I have learned a lot about my own culture and I am actually a little surprised by how many cool things there are to know about Germany.

Saying out loud in public that one is proud to be German – weird to most people. Also to me. It is just not something one grows up with in Germany.

But I have to say … there are a lot of things to be proud of. And now I am saying it out loud: “Yes, I think it is … cool to be German!”

Puh – that was not easy – and proud didn’t get out …. not yet… maybe one day.

For now we say goodbye to Germany. Like everybody else, Hey there world is getting into the Christmas mood and will introduce Christmas traditions from all around the world in a litte Advent calendar…. so join again tomorrow, if you want to learn about the country where presents are not brought by Santa but shit into the living room. Sounds weird – well, you will hear more about it tomorrow.

Before really leaving, here is a last little something about Germany.

If people want to indicate that it is time for guests to leave – like in most countries – they will start cleaning up the table, yawn or even tell you straight forward.

And sometimes – normally it is in bars or clubs – the “go home” message is wrapped in a song – we call it a “Rausschmeisser“. It really is the final signal. Just to make sure you get the message… and here is one of them.

And therefore now…….. Tschüss, Ciao, Servus und Auf Wiedersehen.

Any “Rausschmeisser” songs from your country you think we should know of?

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It is always good to know the little things that are really important about a culture.

Here is my take – not claiming totality, not saying that everybody agrees to them. But maybe at least some people.

Thumbs up for:

- Shake hands when you meet – Germans perceive it as polite and politeness is important.

- When you bring a newbe into a group of people, introduce the person to others. You want to be perceived as a good host – if you  show you are considerate, we almost automatically also like you.

- Feel free to discuss politics, religion, or any potentially critical topic at a dinner party or over lunch in the canteen. We love to have philosophic conversations and don´t really know how to do small-talk well. Straight forward is good for us.

- Complaining about things is ok – as long as you have either well researched proof for it, a good business case, or – even better: a proposal or an improvement plan on hand

- Tip – There is normally no service charge included and if you appreciate good service then show it via some coins (or notes) … btw – cash is what you need in Germany. Cards have not really made it into daily life in most places or at least you need to buy for a certain amount

- Be on time – as much as possible … almost for all occations. But: If you are invited to a party (not including formal dinner) at 8 pm – don´t show up before 8.45 pm …. you might otherwise be the first one

- Not addressing random people with the informal “Du”. Ok – if you are a non-German speaker we will forgive you. If you are fluent in German most people would find it strange when you address them with “Du” if you are above 25. …. Well, that might actually change at one point. The other day in Berlin – I was addressed with the formal “Sie” and I have to admit I was a bit offended  and spent about  20 minutes thinking about how old these kids thought I was?!

- Not assuming that German music is the uumpa-music, everybody wears Dirndl and that Bavaria is the capital of Germany … Always good when you show that you know that Bavaria is only one province of Germany.

- Knowing a bit about history. e.g. that our queen is not a queen but a chancellor and is called Angela Merkel

- Throwing some German in. Germans are generally impressed by foreigners trying out some German. “Bitte ein Bier.” – Could I get a beer – and even better if you have a sexy accent … then we might even invite you. Because we can be emotional. Really!

- Last but not least: when people offer you something – let´s assume food (it is quite likely that you will be overloaded with food in a German home) … if you want to be really German then don´t say “yes, thanks” immediately. Say a friendly “Noooo, really, I think I am fine”. Then the German host will most likely say somthing like “No, really you should”. Here you have two options. Either you jump on the offer and say “well then, yes” – or you play the game another round until you finally say “ok then, if you insist. Well then I have some more”.

- One last thing – before I am out for today: Watch the little video on superstition in Germany:

Any major knowledge to share on this one?

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Kiez?!? What is it? ….  An area in Wuppertal? A special type of house? A boutique?

Nope – it is a word describing or rather replacing the word neighborhood. An area in a bigger city that might seem like a small little village. Your hood. The word has its origin in Berlin and here it is still used a lot.

What defines a Kiez is its people. It is not depending on city boundaries or officials announcing a new Kiez.

Hamburg has probably the most famous Kiez in Germany. The Reeperbahn – the red light and night life district. People mainly refer to it as “the Kiez”.

It is a positive word – I would say … at least when you live in the right Kiez.

There are even several songs praising the Kiez. Udo Lindenberg – a very famous German singer and artist – together with Jan Delay sing a little hymn to their Kiez – the Reeperbahn.

What is the best thing about your Kiez?

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That’s how we like it:

Wanna know how to really stress out an Ordnung loving German. Mess the whole thing up:

Ever met a “non-orderly” German?

What do you connect to the German’s sense for Ordnung?

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Do you know those wonderful places on earth where you just feel like being in paradise? One of those places is Arvidsjaur in Swedish Lapland – to be more precise: Burning Snow – mushing & more. Heike and Michi’s husky camp at this beautiful lake just outside of Arvidsjaur.

I have known the two for many years and I remember that Heike spent a few winter seasons in Lapland before they decided to look for the perfect spot to open up a husky camp. They have found this spot and call it now home. Here they live with their dogs Bente, Helen Fischer, Pogo, Campino and some more wonderful huskies. They love music – in case you wonder about the choices for their dog’s names….

It has already been 7 years that they left Germany after an unforgettable farewell party and started their lives as mushers and owners of a guest hut where they create truly memorable husky experiences. Even people like me, who have had traumatizing events with dogs, cannot not fall in love with those beautiful family members.

So – read about their perspective on Germany.

How would you start your greetings to Germany?

Dear Germany,

Don’t be sad that we left you 7 years ago. We really liked to live in Germany, but here in Sweden, we have found a place where we can fulfill our “sledgedog-dreams”.

What comes to your mind when you think about Germany?

- Family

- Swabian Alb

- Trainrides / commute

- The morning show

- Beer

- Wiesnfest (Hey there world’s remark: A party they celebrate once a year in their hometown)

In what way has your perception of Germany and the Germans changed due to your experience?

The perspective changes automatically when you become part of a new culture and are not in the middle of your own culture anymore.

What are the most important lessons you have learned about the German culture?

Germans have most of the time planned everything long term, e.g. their career our buying a house. The Swedes are more relaxed and take things as they come. For them it is much easier to sell a house when their life situation changes.

From the Swedes we can learn to not take life so serious and to put more value into sparetime and hobbies. The elk hunting is a good example: In the beginning of September you just take holidays for it – no matter what happens at work at the time.

What do you think Germans should be aware of?

Germans abroad should watch out, that – with their brisk appearance – they do not get perceived as arrogant or besserwisser – smart asses.

Which stereotype can you totally relate to?

Being precise and reliable.

What is the best kept German secret?

That we brew the best beer in the world!

Your favorite German word?

Wirtshaus! – Brewhouse

Which sentence will give others access to German´s hearts?

“Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit” – it can be translated to cheers on cosyness… sort of…

Most embarrassing moment of being German?

We have never had an embarassing moment of being German so far.

What would you appreciate not to hear about Germany or the Germans?

That all Germans have a lot of money and can afford everything.

Best things you have learned about yourself when being outside of your cultural comfort zone?

If you leave your comfortzone you have to get active and put effort into establishing a social network. You have to step back from your own cultural expectations and adjust to the cultural conditions of your host country.

Here in Sweden this means to be a bit more quiet and layed back as a German.

Greetings to Germany – your last words:

We enjoy coming back for a visit, but we cannot imagine to live and work in Germany anymore.

Thanks Heike and Michi for sharing your perspective.

I have so far only had the pleasure to visit you in summer – which was amazing… but I definitely will come at one point to experience a typical winter in Lapland with your lovely dogs.

So you guys out there…. if you are curious to learn more about Burning Snow then have a look here.

If you like to read some more perspectives on Germany, meet Birgit and Kathrin.

The post Burning Snow sends greetings to home: Germany appeared first on Hey there world.

Here are few examples: 

Rule number one: Parking in the opposite direction of the street is not allowed. This rule I would suggest to follow – otherwise there is very friendly men and women putting little notes on your car – and that normally includes paying a fine.

Rule number two: No drunk cycling. I mean obvious drunk cycling. Might cost you not only a fine but also your driving licence.

Rule number three: No drilling or handwashing your car on Sundays. Hello! Consider your neighbors who would like to relax … and if you do need to urgently drill a hole bring some wine or cake to your neighbors or at least tell them. Most people will be fine. By the way… this apparently also applies on other days between noon and 3 pm…. I have just learned.

Rule number four: Calling a state official a bad name is expensive. Out of good reason – including something with Hitler in it is even more expensive. So if you feel a need for expressing your feelings to a state official stick to idiot and it should be affordable (legal note: I do not take any guarantee for the the non-fining of “idiot”)

Rule number five: Everything is forbidden – apart from that, do what you like.

Rule number seven to three hundred : The German grammar. How many rules can one little language have? The German one has many. And whoever has tried to learn German will know what I am talking about….

Dear German fellows – any really important rule you think would be good to share?

Dear non-German readers – Any rule that is important to know about your culture?

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There is a little creature EVERYBODY knows in Germany – Pumuckl. You don´t believe that? Go ask any German about him. I am pretty sure that no matter how old people are, everyone will be able and happily willing to sing Pumuckl´s song for you or recite one of his rhymes.

Pumuckl is a little goblin who got stranded (yes, stranded) in Munich living with the carpenter Meister Eder. He is invisible but due to a really untidy workshop he gets stuck to a pot of glue and – that´s the goblin rule – has to stay with the first person who sees him (who is by the way also the only person) – Meister Eder. 

He is a really cheeky little goblin with many creative ideas on how to play tricks on people. He experiences cool little adventures and is a true poet.

Have you thought Germans are not emotional and passionate? I am sure this will change your mind:

The series was shot in a backyard in Munich-Lehel (Bavaria).  In the late 80s the workshop building was planned to be taken down. Since Pumuckl had already been extremely popular at the time, he of course got famous supporters. The Bavarian prime minister advocated for the building´s preservation – comme on … honestly, where should Pumuckl live, if not in the untidy workshop?! It unfortunately didn´t help and in the end the workshop was torn down.

When people talk about the colour red –  I mean bright red – they sometimes refer to it as “Pumuckl red”. He truly is famous and at least in a short video I think you should meet him.

If you speak German and grew up with Pumuckl I think today is a good time to take out the records, watch one episode or just recite one of his poems.

What do you like best about Pumuckl? I definitely love his style!

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