Today we discuss how the Germans are dealing with the current crisis. Germans are known to respect clear rules and guidelines, but are they really always obedient? How about the developing work culture? Will there be benefits and a softer, more mellow culture in corporate Germany? And we talk about May the 1st - Union Day.
Read MoreToday we cover the term “gossipping” in the German culture. With a more sinister or bad intent it could be called something else. But in German context it’s really just about the royals and the moviestars. We also touch base on the current Corona crisis (again) and how the Germans deal with this in their everyday life!
Read MoreWe get around today as we talk about how Germans deal with the grief and sorrow of losing loved ones. We discuss climate change, corruption and conspiracies!
Read MoreToday we chat about all the positive changes the current pandemic will bring, particularly to the German work culture. Germany has finally entered the digital age! At last, some might say!
Read More2018 and our hopes for 2019…
We talk about current topics in southern Germany, about what makes the Germans go nuts for an hour on New Years Eve, and about the year to come. Plus more!
Read MoreWe are back after a long summer break, talking about current events in Bavaria. Local election, the phasing out of diesel cars and the very warm and long summer we just had here in 2018.
Read MoreA reflection of real life…
Germans are comfortable with stereotypes and this is particularly seen on TV. Try watching German TV commercials! In general you will get a good "pre-view" of German culture when watching German TV. It's like a reflection of "real life". It may be so in other countries too, for sure, but in Germany it is significant.
Read MoreKnow when to be formal!
This week we discuss the all important code and etiquettes when dealing with the Germans in your daily life. Particularly in a professional and/or working environment you have to understand and respect these codes. Privately the Germans are more forgiving. But don't get discouraged! We will help you out right here!
Read MoreNo allegiance to the flag around here!
This week we discuss patriotism in Germany. The Germans are very reluctant to show patriotism, and they rarely express their feelings about their country. Why is that? Why don't you see flagpoles in German gardens? As usual the conversation goes somewhat off topic, but do come along anyway! It's informative for any visitor!
Read MoreEven though many outsiders see Germany as one country, there are many regional differences, and there are so many cultures that it can be hard to navigate. Of course Germany is also heavily influenced by globalisation, and there are many foreigners living in Germany, giving the country a very international vibe. We help you navigate through it all, and we share some personal experiences.
Read MoreThese events are unique opportunities to see the Germans step outside of their normal comfort zone, and be someone they would never be in the daily office life. Also, we describe how the Germans are masters at "organising the chaos" that usually come during a large festival, running over several days... The logistics are impeccable! The summer is the season for this phenomenon, so jump onboard and listen to some advice before you arrive!
Read MoreIn this episode we discuss the importance of football - and sports in general - in the German culture. Football has been a uniting phenomenon in Germany ever since World War II, and still to this day a very large part of the German national identity lies in sports.
Read MoreIn this episode we discuss the pros and cons of the German educational system. We explain how the normal way into the job market goes, and what you are expected to do.
Read MoreThis week we talk about the music culture in Germany. Music is what brings people together, and it is very often a good indicator for society. And Germany has a rich music culture, so it is a good idea to explore German music before getting here!
Also, within German music you will notice the heavy influence from the 1980's and 1990's - two decades that still, to this day, play an important role in German culture as a whole.
Read MoreThis week we give you some insights to the way German politics works. It is not always easy to see through the murk of what is going on. We also talk about integrity, which is one of the most important things for any German politician. And we talk about the German debate-culture and finally we briefly touch base on how Germany was seen in the years after WWII, compared to how the modern day German relates to that era.
Read MoreIn this episode we discuss how the German, and particularly the Bavarian Biergarten culture works. It is a rather unique way to meet people, and highly popular during the warmer months of the year.
Read MoreGerman customer service will give you an instant idea of the German mentality!
The Germans are generally very nice and polite people. But they are not "over polite" and they do not play any games! You get the real, unfiltered, person you get too demanding with your restaurant order! Also, dealing with official places, like applying for visa or even a passport, can be a stressfull exercise! Be patient!
Read MoreThis week we talk about some of the things you must be aware of when applying for jobs in Germany. And we discuss why they are important. Why the culture is different from what you might be used to.
Read MoreThe Germans like their certificates!
In this episode we talk about how to deal with the fact that the Germans are rather traditional in the way they see education. Furthermore, the Germans identify themselves very much through their professional life, so a formal education is traditionally seen as being extremely important. So how about a creative soul? How about the areas that are harder to "certify" ?
Read MoreIn this episode we talk about getting to know the Germans once you first get here. We always recommend getting to know the locals wherever you go, but that can be somewhat hard in Germany. There is a language barrier, but there is also a different culture, code and tradition that foreigners need to understand in order to fully benefit from a new friendship.
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