All in Shopping
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?
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?
What’s the difference between toast and bread? In Germany it’s clear: one is bread, the other isn’t. Are the Germans right to malign toast and what has that got to do with US food culture?
Shopping in Germany is rarely described as convenient. Supermarkets are hard to navigate, payment methods aren’t uniform and customer service is disinterested. Is Germany a land of inconvenience culture and could that actually be a good thing?
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?
Listening to some, it would be easy to assume that Germany is a land of impoliteness. Are the Germans really impolite or are we all missing something?
“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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
There are many guides to German Christmas Markets, but only one that is willing to tell the shocking truth.
The customer is always right, but in Germany they are happy to show you're a moron.
In a guest post from Live Work Germany, James looks back at 11 years in Germany and asks: has Germany changed?
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?
Looking for the beer? Can't find the wine? Fancy a bottle of water? You better get yourself to the Getränkemarkt
