German education often sees itself as one of the best systems in the world, but how fair is education in Germany and why might it lead to social stigma of children and adults?
Germany's Class System
Most people in Germany know about the British class system, but few would discuss German society in terms of class. Does Germany have a class system and how is it different from the UK?
The Society of Auto-Correction
Random strangers correcting each other is just a part of the everyday in Germany. Unsolicited advice on all manner of topics can be surprising, especially for more indirect cultures, like the British. What drives the German society of auto-correction?
Traditional German Medicine
With a highly praised healthcare system and massive pharmaceutical industry, Germany is at the centre of modern healthcare. Yet, traditional medicine is increasingly popular here. Are Germans joining the anti-expert trend or is the reason deep culture?
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?
How to Survive a German Wedding
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 plates just in case?
Britain, Germany and the Covidiots
Last weekend, Berlin and London saw lockdown protests. Germany had more on the streets, but both events had a lot in common. Has lockdown increased conspiracy theorists and why are German and British protesters so comfortable with links to the far-right?
Schlager and the Germans
The English speaking world may be familiar with Kraftwerk and Nena, but they probably have never heard of one of the most successful performers in Germany. How did Helene Fischer become so successful and what on earth is Schlager Music?
Expats, Migrants and the Germans
Most of the time in Germany, people don’t consider me a migrant. Some will even complain about migrants in front of me. Is there a hierarchy of “good migrants”and why would some rather label me an expat?
Clarity and the Germans: Ja oder Nein?
In Germany they say order is essential, which can sound restrictive, but does create clarity. How does the German desire for order effect daily life and why does it often create conflict with native-English speakers?
Germany: Why can't we be friends?
According to surveys of expats, it’s hard to settle in Germany and difficult to make friends here. How is German unfriendliness measured and why might it be so difficult for migrants to make friends?
Germany: Memory and Memorials
When discussions turn to how nations remember and the role of public spaces in national memory, I can’t help but think about Germany. How does Germany confront the past and what might other nations learn from it?
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?
What is the Rule?
Germany has a reputation as a country dominated by rules. That might not be completely true, but there are a lot of rules both official and unofficial, but what do you do if you have no idea what the rules are?
Confusing the Germans
It's easy to get confused in Germany, but it’s often just as easy to cause the confusion. Why might saying thanks to the bis driver seem odd and how did ordering chips in a restaurant lead to a minor international incident?
The Art of Kaffee und Kuchen
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?