.
Cheers from California 😎🇺🇸😎
So glad to hear and that’s really true! If you make friends there, you will have them forever.
As a German, I do agree, it’s not so easy to make friends, but they are mostly friends for life❤️
I prefer the shops being closed on Sundays. I live in Ireland, and the shops used to be closed on Sundays too, but not anymore. It was much nicer when, one day a week, everything slows down. Also, I think German doesn't lend itself to chatting. English is much easier in that respect, and I do enjoy the chats too.
I wholeheartedly agree especially in this world where everything is accessible all the time and we are constantly on our phones, a slow and quiet Sunday is more important than ever.
A w Polsce dzień święty się świeci .
❤ yes, remembering slow Sundays. A fire in the livingroom a roast in the oven after church.
I live in Texas and our stores were also closed on Sundays until 1990 or so. We also had what was called blue laws and if a grocery store was open, you could only buy food. Nothing else. That changed to. And almost all stores are open 24/7 now.
Thank you both for sharing your Contrasting views.
Most interesting to hear
Mary Canada 🇨🇦
I have lived in the UK when younger and still go for holidays. You are so right. Brits are very friendly and the atmosphere is cosy
I love the shops being open on a Sunday. Love the beautiful countryside. Supermarkets are so great. Love England for ever 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 All the best for you 2
Thank you, lovely comments.
I moved to France from America after college and lived in Paris for several years. During the time I was away, I spoke very little English because I hung out with the French and not expats. Best decision ever!
I always get so excited when I see you post a new video! And I love how Joerg says things that make me laugh so hard! Like when he was talking about going through the check out at a grocery store in Germany and if you say "hello" to the cashier they panic!! hahahaha!!! You two are my absolute favorite couple, you always have me smiling and laughing!
Haha thank you! Of course it was a total exaggeration!
@@KirstenJoerg I know but that's what makes it so funny! 😂
I got tickled at that part too, I loved seeing Joerg's funny side shine through. Love them both so much!
Ich liebe Eure wunderbaren Videos. Habe sie alle gesehen und genieße nun jeden Tag mit meinem Mann, Teatime mit dem wunderschönen Geschirr von Burleigh. Es macht die Welt für uns schöner und lichtvoller und lässt uns den Wahnsinn im Außen leichter ertragen. Vielen lieben Dank für die Inspirationen, liebe Kirsten und lieber Jörg. ALLES LIEBE 🙏
Mensch ist das lieb, dankeschön! Ja, ist das Burleigh Geschirr nicht toll? So schön, dass es euch auch gefällt und ihr es zu Hause genießt. Ganz liebe Grüße
Thanks for your honesty. I am half German and half English ancestry and live in the US. I do think the pace of life is a bit fast here and was not happy that stores started to remain open on Sundays but I must admit that being able to pick up eggs or aspirin anytime is a nice convenience. I suppose it’s what you get use to. Just watching videos of the UK makes me want to live there…it is so beautiful. People seem kinder. 🥰 GraceHolly from Ohio..US
Hedgerows - in the U.K. farmers and councils are encouraged, and sometimes given financial incentives to maintain existing hedgerows and plant new ones. The reason is to provide a habitat for wildlife and to absorb pollution. More recently farmers have been encouraged to leave uncultivated strips of land next to a hedge to encourage more wildlife, pollinators and biodiversity.
I enjoy seeing you both. I'm going to Germany in June to visit my granddaughter who married a German boy she met in college. I've never been in Europe and my son is taking me for my 80th birthday. He believes I will love it there. I probably will as I'm an old soul. Ha Ha
You will love it so much - have a great time!
Go and enjoy Germany! It is always so lovely to go back and the history is tangible! They, unlike the U.S., have great respect for elders!
Curiously the more I have watched your video the more I think Germany is close from my country, France ! The villages are deserted too, people don t often smile when you go shopping, most of shops are closed on sundays, most of churches are closed etc...When I went to London many years ago, I have seen that people were very polite, liked to help when I were lost, and have a good sense of humor which I have liked so much. Keep on enjoying being in UK and have a nice week end ❤
I am Franco/British and agree entirely with you. Kirsten & Joerg's description of Germany reminded me so much of the Normandy where I live now.....I miss not living in UK after 50 years there....
Oui, j'y ai vu beaucoup de similitudes, je suis franco-canadienne et j'ai moi aussi ces chocs chaque fois que je vais en France ce qui n'est pas le cas lorsque je suis en Angleterre mon pays préféré entre tous en Europe.
Привет из России! Cмотрю Вас давно. Восхищаюсь Вами. Вы очаровательны в своём познании мира. Это одно из лучших Ваших видео. Спасибо! Здоровья, успехов!
As a French lady who lived in England for 11 years, I share your views about the lovely countryside, the beautiful churches (in France they are also closed most of the time), pubs with their special athmosphere that french cafes lack, some of the english cooking: pies, full english breakfast…and people are nice too. 😊
Sie haben so eine liebenswerte und sympathische Art die Dinge zu sehen, dass man das Gefühl hat, Sie schon ewig als Vertraute zu haben. Ich grüße Sie herzlich❤
Dankeschön! Liebe Grüße
I enjoyed your chat and had to smile quite often. Here in Australia you can shop 7 days a week and often till late at night, especially, as I live in a tourist area. Aspirin etc. also available in our Supermarkets. I find life is more relaxed. Germans in Germany seem to be always stressed. They’re so, shall we say, orderly.
I missed Curry Wurst. Konditorei and Baker. The cakes here have improved over the years but but when I see pictures of German cakes, I miss them.
Love your videos, you’re doing such a fantastic job.
My brother moved to America, and the thing he missed most about the U.K. was liquorice all sorts, so when my mother visited she brought him a big box. He foolishly left them on the coffee table and went to bed. Overnight his greedy labrador ate the lot!!!!!!!! Lots of emergency dog walks followed....... hopefully a lesson was learned.
Oh no! But thanks for the laugh 😅
Something similar happened to my son. I sent him back to Mexico from New York with pizza and Entenmann's chocolate chip cookies. When he got home, his beagle managed to get into his luggage and ate the pizza (and the aluminum foil wrap) and the cookies!
I haven't lived in the UK since the early 2000's,but still greatly miss Jelly Babies! And the tea.
It seems many of us have a dog story concerning sweets. One Christmas vacation my four siblings and I went home, and I brought my collie/German Shepard mix dog. On Christmas Eve we baked a huge plate of cookies, and because they were still hot from the oven, we left the plate on the kitchen table and went to bed. When we got up on Christmas morning, no one could find the cookies, and we finally realized my dog had eaten them all without ever disturbing the plate!
Great blog. It's very interesting hearing about your life in Germany 🇩🇪
The highlight of my week ❤
Thank you so much Tonya!
In the uk, we used to close shops on a Sunday and Thursday afternoons. Sundays were always family time. How did we ever survive! 😊
I know!
Thankyou for such a positive description of the UK. ❤️ I love living in this country and feel lucky to live here. I don’t like how other British people can moan about it so much! They need to watch this video!😊
I share your love of the UK and feel very lucky to live here. Kirsten and Joerg highlight so many of the charming things that I love about England.
My son who is in his early twenties has been to Germany many times now. He studied German at school and loves to try it out but everyone immediately starts speaking in English when they realise where he is from 😂😂😂😂. He loves Germany and has always found everyone to be lovely and friendly. I have been a couple of times and are going to Bavaria again later this year! Your my favourite you tubers and I look forward to your downloads, you bring calm and relaxation to this mad world.❤
Hi kirsten and Joerg. I used to have a German neighbour she never said much to me but she used to pass chocolate and oranges over the fence to me when l was in the garden and call my cat liebling. 😃🤗❤
😂😂😂
@@faiththrower7951 ...liebling means darling ...
Having lived away from the UK for the last 20 years I do have culture shock when returning. I feel like I have lost the skill of living there because so much has changed. But when you talk of the some of these wonderful British things I have a deep feeling of home sickness. Thanks for enjoying my country so much. I have had lovely times in Germany too and admire the German people so much.
Same here in America, stores are open on Sunday. I too try and shop on other days then Sunday. Keep the day holy. Thank you for sharing this.
I lived w/ my parents in London when I was 9 & 15. This shaped me so much -- and so I moved back to London (to live & work) when I was 36. Best 5 years of my life. When I moved back to the U.S., I just about died. Total reverse culture shock. It's been more than 10 years and I am still adjusting!
Come live in NW Philadelphia!!
I don't know if there is such a thing as reincarnation but if there is I want my second life to be in england. I just love the scenery and the homes and the culture. I am 81 but if I was younger I would definitely be moving to England and you guys made it sound even more attractive I live in the United States and things are so different here than when I grew up and it is not a happy place to live anymore. You have to make your own happiness and not be bothered by some of the difficulties. I have been both to Canada and Israel but I have also lived in Hawaii and it is a very different culture than the mainland USA. I love being immersed in different cultures
@@lawriefoster5587 I live just outside Philadelphia, actually....
@@judiemjacobson4613 The US is huge--and it depends on where you live. I've been living in North Central Texas for the past few decades, and people are very happy here.
It's a nice area with very friendly people--life is good here.
I moved from the Chicago area to Southern CA 12 yrs ago and have given up hope of ever adjusting! 😊. I guess The U.S. is so huge it really depends where you live, but I don’t think there is a more friendly place than Chicago (though tragically changing fast.) I’ve loved everything about The U.K. My whole life and love Kirsten and Joerg so much! Both times I way fortunate to travel in England I adored it and didn’t want to leave. If not for family, I would have loved to stay. I think my love of England began as a child hearing my dad’s stories. He was stationed in England with the Air Corp during The War and loved it too, kind of unusual given he came from an Italian family. He did a gorgeous oil painting of an English village I’ve always treasured. Maybe deep bonds were formed in those days when their lives were constantly at risk for one another. ❤️🇺🇸❤️🇬🇧
Such an interesting video! It's nice to hear someone say something positive about the UK for a change. Joerg is very funny, and Kirsten so sweet. Xxx
I love you both although i am from a little village in the north of Ireland called Greyabbey i am so glad you both love England so much i hope you both stay with us in the uk for a very long time ❤❤
My sister, living in Germany, always says "the pavements roll up in Germany on a Sunday". Love visiting them, the only thing I find, garden centres, lovely as they are, have nowhere to sit and have coffee. Favourite thing, early morning warm brotchen, yummy. Agree re shopping and cashiers. As for the autobahn, had the fright of my life when found my dear brother in law was cruising at 150 km !!! Lovely listening to you both.
I would have been scared too on the
autobahn. I really don't like driving on
our freeways here in America.
I learned so much from your video. I live in Michigan with relatives in the UK (England and Scotland) who visit quite frequently. It sounds like there are many similarities America has with England. My cousin in Dorking, England is a celiac and has been on a gluten free diet since the late 1980's. He once got terrible ill after eating out because someone in the kitchen used a knife meant for the lamb to cut the bread.
I wish we could go back to things being closed on Sunday (and holidays) as it was that way long ago! Frankenmuth. Michigan is about 1.5 hours away and a quaint little German town. German's (and Polish) are the cleanest and hardworking people I think!!
Years ago when I worked at a high school, the German exchange students always missed "good bread" and could not find it in the store here. P.S. Joerg is really a humorous man! Great video!
Thanks so much! Yes, I think if you're celiac and highly allergic it might not be a good idea to eat at a restaurant where they serve all kinds of food. Yes, sadly the bread in the UK is not to our taste.
I agree that bread in the USA is pretty grim, but bread is wonderful and wholesome in Germany. I'm Canadian and when I vacation in the USA, I take yeast with me and bake my own bread, because that is the only way I can get a good loaf.
If you want good bread in the USA, you have to go to a dedicated bakery. Although my grocery store does carry La Brea bread, which is very good.
That was really interesting. I have a severe allergy to all nuts and shellfish. I remember several years ago we were travelling with friends in the US and went into a Thai restaurant. When I mentioned my allergies the waiter got the manager and he came and sat beside me and helped me select my meal. He then assured me it would be made in a totally separate part of the kitchen. The very first time I didn’t feel like I was a nuisance. I totally understand you Kirsten. ❤🇨🇦
Kirsten and Joerg ,thank you for for sharing with us living in GB 🇬🇧and Germany 🇩🇪!🥰
Thank you for another wonderful video! It’s always great to see you! We are a German family living in Germany, however, I can relate to everything you said. We love the UK and just returned from a holiday in Cornwall and London and yes, I absolutely miss those country lanes, the hedges, the old houses, the colors, the friendliness, the food, the landscape… basically everything. And even in London our dog had the time of his life! The staff in the hotel and in restaurants are so dog friendly.
I enjoyed your Reverse Culture Shocks video. You are such a delightful couple I hope you stay in the UK and make videos for a long time to come. I do like to sit down with a cup of tea - and a biscuit of course - to watch your next adventure. Making the videos must be hard work and I appreciate the effort you put into them for us. THANK YOU!
Thanks so much!
Kirsten your filming gets better every time I watch one of your videos. The intro in the English countryside is absolutely spectacular! It's so interesting to hear you both chat about the culture shock differences of shop opening times on Sundays, availability/price of non-prescription drugs in pharmacies, pubs and even graveyards! You are captivating and Joerg's new word "niceliness" is actually really cute! Glad you still enjoy the chattiness and quirkiness of living in Britain.
Glad your starting video showcases you guys in historical costume too. It is so important a part of you two.
Thank you for this lovely chat both.🥰🥰
I am enjoying this so very much. I grew up in Australia and moved to America and I know exactly what you speak of. I believe we as "transplants" have the best of both worlds. Thank you both what a delight!
Was sind die Unterschiede in Austalien und USA? What is the different beetween Australia and USA?
The hedged countryside of England is unique. Decades ago, National Geographic had an article about the unique ecosystems that developed around these hedges since the Medieval period. I’ve never been able to find that article again, unfortunately. Even then, the article said that the hedged landscape was under threat, it’s a shame. Those modern commercial mega-farmers don’t want anything like hedges to impede the progress of their farming machines. This landscape is historic and special, it should be preserved as much as possible.
Hahahaha, ihr seid so soo höflich, diplomatisch, süß und sympathisch! Und entweder, ihr ergänzt euch naturgemäß so toll, wie es rüberkommt oder ihr habt eine gute Regie... - euer Zusammenspiel ist auf jeden Fall göttlich lebendig und harmonisch und für uns Zuschauer herzerfrischend 😍! Eure Beiträge sind ein riesig großes Geschenk !!! Tausend Dank an euch !!
Haha danke! Wir haben keine Regie und haben dieses Video einfach in einem Take durchgefilmt. Liebe Grüße
Sounds like you really enjoy the UK. I'm Canadian, but have spent extensive time in both England and Germany. I agree that British people are more friendly, life is less rigid and the villages are pretty with decent services. What I like about Germany is the efficiency and organization. Everything runs so well. Also, I prefer German food....the breads in Germany are incredible.
Oh yes, the bread in the UK is so bad. We absolutely LOVE Germany. Every country has good and bad.
@@KirstenJoerg More independent bakeries/shops that sell wonderful artisan bread are popping up around the UK
@@gdok6088 Many have never gone away. I get fabulous bread in my small town from the baker on the High Street who proclaims to have been baking on the premises since 1879.
@@KirstenJoerg This is such a vast generalisation. You are probably right if you just pick from a supermarket shelf any of the mass produced stuff from mass producing bakeries. The small independent bakeries produce bread as good as anywhere in my experience.
Of course - sadly it's not accessible everywhere.@@robertwilson738
How I love you both and I found this so interesting. I've lived in Germany and it's all so true! I do however adore German sausage with German mustard, nothing beats it. I'm so proud that you appreciate our lovely Country, you certainly highlight the very best of it, its not all as lovely but you certainly live in one of the nicest Counties. ❤❤
I always enjoy your chats. Never been to Germany, looks beautiful! Never been to the UK, I have family roots there so I feel connected ❤️ and I long to visit.
I'm afraid Switzerland looks like, unfortunaly, like Germany 😂. For the German part in any case...
The French and Italian speaking parts are definitely more friendly 😊.
Thanks Kirsten and Jörg for sharing these feelings...
Best wishes from a French speaking Swiss woman "exiled" in Bern 😂❤
As an American who spent 5.5 years in Zürich, I have to agree with you! Much of what Kirsten & Jörg described sounded familiar, except for the lack of shops. I do still miss the bread! 😄
I live in the french part of Switzerland, and must say I feel the exact oposit : here people are stressed,unpolite,agressiv and durty
When travelling to the german part Thun, Berrn and so on, I feel people are smiling, the cars stop to let you cross the street, they say hello even if they don't know you.....
I lived in Zurich and in a tiny village near the Gothard tunnel and loooooooooved those places although yes people are more rigid but they have to otherwise it will become a big mess, I come from a country from the south and I hated having dirty streets and people too friendly that they mess with your life, so the germanic approach was freeing...I guess there's a price to pay for everything. I also loved Locarno and lugano, the best of both worlds the italian switzerland I guess.
@@jacquelineinostroza9636 I live in France and I hear you it's difficult the french mentality, loved the german switzerland where I lived for 2 years and yes the car stop to let you cross the street it's just a dream we can't have here in France, I miss all that. I also lived near the Lake Constance (Bregenz) in Austria and it was a dream too...
Oh, Kirsten, we really enjoyed that video! We both also always wanted to live abroad, to see how other people do things, and we love comparing/contrasting various elements of life in the US, Switzerland, and the UK. It's endlessly fascinating, isn't it?
Have a marvelous week, you two! 🫖💐💕
Thanks so much! 😊 Yes, it’s so fascinating. We really love meeting people from all over the world and at the same time we LOVE Germany too.
I just happened upon your channel today and I’m so glad! I’ve been watching several of your videos and they are so enjoyable! I’m from Arizona in the states and we’ve traveled to England several times and Germany once and enjoyed every minute.
I was astounded by the size of the British service stations!
I had no idea.
Really enjoyed this.. Joerg makes me laugh... loved seeing you both in your lovely attic room..... thamks
Yes I like shops closed on a Sunday but I have lived in Germany and had a baby in a German hospital which was a terrible experience out of 5 births that was frightening and the worst experience ever. I love the German food and the mar 28:58 kets of vegetables. I found that crossing a busy road with a Zebra crossing dangerous too! In the post office in Germany no one queues in an orderly fashion as we do here. I missed the sea too this being an island. I found the German people very strict about shoes not being on the baby in the pram and not washing clothes on a Sunday . I love you both you enhance the German people and are an excellent blessing for your country thank you so much for sharing and your interesting videos. I pray that God will set you free from allergies too❤️
So great to hear praise for our Country, thank you Kirsten and Joerg.
What a great video. Very honest and diplomatic. I love your video's. You are such a nice couple. Never saw anyone more compatible. X
Thanks so much!
Many of the things you said about Germany is also true for the Netherlands. Thanks for your openness.I like these conversations. Greetings 💟🌷🇾🇪
I find Dutch people nicer.❤❤We often not smile and say hello and goodbye when we left a Shop.
Hallo Kirsten und Jörg. Es macht Spaß euch zuzuhören und eure Sichtweise zu sehen. Immerhin seid ihr seit Jahren in England. Ich war sehr oft in England, weil ich es liebe und stimme mit euch in allen Punkten überein. Schöne Woche 🙏😊
Hallo liebe Anita, dankeschön! Wir haben natürlich sehr verallgemeinert - wir lieben Deutschland auch über alles aber wenn man länger in einem anderen Land lebt, fallen einem doch Dinge auf. Viele liebe Grüße
@@KirstenJoergja, das stimmt. Es gibt immer Unterschiede, die einem auffallen und es ist interessant darüber zu sprechen 👍
I'm pleased you find England friendly, informal, charming, and quaint. I am surprised Germany is not more that way as I thought it would be similar. I spent two and a half weeks touring England with my husband years ago and we loved it.
Thanks so much! Aww as mentioned please don’t take it too seriously, Germany is a gorgeous gorgeous country.
This is so interesting. My Mum was from Australia and when she would go home to visit family, she would notice the things she missed about America. Even here in the US they don't ask about gluten and allergies in restaurants. I have a sister-in-law that has to eat gluten free foods. So I understand how you must feel. Also, I'm old enough to remember when all shops were closed on Sunday and Gas Stations only sold gas. My how times have changed. Thank you for this video.❤
Hi Kirsten and Joerg
Awe, it’s so nice to see you guys just chatting.
What stands out to me, is the love you both have for Germany AND the UK. There’s plenty of that for both … yes??? I love what you love about the Uk as well. It just has such glorious style, history, creative colors and happy flowers, and so much to feel SENTIMENTAL about. Thats the romantic part I think. England is just… well…
So much FUN!!!
It’s also so very nice that you can STILL be close to your families. A couple hours away??? Yes??? What a sweet video, TY❤
How is your Dad and Lotta Kirsten?
As always…
With much respect ❤
Oh my god, absolutely spot on! That is what I always try to convey to my German friends when coming home from an English vacation. No one believes me, they think it is only because my "holiday mindset".. Little do they know. England operates more from a heart-base.
What is heart-base supposed to mean. I live in Canada and I miss Germany.
Some English people here in retail will say...here you go Love. I may not know the person and I find it over the top...smile and think to myself isn't that a bit to friendly.
Just like asking "hi, how are you" and they really don't care and walk on.
Takes time to get used to as well. Germans in general do not like Smalltalk.
Notice: Even in Germany when a shopkeeper or salesperson is bored they often want to talk to you the customer to kill their time. If you sit on the cash register in the supermarket you should move things quickly. In Canada some people do not care if there is a lineup behind them and have a conversation with the cashier.
I also do not want a service station on the Autobahn to be a Shopping centre.
I used to drive between Nuernberg and Muenchen...a few Years back. I don't see a problem. It was always clean and nice. Here many things are badly cared for and
always just bad fast food and Donuts. I miss German food and fine Pastries and also the French, Swiss and Austrian way of life. However, I never really lived in England in a small village and it seems to be very nice. However if you never see much else it surely must be boring. Best wishes to Germany and England. 💖💖💖💖
I absolutely love when Joerg, showed how the grocery store clerks at the checkouts were like in each country, I nearly lost my tea all over my sweater. How when you mentioned "Small Talk"....haha! Too funny!!!!!! That is spot on. Thank you for such a fun video!
Yes, lovely Britain always makes me feel so well. Especially the customs. Nice chat in Britain. Had a smile on my face. Frankfurt customs wanted to cut off my family (my kids!) from the queue since the guy wanted to close his desk. Kids started to cry and customs started to yell at us until they realized the protest of us and the people. I am German and lived in Britain for years.
I really enjoyed this episode and OMGoodness how absolutely adorable was Joerg when talking about the cashiers in German supermarkets. Thank you so much for an enjoyable time while eating my lunch.
Hahah that's a saying we grew up with.
Love hearing you two talk about the differences between Germany and England ! I noticed the time I spent in Germany I never felt I belonged. Germany for me was too regimented! I was stressed the whole time I was in Germany! It was so good to get back to my family in England where life is more colorful and fun!
It was less about a difference video but just a reverse culture shock video. We love Germany, it’s such a beautiful country and we can see ourselves returning but every country has good and bad. We love both Germany and the UK.
My sister lived in Germany for a few years. On her return to the uk she missed tge quiet Sundays: no washing pegged out or lawnmowers and heavy tools grinding away, just peace n quiet.
She also thought the quality of food in restaurants in Germany was better.
She said she initially thought German people were rude, by not having conversational niceties, but that improved with her learning the language. People were helpful if she was trying to learn the language. Even so, they have a natural 'reserve' which is quaint in it's own way.
Oh this is what we so miss here: no lawn mowers on a Sunday and so on. Just quietness. We don’t thin Germans are rude at all, just more reserved and when you make friends there you make them for life.
Kirsten & Joerg. We really loved your video. It was like we were just sitting all together having a chat. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on your culture shock. I know our friends here that are from Germany really miss the bread. We have a lot of the same things here in the US that you hve in the UK. The thing with shops being closed on Sunday used to be a thing here when we were kids but not anymore. We still take things easy on Sunday though. Thanks again. Cheers Ron and Dovie
Thanks so much! Yes sadly the bread in the UK is not the best so we definitely don't have a reverse culture shock in Germany in that area lol.
You can buy lovely artisan bread in Britain but you have to go to proper bakeries. The supermarket bread is awful. I call it tennis ball bread because it's so doughy that if you roll it in a ball I'm sure you could bounce it. I make all my own bread because of this 😂😅. Nice chatty video xx❤
I absolutely LOVE your videos please do not go back to Germany.Your content is so nice nothing horrible.Very relaxing and both of you are natural story tellers. Personally I’d love to live in Germany especially Berlin. Fascinating city especially the DDR years.Used to travel to Germany a lot during my time as British Airways Cabin Crew.Loved night stops. I find Germany to be clean very efficient everything works.I also find the people friendly.One of my favourite countries.
Aww hahah we don't know yet but we LOVE Germany and will forever love it.
Oooooh, I love a good "reverse culture shocks" video!! And Kirsten, the intro to this video is just DELIGHTFUL! Such a highlight reel of your idyllic British life! Great filming and editing. Made me remember so many videos of your past adventures! Now I'm settling in to hear all your surprises...
Thanks so much Dara!
Interesting comparisons and an insight into living in the UK and Germany. Thank you for sharing from Australia.
We are Finns living in Switzerland in our third year now, and you hit the nail on the head with this video! First, you have the honeymoon period, then you start to miss home, then your new home becomes the new normal. We just visited Finland over Easter, and we start to notice the big little differences :) The strangest thing is when you start to notice that your own country keeps changing while you live abroad...
Oh yes, exactly that! I think others living abroad can relate the most. It's less that you don't love your country of origin (we love Germany so much) but just the fact that you get so immersed in the culture and the ways in the country you live that it feels strange when you visit your own country again :)
What a delightful and meaningful video. So interesting. I appreciate your straightforward honesty about your home country. I really look forward to your posts. Keep up the good work. We appreciate it!! Happy Spring!
Thank you so much!
As a German who lived in Italy for 40 years, I totally agree with all that you said. When I moved to Germany, one of the things that struck me most were the cashiers, just as you said. But it’s not entirely their fault, I believe. Clients in the cue are terribly impatient. Everything has to go really fast, otherwise those behind you complain and/or ask (let’s say demand?) for another “Kasse” to be opened. This happened to me a couple of times when I was looking for coins in my purse..It totally stressed me out. Infact I stopped paying cash and only pay with cards now. Love your videos, as always ❤
I am from Sylt and have lived abroad for over 40 years. I agree with both of you in the "service and friendliness department. Our lives on the island were/are very colorful, restaurants, street cafes, the diversity of food is great, and most everyone has adopted a leisurely attitude - so at least I don't miss that. I miss hearing church bells. Is that strange?
Sylt is beautiful! No, that's not strange at all - my friend Sarah from the States said that she noticed the church bells in Germany right away and loved it so much.
What a great little conversation about the differences between the two countries! 🤗 I agree with Joerg, food is probably what people miss the most about being away from home. I love your happy, cheerful attitudes - and your love for color! Sprinkle a bit of that in Germany every time you visit! 😉 Thank you for sharing your experiences! 💞
I’m smiling from ear to ear from your warm and engaging video Kirsten and Joerg! Oh! I had a word for you at about 28 minutes.. as you spoke about the charm in English ways.. with less organization.. “ whimsy”!! 😄 The blue and red and whites made for a lovely setting.. and we both so enjoyed every detail of things you miss in your UK 🇬🇧 home when you visit your native Germany 🇩🇪!! I recalled some descriptions myself from my trips to England and my one trip to Germany too.. both countries fascinating.. my husband couldn’t believe the Autobahn when driving with his associate there!
Thank you both for a superb video!! 🥰🙋♀️
Thank you so much Marcia! Hahaha yes! My, we LOVE Germany so much too. Sending love.
So interesting to hear your perspectives. I lived in a small village in Germany for 3 years and cried like a baby when I had to return to the USA. I remember being in culture shock for quite a while after my return here. One thing I miss very much are the Volksmarches. I loved them.
Some people come to this country and constantly complain about everything. You two are different. You talk about the uk with respect and kindness. No country is perfect. Your video was so interesting. Thank you.
This is one of my favorite videos. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much!
I have to say I've really enjoyed watching some of your little adventures here in the UK. I haven't seen them all as yet, but your love for the cottages, the countryside, and the way of life has endeared you both to me. I reckon you should consider yourself honorary Brit's, so wherever you end up in the world, you can always think if this little green isle a home from home.
Best wishes to you both,
Michael
Our son and daughter in law was stationed in Germany for about 4 years and then now back in the USA and they said they miss the slower pace and they really miss how everyone drives in Germany they say seems a lot more common sense with the drivers in Germany but that would come from the training they get in Germany compared to us in the USA ….
My wife & I moved to Vancouver Island many years ago from the North East & recognized towns in your video from our area Corbridge & Blanchland. Not a difficult transition for us as it’s so British here on this Island!
I’ve fallen in love with all things British since watching Kirsten and Joergs gorgeous videos. (Great grand parents were from the British Isles) We are hoping to move to island soon as we love it so much, maybe that is why? Qualicum or Parksville area perhaps
@@lindacampbell540 I’m in Nanaimo
I’m in Parksville.
I just discovered your blog a couple days ago and enjoy it tremendously... you two are such an adorable couple.😘😘😘
Thanks so much!
So glad we have you guys in England, you bring us sunshine. Thank you ☀️
Oh that means so much! Honestly! Thank you for your kind words.
Liebe Kirsten und Joerg, ein sehr interessantes Video.
Jedesmal wenn ich meine Freundin in England besuche und dann wieder nach Hause komme, vermisse ich auch die Freundlichkeit in den Geschäften, die wunderschöne Landschaft, da ich gerne nähe, vermisse ich auch die tollen Stoffe, die es bei uns leider nicht gibt. Wenn wir ins Pub gehen und meine Freundin sagt, its my German Friend, oh Gott, da will immer jeder mit mir reden, das ist wirklich herzlich und schön.
Glb Grüße und noch eine schöne Restwoche 🥰💞🌷💚🤍
❤Wonderful!❤ I watched the Christmas video that you put out about the wonderful, old fashioned, German traditions which you celebrated and that were stunning and nostalgic as my grandparents' culture and traditions in Italy. As always thanks for sharing.
We are so so happy that you enjoyed it - we ADORE An old fashioned German Christmas that's for sure.
Qué maravilloso relato comparativo entre ambos países…aprendí muchísimo las diferencias ya que solo conozco a través de viajes cortos ; los videos me enseñan sin salir de casa , por favor no dejen de mostrarnos la belleza y costumbres de un país tan lejano para mí.Eternamente agradecida desde 🇦🇷
I do appreciate so much the kindness that you show in describing your thoughts and impressions . Thank you !
Great video. It is always nice to hear pros and cons given in a respectful way. I always enjoy your videos. Thank you.
Love to see you in your office. It's a beautiful room. You decorated it so perfectly. It should be an architectural digest. Your whole home should be my point of view.😊❤
Oh you are so kind, thank you!
Such an interesting discussion! Thank you.
So interesting! Thank you!
Thank you so much again about Germany, and England