Often compared to the British ritual of afternoon tea, Kaffee und Kuchen is the bedrock of German culture, but how does it differ from the UK?
Communicating with the Germans: Part 2
Denglisch and grammar mistakes are not the only causes of miscommunication in Germany, communication culture plays a massive part too. In part 2, we see why, for the British, “sorry” really isn’t the hardest word and how a simple question about a pop song can lead to serious embarrassment.
Communicating with the Germans: Part 1
Language learning and mistakes go hand in hand, it’s a big part of the learning process. With the rise of English as a global language, and hybrid language like Denglisch, the mistakes can become more fantastic. In the part 1 of 2 blogs, we look at some of the lesser known examples of German to English mistakes.
New Arrivals
Child birth is a weird experience at any time, but perhaps even weirder during a global pandemic. Would the lock-down wreak havoc and was television an accurate guide to what would happen next?
Congratulations, you're an idiot!
Learning German is often easier with context, but sometimes you might wish you hadn’t. Is a mother’s mouth really so important and why is mother cake something you might prefer to leave uneaten?
Work Hard, Play Sometimes
Germany regularly features in the top ten most productive countries, even though Germans work fewer hours than many of their neighbours in Europe. What is it like to work in this environment and has Germany really mastered work/life balance?
Fasching: Nothing is Forbidden
Fasching is a favorite time of year for many Germans, with a long tradition going back to the medieval period. Although primarily a celebration, the costumes worn by some have come under scrutiny due to accusations of racism and cultural stereotyping. Can a costume be racist even if worn in celebration and is ignorance ever a defence?
The German Newspaper: Death Proof?
The German print market is the largest in Europe, but does that make the average German better informed? What’s prevented German newspapers from failing as in other countries, and how long can it last?
A Festival of Difference
Anyone who’s spent time in Germany can tell you, it’s a country of regional difference. With so many differences from state to state, region to region, what holds the German nation together? Could the celebration of these differences hold the key?
Shitstorm in a Teacup
How early is too early to start swearing? From German radio turning the air blue at 7AM to small children shouting expletives while playing in the park, Germany has a different relationship with choice language than the UK or USA. What are the rules, when is it OK and won’t someone please think of the children!?
Are the Germans Funny?
In the English speaking world, it is accepted that Germans are humourless robots, but how true is the stereotype? Can Germans really be funny?
Where We're Going, We Don't Need Speed Limits!
The German Autobahn famously has areas with no speed limits, but how long before they introduce them?
Reverse Culture Shock
Reverse culture shock is common among those who have moved to other countries, but does it become more acute when they begin to see how many problems their former home now has?
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?
Germany and Fireworks: How Not To Get Blown Up
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?
Commuting Through Bavaria
Life moves pretty fast, especially when you’re commuting everywhere. Is Bavaria a commuters dream or just an awful nightmare?
Bavarian Elections 2018 at a Glance
Bavaria goes to the polls on Sunday, but what does it all mean?
Is Two Weeks Enough to Know a Country?
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.
Am I the Mother of All Problems?
If migration is the “Mother of all problems”, am I part of the problem or simply a “good migrant”?
Germany: Champion Losers
No one likes to lose, but some are better at it than others.