Good morning all. What lessons have you learned from Germany or from living abroad?

@barbsmart7373

2 ай бұрын

Good morning Ben! Germany is probably my greatest teacher. Thanks for the positive lessons you learned.

What living abroad has taught me: 1) people are people everywhere 2) people will stick with what and who they know or what seems familiar 3) discrimination is stupid and any feelings of smug superiority of your own country/town/nook are completely unwarranted

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Sounds about right

Whenever I travel to the USA (fairly recently), UK (not so recently) I do appreciate the politeness and friendliness of almost everyone I randomly meet. Coming back to Germany usually feels like coming back to the cold - in every sense. But I was fortunate enough to learn something else, too. In 2016 we hosted a Russian exchange student for 2 months. She was a lovely girl and spoke German really well, but she hardly ever smiled. My daughter had just spent 4 weeks in the US and one day we talked about the difference between German and American customer service and how comparatively rude Germans were. Our Russian guest said, she really didn't know what we were all talking about. Compared to Russians the Germans had to be the politest and friendliest people in the world. If at home a grocery cashier ever smiled at her, she'd question their mental health. 😂

@Morellas4

2 ай бұрын

This is a very good example. Thanks. It's always your perception which makes your experience. I also wonder about the critic about the "bad customer service in Germany": Honestly I wouldn't like to be disturbed every two minutes into my conversation at a restaurant or be "harassed" to buy some stuff when I'm in a shop and just want to look around. That's also a personal perception. The people love what they are used to and therefore define it as "normal".

@Kristina_S-O

2 ай бұрын

@@Morellas4 I was thinking of hardware stores. I don't want to be "harrassed", but _seeing_ a sales person every once in a while would be nice. Not to speak of finding somebody who could help with knowledge. ;-)

@Winona493

2 ай бұрын

That was funny!!!😂

@Morellas4

2 ай бұрын

@@Kristina_S-O You are right - I agree fully :-)))

I don't understand why English speakers find learning German so difficult. The two languages are closely related, and part of what makes improving my English enjoyable is finding out about cognate words and how they evolved apart in the two languages. I recommend to any English speaker interested in learning German (or any other Germanic language) to look up words in etymonline and be fascinated about what form and meaning a familiar English word has acquired in German (or Dutch, Swedish, Danish etc)

@laudbubelichtkind8026

2 ай бұрын

I don't understand it either. Maybe all not english speaking countries learn foreign languages in quiet young ages. We learn early how to learn languages. We are trained to derive words. I can't understand that english speaker not has the idea that "Wasser" means "Water" or "Apfer"means "Appel", "Haus" means "House". There are so much similar words.

@lyamorian767

2 ай бұрын

It also only has one major difficulty, which is the 4 cases of the nouns. Verbs are much easier than in Spanish for example.

@AltIng9154

Ай бұрын

Ha, ha, how could you have the idea that House means Haus? If we Germans would write it correctly, there would not be any problem. :-)

@MrSmith_

29 күн бұрын

​@@laudbubelichtkind8026 Richtig, das bekannteste aller Woerter; Transparent und relevant. Entschuldigung fuer etwaige Fehler. Fascinating language :)

At the latest when you as a German order "ein Weck", "eine Semmel", "eine Schrippe", "ein Brötchen" etc in a bakery of another “tribe”, you will be recognized as a foreigner.

@ekesandras1481

2 ай бұрын

true... proud member of the Semmel tribe 😅

@uwesauter2610

2 ай бұрын

@@ekesandras1481I am from the Weck tribe.

@jrgptr935

2 ай бұрын

​@@uwesauter2610Ich bekenne mich als Mit-Wecker.

@robontube12

Ай бұрын

My tribe is only ordering 'Rundstücke'!😄

@AltIng9154

Ай бұрын

Ich hätte gern ein Roggenbrot. - Haben wir nicht! Ähm, dann nehme ich das Brot rechts oben. - Das ist aber kein Roggenbrot ! Was ist das denn? - Ein Roggenmischbrot! Ah, so.... darf ich es trotzdem kaufen? Ein Nordlicht in Hessen,....😂

I find that there are wide variations between different regions in Germany..Moin moin!

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Totally. It's a big country

@michaelburggraf2822

2 ай бұрын

​@@britingermany... and Big Country is on of my favourite bands 😊

@AsifSaifuddinAuvipy

2 ай бұрын

Moin moin Hamburg!

@1IGG

2 ай бұрын

I think that is overlooked too much. Germany is not a monolith. The difference between nothern Bundesländer like Hamburg and southern one's like Bavaria is quite stark.

@malteplath

2 ай бұрын

I totally agree. The level of politeness varies less, though, than the level of directness. There are places where you will be challenged for 'inadequate' behaviour, while in other places, people will quietly put you in their bad book. Or anything in between. Understanding - and getting to grips with - these different social behaviours is key to making friends, unless you simply bond with other outsiders. So, another lesson could be: choose your location and local culture well. If you don't get along in Munich, try Frankfurt or Cologne or Dresden or Hamburg. (Or any other city or town!) And: size does matter. In smaller places, it may seem more difficult to "make friends" but you will meet the same people more often, giving you a better chance of getting to know them and for them to get to know you.

A couple of things I appreciate in Germany: no heavy lorries allowed on the motorways on Sunday (and shops shut), and general quality of workmanship - you can usually trust a tradesperson to do a good job. The latter I think is due to the importance in Germany of investing in higher education and apprenticeships, to the greater benefit of society as a whole.

There's a big difference between being polite and lying, being clear on something important and being impolite. You can still be honest and polite, but yet direct and clear in your demands and expectations. The second thing is whether you're asked about the opinion or not.

The cultural aspects of a people can be persistent over time and place. Nothing about German culture surprises or bothers me. I'm very comfortable when visiting Germany. The rural German farm community and family environment I grew up with in Wisconsin maintained these characteristics long after the residents emigrated here in the late 1800's. I was raised with directness and have always been direct myself, for example. When visiting Germany for the first time, my wife commented jokingly, "Now I understand why you and your family are the way you are." My heritage is north German, by the way, and I'm much more comfortable there than in the south of Germany. Good video. Thanks.

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Very interesting that it persists so strongly even outside the physical bounds of the country

@d.k.7710

2 ай бұрын

True, in sense of being more comfortable in north, rather then in south of germany. Just came back from visiting old friend in north (use to study there) and now back in south again (work&life). North is pretty much more direct, even if mostly being under the surface

@fredbehn9287

2 ай бұрын

We have friends in northern Germany, including one of whom is a direct relative of someone living in our area. Part of that family stayed in Germany and another part emigrated to Wisconsin. That was often the case. We also have a close friend living in the U.S. who grew up in the east and came here after reunification. We're friends with her parents as well and visit them when there. My mother's parents came here from Germany and my dad's parents were first generation U.S. We've visited all the old home places and talking with the people there feels completely natural and comfortable. They're all friendly, helpful, and welcoming.

@Morellas4

2 ай бұрын

@@fredbehn9287 Thank you very much for your perspective! It always makes me feel sad when people so often describe Germans as "rude" and/or "unfriendly". I think those are perceptions if you're used to another culture. We are more at a distance with people we don't know, that's true. But I think it's because we are somehow a "suspicious bunch" - it's never meant to be personal.

@fredbehn9287

2 ай бұрын

@@Morellas4 Gern geschehen.

Well thought out video. During my 18 years living in Germany I matured by changing my attitudes, some are the good points you mentioned. The lack of small-talk appealed to me. Get to the point! I learned patience and to adjust. The best years of my life.

Kudos! In my opinion, this is one of your very best videos ever! I also noticed that you came over as being more assertive than usual. That was quite refreshing, too. I was particularly interested in your analysis of making friends with Germans. Your experience with Germans very much reflected my own experience of making friends with Swiss people years ago in Switzerland when I lived and worked there. Your walnut/avocado analogy was both interesting and accurate. It also brought a smile to my face! My experience of making friends in Switzerland was just the same as yours in Germany: making friends with a Swiss person was difficult and took a great deal of time. One had to break down barriers. However, what I found was that once one had made a friend of a Swiss person, that person was a true friend and was your friend for life! I found Swiss friends to be very loyal and dependable. And if you were ill or in some other kind of difficulty, your Swiss friend was there for you! By contrast, after Switzerland, I went to work in Saudi Arabia. There, I worked with many American colleagues. I found Americans to be the complete opposite of the Swiss: one made a 'friend' of an American extremely quickly; however, one could lose that so-called 'friendship' very easily and quickly, as well. The old English expression 'easy come, easy go' comes to mind! I am going to place this excellent video up on my blog. I think that it would be interesting to many of my visitors. I hope that this will please you. Ich hoffe sehr, daß Du Keine Einwände haben wirst. 🙂

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Keine Einwände von meine Seite 😉. I have heard that the Swiss are even more extreme in this respect than the Germans so I imagine it was hard for you to integrate there. But wow Saudi Arabia must have been a complete culture shock for you.

About #5, it also goes the other way. Friend of mine was on vacation in Scotland with a tourist group. As soon as the local teens noticed the bus they are traveling in was from Germany the made the Hitler salute.... so yea.... might be the reason why Germans do the same with other nationalities.... it's done with us all the time....

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Yep. It's not easy to get away from that

I've been in Germany/Austria for quite a while now as well. I would agree with all the points. One thing I would've maybe added is that Germans' relationship with guilt, aggression, responsibility, and authority is very, very different from that of most English-speaking countries. I find this is something that can really make or break your experience here, especially if you aren't just a young student, but a working adult. I think some personality types really wouldn't enjoy themselves here. Beyond that I think something that's often not appreciated about Germany is its diversity. I often tend to feel like the internal differences in Germany aren't talked about enough. People from Niedersachsen and Bayern, or from Sachsen and Schwaben, are almost as different as people from Britain and Holland. So be careful if you come here with some stereotypes in mind, because they might be completely wrong in the area you move to. I have been to parts of Germany that are very friendly and open, and to parts that were the exact oppostie. Best to visit the area at least a few times before one takes any big leaps.

Good morning, Benjamin; again you have brought up more than one substantial point! It's always interesting to think about views ... Confession: When it comes to being blunt, I am a cliché kraut who dislikes small talk and beating about the bush immensely. But on the other hand unfortunately you are right concerning the feeling of not being welcome as a customer in certain stores. The "Servicewüste Deutschland" really exists!😢 It's a national shame.😠 Anyway, I wish you and all your fans here a delightful, blessed and relaxing Sunday!😊

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Same to you Torsten. make the most of it :)

@torstenberlin4088

2 ай бұрын

Thanks, Benjamin - I am making the best if it driving to Glückstadt.👋👋😋

@torstenberlin4088

2 ай бұрын

Good morning, Benjamin; I appreciate your (British?) courtesy. Next to always you do react to what your fans contribute here, with words or at least little hearts; thanks for this one too! Now have a good start of the new week!😊

@angelikafranz4545

2 ай бұрын

​@@torstenberlin4088An alternative could be Glücksburg 🤓

@torstenberlin4088

2 ай бұрын

In Glücksburg war ich auch schon; das Schloss bringt's echt. Trotzdem danke für den Tipp!😊

Nice overview Ben! Some notes: #6 for me, it was actually easier making friends in Germany than in our country. #7 there is a saying: Deutschland = Gründlichkeit (if you do it, do it thoroughly) Österreich = Gemütlichkeit (keep calm, slow down, let's make it nice) Schweiz = Pünktlichkeit (our trains run on time, so do our lives). I also would like to add #11: prepare to walk. Prepare. To. Walk. A. Lot. Cities are highly walkable, but it is also part of the way of life. Many Germans start the day with a walk ("Morgenspaziergang"). Greetings from the Netherlands.

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Greetings back 😀

Being a British citizen who has lived in Germany for almost 50 years, I could not imagine going back to the UK to live. Plus years ago the rumours of Brexit made me apply for German citizenship.

As a decades-long resident of Germany I really appreciated your observations, all of which I recognised as true and well described. Even after so many years I am not often able to speak in so calm and measured a manner about certain persistent German qualities, especially those that value efficiency over what I would call human kindness. Or obedience to rules above respect for others' autonomous (situational, common-sense) judgement. I think the root of both of these typical qualities can be found in one of the first things I noticed and commented on when I moved to Germany: "The Germans think people are essentially not good." So it is only reasonable to want to organise their activities, monitor their actions, call them to order when they do their own thing.

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

That’s an interesting idea about people not being good. I don’t think I’ve heard it described that way before. Certainly given me some food for thought.

@sorin1977

2 ай бұрын

oh yes, the famous saying: "Vertrauen ist gut, Kontrolle ist besser".

@AltIng9154

2 ай бұрын

... uhm,.... yes. 😢 To agree to rules... avoids internal fighting. Burgfrieden. "Inside Castle Peace" 😊

@AltIng9154

2 ай бұрын

​@@sorin1977Lenin got a German mother.

@draxna3609

2 ай бұрын

Normally rules are put in place for a reason and there are direct or longterm consequenzes when a majority of people don't follow them. We live in a society and rules help to make live easier for all of us. Take the example of the person who puts their feet on the seat in the train. What's the reason for the rule of not putting your dirty and probably wet shoes on a seat? Easy answer i think! What are the longterm consequenzes when a lot of people do this? higher ticket prices because the cleaning costs more or uncomfortable plastic seats or something similar. This way we all suffer because some idiots had to spoil it for everybody. How to avoid the conflict in this moment? Common sense... take a newspaper or a jacket and put it between your dirty shoes and the seat :) I was raised with the principle that my freedom ends where the freedom of another person begins. And I think most of the rules reflect this. But probably I'm the only german that thinks this way and all the others are just obedient and love rules. And efficiency means for me: how can i get the best possible result with the least amount of work ;) Both of these "typical qualities" have nothing to do with the idea about people not being good. I think compared to other countries we have a lot of trust in people. A few examples: Gas stations... you pay after putting fuel in the car. Public transportation... no regular ticket controls. Have you seen a lot of public camera surveillance by the police in germany? And all the nice places where you can pick flowers and strawberries by yourself or Hofläden without a cashier... and you pay by putting money in a box? I think in general we expect from ourself and other people to do the right thing and that means also to follow the written and the unspoken rules of the society we live in.

Very honest and helpful points I think. I'm German and I agree with basically everything you said except maybe no 10. I'm not sure going to another place with stereotypes in mind might not actually be more harmful in the long run. Point for debate :). My two cents concerning "honesty", the reverse case: At first the US or the UK seem a bit like wonderland to us Germans. Everybody's so friendly and polite!! OMG the service! But then comes the reality check... the standard German will not be able to deal with dishonesty for politeness sake at first. We take everything at face value and then find out the hard way that, no, that person did not really want to see us again soon 😭 😅. I found it SO HARD to make friends in the UK. I was constantly second guessing everything people said. Do they really like me? Do they actually want me here? Would they rather I leave??? How will I ever know?? It. was. exhausting. 😆 Anyhow! Really great vid! Also I'd like to apologize for all the idiots holding you personally responsible for brexit. 😬

My grandma always said (when we need a new electrical appliance or make an other major purchase) : We are too poor to buy poor quality

@AltIng9154

Ай бұрын

Yes, but your grandmother is true! A great old lady! Poor people often waste money by buying cheap stuff!

@GretchenMuller-uw9sl

Ай бұрын

​@@AltIng9154that's why my electrical appliances are mostly over 20y old and still working great 😊

I‘ve just learned a lot about being a German and it is interesting to hear about your views and interpretations of behaviours that sound too familiar. Your observations fully resonate. I wonder though, if these qualities prepare Germany well for the future which is a lot more unpredictable, less structured and requires a more flexible, instant and innovative adaptation. But thank you, a good way to start my Sunday. Greetings from rainy London

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

ahhhh I must visit London again soon. I haven't been for a while. Yes I think some change is needed and it is actually already happening...

@oliverlondon5246

2 ай бұрын

@@britingermany when you do, lets grab a coffee and compare notes

The thing about regional cultural differences. I myself come from Lower Saxony and feel that the Dutch and Danes are culturally closer to me than, for example, the Bavarians. Thank you for your thoughts. ❤

@AltIng9154

Ай бұрын

Perfectly true.... even the war has become history. When I was young they did not understand German... . They only understood me when I could prove my ancestors live in that small Dutch town and the maidenname of my mother was Dutch.

6:40 I feel like this is also actively taught to children and teens in Germany. My mom told me right at the beginning when I got my drivers license that if I should ever get into a minor accident where a car takes damage to NEVER admit that it was my fault or say sorry to the person you crashed with bc it will be used against you and can get expensive.😅 Also as a German it’s very interesting to see your point of view. Compared to other Germanic based people (to the north = Sweden, Norway, to the south = Austria, Switzerland etc.) I always viewed the Germans as the ones who have the coldness and introvertism of the mentioned countries above but with a little bit of spice or Italian temperament.😂 While Swedes (like Brits) are not able to say something in situations when something is being done wrong, Germans don’t shy away and give you a taste of what they mean while not overthinking it too much. I don’t know where this comes from, maybe bc Germany is located so central and was a melting pot for different cultures over centuries.🤷🏼‍♀️ Anyway love your videos.❤

Interesting as always

This Video is nice. I am German myself, living for Japan for 1 year, as an international student. I study Japanese and know a bit about history and literature because of my study subject. Japan and Germany are sometimes the opposite, sometimes they share some little similarities, its actually quite interesting. I agree for the most part, but some points can be more discussed in the video. There are interesting theories, that might not dive deep enough. I think most cultures are easiest explained through their cultural history. Germany as geographic position plays also a major role in its development. Some positive points were especially accurate. I myself have never been to UK yet, but plan on going. My parents went there and loved it there, my brother and sister have also been to the UK. I think the opinions of British people dropped after the Brexit event, probably because it felt like a "betrayal" even if its not (at least in my opinion it is not. Very complicated stuff, I think the younger generation tends to enjoy speaking English more than the older. This one point missing out here and I want to add for now.

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for your points. I’ve never been to Japan but it’s often compared to Germany - at least in terms of its economy and industry. I hope you enjoy it😀

Dearest Ben, the German society is obviuosly quite hermetic, I can understand you feeling hurt by not being let in completely...but in the first videos you were describing Germany's virtues so enthusiastically and full of hope that it was wonderful to watch, because we as 'Germans' are often critizised about a thousand things...now being disenchanted you have started to believe in the correctness of stereotypes, which is bitter. Please don't give up on Germany completely, there's still good in her...

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Haha don’t worry I have not become disenchanted I’m just being honest…somethings l like other not so much😉

Great, great input.

VERY VERY TRUE thank you Sir

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

You're welcome!

Polite and direct thoughts!

good video and as a german i have to agree on all your points...good observation

Always look forward to your Sunday Wisdoms. Heatwave here but wish you a speedy Spring there. Thanks & Gratitude as always 💌

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for your support. I really appreciate it

Your comments on lifein my home country are very helpful and balanced. We are blunt, but it helps to clear the coast whenever there is a problem. We are slow in making friends but once you have made a friend, it’s for keeps. Die Westfalen sagen von sich, dass man erst eine Tonne Salz mit ihnen gegessen haben muss, um Freund/in zu werden. We re a bit slow in this respect but we care. What I deplore, witnessed in trams in Dortmund, is the growing rudeness/racism. That really bothers/worries me. The notion that the country of birth may prejudice the “natives”, is unfortunately part of the “Zeitgeist”. Die AuchFürchterlichDemagogische Partei zeigt, wie sehr die BRD kämpfen muss. I am relieved that tens of thousands of my compatriots stand up to fight intolerance, hatred, misogyny. Thank you for keeping us posted. You should go into politics like Mr. McAllister, MEP. 😊

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Haha I couldn't think of anything worse to go into than politics 🤣 but thanks for your insights

@barbsmart7373

2 ай бұрын

This is such a beautiful comment. I have seen prejudice in lots of comments I have read. It is lovely that you and your compatriots stand up. I wouldn't want to be prejudiced myself and think that everyone is like that in one country. If is shocking to hear of that behaviour on trains etc. It means a lot to me to know that people stand up against that inhumane treatment of innocent people.❤❤❤

Interesting how you see my country. I often agree with your points of view and sometimes I don’t. But really great to hear another perspective. Go on with that! :) 🕐⚙️🍸

I find your 'lessons' to be useful to me even if I am not planning on living abroad. They have applications to me here in the U.S. without any plans to move away.

I like Your point about efficiency and freedom

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

I think it is something that people often overlook. If people realised what it takes to really be efficient they might well choose not to be.

@JuergenAschenbrenner

2 ай бұрын

@@britingermanyIn data science, overfitting occurs when a neural network, much like the human brain, becomes too specialized in the training data and struggles to generalize to new data, rendering it ineffective for making meaningful inferences. This parallels Germany's current situation, where the entrenched mindset reflects the saying, 'Es kann nicht sein was nicht sein soll,' indicating a reluctance to acknowledge realities that don't align with preconceived notions. Just as in data science, remaining open to new perspectives is crucial for avoiding overfitting and ensuring accurate interpretation and decision-making.

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

@@JuergenAschenbrenner sounds about right 👍🏻

@JuergenAschenbrenner

2 ай бұрын

@@britingermany I probably went a bit overboard with using gpt for crafting my previous answer. But isn't it a nice metaphor to see society as a more or less optimized network of constituents. And what should be the means to optimize? What's the cost? And isn't it just that what culture, mentality at the end boils down to?

I love this video. I struggle to explain sometimes these things to people who have never lived in Germany and you articulate everything so well whilst being tactful and objective. Totally agree with all these things.

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Hello Charlie. Thanks for the comment. Hope you've readjusted to life back home now

@CharlemagneProkopyshyn

2 ай бұрын

@@britingermany hi Ben, slowly adjusting thanks but 7 months and I'm still frustrated a lot of the time lol. I've also been so sick, like my immune system isn't used to British germs! 🙈 Mild winters and so many colds and flu going around. Am loving my job though but sick pay and better Healthcare in UK like Germany would be good! Hoping to plan a trip back to Germany in the summer as I am missing it very much! And I miss speaking the language.

It is a good thing people are told they are breaking rules.... here in The Netherlands people are afraid to say anything, like if there's too much noise in a public space from earphones (as a reaction people start to wear their own earphones so they can close off from their surroundings) and when you see someone put their feet with their dirty shoes on a seat where other people have to sit, people more often than not are not saying anything anymore because they will get an aggressive response ... by the way, many expats from the Anglo-Saxon world or so you want from the former, collapsed, British empire, tend to talk about the Dutch the same as you are talking about the Germans: very direct, rude and difficult to befriend ... and at the same time these expats are not making an effort to integrate, they socialise with other expats, preferably with expats from similar cultures, not learning the language (like you are talking about) and keep on complaining about how difficult the Dutch are or how much of a nuisance their Dutch neighbours are when they themselves are making more noise than the regular Dutch citizen likes. And it is not helping that we Dutch quickly response back in English when others are trying to speak Dutch ... It is probably smart the Germans still have their shops closed on Sunday... here in The Netherlands I am sure there are smaller towns and villages that also still have their shops closed on Sunday's but in the Randstad, in the big cities, shops are open 7 days per week... One quiet day per week, like we used to have in The Netherlands also, gives people a resting point, a days where life slows down a bit. But then again when we did have these quiet Sundays I was always wishing for the shops to be opened...

I completely agree what you said about stereotypes. I was taught at school that stereotypes were evil but one of the life lessons that I have learnt is that stereotypes are more true than I ever would have thought. If a stereotype is untrue, then it will disappear quite quickly. All stereotypes are based on some truth, even if they are not true all of the time.

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Yes exactly! Just watch out how long the steriotype of cheap and crap chinese products persists….give it another 10-15 years and this steriotype may no longer exist.

I left Germany in my early twenties to live in the US. Now, 30 years later, I’m back and working. It’s been a rough adjustment to say the least. I actually changed jobs because of an extremely abrasive and confrontational coworker. I‘m scared of what the new job will bring and feel like I’m ill equipped for this kind of coexistence.

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Those kind of colleagues are everywhere. I hope they are kinder at your new place of work

to point 9. It's not just about quality over quantity, you can also live with cheap things if the "price-performance ratio" is right if a "cheap throwaway product" is BETTER than a "so-called" overpriced quality product that brings you no other advantage other than "Social status" it doesn't make sense to buy it The best example of this is the saying "If I want to drive a Mercedes, I'll call a taxi"

So grateful to Prince Harry for this useful and informative video

What an intro. You learn through pain,Germany therefore was a great teacher...😂😊

@ritahorvath8207

2 ай бұрын

Somehow I prefer NALF who lives in Schwäbisch Hall and was a football 🏈 player .

Once I asked a British coworker about my responsibility at work and I got some long polite and apologising answer after which I didnt exactly know what was my job but that this is minor and they didnt mean anything bad. I am kinda annoyed about it

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Yes that sounds very British 🤣. That kind of thing also used to annoy me. You have to ask a lot of questions to really get to the root of it

@theinigosilvastation6232

2 ай бұрын

Yeah, you know that pain of asking somebody a favor and they just cherry pick on your terms or ignore you completely for their own excuses. I get that sometimes. 😖

@TK-nc3ou

2 ай бұрын

​​​@@britingermanyVery surprising 😅. Most continental people are just more direct, but also helpful but when you ask for help... dont know many Brits. Wonder what would be the advantages of such politeness

@barbsmart7373

2 ай бұрын

Kia ora. Wouldn't you have an open mind if you asked a British co-worker about something as important as your responsibility? Wouldn't it be explained by a boss, a superior, or a senior? Would it be in your contract? The important responsibilities should be in writing. All this depends on the situation, I know. I just thought there might be a more appropriate person to ask. If they are at the same level as you, there are very many reasons why they were so unclear. Firstly, I think their motivation was more about being friendly, which to many of us is a caring thing. Maybe the person was potentially in competition with you. Perhaps they were terrible at explaining things. Perhaps they themselves had poor standards. Perhaps they weren't hundred per cent sure. It seems like they wanted to be friendly and that they didn't see they had a responsibility to give you clear instructions. So it should come from a superior who has the responsibility and is accountable for ensuring that you understand clearly. People can put you wrong and get you in the shit. Asking someone on the same level who has no responsibility to train you, is risky. I would be annoyed too. But it is a good "lesson" to check thd correct source. It is usually imperative that you get the correct information right at the start. Often there is a set period of orientation for receiving the jnitial training. I live in a culture where many peopld can be indirect. I like to ask people who are wise and also direct sometimes. There can be further differences. People who are not bosses are people who don't take on a lot of responsibility. Or they don't enjoy telling everyone what to do. I am the second among 4 siblings. My older sister was extremely bossy because she was often in charge of 4 kids. I know eldest siblings who had 5 or 6 younger siblings and were also really bossy. One aunt left school when her mother died aged 13 to look after 5 children. She was very stern and bossy. My mother's older sibling had 4 who were younger. Middle children havd to fit in more, and to get along with people younger who need help plus be dominated by bossy siblings. I hope this will be helpful to someone here. Because in my life, ALL of the partners I have had- were the oldest in in families of 4, 7 or 8 siblings. I am just saying that some of us are not the greatest at being very brief and extremely direct. In my culture, women have the added tendency to be pleasant more than being direct. Men are often far better at being direct and brief. It is good even you understand other people and where they are coming from. By the way, I had a nurse orientation me at a new job. She was not very helpful and put very little effort in. I still remember asking which cupboard, out of about 20 cupboards I would find something in and she didn't point at any cupboard, she pointed in thd direction of about half of them. I have heard people say "that's not my job" or " I don't get paid to teach that person how to do their job". It is quite transformative to look at situations deeply, with the lessons we can learn and understanding others and also ourselves better as our main goal. I am a person who is rarely concise. A lot of comprehensive thinking goes into my answers and that is hugely annoying to my partner (male, eldest of 4) and my best friend rather masculine, grew up near Germany). But that is what I love about Ben's podcasts, by the way. He analyzes things and comes up with beautiful ideas and summaries, like these 10 things he eventually understood about Germans. A final point here is that some cultures really value "talking around" subjects. There are very important reasons why Maori elders do this. Here, public speaking is an art. And, like your colleague, they know that human relationships are extremely important...not just the specific information that is being passed on.

the are 2 big things that living in germany taught me and thats financial discipline and respecting other people private space/respecting people who look "different" . theres a ton of smaller stuff too. are you still in frankfurt? if you fancy a game of pool gimme a shout

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Financial discipline? That’s an interesting one. Yes still here. Haven’t played pool for years I’d probably be quite crap these days

Thank you very much for the nice video. Could you kindly give information about how to find flat to rent in Germany, Thank you

I find it unfair to judge British people negatively because of Brexit. Britons had different opinions about the EU before, and they do now. You can't tell an individual's position just from being British. Even if leaving the EU for good seems a bit extreme, there are worthwhile reasons to criticise its constitution and policies. Also being outside of the EU isn't the end of the world. We don't view Switzerland or Norway negatively for not being EU members, and we got along fine with Britain before it joined the EC (as it was then).

Thank you for your views as always. "Germans are too honest to be polite and Brits are too polite to be honest." I've heard that phrase a couple of times and I always wonder if it is truly polite to be dishonest to please someone. E.g. if you receive a gift that you do not like at all, is it polite to claim you enjoy it like nothing you ever got before - so that you may get a similar gift next time and have to fake your excitement once again? Wouldn't it be more polite to say something like "thank you very much, I know you wanted to make me happy with this but I just do not have any use for it"? It may sound harsh but by doing this, you actually open up more to the other person and allow the person to get to know you better while the seemingly "polite" option would just be to remain a stranger to the other person, not opening up and holding up fake pretence. This fake pretence is something I struggle very much with whenever I visit the UK or other places where it seems to be ingrained into people.

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Well being polite is not about getting to know people...it's a socially constructed constraint on human behaviour...which essentially serves to keep people close but not too close...maybe it's a bit of a defence mechanism...there are degrees of course and you are more likely to be "honest" with friends or family than with strangers

@gdok6088

2 ай бұрын

If someone is thoughtful and kind enough to give you a gift it seems to me that you are throwing their kindness in their face if you do not express gratitude. After all as is often said, "It is the thought that counts". Being brutally honest may increase the chance of the other person buying a 'better' gift for you next time, but what about the other person's feelings. Human interaction is not all about self.

@caramella4220

2 ай бұрын

@@gdok6088 Yes! A point that is not easily understood in Germany. If efficiency in achieving more suitable gifts for yourself is your aim, then blunt honesty is the way to go. Politeness with its implied lack of candour serves different ends. These are kindness and consideration for others' feelings.

The 'putting people in boxes' part is interesting. I'd venture a guess that it's down to two things. a) Germans tend to have a strong Socratic streak, treating things as accepted facts that are subject to examination and change. So, a bunch of people may just make assumptions about you as a Brit after Brexit and if you clarify your own views, many might switch. Of course, they'll also need to talk about it to manage their cognitive dissonance. b) You are talking about people who spent their entire life feeling judged by other people about what some insane Austrian dude and their great grandparents did 80 years ago, which seems reasonable seeing how that era is treated in popular culture.

I think much of what you have learned (pain) applies to much of Austria, although there is more room for wiggle when it comes to rules and regulations here...( close to the Balkan )

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Yes I would like to spend more time in Austria. I like what I've seen so far

It was interesting to listen to your opinion on Germany, but I disagree with “Your identity is predetermined”. I am a Russian student who is studying in an international university of Germany. I often have to introduce myself and where I am from, so the topic of Germany supporting Ukraine in the war with Russia comes up a lot. Discussing politics during the first conversation with any person of different culture is awkward, but many people of the same age and different culture feel entitled to know my opinion on the political situation in my country as if to justify that talking with me isn’t a morally bad thing to them regardless of my potential political stance and what my individual situation is like. The same thing happened during my semester abroad in England too. The only people who were compassionate and remained polite during such discussions were older Germans regardless of their own opinion on the matter. They were the only people who were able to set their personal feelings and judgement aside to remain kind without prying into a sensitive subject of the person they just met.

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

That’s great 👍🏻

@barbsmart7373

2 ай бұрын

Kia ora, Hi from New Zealand. I never expected to read a comment from a Russian here!! I am so sorry, and ashamed of the very many people who confront you with disregard because of their opinions and because of Ukraine. It is really beautiful to read about older Germans. I wonder what age of Germans you notice have humility and respect? I have heard something else positive about older Germans before and also the younger ones. But for a long time, the older Germans had a seriously bad reputation. Maybe those ones are nearly all gone now. But I can imagine a lot of young people in different countries having a strong opinion. I watch a lot of podcasts concerning WW2. It is really really horrible, and upsetting actually, the nasty responses written back to any person who happens to be Russian. It shocks me, because they don't even know the Russian people they are verbally attacking. But I myself am honoured to cross your path here because all the Russian people I have responded to have been very polite and very interesting. I have completely overlooked any negative comment about the person and just engaged with the Russian person. I have learned many interesting things. It is sad to read about your experiences but I am not at all surprised. I can very easily imagine what people do to you, even in person, especially in Germany where people don't care how rudely they speak. I cannot ever erase the awe that I have for the Soviet people joining the cause and the Red Army defeating an aggressive army of millions and their brutal weaponry. I feel forever indebted to a People who did this with little assistance. It is imprinted on my heart what Soviet people went through when millions were shot, starved, massacred, encircled, burnt and everything else. It is a shock to me that German people of any age could even judge a person, not even in uniform, but at a university. We have an extreme right wing government here who has come in recently. The extreme right has had a big influence on an already hard right blitzkrieg of policies. I hope nobody thinks that I have any connection to my new leaders or the people who voted them in. By the way, When I think about women from Germany, New Zealand, the U.S., Britain, I am in awe of armed Russian combatants. I salute them all. The British women became quite thin, and went out to work on the land etc, and the American women worked in armament factories. My grandmother and mother were on serious food rations. I think my food was rationed all my childhood. So the German women were lucky enough to have a few children and look after them themselves and to feed them and themselves rather well. This is the impression I have gained of our countries' war time history. I am sure you are very proud of your Motherland and being Russian, and are a great ambassador. I have gotten to know 3 Russian people in my life. All three have left an imprint on me and I wish I knew how to contact them. One of them I met in a supermarket and his shoe broke plus he was an interesting looking man. I kept in touch initially and visited him in his city. He played a top quality piano accordion for me. It was a most beautiful and unforgettable sound and energy coming from him and the taonga. I met a Russian lady and she gave me a very beautiful gift the day I met her. She was very special, very open, gracious and beautiful. Another lady I met at a park, was very lonely in New Zealand with her little boy. I wanted to be her friend but I forgot to get her phone number. I saw a TV programme of Russian people at a picnic at a camping spot. They were so happy and just like the most loving Kiwis I know. Another podcast was of Russian people talking about their impressions of German people. They all said very positive and kind things about German people. It amazed me quite a lot but I was left with an especially good impression. Of course, it is incredibly distressing what is being done to the people in Ukraine and I do not understand it. I wonder what you are studying and where all the other students come from. (?) Thankyou for your comment. I am so pleased when people write open interesting comments and they can write in the language I understand.

I am guilty of taking your country's (Brexit) decisions personally. But I would be grateful for clear explanations from Brexiteers and would have no problems at all with Remainers. I promise to be blunt and honest in a discussion. I can't promise politeness, though.

@luckyfox5627

2 ай бұрын

One point I often find missing from the Brexit and also Trump debates is the effect that the 2015 refugee crisis had on both those elections. Both elections happened in 2016, the year directly after the refugee crisis. To me the results of those elections were always very simple and obvious. People saw videos (whether accurate or not) of the millions of foreign refugees entering the continent without seemingly any border controls or background checks. This scared people who then voted for politicians and policies that would not allow that to happen again or in their own countries. None of the debate ever had anything to do with the EU or any specific EU countries, everyone knew beforehand it would be an economic disaster. They just wanted to have control over their own borders in the event of another refugee crisis. The costs and the problems for the EU have been unbelievably high, and the consequences of the refugee crisis can still be felt strongly in Germany and Italy today. There are huge issues with financing, housing, integration, schooling and healthcare. The only thing that the UK did differently than say the Eastern European countries, who were also strongly against the refugee policies of the EU (Poland, Czech, Slovakia, Hungary), was to leave the EU, something that wasn't feasible for those countries. All that being said, even if that was the main reason for leaving the EU, right or wrong, it has had far-reaching consequences in many other areas sadly, but for me the cause was always clear: the 2015 refugee crisis.

Hej 👋 I hope you are well! A German here 😅 I think cultural stereotypes are important, but I like to look up what stereotypes the people of that culture have about themselves, instead of relying on, often very colored, stereotypes about cultures. To be German: The whole exceptions of the rule thing though - what you mean is every rule has an exception. The other one is a legal term as in parking allowed from 10:00 to 18:00. The rule is that parking is forbidden, the exception is the one written on a sign. Legally it proves the rule: parking is forbidden

Hallo Benjamin... ich beobachte aber auch, dass Leute gar nicht mehr reagieren, wenn Regelverstöße passieren.... man denkt sich... egal... ich muss mich nicht über jeden Scheiß aufregen.... im Zug benutze ich mittlerweile einen NOISE REDUCER... nonetheless I like the way you offer your view on Germany...

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

I think that is the case in the larger cities. They do kind of develop a culture of their own

@habicht6

2 ай бұрын

@@britingermany Marburg is not a big city... but a Universitätsstadt

@habicht6

2 ай бұрын

you are having a point... I'd say

Great video, I think your points are generally sound! Regarding lesson 4, I was surprised when you said that emotional reactions (aggressive behavior) shouldn't be taken 'serious'. I think you (and like 90% of all people worldwide) mixed up aggression with violence. Aggression isn't violence, it usually precedes it (except if you are dealing with a weirdo, they might become violent without any prior hint). The function of aggression is actually to avoid(!) violence; the message is: 'I am willing to become violent if you don't do . In the context of this video, if you violate the rules and potentially harm someone the aggressive behavior is about acknowledging the rules and your willingness to obeying them. If you message this by apologizing and signal that you acknowledge that there are rules and you are the one who broke them and feel sorry about it, this is the 'right' behavior in that situation and will result in the avoidance of violence. Not to be misunderstood: Aggression in all cultures (and the animal kingdom) exists for the purpose of avoiding violence - this is by no means special to Germany. Sorry for the long text but I find this topic so interesting and widely misunderstood. Thanks again for the great video!

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for raising this point and I think we agree on it. What I meant was that when I first moved here I associated it with violence but now I understand it's function I am not so worried as I have also experienced it as "just a display" of aggression and not actual violence

I enjoyed that video and I do concur that today many Germans feel like Germany is struggling and everything is going downhill. On the other hand, I have the same feeling about the UK. Do you think it is the same? Like a global, general trend? Or is the feeling of general discontent in the UK different from that in Germany? And if so, how?

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

I think it is maybe global but predominately western...we seem to particularly enjoy hating ourselves and our culture in the west...especially places like the UK, germany, the US etc. However I also find that the digital realm is far more negative than real life. If you do a digital detox for a week and are only connected with your immediate surroundings then things actually seem pretty good...I think Germany and the Uk are similar in that they are struggling with identity issues...waning relevance and influence on the world stage is not easy to deal with. on a personal level the cost of living is raising, wages are not and so it just makes life more difficult for the average person...it's always about the money...for the large majority at least

@barbsmart7373

2 ай бұрын

I am very interested in the different ways that different people cope with adversity. I am a Kiwi. Much like Aussie's I have grown up around the "she'll be right" attitude. I am often amazed by different groups of people. For example, the Ukrainian people seem to be a very strong breed of people. The people in Gaza are simply trying to survive and to eat. I have felt a lot of amazement here in New Zealand, too. I watched lots if people during the pandemic who had lost their businesses. They seemed so strong. But recently I have also seen a lot. We had huge, severe floods a year ago. People lost all their belongings and thd lives of loved ones. Many people are still without homes. Men font cry here. But now I have never seen so many men crying in all my life. But now, people here are being positive in spite of massive fires turning the forests to ugly ash. They know what is important. In these situations, people all help eacother...or literally go out and rescue everyone. Helping eachother and brother's keepers seem to help. I think about the Ukrainian leader, and our Jacinda Ardern and the leaders who get us through...including Winston Churchill and what the incredible Brits did, and the Russians under Stalin. I think leadership and pulling together are key. Hopefully for good. Trump, Hitler etc turn out to be divisive and destructive, wallowing in their power. I think culture is another key. I feel terrible despair coming out of the U.S. And people who lave lost hope. Their needs to be light at the end of the tunnel. But I also noticed a real strength in other Kiwis around me. We have an extreme right government. They are exploiting and trampling on huge groups of people- beneficiaries, gang members, Maori, renters, workers, unskilled immigrants. Yes, helping rich mates instead. Maori are strong regarding the mana of their ancestors. Their response is " We will fight". And a friend from the Islands( Pacific) reported back from his mates "We'll see". The Maori and Pacific people here are accustomed to poverty, hardship and oppression. It's nothing new. Their strength comes from culture and connection with family. Their cultures are staunch and strong. For Maori it is tikanga, their traditional ways which are connected and foundational. Connected to the environment, the universe, to ancestors, to family, and to future generations. Their energy goes into helping eachother, or their communities. I understand Gabor Mate who talks about why people are "lost" - through being disconnected.... from everything else, and themselves. I noted also, the Jewish people...and their support for the IDF. I am very humbled, seeing the resolve of the Jews...because I am conscious of the past, every day of my life. I sense there that defeat and despair is avoided in Israel. Like our Maori kaha (strong Maori), Jewish people seem bound in strength. It seems incredible to me, that what German people could benefit from, they nearly obliterated. And what my British people lacked, we also nearly obliterated. The same is true with the Australians and Americans. When I listen to Aboriginals, African Americans, and the indigenous Americans, I feel the same wisdom but a bit more crushed. I don't think Jews and Maoris feel despair. They are staunch and have the ancestral wisdom to guide them every second of the day. They are all people who unite and who look after eachother. So, thinking about Ben's topic and question...those are the Peoples who have literally changed my life and made it infinitely joyful...most of the time. How can I be descended from Jews and not appreciate every good night's sleep, loved ones around me, every mouthful of food and every human kindness? I see that German people (have heard them), like to complain, and it is something they advocate. I wouldn't be surprised if despair clouded their country. Regarding America, I feel very sad for her people. I think rights should never take over from responsibility. And thinking your own country is great and that others are not, is rather foolish. To not know about the world and history makes people foolish too. So I try to resolve that in myself as much as I can. A lot of Jews and rescuers inspire me, because they faced death and risked death. I was recently diagnosed with cancer. ( The most likely cause appears to be my long term use of chemicals produced in Germany, by the way). But facing real problems, losing everything you worked for, your livestock, all your heirlooms, like a shortened life, out of control fires, devastating floods with loss of life, seem to have a sudden affect on us. All of a sudden there is not much that really matters any more. Humility and gratitude suddenly balloon to overwhelming proportions. And connection is suddenly urgent and vital. I feel that one of the liberating and joyful tikanga (ways) is known to every New Zealander is "kotahitanga" . We are all the same, united, everyone is welcome, no one is better than anyone else. And also here in NZ is "manaakitanga". We look out for eachother, we check up on eachother and help whoever needs help. And also we have "whanaungatanga". We are family. The family is everything. The school is family. The workplace is family. The neighbourhood is family. Everyone around are family...or highly respected visitors. The whole area is connected. Jacinda Ardern put it well "they are us"... and "our team of 5 million". We say "all around the motu", because the Maori language is a softer, more caring, more connected language. This is actually my version of "lessons learned". Except I didn't have to leave this paradise or cross any ocean to find the wisdom to sustain my whole family and country. Regarding people moaning or feeling despair? I think there is a lack of guiding principles from ancient wisdom, a lack of appreciation, a lack of strength and a real lack of abundant love. I think German people would be happier if they learned something from the people they oppress or oppressed. Then they might stop focusing on what they can gain or hold onto. Like some one mentioned, control not trust it's the difference between self focus and manaakitanga.

I lived in Germany for almost 13 years. I found many Germans unhelpful while learning the language - often impatient and eager to switch to English. You constantly have to insist on keeping it in German.

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Yes I also had this experience at first. But interestingly not anymore. I find that many Germans are actually not confident speaking English and don't enjoy it that much...maybe it's just because I speak German now and they feel that I will pick up on their mistakes because I am a native English speaker....🤷‍♂️

@kilsestoffel3690

2 ай бұрын

It depends on the importance and the level of german, if I speak english or german. If i have to explain every sentence, I would switch to english, if I was not sure to be understood correctly, I would switch to english. Talking to someone, who has permanently a question mark floating above his head is quite exhausting (don't want to say annoying). But.. I've finished school about 30+ years ago, so i'm not very confident about my english speaking ability. So.. If you ask me for the direction randomly in the street, I would answer in english. If we were in a casually talking environment and I knew, you would love to improve your german, I would speak german

@zhufortheimpaler4041

2 ай бұрын

@@kilsestoffel3690 this. i had collegues from china, india, arabian peninsula. when i was working wiith them and had to explain stuff to them, i did it in english, because in german they were barely able to communicate. and even in english there were just big question marks above their heads. And it was not really that much of a complex task i had to explain in most cases.

I lived in Germany many years ago. They like to be direct and critical but really don't like it when it is returned. Generally I find them stubborn and convinced they are a model other countries must follow because they are best. There is very little room for individuality or people who are different.

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Interesting. I wonder when you lived here. I think that attitude describes the older generation somewhat but I don't think it is the case for 20 - 30 years olds.

@barbsmart7373

2 ай бұрын

Kia ora. I am from New Zealand. I have noticed the things you mentioned, but it seems that the people are becoming more humane over time. Kiwis are so, so different to the typical German. We are really positive about diversity. We are laid back and don't get uptight about things. Kiwis like to be friendly, helpful and welcoming. We don't really correct other people. That is the opposite of what German people like to be. Also, we are not fake. We, are very genuine when we say kind things. People give positive feedback about cool things they notice. It is very clear that Germans also like receiving praise. I can see how it is misinterpreted. Because we like to think positive thoughts, share good vibes, and help people feel happy, welcome and included. (I have thought about German people and I can see that there is a good side to having order and serious expectations. It must help to keep a very peaceful quiet environment, even if it means shutting children up. I have also seen a good side to people spying on their neighbours to check their recycling. I would be very happy if everyone recycled correctly. I also see people are rather honest. These outcomes in Germany must be great to live with as well. We can learn some good things from Germans). But being friendly, positive, welcoming and helpful are things that are important in our culture. We know it is good for mental health to be valued and to be included. Being welcoming to visitors is also a big thing here. There is nothing fake about it. I have noticed really awesome things about some other cultures that have added an entirely new, beautiful perspective to my whole way of thinking. They have changed my views and my life. I am curious to know if you have been to other countries where people are great, or kind and humanitarian, or are more honest about liking honesty? I can see that Ben has broadened his perspectives by living in China and Germany. It is a great way to grow and expand.

@goufackkentsaleandrinlebel8826

2 ай бұрын

Germans are really stubborn

@raedardiy2661

2 ай бұрын

Totally agree

@ekesandras1481

2 ай бұрын

This is true. The very old slogan "Am deutschen Wesen soll die Welt genesen" still lingers in the head of a lot of people. The way they do it is the right way, even if their way is the complete opposite of what they have been teaching a generation ago. When they built atomic powerplants, they thought everybody should do the same. When they closed down their atomic powerplants, they thought everybody should do the same, etc...

hi. I believe, you are waaay smarter than you'd choose to show off. thanks, for all.

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Haha I would have to disagree with you there but thanks for saying so

@ayranci13

2 ай бұрын

@@britingermany that answer might be a proof of what I try to tell. and you're welcome, my pleasure 🤗

French or Spanish are extremely difficult to learn. If you know any of these it’s insanely easy to learn German😂 (a biased German)

we don´t talk around the "heiße Brei" !

I do not think that cultural stereotypes are still fully applicable and there are only “a few exceptions”. I’d say it’s more about cultural tendencies and history. Stereotypes are very rigid and if you move to a country with such rigid things in mind you will limit what you can find exploring, as you are so primed to confirm your prior beliefs. Yes, cultures are different from each other and there are definitely strong tendencies in a certain direction or towards certain behaviour, but a population is far less rigid on a personal level as stereotypes allow for (at least in cities, as there is so much room for so many subcultures, which influence the majority).

Hi, has this channel's name changed recently? I remember it differently

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Yes…although I’m thinking about changing it back

It is embarassing, but I took the Brexit a little personal as well. In kind of a childish manner like "don't you like us anymore?", "aren't we cousins no longer?".😢 It felt like the Brits didn't want to have much to do with us (Germans) anymore. Unwarranted, I hope!!!!😂 I felt really sad about it though. I certainly know for sure that it has not much to do with these things. Nonetheless....😢

@Winona493

2 ай бұрын

Perhaps this feeling between our countries comes more from the heart of Germans, because we learn British English from a young age and not only the language: it is about sightseeing, culturals, behaviour and and and. We feel like we know you. And lots of us do!!! In my school time I enjoyed three !!! visits to Britain for sometimes several weeks!!!! The other way round it is not this intense, I am afraid. What do YOU think?

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

I think that the U.K. has always felt separated from Europe because of the physical barrier, and I think that no one ever thought it would happen. It was a massive shock. From my experience Germans and Brits tend to get on very well

Do germans accept directness when applied on them???

@ritahorvath8207

2 ай бұрын

. yes , they do . .

@raedardiy2661

2 ай бұрын

@@ritahorvath8207 Not according to my experience

@Morellas4

2 ай бұрын

@@raedardiy2661 Well... depends on the experience I think. But it's a very interesting question you rise. I think, what people from other cultures call "German directness" has maybe something to do with the topic of "following the rules". Because of the rules we have, the Germans think they are entitled to say something (like the matter with the shoes on the seat). One Sunday in my neighbourhood someone was cleaning a car with a very loud machine. This is forbidden on Sundays - so I went over and told him very friendly to please stop this work. He said "It's my premise and I can do what I want" in a not so friendly voice. So I called his employer with my request and a short time later the noise stopped. The next Sunday it was just the same, so I called the police. This kind of "directness" has to do with following the rules. But nobody would say to a person which we don't know - let's say "Your nose is too big" or whatever. There exists also politeness here. The key is maybe the honesty which we - most of the time - try to be. And because honesty makes you vulnerable we are probably a suspicious bunch and it will take a time to know us better.

@raedardiy2661

2 ай бұрын

@@Morellas4 No my experience has nothing to do with rules and i am not so rude to make fun of big noses, it's more about ethics, the directness I dislike is when I am in a shopping mall and could not find a certain product and then I found a co-worker and ask him/her very kindly to help me find it and then get a kind of dead eyes and angery face telling me it's normal not to find it in this part so it's another way to say "you are dumb " and when I say I know that but I came here to talk to you "with a smile " and then she/he gets offended, I really hate these situations I avoid asking german workers in such situations in order not to go home thinking about these direct and honest conversations, and fortunately i could respond quickly in german, think about those who still could not respond in german how many bad experiences they should carry every weak, and how bad this is going to influence their quality of life in Germany.

@Morellas4

2 ай бұрын

@@raedardiy2661 I understand. Do you think it is related to you being of another culture? Because my experience as a German seems not different. I always plaster on my friendliest face before I ask someone in a shop when i couldn't find something - and I'm always prepared for exactly this rude behaviour you describe. The best you could get seems a wave of the hand in a non-descript direction and a short "over there". I hate it and also feel not good about it, it always makes me angry. I'm very sorry for this behaviour. But I think it's not always about ethnics. I often wonder why people work in shops if they just don't like customers. It's - alas - very common here, you're right.

I was joking!

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

About what? If you wrote another comment I’m afraid I didn’t see it

9:00 i was superficial friendly at first and made some indoctrinated housewifes my friends but after they realized im a white man i got mobbed * rofl * someone has still to learn how to make the *right* friends xDDD

I don't think directness is a good thing. Many people in Germany simply let their thoughts out or suppress their feelings and say nothing, because they are incapable of conflict. They simply haven't learned how to deal with problems.

@zhufortheimpaler4041

2 ай бұрын

Directness is actively confronting the problem and managing the conflict. When you got a problem you have to voice it and adress it. When you are just talking around the pudding (german figure of speech similar to beating around the bush) you are not confronting the problem itselfand are avoiding conflict.

@IIIOOOUS

2 ай бұрын

@@zhufortheimpaler4041 I don´t think so, if you are too direct it can be hurtful. If you give a hint to a problem, you also give yourself room to be wrong.

@zhufortheimpaler4041

2 ай бұрын

@@IIIOOOUS then the other side has to make a guess what your problem might be. Wich would again be unsatisfactory, because the other side cant look into your head

@IIIOOOUS

2 ай бұрын

You are not getting what I mean.It is better to say: "We could try it that way", instead of" we have to do it that way." for example.

@zhufortheimpaler4041

2 ай бұрын

@@IIIOOOUS iits better to point out where someone made a mistake, because then the person knowas where to correct and why the error was made.

While on the subject of stereotypes: as a German (and a teacher), I feel compelled to point out that you spelled the word incorrectly. ;-)

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Ooops. Thanks for the heads up :) and now I know you got right to the end of the video. It was a long one 😉

@barbsmart7373

2 ай бұрын

Why do you feel compelled to point out to someone that they "spelled a word incorrectly"? I cannot understand why a person becomes compelled to do that.😮 Do you think anyone in any other country feels compelled to do that? I would like to understand why some people in Germany, quite a few actually, have such an urge to do something that I have not seen happen before. Do you have any purpose in being here, besides pointing out one letter that looks wrong but sounds right? I am genuinely interested in understanding a People who behave this way. I was wondering if you thought of adding something more useful to the discussions here involving your People, than something so trivial, and operating from your own desires. I cannot begin to imagine what it must be like for a person who notices minute imperfections in an entire creation of beautiful words, and ideas that have probably taken more than taken more than a decade to think of and examine, then to put it into semblance, and into order. Then to deliver so calmly and softly, thoughtfully, tactfully and interestingly. I am wondering if German people who correct other people think about whether it is important to correct adults wherever they go. And whether there are any other more constructive things they could do as human beings as they go through life, spreading vibes. I still remember the "red pen nightmares" which my friend's 10 year old daughter had in Germany. The girl had done her absolute best in some homework. The teacher felt compelled to treat her excellent work and the girl very abusively. Using a red pen, the teacher heavily wrote on her pupils page, writing things were incorrect and underlining all her critical judgements of the girl's work. Obviously the parents (who were both "foreigners") were very concerned by the red pen nightmares and went to see the teacher etc. The saddest and most disturbing thing I noticed, is that Germany has churned out a rather serious girl who always corrects her mother. Her Mum seems to be still after over a decade, desperately trying to pronounce "perfektly" every word, no matter how difficult. Meanwhile here in New Zealand, my friends, workmates and flatmates NEVER pronounce things the way I do. And I hope they never do. I hope they never change the beautiful ways they speak.😮 I live in a very multicultural environment in New Zealand. Most of the people, by far, who have been my my workmates, neighbours, flatmates, partners and all of my best friends were raised in very different cultures. It is very fascinating to me how they all think and how they conduct themselves as fellow human beings. They teach me a lot.

@barbsmart7373

2 ай бұрын

​@@britingermany Fuck you're amazing. One oops, one confession, one smile, one positive, one wink and 4 likes! But Bro! Are you a stereotype?

@barbsmart7373

2 ай бұрын

​@@britingermany Oh, :) 😀 and one thanks. Legendary.

@th60of

2 ай бұрын

@@barbsmart7373 Short answer: it was supposed to be a joke, fulfilling the German stereotype by correcting the very word; hence the smiley. Sorry to have bothered you!

1989 to 1999

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Ok then yes your comment makes perfect sense to me.

Our Brexit is WW2. It's annoying how often as a German you are confronted with this abroad, even though you thought it was too long in the past to still be important to other people.

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Yes I know it’s hard to leave that behind.

@IIIOOOUS

2 ай бұрын

@@britingermany Well ,not for us, but for the other peoples evidently. What is not helping is, that in the US they teach mostly WW2 about Germany in school. So they learn almost nothing about the modern Germany.

@raedardiy2661

2 ай бұрын

Comparing Brexit with WW2😂

@barbsmart7373

2 ай бұрын

What do you mean, "Our Brexit is WW2?" I have often thought it must be very hard, being reminded of "WW2".

@Morellas4

2 ай бұрын

@@IIIOOOUS I always feel like a lot of the other countries (especially the USA) are somehow obsessed with WW2. And sometimes they tread you as if you've been a part of it. If you're German you are guilty it's what they are implying.

Their so called 'Directness' is also very hurtful sometimes and they do not seem bothered a about hurting people. They are also very Petit Bourgeois and fixated on cleanliness!

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Yes it can be pretty harsh at times. But of course they are not all like that.

At least Germany is now the third biggest economy.and UK very soon no.7.just saying.(some 2016 resentments might speak here)

There's no place on the internet where you can reflect on the strangeness of your culture except foreigners' videos :D I feel like you are too much of an apologist about some tendencies. Those points sound more like caricatures of annoying people, and I see them more as things that those annoying people should work on, rather than something immigrants can benefit from experiencing. Many Germans vent strong opinions before having all the info, which is uncomfortable and stupid. They take unrelated political affairs and their opinions of them too seriously. They could improve their English. If they must enforce the common interest, they could do so with a polite request. I also don't see any virtue in blind rule-following; my driving teacher once explained to me that rules and their reason for existing are meant to be thoroughly understood, so that a reasonable person can decide when the rule stops making sense.

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Yes you have to know the rules before you can break them…

Bottom line..... moving to a other country is not for the weak, so you better grow a backbone first !

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

Yes indeed 😉

I couldn't live there , they are far too inflexible and rigid in their thinking and I have lived in several countries over the years.

jesus, you are british! All germans do learn british english in school. we all can speak english in germany. so germany is easy for all brits. btw.....how many brits can speak german?

@ekesandras1481

2 ай бұрын

I learned American English (former American occupation zone) and if somebody speaks in a too thick British accent, I don't get what they are saying.

@jrgptr935

2 ай бұрын

In meinem Land an der Grenze zu Frankreich ist zu meiner Schulzeit in den späten 70ern Englisch verboten gewesen und war nur Französisch erlaubt, das heißt, daß in unserem Land kaum jemand Englisch verstehen und sprechen kann. Also stimmt das so, wie Du es geschrieben hast, nicht ganz: Kultur ist Ländersache, will sagen, so wie die Verhältnisse in Schleswig-Holstein sind, brauchen sie in Rheinland-Pfalz noch lange nicht zu sein.

@robontube12

Ай бұрын

Does not really make sense when it comes to practicality. German is spoken in Germany, Austria and Switzerland while english will help in most parts of the entire world.

Joking about you going into politics. The rest was dead serious. Sorry….😊

@britingermany

2 ай бұрын

ahhh. Good one🤣

Customer service being so bad is just exaggerated by now to generate clicks with the videos. USA for example has selfcheckouts, and germany is introducing it to my liking too bc i am an introvert, lol. My parents migrated to germany when i was a kid. If you have not grown up in germany, you will not analyse the reasons right why things are the way they are. Honesty is cultivated by intention, they spend in education system and in families a lot of time and energy to raise a generation that is honest, a person who can form an opinion and voice it. The reasons are historical, peer pressure let to world war one, to national socialism under hitler and fashism and that let to brutal murders of innocent people in millions. No one wants fashisms back. The former east german DDR was a highly micromanaging snitch culture with conformism as a national duty, no one wants that back either. So the only method to avoid fashism , peerpressure, snitch culture, is being honest, do not fear saying what you think and expect honesty back. Also "pretending to be" is not appreciated too, its like the cautionary tale of the Potemkin village, its harming economy and harming people, its destructive. Be mature, be honest. No one like fakes friendliness and silly small talks. Kids learn here to tolerate certain amount of frustration, do things right from beginning to avoid later spending time to correct and patients, that is important later in life to be successfull, and not just for monetary reasons, economic reasons, but in all areas of life. German language is not hard, half of English vocabulary is Germanic bc English is Angle-Sächsisch, people dramatize it for nothing, lol. Germans say Haus, English say house, wow, not difficult here. And "here" is in german "hier", lol. Stop making its as if it is the hardest thing in the world to learn german language, people are just lazy. Stop spreading self fulling prophecy, if you think german language is hard, it will feel hard. Some people may be neurodivergent, can do math better than language, or art better than math, they may find learning new skill hard, but not all humanity is neurodivergent. Dont come to germany if you do not want to be active part of it in clubs , or other places, dont move here just because its position allows to travel to other countries, german society is not stable as it seems, they work hard on it, but in the end, they are humans. German society can be disrupted easily , hence the historical past and how it could happen. Germans and everyone else who migrated here, need to be active part of culture and invest to keep it stable as possible. In my opinion, migrants, expats, especially adults will never truly understand german thinking and way of life and will feel unhappy for life. They didnt dealt with their grandparents being Nazi, or their ancestor dying in world war one as a german and loosing whole villages and migrating through germany, they didnt dealt anything historical important events, they are not part of any germanic tribe, like being Franke, Köllner, Frankfurter, Badener etc. Being german means not to be german in first place, but its real identity comes from regional connection and the clan lineage, or ancestral lineage. the regional language is their real language, before Hannoveraner Deutsch, or the Hochdeutsch, was forced uppon all germans. Yep, hannover deutsch is not the real languale for majority of germans, the regions in germany had all their own culture, own kings, own languages. So migrants will never be able truly feel connected to german culture and be part of it, bc they are not really related to it, its not a bad thing, but it should give a realistic look at things and understand that you will always be partially not included, that shouldnt be a bad thing either. Germans bond over their past, like over historical events, over their last king, over the autrocities of national socialism and how to avoid it in the future, over unification with the former DDR. And germans exclude each other too! They do this by their real identity, bavaria is not just bavaria, Oberfranke in bavaria has not much to do with Unterfranke in bavaria, they are whole different worlds and they will tell you so, bc its part of their identity. You can not call a portugese man a spanish person, its similar to that.

Are you sure you are happy there? Why should you accept so much pain and take it as a lesson? You have even justified stereotyping