All in Culture
Can you ever truly be comfortable living in another country? Personally I don’t think you can. Whether buying onions or a cup of coffee, everything is just that little bit more difficult. Then again, that’s half the fun. Why is living in Germany such a challenge and might that actually be a good thing?
As long as I’ve lived in Germany, I’ve been asked a particular question; “When are you going back home?”. For migrants, the question of home can be a contentious issue and can lead to an identity crisis. What is home and can we ever return to it?
There’s more than one way to say hello in Germany, from ‘Guten Tag!’, ‘Moin!’ to ‘Hallo!’. The German hello comes in many different flavours, which is useful since greeting people, especially strangers, is so common. However, there is a dark side to the German ‘Hallo!’ that’s not always clear to new arrivals. Why should people be careful when a German says ’hallo!’?
As long as I’ve lived in Germany, I’ve been asked a particular question; “When are you going back home?”. For migrants, the question of home can be a contentious issue and can lead to an identity crisis. What is home and can we ever return to it?
Can you ever truly be comfortable living in another country? Personally I don’t think you can. Whether buying onions or a cup of coffee, everything is just that little bit more difficult, but then that’s half the fun. Why is living in Germany such a challenge and might that actually be a good thing?
There’s more than one way to say hello in Germany, from ‘Guten Tag!’, ‘Moin!’ to ‘Hallo!’. The German hello comes in many different flavours, which is useful since greeting people, especially strangers, is so common. However, there is a dark side to the German ‘Hallo!’ that’s not always clear to new arrivals. Why should people be careful when a German says ’hallo!’?
As long as I’ve lived in Germany, I’ve been asked a particular question; “When are you going back home?”. For migrants, the question of home can be a contentious issue and can lead to an identity crisis. What is home and can we ever return to it?
Making friends in Germany can often take longer than in English-speaking countries. How does the German concept of public & private life complicate matters and why might a quirk of British politeness lead to ruining a burgeoning relationship?
It’s the summer holidays and many in Germany have packed up and headed directly to the nearest beach. Germans, especially in the south, are fascinated by the coast. For those who stay behind, they can still enjoy the beach with a replacement, the Stadtstrand.
In the English speaking world, it is accepted that Germans are humourless robots, but how true is the stereotype? Can Germans really be funny?
The German Autobahn famously has areas with no speed limits, but how long before they introduce them?
It’s Bonfire Night in the UK, which means plenty of fireworks. How does Germany treat fireworks and is it really as safe as it could be?
How long does it take to understand a country? James Delingpole’s two week stint suggests that it may take at least a month to work out Germany.
Germany is not the only country that seems infatuated with the British Royal Family, but is the monarchy the best representative of what it means to be British?
The Royal wedding is only five days away, guest blogger @hepburn4ever tries to explain why the Germans, and herself in particular, still love the Royal family and all things British.
What is the real symbol of Bavaria, the Crucifix or the Pretzel? Bavarian President Markus Söder thinks he knows, but which one would cause him more trouble?
It’s Spargelzeit in Germany, which seems to be a reason to celebrate. With Spargel. So much goddamn spargel.
Why do Berliners hate the people of Schwaben in Southern Germany? Is it because they have different names for cakes and bread? Is it because Swabians are trying to force cultural change? Or is there a larger problem?
