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?
Familiar Failings
It’s not easy hosting a party, especially one with hundreds of thousands of visitors. Germany knows this all too well following criticism over its organisation of Euro 2024, but why might Germans be less than surprised with some of the failings?
A Pessimistic Optimist
Things feel gloomier than usual in Germany at the moment following the EU elections. The success of the far right AfD came as surprise to some, but might there still be room for optimism?
My Kingdom for a Sandwich
Despite having all the essentials, Germany consistently fails to make a decent sandwich. This obviously comes as some surprise, given that bread is practically a religion. What’s the problem with German sandwiches and what do poorly constructed sandwiches tell us about work/life balance?
An Adventure in German Healthcare
Health issues can be alarming when they occur in a different country. There are various anxieties to consider, from language to insurance, but what is it like to have a medical emergency in Germany, and what is the German for "bedside manner"?
Mint Sauce and the Germans
Despite a growing awareness, British food doesn’t have a good reputation in #Germany. Why does mint sauce seem to exemplify this negative image in the minds of Germans, and why might Asterix & Obelix be to blame?
Talk Small
Of all the topics I’m asked about, the relationship between Germans and small talk is the most frequent. Is Germany really a desert of friendly chit-chat and what happens when you can no longer fall back on polite conversations about the weather?
Inconvenience 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?
When the Maibaum Falls
Traditionally May Day in Germany means Maibaums popping up around the country. If there's one place that loves a tradition or two, it's Bavaria, but what happens when one Bavarian town loses its almost century old Maibaum?
The Eternal Challenge
Can you ever truly be comfortable living in another country? Personally I don’t think you can. Whether buying onions or a cup of coffee, everything is just that little bit more difficult. Then again, that’s half the fun. Why is living in Germany such a challenge and might that actually be a good thing?
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?
You can't go home, you can't go back (Copy)
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?
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?
On Constant Pause
Of all the things Germany seems to want, stability is top of the wishlist. It motivates ordinary people to hang homemade signs outside their homes, and it’s a central campaign promise from politicians. However, is it possible to have too much stability, and is that any different from simply standing still?
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 Grey Haired Dictatorship
Sometimes the generational divide in Germany can feel rather chasmic, especially when the question of how to pay for pensions with a declining population is discussed. Does Germany have an issue with age, and are politicians making it worse?
What's In A Name?
It seems trite to say Germany loves a bit of paperwork, but when it comes to the small details, some stereotypes ring true. Why might sharing your full name on official documents cause issues and how might things be changing in the land of process?
Running the Wedding Marathon
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 extra plates just in case?
No Limit
Learning to drive in Germany is no easy feat, but once you pass, the open Autobahn awaits. It can be exhilarating, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. What’s it like to drive on the Autobahn and why should you be careful when discussing speed limits?