Despite the protests of northern Germans, Lederhosen are still considered to be the national dress of Germany. They might be a rather Bavarian peculiarity, but how common is it to see people wearing their Trachten out in the wild?
All in Society
The Cult of the Spargel Eaters
Tis the season to eat Spargel in all its many and varied forms and you better believe Germany takes Spargelzeit very seriously. This makes things difficult for the tiny minority of us who actually don’t like it, but is it worth incurring the wrath of the Spargel lovers?
Easter, Eastern, Ostern
Despite the chocolate and schools holidays, Easter isn’t really much of a celebration in the UK. Here, things couldn’t be more different. Whether it’s decorations, fairs or Ostermarkt, Germany seems to come alive at Easter. the only question is: Do you say Easter, Eastern or Ostern?
For the Love of the Pub
For much of my adult life, pubs have been deeply important spaces. While Germany has many bars, they tend to differ from the pub culture in the UK and Ireland in various ways. What are these small but important differences, and how do Irish pubs in Germany help or hinder a new arrivals?
What's In A Name?
It seems trite to say Germany loves a bit of paperwork, but when it comes to the small details, some stereotypes ring true. Why might sharing your full name on official documents cause issues and how might things be changing in the land of process?
Running the Wedding Marathon
It may seem like weddings in Germany are the same as the UK & the US but there are many small differences worth knowing should you be invited to one. Why are German weddings like a marathon and why should you bring some extra plates just in case?
No Limit
Learning to drive in Germany is no easy feat, but once you pass, the open Autobahn awaits. It can be exhilarating, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. What’s it like to drive on the Autobahn and why should you be careful when discussing speed limits?
Form a Disorderly Queue
Germany is seen as a land of punctuality and organisation. Although broadly accurate, there are areas where chaos is allowed to reign. Queuing is one such area. Why are German queues a contact sport and what does that tell us about the importance of timekeeping over organisation?
The Blame Game
Despite efforts in many German companies to create a “Zero blame” work culture, problems still persist. How does Germany deal with responsibility and does it have a problem with blame?
A Winter of Discontent
2024 is only two weeks old, but in Germany it already feels as febrile as the last twelve months. The Bauernproteste, along with the rail strikes have to a feeling that things are beginning to fall apart. IS this Germany’s winter of discontent, and is there any light at the end of the tunnel?
The Theft of Germany's Public Holidays
In a good year, Germany can have nine public holidays and several regional Feiertagen, with some states getting 14 paid public holidays per year. In a bad year, such as 2021, the quota of public holidays dropped to six. Why do Germans lose their public holidays and why aren’t they more angry about it?
Does Germany Have A Fireworks Problem?
It’s Silvester in Germany, and many will ring in the New Year with a private firework display. At the same time, thousands of people across the country will be treated for firework related injuries. Does Germany have a fireworks blindspot?
No Sunday Service
Sunday trading is a contentious issue for many in Germany. Whereas some see it as the perfect way to boost local economies after the pandemic, others see it as direct attack on the rights of workers and a particular way of life. Should shops be allowed to open on Sundays or would it be a slippery slope to 24/7 consumerism?
A Guide to Nowhere
When discussions on immigration and integration come up in Germany, the term Lietkultur is never too far behind. The idea that those coming to Germany need a set of “house rules” in order to live here has existed since the mid 90s, but can a national culture as diverse as Germany’s really be so easily codified?
Radio Ga Ga
A common complaint from Germans and non-Germans alike concerns the general quality of German radio. Is German radio so terrible, and what has that got to do with P!nk?
Getting the Hoff
Many of my preconceptions about Germany have been thoroughly shattered over the years, but only one truly hurt; David Hasselhoff might not be the German icon I was led to believe. Despite being told this in my first years living here, I come to wonder If my early assumption was actually correct. Is Hasselhoff a cult hero or simply a curious historical footnote?
A Test of Character
During the political chaos of 2016, I naively assumed Germany could weather the storm of right-wing populism. With the AfD rising in the polls, I was clearly wrong, but might there still be room for optimism?
Kindergarten Chaos
Having children in #Germany presents some unique challenges for parents, more so for those of us who struggle with umlauts. What are some of the obstacles, and why might the government be less than supportive?
The Constant Debate
The challenge of discussing national cultures is that they’re almost impossible to define with any precision. This is especially true for Germany, which may look like a unified whole, but is actually a collection of 16 different variations. Can we ever agree on what’s German, and why may divisions be a source of strength.
Integrating the Germans
At what point can we say a migrant has fully integrated? Is full integration even possible and who gets to judge? These questions are asked periodically in Germany, especially during an election year. Why are answers so hard to find and are we asking the wrong questions?