“Es Zieht” or “It’s draughty” is a common complaint heard in Germany. Are the Germans overly sensitive about the dangers of air flow and why might it be difficult for the British to take their concerns seriously?
All in Shopping
The Tyranny of Choice
Making decisions can be difficult, especially if we have too many choices. Germany might have the answer to decision fatigue, at least for consumer products, in the form of the consumer guide Stiftung Warentest. Can one company be trusted to give objective product recommendations or are the Germans incredibly naive?
The Wind of Change
Over the last year there have been many changes in Germany, with possibly largest being its perception of itself. Order, efficiency, privacy, economic policy have all come under scrutiny, now that we know what needs to change, is there energy to actually do it?
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 Two Sides of Germany's Cutting Edge
From outside, Germany appears to be a hub of technology and innovation. However, the everyday experience of life here suggests that may be wishful thinking. Is Germany as modern as it seems and what might the pandemic change about how technology is used?
How Healthy is Germany?
With many sports clubs and a passion for organic food, #Germany is assumed to be a healthy country, at least compared to the UK. However, Germans are facing an ‘obesity epidemic’ now and in the future. What’s changing the healthy German lifestyle?
The Forgotten Small Differences
After so long living in Germany, the differences seem totally normal. However, I can still find examples of things you only find in Germany all around the house. Why are German coffee filters different and why are windows a serious topic of conversation?
The Curious World of Tchibo
Tchibo is famous throughout Germany for coffee,and a weekly revolving selection of useless product. How does Tchibo manage to succeed when no one is entirely sure what they might be selling or why they're selling it?
Christmas Markets and German Regional Diversity
Many people want to visit the best Christmas market in Germany, but with regional differences being such a crucial factor, is there such a thing?
German Christmas Markets: An Alternative Guide
There are many guides to German Christmas Markets, but only one that is willing to tell the shocking truth.
Honest German Customer Service: We are all idiots
The customer is always right, but in Germany they are happy to show you're a moron.
How Germany has changed since 2006: Rants, relief and reminiscing
In a guest post from Live Work Germany, James looks back at 11 years in Germany and asks: has Germany changed?
What We Miss.
There are many small things people miss when they live in different countries. Sometimes we can live without them, find different versions or simply adapt what we have, but are there somethings that are irreplaceable?
How Germany Works: Getränkemarkt
Looking for the beer? Can't find the wine? Fancy a bottle of water? You better get yourself to the Getränkemarkt
Germany and Static Trends
It can be hard to keep up with new trends and fashions, in Germany they have found a simple solution: don't.
To Binge or not to Binge: Drinking Culture in Germany
Britain has a reputation for excessive drinking, while Germany is more famous for quality beer making. However, does Germany have similar problems with binge drinking?
Feliz Navidon't
The first advent weekend means Germany has gone all out for the festive period, but how can we safely navigate the German Christmas market?
Greggs and the Germans
A trip to London and an adventure in a bakery lead to a bemused German and an incredibly happy, pasty eating Geordie.
How to Shop in Germany: Apotheke
Winter has arrived, but what can you do to cure the inevitable coughs and colds? The local Apotheke is worth a visit, just watch out for the wizards.
How to Shop in Germany: Müller
You might think time travel is an impossibility, but Germany has an answer. The only catch? You have to go shopping first.