For another year running, Germany has been labelled as unwelcoming to expats. While some may dislike the results, Germans will surely recognise the issues mentioned. How useful are the opinions of expats, and is it possible for Germany to change?
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?
A Never Ending Story
For years, Germany has been talking about "digitalisierung". It’s the perennial topic, the mood music to discussions about the future of Germany. What seems to be holding up progress, and why do some blame German culture itself?
The Rules of Politeness
English speakers often assume their politeness rules are as global as their language, but this is not the case. Politeness is not uniform from country to country, Germany has different ideas of what is or isn’t polite. What happens when these rules clash?
You can't go home, you can't go back
As long as I’ve lived in Germany, I’ve been asked a particular question; “When are you going back home?”. For migrants, the question of home can be a contentious issue and can lead to an identity crisis. What is home and can we ever return to it?
Only When I Laugh
While the stereotype of the humourless German is overblown, there are differences in how Germans and the British use humour in their everyday lives. What do Germans find funny, and why might the British instinct for jokes cause problems?
Why Can't We Be Friends?
According to surveys, 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?
Food Fight
Is food a useful way of viewing a different culture? Is Wurst an indicator of how Germany thinks? Maybe, but what happens when you mess with traditional recipes and what do reactions to simple culinary changes tell us about a country?
Positively Negative
It’s a common complaint that Germany is a land of pessimism and negativity, but is that really a bad thing? How does German and British pessimism differ and might German pessimism actually be a superpower?
A Trap For Fools
This week has been dominated by crude statements from CDU leader Friedrich Merz on integration and migrant communities. Why might this moment give British people a feeling of Deja Vu, and what does it have to do with former British PM David Cameron?
Honestly Dishonest
The simple question ‘How are you?’ can cause consternation in Germany. Germans will often see it as another example of dishonest and superficial English communication. With honesty seemingly prized by Germans in communication, is this the case in all areas of German life?
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?
The 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?
Christmas Cult
Despite Germany being the origin of many British Christmas traditions, I avoided spending Christmas in Germany for almost a decade. What made Weihnachten so odd, and what made me change my mind?
Land of the Rule Followers
Not only is Germany considered the land of rules but it’s also seen as the land of the rules followers. Prussian values, Martin Luther and hyperinflation have all been credited with shaping this ordered society. Are all Germans really obsessed by the rules and has the pandemic changed that perception?
Neighbourhood Watch
When it comes to dealing with neighbours, Britain and Germany have more than a few differences. How might the German approach to neighbourliness cause problems, and why is inherent British social awkwardness no defence?
How Fair is German Education?
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?
The Right Kind of English
It's no surprise to find Germany in the top ten for English Language proficiency, given the high levels of English spoken here. However, does the focus on British English in schools cause problems, and why do certain British accents lead to miscommunication?
The Myth of German Impoliteness
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?
Move Slow and Fix Things
One of the most common complaints levelled at Germany is how slow it is to change. Decisions can feel drawn out, and in a world of disruptors, it can feel like Europe’s largest economy is voluntarily stuck in the mud. Is Germany really so averse to change, or is there something else going on?