The British monarchy fascinates many in Germany, and as a British person, I’m often called upon to explain why it still exists. Is there a reason Britain continues to cling to the Royal Family, and why might that prevent the UK from moving forward?
The Joy of Volksfest
I’ve come to really appreciate the first time I see the advertising go up for our local Volksfest. The festival season has become a through line in my life, but also for many others. How do the many Volksfeste in Germany differ, and also bring the country together?
Where's Your Lederhosen?
Despite the protests of northern Germans, Lederhosen are still considered to be the national dress of Germany. They might be a rather Bavarian peculiarity, but how common is it to see people wearing their Trachten out in the wild?
The Cult of the Spargel Eaters
Tis the season to eat Spargel in all its many and varied forms and you better believe Germany takes Spargelzeit very seriously. This makes things difficult for the tiny minority of us who actually don’t like it, but is it worth incurring the wrath of the Spargel lovers?
Easter, Eastern, Ostern
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?
The Power Of No
Learning to deal with direct communication is key to living in Germany, especially if you come from a culture that avoids brute force bluntness, but what happens when you adopt the power of German directness?
An Unwelcome Culture
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?