20 German rules you shouldn't break
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- Опубліковано 20 тра 2024
- Ever wondered about the do's and don'ts in Germany? When I first came to Germany I didn't know many of these rules, so in this video, I dive into a list of cultural no-gos that might surprise you (they definitely surprised me, when I came to Germany 😅).
From not putting ice in your beer to respecting quiet hours.
0:00 Intro
00:22 Ice & Beer
02:34 Recycling and Bottle Deposits
03:20 Punctuality Matters
04:02 Shoe Etiquette in German Homes
04:29 Navigating Public Conversations
06:50 Understanding Public Transportation
08:16 Jaywalking and Public Order
09:12 Addressing People
10:07 Cycling Lane Awareness
11:02 Quiet Hours and Public Decorum
11:55 Handling Money and Tipping
12:50 Privacy
14:25 Alcohol Etiquette
17:49 Culturally Sensitive Topics
19:01 Outro
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Hi, I'm Uyen Ninh but please just call me Uyen!
Originally from Vietnam, I now explore life in Germany, sharing my unique perspective through my videos on my way to be your favorite Ausländer! 😁
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uyen@yilmazhummel.com - Комедії
Hey guys, if there are any other rules or special customs that you shouldn't do when you visit Germany, let me know!
In India, while asking for permission to enter a class we raise our hand(parallel to the ground) . I don't think you should do that in Germany.
Also- We use the swastika as a religious symbol.
I’m from Mallorca and I’m tired of seeing wasted drunk germans on the street. It would be nice that they follow their own rules anywhere.
Never jump the queue! Never! Ever! People stare you down till you’re dead. And rightfully so.
It’s considered rude not to greet cashiers in a supermarket or a shop, government buildings, museums, other runners 🏃 when you’re a runner, dog owners, when you walk a dog or your neighbours.
Hmm, it is more an observation. A friend from the US told me once and now I can´t unsee it.
We (germans) have a weird fascination with watersports.
Sailing, Diving, Surfing and so on, test it ask german BFs family.
@@jancleve9635and winter sports, don’t you think?
The Green Black combi suits you extremly well! I usually dont care how people look, but this makes you extra radient!
I agree! I thought the green nail polish was super cute too 😊
It makes me want to have my colors done lol I want to know what pops like this on me!
Agreed, that colour really pops on her!
Agree. I mean it's just fashion talk, no reason to excuse
So true!
The traffic light thing is so funny. I'm German, but visiting my girlfriend in France I had to try really hard to unlearn waiting for the green light because I'd be the only fool still waiting at the side of the road while everyone else would just start walking the moment no car was close, no matter the colour of the traffic light.
Well, someone has to show how to do correctly, so just wait. 😉
For me as a German I never understood why anyone lets tell him what to do by a light bulb behind a red piece of glass. When there's no car coming and no children are watching, i always walked on red light and at night when there's nobody except me on the road, i even do it while driving a car. Even when I was a child myself I found this behavior to be extremely "NPC - ish" Following rules without any noticeable sense is what led us to the third reich.
@@dorthesanchezz4227it's called discipline. Something Germans do have in advance compared to the French.
Regarding the privacy thing. My take as a German is, we had two dictatorships in the past which tried to take away all privacy, now we have it and we want to keep it.
I don't even think it's a privacy thing but more of a control/consent thing. Like going butt naked into the sauna or (more rarely) to the beach or hiking is no problem for many Germans as you consented to be open about this.
However having your face uploaded to the internet without you having any say in it is what rubs people the wrong way here.
You are "accidentally" filmed in all possible and impossible situations, e.g. in the gym, or worse: in the gym's locker room. This really makes me angry, German or not, such behavior simply shows a lack of vision, a lack of respect, a lack of education about the www.
Yes, privacy laws are non exxistent in the US. The fact that they can display your address to anybody just because you vote is just nuts. We 100% need strict privacy laws and control over our personal info.
said on a google owned website, maybe posted from your location sending smartphone, all your private moments uploaded to a cloud server. lol.
no, germans do not care.
und erzähl mir keinen schwachsinn von "ja die diktaturen, wir sind ja die guten".
schau mal nach was "rosa listen" "waren".
und nur weil du nicht weißt was man über dich sammelt, wobei jemand so gutgläubig naiv gar nicht interessant sein wird, heißt es nicht, dass es nicht passiert.
I live in a small town in Germany and I say "hallo" and smile to everyone I meet.😊 Well, not in 'Downtown" where many people are, but in the calmer streets and in the forest. Most people answer, there are only few people who don't.
Same. Often, the people who don't answer just nod or are just lost in thought.
Yes, absolutely my experience in rural areas and small towns, too. It would be rude not to say anything. And if you've lived there for a while it's also common that stop and chat for a little bit.
I guess for visitors/tourists, a good rule of thumb would be just to greet back when they get a hello or nod.
Yea, that rule is only for the cities. I grew up in a rural area in Germany and moved to Berlin and I still get wierd looks, when I say hello or smile at them ^^
I think the greeting when walking outside is normal, also in cities/town.
Not in the central cityof course.
Wouldn't make sense.
😅
I want to say something about that talking to strangers topic at 5:40.
I grew up in a small town and moved to the city when I was about 27. And it was a shock for me. No one noticed what was happening around them.
When I moved back to my old little cute mini town I was so very happy. You go for a walk and random people that you've never seen before walk by and smile and everybody greets everyone.
So that "distance-problem", as I call it, is not an issue in smaller towns or villages. I think it's a problem in bigger cities. There are so many people, it's impossible to greet everyone.
In small towns it's considered normal to greet someone in the street and it's weird to not greet back when they say Hello.
Found this to be the case. Small town everyone smiles and waves everyday. Even at the "rathaus".😊
When my grandmother (from a small town) would come to visit us in our big city and we'd go for a walk in our area, she'd greet everyone. People's faces were hilarious, not gonna lie 😂 And it took a few tries of explaining to her that you don't do that here, but nowadays she can do big cities without a problem (unless there's escalators...but that's a different issue 😅)
I read your response but it kind of stucked with me and can’t stop thinking about it so I thought I’d respond. I live in the city and I am moving into even bigger one. We have a bridge here that connects us with actually different country and it’s literally fields, roads and small villages. So it’s like a magic, you step from suburban life into absolute countryside with cows, horses and everything. Everyone smiles and says hi! I think I am actually going to miss this. I always took it for granted.
Yuuup. I sometimes miss that. But I realised myself after a while, that sometimes (or often) you have to isolate yourself in a city by wearing headphones for example because it is so stressful with all those masses of strangers, noises, smells. At least here in Berlin, that is what I am feeling after 7 years.
I've had a few moments where a stranger (mostly elderlies) started talking, like "Oh what a weather."
Then I think of my grandma and I would like to have people in public respond to her, and not think that she is crazy, so I respond to the strangers as well. Especially in a city, so many people are lonely and it gives me something too. Just a nice little moment with other people in a hectic and loud city.
Also knowing your neighbours (at least by name) would be nice sometimes.
@@leonik7152 That's very true. When I went to Berlin for a weekend, the first thing I said to my friends, when we were on the bus, was: "it's strange how people ignore each other"
I caught myself doing the same after a while in the city but then I decided to not become like that. So I was the "weird" one who randomly offered help to elderly people at the supermarket. I wanted to keep the "countryside attitude". ☺
When someone smiles at me in public I immediately have a mental crisis, not because I don't like the smile but because I think that person must know me but I don't recognize them. My mind starts filtering though every single memory trying to find that persons face somewhere and put a name to it
Yes. Thats horrible😅
stress!!
Same, it's so awkward
So we can never meet because i smile to everyone 😂
Thats really funny, as a Canadian that grew up in smaller towns and “cities” I feel rude for not giving everyone i pass a slight nod of acknowledgment or a smile. I find the larger the city the less welcome a passing smile is. I moved to a large (by Canadian standards) city a few years back and its been a weird adjustment for me lol. Thank you for giving me a different perspective!
"also you will be very embarrassed in public" is the best deterrent I have ever heard
Would you consider making a video about what you should never do in Vietnam?
PS: very nice video 😊
Would love that!
I want this!!
I want it too!❤
But have german fiance do the voice over!
Close friends and family usually stay up til modnight to wish you a happy birthday as early as possible. Its really cute
Maybe I am too old, with me not anymore 😹
But never congratulate "too" early! It is okay to "nachtraeglich" congratulate their birthday!
It’s not common for me, my family or my friends. (I’m German 😅)
@@avartarjp im german as well. I think its just my social circle and not germany in general. I think its a cute tradition
My German family does this and many friends too ❤❤❤
As a cardigan lover…I just love your cardigan❤
I like the nail polish too that matches the sweater so well. She’s cool. 😊
It's from uniqlo, I have the exact same one. 10/10 would recommend
It's such a lovely shade of green!
You should form a band together. Call it...I don't know, The Cardigans maybe?
“Old habits die hard” is the phrase. You got it right
Another saying is "You can't teach old dogs new tricks."
@@perrywilliams5407 They're comparable, but I wouldn't say they convey the same thing
If you want to have regular smalltalk with german people, you need to have a child oder a dog with you. Germans only talk to strangers if they have a reason, like if you ask for help or they want to compliment your dog, which is usually a good ice breaker, since many german people are friendly around pets oder children.
Especially in the North
I conversed with Germans walking their dogs or sitting outside in a cafe with tbeir dogs. A good ice breaker either way.
A red traffic light that doesn't turn green does also do the job! It would have been a bit awkward standing there next to each other for five minutes... 😂
Whereas... In my home region (Ostwestfalen) people would have totally ignored each other but the Rheinländer are way too bubbly for that to happen... I love it here❤
Or go to the west, Rheinland and Mosel region as people are pretty much the antithesis of the German stereotype here. Lazy, disorganised, corrupt, outgoing, community driven, rule bending, constantly bantering, life enjoying and very open to strangers
What's an oder
I literally just got back from a trip to Berlin and the number of types of tickets one can buy for the public transport is *mind-boggling*. Thank all the gods I'm the type of person that researches and overprepares for a trip so I knew what tickets I had to buy but I can see how it would overwhelm a non-local simply trying to get a ticket to go from A to B. My suggestion to those travelling in Germany and indeed some other parts of Europe is to get an all-day ticket or a 3~5 day unlimited ticket so you don't have to worry about buying individual tickets each time you need to use public transport. You're going to be using the public transport a lot anyway and these 24, 48, 72 hour tickets actually save you money.
Excellent advice🎉
Totally agree. And I'm German. I used to live in Berlin and then moved to Cologne and here it's even worse, especially if you hop from neighboring city to neighboring city!
I swear, I mostly only buy the Deutschlandticket, so I don't have to deal with it. Not because it actually saves me money.
Oh and yeah. Of course you can't just buy that for one month as a visitor. You need a subscription and German bank account. It's absolutely insane and makes me so angry 🤬
I didn't visit Berlin, but I was in a few other cities last year and also tried to really prepare myself regarding their public transportation system (I kid you not, I have a doc several pages long with images on navigating platforms, reading the boards, finding the right coach, etc.). I found using their regional apps when available was the best for me. Made it very easy to buy the ticket and most would calculate automatically the type of ticket I needed based on my destination. But days where I didn't know where all I'd be going within a city, definitely stuck to an all-day pass to make that easier.
I'm German. I would be lost. Every place has their own stupid system.
I'm glad the Deutschland Ticket exist since last year so I don't have to bother with stuff like that.
Reminds me of the reverse. I lived in the "Great Stockholm Area", "08", where everything is a lot of zones, everytime you crossed a zone line, it was one more ticket, so you always had to tell bus chauffeurs or train ticket sellers where you were going.
Then I moved to a smaller town where everything was one zone, the same ticket everywhere and nobody cared where I was going, and noone of my new friends understood why I stressed about what to say to the bis drivers. Those also where in the habit of assuming that everybody knew where they were to get off, and push the stop button in time, so they never announced the stops on the speakers.
Every place has their own system.
I'm from Czechia and most suprising thing to me is how similar it is to Germany 😂
I feel like almost everything applies to us as well 😅
Beer, public transport with confushing zones, quiet times at night... but i guess it makes sence, since our countries are neighbors 😊
Love the video ❤
Exactly! Our countries are so similar.
Even our food.
Svíčková is almost the same as our Sauerbraten.
And so many more.
I mean a big part of modern Czechia was German before WW2, actually half of my family comes from this area, so I'm not suprised that the cultures are very similar
I am not German nor Czech but have spent some time in both countries… yes, Czechia is becoming basically more magical and whimsical Germany. And also soon you will have better train service lol.
Except for the very confusing traffic zones, these are just normal things everywhere in Europe.
@@petraw8538 Can you maybe explain to me which part of the history you mean? :)
I´m kind of confused, because to my knowledge, we were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire till 1918, then it became Czechoslovakia. After the Munich Agreement Germany annexed part of Czechia and that was only in 1938 - one year before WW2.
But there were always big German speaking groups, so maybe that is what you mean?
I think "don't smile" part works only in cities, where it would be kinda hard to greet every person you meet lol. When you are in village or like in park on a walk all strangers (at least those you made eye contact with) will smile at you and say Hello
(I freaking love when i go home from school and meet those old ladies on rolling chair and we smile to each other, maybe also because i just can't imagine this in my country)
I agree with that in being in the larger cities in the US. In general people are willing to chat more.
Yes, it isn't this way in villages
In UK, people greet everyone they see. When I moved here, I was so confused but got used to it.
@@nipurndusad4136 Depends on where you are. Some places are friendlier than others.
An addition to the bottle deposit: Not everyone wants to carry around the bottles or cans, put them next to a trash can, so homeless people can gather them for some money (and don't have to go through the trash can for the bottles)
She did mention that. That’s a great idea!
I love that so much!
We have that in America. So when you buy a soda you will pay extra for the deposit and extra for tax. Americans have a bad attitude about "recycling". I don't understand the reason but a lot of recycling ends up in the trash anyway.
I'm in Thailand and every single German person is doing it here, as well. There are collectors roaming the streets to collect plastic and glass bottles and cans and get small money by selling them. We don't like the idea that these collectors have to search for them in the normal trash bins or bags and put them extra.
That's quite nice.
@@rwitter5333it's because most Americans don't give a crap about anything but themselves. Their garbage ends up in another country so they don't care. If their garbage was polluting California's or Florida beaches the same then they would care.
What a cute video! I love the part about the communal quiet time 😂Sounds like a great place for an introvert to be.
Sounds like a library situation. A little crazy sound is nice. Wonder how quite is Berlin 🤣?
I guess it depends on the neighbourhood, too. I live in a village with a lot of "one family" houses. So if we'll have a ( noisy) party till the morning, we tell the neighbours some day before. And mostly it's fine. One family even "moved" for this night to their grandparents because of their child (9!) . And believe me, that's crazy. Even for Germans... .
Rules like the "quiet time" follow the principle "Wo kein Kläger da kein Richter" ("where there is no complainer/plaintiff there is no judge"). So if somebody is loud but no one minds it's okay. If someone does mine, they first have to complain directly to the person, only if the don't react you can call the police.
In our small town, the neighbours often tell each other a few days before they have a big party, often giving out their cell phone number in case it's too loud. That way everyone is informed and knows what to do if it's too loud.
My parents always tell the neighbors when we plan a big party. And when it’s like a big birthday or a wedding party they invite the neighbors so they don’t complain ;)
@@Duedluep It feels to me that in USA, something similar occurs especially in small areas. Of course, this is definitely try if a family wants to throw a street fair-type celebration. In US, we have laws against loud noise too. I guess though it depends on people and them being nice to their neighbors but not a requirement. 😁
As an American, I love chatting with strangers in public. I understand sometimes it feels awkward smiling to strangers, but I force myself because I believe in community.
I’m Latin American, raised in the United States. I cannot imagine living somewhere where being friendly is seen as a negative. That would just suck the life out of me. I like it when people say good morning or simply smile to acknowledge each other.
@@mariacastillo5625in Germany, it really depends on where you are. If you’re in a village, NOT greeting everyone would be considered rude. If you’re in huge cities, people tend to ignore strangers more often than not. I’ve lived here most of my life and I smile a lot. It’s never been considered rude. What can happen (mostly in cities) is people not smiling back at you. But that’s because honesty is considered to be above politeness (which often annoys me).
There are also regional aspects you can consider, if you want a specific type of people to surround yourself with. For example, you visit Germany and want to talk to strangers: go to places like Cologne - they are very chatty. If you want a lot of quiet or find friends to be mostly silent with, go to the far north.
@@meerespelikan that's pretty much true about the small towns or cities here in the US as well. I grew up in a small town where everyone greets each other, even if just passing by. Cities, most people ignore you, but if you're in the south, you may still have a random person strike up a quick conversation with you. I'm extremely introverted and hate most of these unless I'm in a rare mood to chat strangers up.
It's a good habit imho, even if being friendly is superficial. Still better than angry face. Keep it up, Americans 👍
As an immigrant to USA, it was sort of scary at first. But now I appreciate the friendliness. Because I realize it’s meant to be sincere. And that’s a nice feeling.
And I’m Canadian. We are polite, yes, but we have a sense of personal space and standoffishness that does not exist in the USA.
1) You made no mistakes with your words, each was properly used in all ways.
2) I find this video very helpful and so easy to understand that I suggest setting up a quick to find individual file for this and others like it.
"HOW TO ENJOY GERMANY AND NOT BE HATED BY NATIVE CITIZENS!"
3) I found your channel less than a week ago and immediately felt I had discovered unknown yet dearly loved family.
4) You and German Boyfriend are absolutely two lovable treasures❣️🥰🤗😚💋
As an American I just wanted to comment on the small talk part! I know that other countries comment on how we’re “fake” or “don’t actually care about you” but that’s just not what it’s about. We do it for the same reason you said you personally like it! It’s just a really nice feeling to be able to socialize and connect with other people even if it’s only in a short window. It makes an otherwise ordinary day interesting and more memorable. I think if others were more open to it they’d find they actually enjoy how it feels to have a short conversation with a stranger too. I get the impression that people who aren’t used to this part of American culture probably get the same feeling from our small talk that we do if someone’s trying to sell us something unprecedented. But human beings are meant to connect with others and even small moments with a passing stranger just makes you feel good if you allow it to.
Been to America last year as a German and it was actually not that extreme with small talk as I expected. We met a few wonderful people and the conversation just felt natural. - like we would do in Germany, too. I think it's not just a cultural thing, there are regional differences. In Munich it's soo hard to get to know new people while Cologne people are completely different and love to small talk.
We have the same "don't throw away your bottles" rule in Michigan! Supermarkets have bottle return machines where you get 5-10 cents/bottle.
Since the 70’s in Michigan ❤. I remember the can-a-thons to get us kids to pick them all up before it started
Same in Australia. We get 10c on bottles, but not all bottles.
i was about to comment this!! my detroit-raised granddad used to save them up to buy himself cig packs for 50 cents back in the day... 😅
In Oregon as well.
@@brismith9506 50 cents? Wow! At the moment in Australia a packet of 20 cigarettes costs around $50.
One Tip for jay walking, if the street has only 1 or 2 lanes, just walk about 10 or so meters way from the croswalk and germans won't mind you jay walking, because safely crossing the street without a croswalk is allowed in germany.
You just have to stop at a red light, when using the croswalk.
Totally illogical! 😅
@@vaska1999no, totally logical.
A red light is an official signal/rule that you have to follow. When there’s no signal, there’s nothing prohibiting crossing.
And children are first taught to cross in safe areas like pedestrian crossings, traffic lights, etc. They know that it’s more dangerous to cross outside of those safe places and that it takes more/better traffic smarts.
But if you set a bad example at the safe places, they might combine less looking with red lights and be run over by a car, because driver here expect others to follow the rules as well.
not to be that person but its actually 50m and then you are safe :)
still watch out for children though. if they see you doing it try to set a better example
Safely crossing a street is also something Germans learn in kindergarden/pre-school. Links, rechts, links. Und los. (left, right, left. Go!)
Small towns rarely have any lights and just a few marked crosswalks.
As a german, i felt your list so much, i was so shocked when u said u wished an early birthday 😂 i dont mind drinking your beer with ice but that goes to far haha
Have not been to Germany yet ... but my good friend is German and works in a grocery store. Basically, know what you are doing in the grocery store, especially at check out. The person doing the checking is judged and ranked by their speed. So make an effort to be more organized and prepared when you head to check out and everything will be so much smoother for everyone involved.
yes. also, once you finished putting all your items onto the conveyer belt, step away from it, so the person behind you can start putting their things on. i am always so annoyed by people leaning on the thing and blocking it in front of me.
Probably the best option if you can't keep up (or let's be honest, really can't be bothered to work out how to optimally space out your by weight items to regularly slow the cashier down) is to toss everything back in the trolley or basket as fast as you can and go to the repacking area.
Just seems like a good rule in general. Im in the US and very rarely do cashiers or baggers bag things correctly. They know to not put eggs on the bottom, double bag heavy things. But I make sure I sort things together, I dont need my cold products scattered about when Im driving home in 120F/40'sC weather and I DEFINITELY dont want bleach next to my produce
@@mattrose99I'm German. My mom told me about one supermarket chain who tried to introduce the bagging person system in Germany.
It failed completely, of course. Germans didn't like it at all, they all wanted to pack it themselves.
Also, the packing person always packs everything into a bag, what if you brought your own basket/backpack?
My mom said when the bagging person tried to bag up her stuff she just took it quickly and packed it herself.
@@Tessa_Gr that would be my total nightmare. starting with people touching my things and possibly squeezing them. i have so many rules how i pack my bag optimally.
i wonder how i could deal with that should i ever end up living in the us.
Das war ein sehr schönes Video. Ich saß vor dem Monitor und stimmte die meiste Zeit mit einem stummen Nicken zu. 😀
Wha? You speak English 🤡?
Ich auch. Mittagsruhe hat sie vergessen😂.. bayern
@@lilli3121 Die Mittagsruhe hat sie ganz kurz erwähnt, als sie im Nebensatz "noon" erwähnt hat. 🙂
We love you, Uyen & German BF!!!
Congrats!!! With lots of love from Hong Kong 🇭🇰!!! 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤
In addition to the "don't be late" there is: hold on to your appointments. If we say we will meet, we expect you to come. Or otherwise notice the other person of a good reason not to come.
To mind the noise I make from 10pm-7am is common sense for me. Even during the day. My neighbor works nights. When people have this "I do whatever I want" kind of attitude, I find it disrespectful toward others.
So true! BUT I have to add that it always depens on where exactly in germany you are. Your expierence really can differ depending in which federated state you life in and of course whether you life in the city or on the countryside. I always notice this especially when I travel from west to east or from north to south - I think especially germans can be very different. Great videos as always! And I love you green style
yes, definitely!
Yeah, the people here in the South are generally more friendly and open to small talk than further North. In my corner it's pretty normal to greet people while talking a walk. Just a quick "Guten Morgen" or "Hallo" while passing them by.
And once the Besenwirtschaften are open, it's pretty common to share a table with strangers and you sometimes end up talking to them.
@@shadowfox009x yeah true. I feel like it's the nordic "mind my own business" mindset xD I saw such behaviour a lot for scandinavian people, maybe that's why. It's just not comon to 'small talk'. but in bavaria or other similiar states people seem to enjoy it xD
@@DepressionOfMyCat As someone who's originally from NRW and grew up in Berlin (talk about grumpy, unfriendly people) suddenly having to deal with this Southern friendliness was a bit of a culture shock.
@@shadowfox009x I knoow it's too funny isn't it. Like it's the same country but why are the people so very different lol
I am from the U.S. and if I talks to people - even strangers I am not faking it. I love getting to know people. That may just be my personality.
It's just different courtesies.
Things like "oh I love you", being called "honey" by a stranger or the "oh yeah we should definitely hang out sometime" and personal questions like "how's your day?" really can confuse us Germans as at first Americans seem to know and respect no boundaries and become waaaaay to quick way to familiar - and then don't follow up with what was meant as a pleasantry but perceived as a genuine invitation, which is one of the main reasons i believe Germans in particularly can often perceive Americans as fake and deceiving - as when you e.g. say "oh we definitely should hang out sometime" that means to me we will meat up for coffee and cake within the week
I don't even know what would be fake about talking to somebody. How can that be fake???
I don't think they are fake, just very friendly.
I'm an Australian. I LOVE talking to strangers. I like to know their stories. Australia is a country of immigrants and people's stories range from interesting to totally inspiring. But I understand it can make some people uncomfortable.
@@kenbehren6119I'm from latin america, I love to talk to strangers and know them well, not just for curiosity or small talk.
But yeah, I can understand that some people get annoyed by that, I can see that in their faces sometimes
Here in Australia, Sunday is the day to mow the lawn and get your DIY projects going with power tools :P I was surprised to learn that in Belgium, France and Germany that's verboten!! Most large and a lot of smaller shops are also open on Sundays.
Except in South Australia or regional areas
@@penelopemain5501 I forgot regional areas. I still find it strange.
Oh boy, mowing the lawn on Sundays.. even typing the sentence out, I can feel the German judgement on my soul. x') In my small village you even have to be mindful of the bloody hour, don't you DARE touch your lawnmower at noon!
@@jessica_schrecklich we are not allowed to burn off in rural areas on a Sunday
@@jessica_schrecklich Schrecklich? I'm sure that you're not :P
this was perfectly done. I would like for you to travel the world and make videos like this for everywhere. You didnt put down cultural differences (you never do. but some people are terrible) You explain things within their historical context. You think about your audience and who most needs to remember specific rules. I just love your channel.
I'm sure this topic could get heated but this community is usually wonderful so hopefully it doesn't. My father's wife is German & lived through the war, she was a pre-schooler & her family hid. I have talked with her about it a few times. I have found that she is overall quite open about what she remembers & what her parents have told her. Her thoughts are that speaking openly & honestly are the best course for making sure that keeping that "never again" promise.
Obviously don't just ask random strangers, but those you really know I think you can ask if you are asking with an open heart & mind. If you listen with empathy to all that they have to say. If you understand that you can not know a damned thing about what it's like to live through that (unless you actually have!).
I think it is great. Yad Vashem gives a name to everyone who was murdered.
Everyone I know in my country has been affected by the regime, war or holocaust.
I have learned a lot from holocaust survivors. They are nearly all gone, but their wisdom can be continued to be shared and the victims never forgotten.
Thank you for posting another long form video! I always enjoy them so much.
I think it's so incredible that you are such a skilled polyglot! You know German, Vietnamese, and English, and you speak well and eloquently. You should be very proud of yourself and your content! I'm using your videos to try and not be so scared of spending a year in germany in the next few months.♥
Deine Videos sind immer so richtig, lustig und wertschätzend, vielen Dank für deine tolle Arbeit!
In zwei Punkten möchte ich dir noch einmal recht geben. Als ich das letzte mal in der Sauna war (wir sind ja nicht immer und überall nackig 😅) waren drei amerikanische Männer da die ständig starrten und dachten wir verstehen sie nicht.... ausgesprochen unpassend was da so alles ausgesprochen wurde. We already understand 😅
Bitte mach so weiter!
Die meisten Ausländer starren extrem unangenehm. Und ich kann leidlich französisch und verstehe etwas italienisch und spanisch, also entgeht mir die (ab-)wertschaetzende Unterhaltung auch nicht.
I have only been seeing your YT shorts thanks to UA-cam and im so glad because i love your content! Its so informative without boring you to death ❤
Your editing is so nostalgic ☺️
Thank you for your quality content always 🫶🫶
Good topic Uyen! When I visited Germany in the past, I remember I got in trouble for jay walking. They definitely do not like that! I also have a problem with the German stare. They look very scary when they stare at you. Of course this was back in the early 90s when there were not very many SE Asians women walking around, but I sure got a lot of mean stares. One thing I appreciate about Germany however is the quiet. SE Asia is so noisy all the time and it makes me very stressed, so I appreciate quiet Germany very much! My advice to visitors to Germany is to be quiet on public transportation. If most people are wearing a mask, you wear a mask. Most importantly, follow the rules! Keep up the great talks. I love your cultural insights!
Wearing a mask is not an obligation anymore. The laws concerning Covid 19 are over now :)
Nowadays Germans don't stare that much anymore because they are busy looking at their phones xD
1:46 I have a trick for you. Even if I only do it with Radler/Alster/Krefelder. You can make ice cubes out of the Radler/Alster/Krefelder or beer you want to drink and then use these ice cubes for your beer. Or you can make some out of lemonade, so the ice turns the beer into a Radler/Alster/Krefelder.
Krefelder: Altbier (Top-fermented, copper-coloured, 'oldbeer') with cola
Alster: Pilsner with lemon lemonade
Radler: Pilsner with orange lemonade
A Radler is also Mixed with lemon in Bavaria :))
But those are Great ideas - will try the cubes 💪
Radler and Alster are the same thing
@@maja5390 Not in every Region. But I don't care. I drink Krefelder.
@@maja5390 Right. Beer and lemon lemonade is called Diesel.
And there's also "BMW" = beer with sparkling water
@@sylviav6900
In the north in my youth Diesel was beer+coke.
The ice-in-beer one made me chuckle. But about public transport, about 20 years ago, when I was in Munich, I went to see one of the Ubhf on Marienplatz, and I commited a huge faux pas when I went on the escalator to get back on the square because here in my country we stand on the left, and people walk on the right. And one German lady yelled at me. xD
The "don't smile at strangers" is same as for some Slavic countries. I am south Slavic, and when I was in the States everyone smiled. It freaked me out so much for the first few days.
Links geht, rechts steht!
Which country do you stand on the left? I only know that Osaka stands on the left.
40 years ago in a hot summer I put ice cubes in my beer in the pub with the I just had played volleyball with.
They said like: Are you crazy? What are you doing? But then 2 others tried it, more next week and in third weekvmist did.
There is beer with sprite, fanta, coke, lemon etc. So why not with water ( ice)? It is like women wearing trousers. For most it is more and more normal, but some still glue to traditionel stuff beyond logic. It just is far more refreshing. 😄
thank you Uyen. this was so good. you are a natural in entertaining your subscribers with humour & humility.
When you live in Colonge: No problem with being late for 15 minutes. No problem with ignoring a traffic light when you cross the streat. No problem with dressing like a giraffe troughout the whole year or going to the bakery in your dressing gown. But never, never,never dare to show up in public at carneval season without a costume. For safety reasons always have a red nose in your pocket. And its forbidden under penalty of death to say "Helau" instead of "Alaaf" at carneval.
And never ever ask for a „Alt“ in a bar.
I was in Berlin in 2018..it became my mission ( being friendly Californian ) to smile and say " guten Morgen " to all I passed in the street. Some would greet back, others looked frightened and mumbled something back, walking faster! Lol I was obsessed with seeing how many would respond.
My son and his German wife were very disapproving of how friendly I was to strangers in Berlin. I live in South Africa and greeting passers-by is common courtesy.
@@gabymeyer8003 good on you! This world needs more kindness.
Looking friendly is OK, on a hike in a mountains, or in rural villages where you meet 3 persons per day, it's also OK to say "Hi" (also to strangers), but imagine you do this in a Metro station, people would think you are completly nuts. That's about the two extreme spots. And it's not so different in other countries, if you enter the subway NYC you also don't greet everybody.
As someone from the United States with an appreciation of history and a love of both Southeast Asia and Germany. You both are adorable people. I love your videos and am so glad you can share so much. you and German bf/future husband are good people. I'm glad your families appreciate each other.
I just realized how similar Vietnam and Singapore rules, and way of living are, through the description you mentioned here.
I saw it in another UA-camr sharing about his stay in Germany too (Liam). I learnt a lot of German culture from him and his wife.
Thank you for this video. It definitely helps a lot for those who wish to visit Germany at some point of their lives
That was helpful! In my culture, in social situations, it’s totally normal to be 15-30 min late. But, when my German friends picked me up and I still had about five more minutes of getting ready to do, I could tell they were annoyed. I will be on time next time with them 😂
I still have a vivid memory of the undercover ticket checkers doing a "spot check" for tickets on the train in Berlin... reaching into my pocket to get out my monthly 10-Uhr ticket and realizing I'd lost it 😢
I had to pay a big fine (well, I think it was 60€, which was a lot for me then). I was so sad as I had paid for a ticket but got fined *and* now I had to buy another monthly ticket too!
I'm sorry!!!
With Abo ( name) to loose it costs only 5€ for administration, but you do not pay 60 when you forgot ist.
🤔. Hmmmm, I think I would like to move to Germany. So many of these rules are so considerate of others! I really appreciate that! Thanks for sharing
Feel free to look into it ❤ I've wanted to leave Germany for most of my life but I'm glad now I stayed because I've learned some really surprising things about this country: Friendships tend to be very sincere and loyal in the best sense of the word. Friends are open and honest (even brutally honest) but they do it because they love you, want you to succeed and tend to stick with you even through differing opinions and hardships.
Also dating is very special in Germany, the Netherlands and similar countries: Mostly there are no specific dates, you just agree to go to places with people and spend time with them. In the beginning you don't really know whether the other person sees you as a potential romantic partner or not. It might be confusing in the beginning but you get to know others in a very relaxed kind of setting, you can be very natural and your authentic self. Also it's quite freeing that a relationship is not just put in a box right from the start like "Either we work out as a couple or we're doomed" but something will develop naturally just as it fits the both of you. So it's kind of smoother to navigate friendships and romances 👍
Also dating tends to be more equal in Germany: It's more common to split the bill on a first (second, third, ...) date or that a woman might pay for a guy she's interested in. Even though I need to admit that most people still tend to just expect that the man buys drinks for the women he's into. But it's a bit more equal 😉
Liked before the ad finished. Love your videos!!!
Great video ❤ also i just love the artwork on the wall behind you. And that green sweater is so pretty.
Yes, I took my wife to Germany to show her where I grew up, she is from Hong Kong. When we boarded the U-Bahn in Berlin she was amazed there were no gates and no guards taking tickets. When she asked why, I simply said "Because it is expected that everyone will buy a ticket, those are the rules". She said it would never work in Hong Kong. During our two week travel in Germany, we were singled out for the undercover ticket inspection twice, I suspect because she was Asian and they assumed she would be an easy catch for them. Of course because of me we had our tickets and they face showed disappointment. She did appreciate how the lack of gates and such allowed for a faster entry and exit from the stations.
They checked only you guys? :0 In my experiences they come through and check the whole train. But I live in west Germany
i have a dark skinned friend and he always gets checked when he is flying to germany. they always check him and his bags thoroughly.
@@5GcE Since checking a bus can take 15minutes or so, they try to hide the checking process from others, cause during these maybe 5 stops the train or bus is going, people without ticket just could leave the vehicle.
So there is an intention nobody notices the checking from far, hence people saying "only we were checked", might be wrong.
The edit reactions are hilarious!
I learned a lot in this video! Thanks so much Uyen 💕
Almost 2M, Congrats!❤
The trick for reducing the dilution of beverages with ice, particularly in severely hot weather, is the ice size. A big piece of ice that takes up most space in the glass will melt more slowly. Drink fast, refill, repeat. Of course, it helps if you prechill your beverage of choice. Everything warms up fast in tropical climates even if you prechill everything.
In some European countries in the South the bars freeze the glasses. That works well, too.
Metal ice cubes work too, stay cold and don't melt/dilute
@@MorikoEffy Yeah, but they're not very accessible and cost quite a bit. Personal use should be fine but not for, say, a party.
About the ice dilemma, here’s an idea. There’s a cylinder shaped product that you can fill with water, freeze it, then place it in the beer glass. It’s made of a plastic material.
What is puzzling to me is that cash is the more acceptable way to pay. In the US, no one deals in cash; it’s pretty rare.
I can confirm that Americans are very friendly. Yesterday, I got into an elevator before another person twice. Out of politeness, I asked them what floor they were going to so I could press the button for them. Once they left, they said “have a nice day!” as if we’d had a full-blown conversation despite not talking for too long. Again these were two separate occasions 😂
It depends on where in America really, here in New England we're the same way of if a stranger smiles at you it's weird for us.
American here: I always say have a nice day, if I'm leaving someone, even if it's in an elevator and we never spoke. Unless, of course, they gave me a reason to not wish them a nice day. Guess I'm weird.
@@Cerana1182 True! I grew up in New England and moved out west as a teenager, I didn't realize how everyone is much friendlier here. I'll totally chit chat with anyone - and I do care! When I went back "home" a decade later all excited to visit "my people" if I wasn't with my friends I felt I was absolutely an "outsider"!
This is normal behavior all day every day in the south (the southEAST) part of the US. I would find it weird if a stranger got on an elevator with me and didn't at the very least nod to acknowledge another human. We just always greet people, even if it is just briefly, and always wish them a good day. And this is from someone who grew up in the ATL, not a small town.
Chicagoan here. Friendliness is kind of 50/50. Sometimes people just start talking like they've known you forever, sometimes it's more formal, and sometimes they act like you're going to mug them any second.
This happy Australian holidayed in Munich and Berlin a decade ago smiling at everyone. Boy did i get a lot of “ you must be a weirdo” looks. 🤣 you’d be teased for putting ice cubes in beer down here as well. We also have a 10c refund for plastic bottles. Loving your videos Uyen. Bless your sweet little heart ❤
I'm not sure if you're making more YT content recently or if the algorithm is sending me your way more but either way, loving all your recent content! Keep it coming!
I’m from America and the bottle return deposit is a BRILLIANT idea. It’s a phenomenal way to insensitivise recycling. Even though recycling service is pretty widespread in the suburbs where I live, I think Germany’s system is better, as it it turns recycling into a thing that has visible financial benefits rather than just a nice thing you COULD do.
The system is used in more European countries. I’m from the Netherlands, and we also have it. We also use it for drink cans. The amount of money is higher in the Netherlands, and it will be raised soon, because the return rate is still to low.
I love your videos, love the real tips!
Thank you for sharing this! I never knew this about Germany. Very interesting!
I am so thankful for your stories!
I'm originally from the Philippines and moved to the US when I was 19 after waiting years to be granted my visa (family petitioned). It was amazing how easily I made friends because everyone just kind of welcomed me in open arms. And I lived for a couple of months in the suburbs... I was walking to the public library one day, not 3 days after I arrived and every single person I crossed paths with would smile and say "good morning!" to me. It was soooo bizaare at first but now I'm like this to my neighbors!
The "right before left"-rule in traffic: an American friend asked me about the different traffic-rules in Germany so he wouldn't make mistakes. He drives behind us in his rented car. We come to an intersection with no signs. My husband drives through because there is enough time to go before a car from the right reaches the intersection. Our friend copies that, but gets honked at. He asked me later. And I went: oh, I'm so sorry, I forgot to tell you because that rule is so deeply rooted in our consciousness that it were like telling you to breathe in and out.
I learned a great deal and enjoyed your presentation style. Thank you!
Don't ever stop making videos! You're wonderful!
You don't NEED a fridge. Before fridges were a thing in Germany, beers were simply kept cool in the cellar. Many old German houses have a cellar for storage because it keeps a constant low temperature all by itself. Beer cellars can still be found all across the country and are still in use. But I guess that this tradition doesn't exist in Vietnam.
My dad actually traveled to Vietnam on business and he said the way Vietnamese do it - at least where he was - is perfectly fine: small glass, big piece of ice in the glass. There's only space for 1-2 sips of beer in the glass. You pour over the ice and drink it immediately. Then you pour again. That way you mostly avoid your beer being watered down and you have a cold drink.
My brother is fluent in German, from high school German class! He wore a t-shirt, that had “You’re too young to know.” Printed on it in the German language. So when people asked what his shirt said, he would smile and say, you’re too young to know. 😂it was funny.
That IS really funny.
Thank you- it’s amazing All the little unspoken rules or nuances we grow up and live within our own cultures that seem soo normal, but are not in the cultural norms of others. Please keep sharing what you learn in your new country.
Uyen, Thank you for such funny wholesome content! I wish the whole internet was like you! I love your smile!
Wow! You look really great in that shade of green!
Very accurate, Uyen. 👏 Greetings from Berlin ☺
Wow I had no idea of the tipping culture in Germany! Thanks for a great video 😊
I just started the video, but omg Uyen you look so gorgeous here!! That green cardigan really looks beautiful on you!! 😱💖💕
Flipping the bird is definitely not "normal" in the US, too. It's an extremely rude, disrespectful gesture (except jokingly, among friends, but even then it's done only by a certain age group).
But you can do it nonetheless.
If you do this in Germany targeted at a person and your target isn't too amused about it you gonna be fined.
Hi Uyen, I have only been to Germany (Berlin) once and we nearly got arrested on the tube because we bought a ticket but didn’t know we had to get it punched in a machine on the platform to validate it. Fortunately one of those very helpful English speakers helped us out - we still had to get off the train, validate the ticket and wait for the next one, but at least we avoided a fine. We had been in Germany for about two hours 😂
I'm also German and the same thing happened to me in Berlin. The public transportation system is different in every German federal state :)
Berlin is not Germany 😂 Berlin is Berlin. In Hamburg, you don’t have to punch your ticket… good place to visit!
@@seesternerde6773 ah, I understand, but my only experience of your country xx
strange no ticket machine like on the old strassenbahns!
Uyen, you are quite wonderful. I LOVE all of the topics and videos.
So true😅, thank you for this video 👍
The thing is, Germany is very diverse. All things applie and at the same time they don't.
Some people like to talk, not all people do. Some speak english, some don't. In some places you can walk into the bus, in some places you can't (without a ticket).
Jaywalking here in Bonn people are crossing the street like they don't care, same town different places, everybody waits.
Thanks for sharing this
The color of this cardigan is so nice on you! And that lip color! o:
Wow, i haven’t watched your Chanel for a while, your editing skills have really improved. Nice. And you seem so relaxed.
As a German, I can confirm that everything you said is 100% correct. It was a very good presentation, probably the best I ever have seen on that subject. You are a very good observer. Also the way you presentation is very smart, empathic, friendly and entertaining. Thank you very much
That's what I thought too! thank you for expressing it so well
I agree with all points except one: you can talk to strangers. Not in the American way, asking how they are. But it is pretty standard in rural areas or on forest walks to greet strangers and smile to show that you mean no harm. I live in Berlin, but I grew up in Mannheim. In both cities, it is common to chat with strangers, but usually only to complain about something, e.g. if the bus is late, the sun is too hot, or you've watched a crazy car driver or a cyclist who almost crashed into someone. Sometimes, though, after breaking the ice with a complaint, you can have a nice chat, and sometimes people tell you even more personal things. At least, it happens to me often. I also commute by train every day, and usually, the same people are on the train; some have started greeting each other after a year or so. With some, I even chat regularly now. But Germany is a very diverse country where local habits differ a lot. So what can be common in one area may be totally different in the next.
What is the American way? Which part of America? America is very large, and the culture shifts from state to state and even county to county. We are mixed of every race, color, and creed. So again, "What is the American way?"
@@LadyGaia1985 Don't you think I am aware of that? But I am sorry that it offended you that I think, by and large, the American way is friendlier than the German way. You are certainly the exception.
I love this channel already! Came here after reading comments in the Barbara song video 🇩🇪
I have to say, having been around for a while here and seeing how Vietnamese beauty standards are, you fit the oposite so well. The light tan, pink lipstick with a beautiful sweater and green nails to match ❤ chef's kiss ❤
The green looks soooo amazing on you
I'm leaving in Baden-Wurttemberg and to be honest, people always smile to eachother and really gladly making small talks. So i guess it depends on place where you live
I missed getting to know people and chatting with folks randomly when I lived in Belgium. I live in the Midwest of the US (Minnesota) and it is very friendly.
Congratulations on 2 mil subscribers uyen!!!
Yes. In America, we flip the bird. It’s a standard greeting here in New York
Lol. It’s my favorite traffic signal.
As a New Yorker, IT’S NOT a common thing ….🤣
Standard greeting - 😂😂😂
If you show another road user the middle finger in traffic, it´s against the law. This is punishable by a prison sentence of up to one year or a fine. It can kost up to 4000€.
@@sinazimmermann8179 😱 Damn. Then, I can’t be driving in Germany with such laws 🤣
I live in NYC and work in Manhattan… I walk and take the subway. Once you see that the streets are basically giant toilets for dogs and (unfortunately) people, outside shoes do NOT get worn in the house 😅😅😅
Although as someone who grew up in NYC before the pooper scooper law, there really is not much poo on the street. If you see poo, it's probably not from a dog
@@christinavlachos2616I live there now and see dogs poop and people not clean it up… oh, and people, too. I work I West Chelsea and it’s a dog poop mine field on the sidewalk. And don’t get me started on the pee 😂
@@christinavlachos2616 🤮
Thanks. I've never been to Germany, and this is very informative and interesting.
You're a charming, thoughtful woman. I really enjoyed listening to your presentation. Thank you for the opportunity to do so.
I teach English to immigrants to Canada and one common thing that confuses them is that Canadians are generally friendly towards strangers but it can be hard to actually make Canadian friends. I think this disparity can come across as fake if you come from a culture where it's not common but really it's just the difference between being friendly and truly being friends. Becoming friends takes time and effort and just isn't possible with everyone. Being friendly only takes a smile and some chit chat. Of course, not everyone is chatty but overall it's not considered fake to do this.
I noticed that someone else mentioned that the size of a place makes a difference. So true. In my mother's village of just under 100 residents, you give a small wave to every vehicle that goes by whether you know the people or not and you talk to everyone you meet. In my small city of just over 300,000, we do our own thing when out and about for the most part but it's not at all surprising or unusual to pass the time of day while waiting for the bus or in line at the store or to smile at others as we pass. When I lived in Toronto, people were mostly focused on themselves and it was much less common to have random conversations with strangers but it wasn't unusual when it happened.
USA here. Years ago I was in California visiting my mom who was in a home. So I was staying in a hotel. I had purchased a drink in a bottle. While traveling on mass transit I outloud asked if anyone recycles and explained I was visiting and in a hotel so I had no way to recycle the bottle. A woman immediately grabbed the bottle from me and stuck it in her bag. Can't remember if she thanked me or not. Anyway, I was just happy that the bottle wasn't going into the trash.
Most hotels in California now have trash and recycling bins in the rooms.
@@sevenandthelittlestmew That's good. My mom passed on 2008. There were no recycling bins anywhere I went at the time. My only choice was a trash can, leave somewhere in hopes that someone will find it and recycle it, or offer it to someone who recycles.
That's the best video on this topic I have found so far!
yeah that bottle return thing that's pretty cool that's amazing that would make anybody who has a heart feels really good❤