5 positive ways LIVING IN GERMANY changed me as an American

Hey Guys! After 5 years straight years of living in Germany as an American expat my life has changed for good. From self-care to being more empathetic, I will discuss how these aspects of German life have changed me. Join me as I explore the benefits of living in this beautiful country.
#germanyvlog #germanyvideo #expat
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:14 Reliability
2:02 Empathy
3:54 Appreciate Simplicity
6:05 Health
7:41 Environmental Awareness
09:24 BONUS

[@cap.luisfigo9401]

Ja, liebe Stacy. Ich habe mir jetzt sehr interessiert beide Clips zu Deutschland angeschaut. Mir sind einige Sachen aufgefallen, die interessant sind. Ich habe lange überlegt, ob ich das alles hier ausführen will. Nein, aber ich will Dir ein Fazit meiner Eindrücke geben. Als Erstes frage ich mich, warum hast Du die Clips nicht auf Deutsch gemacht? Du lebst in Deutschland, Deine Clips beschäftigen sich mit dem leben in Deutschland und Du kannst wohl auch Deutsch sprechen. Aber alles ist in Englisch. Und meine lieben Landsleute reagieren, wie sie immer reagieren, sie antworten in Englisch. Das ist sehr nett, bringt aber niemanden (Dich) in seiner Entwicklung weiter. Ich habe den Eindruck, Du bist immer noch sehr amerikanisch. Möchtest auch weiter so leben, aber mit den erkannten Vorteilen, die Deutschland im System so bildet. Und das ist doch OK. Du bist so, sei Du. Du darfst das hier. Bei vielen negativen Dingen, die es immer noch gibt. Deutschland ist so bunt geworden, insgesamt viel toleranter. Es wird niemals perfekt sein. Und Du auch nicht. Warum auch. Bleib so wie Du auf mich wirkst. Liebenswert und nett, aufgeschlossen. Mit einem wachen Verstand. Deutschland braucht Menschen wie Dich. Liebe Grüße aus Berlin 🇺🇸🇩🇪💕☮⚽

[@thestaceyminks]

Liebe Luis, vielen Dank für deine nachdenkliche Nachricht. Für mich geht es in diesem Kanal nicht nur darum, das Thema Leben in Deutschland zu teilen. Es ist offensichtlich ein großer Teil meines Lebens, deshalb ich darüber spreche, aber ich beabsichtige auch, Themen zu teilen, die sich auf andere Orte beziehen, an denen ich gelebt habe oder die ich besuchen werde, Lebenserfahrungen und Erkenntnisse. Ich werde auch mehr über meine Aussichten auf die USA erzählen. Deshalb habe ich mich entschieden, es nicht auf Deutsch zu machen. Ich habe darüber nachgedacht, ob ich in Zukunft einige Videos auf Deutsch mit englischer Übersetzung produzieren werde, aber noch nicht. Es war ein Ort, an dem ich meinen Gefühlen freien Lauf lassen konnte, um mich mehr mit Menschen verbunden zu fühlen, und das hat es bisher erreicht. 🤗 In Bezug darauf, immer noch sehr amerikanisch zu sein, stimme ich halb zu. Auf dich und andere Deutsche wirke ich immer noch sehr amerikanisch. Auf Freunde und andere Amerikaner zu Hause wirke ich sehr deutsch. Ich persönlich weiß nicht mehr, wie ich mich identifiziere, weil ich mich beiden verbunden fühle und auch keinem. Sollte ich noch viele amerikanische Qualitäten haben, habe ich aber auch deutsche adaptiert und aufgegriffen. Natürlich denke ich, dass jeder, der in einem anderen Land lebt, das tun würde. Danke, dass du sagt, dass Deutschland Menschen wie mich braucht, das spüre ich in meinem Herzen. 🙃💕☀️ LG, Stacey

[@cap.luisfigo9401]

@@thestaceyminks Es ist wohl das Schicksal (positiv) der Menschen, die viel an verschiedenen Orten, in anderen Kulturen leben, viel davon zu übernehmen. Das ist doch völlig normal. Man wird "Weltbürger". Ich bin Pädagoge und einer meiner ältesten Wünsche ist, daß jeder Mensch, am Ende seiner Schulausbildung, eine Zeit in einer anderen Kultur verbringt. Meine Erfahrung zeigt, daß schon wenige Wochen genügen, um die Sicht auf die Dinge (über den eigenen Tellerrand schauen) verändern. Wir hätten sehr viel weniger Ärger mit Fremdenhass und Rassismus. Wir lernen voneinander. Und wären viel toleranter allen Fremden gegenüber. In diesem Sinne, viele Grüße (ich bin übrigens ein Luis) 😎☮

[@geronimo6323]

In Bezug auf die englische Sprache, denke ich, daß sich das Video an ihre amerikanischen Landsleute in erster Linie richtet und deshalb englisch gesprochen wird. Mit Deutsch als Sprache, würden die meisten Amerikaner es wohl nicht verstehen.

[@liosscip]

@@thestaceyminks natürlich wirkst du auf deutsche etwas amerikanisch und auf Amerikaner deutsch, ist doch nicht verwunderlich, stammst ja aus beiden Welten. Finde ich persönlich aber auch nicht schlimm, warum nicht das beste für einen aus allen Welten mitnehmen. Ich selbst bin in Süddeutschland geboren und wohne mittlerweile in Norddeutschland. Ich werde auch nie für die Norddeutschen ein echter Norddeutscher sein und ich werde für die Süddeutschen zu Norddeutsch sein. So ist das nun mal, mich störts nicht, hoffe dich auch nicht für deinen Fall. Im Endeffekt fühl ich mich hier dennoch zu Hause

[@thestaceyminks]

Du hast Recht! Du siehst es aus “the glass is half full.” Es ist möglich, beide Welten zu genießen. Manchmal denke ich zu negativ.

[@harrydehnhardt5092]

Hello Stacy, nice to hear that Europe/Germany has changed your view of life and the world a little. Greetings from Frankfurt.

[@thestaceyminks]

Hi Harry, thank you for the nice comment. I feel thankful to have the opportunity to live here. 👋🏼 🙂

[@potdog1000]

i am a happy Englishman an even happier European, i lived in Germany in the 70s & loved every single second of my time there

[@ArgueWithTheMajority]

From the way you phrased that... My condolences for the Brexit. I'm sure you didn't vote for it.

[@potdog1000]

@@ArgueWithTheMajority biggest self inflicted act of stupidity in the long history of self inflicted stupid acts

[@drau331]

About the helping thing. I was shocked when I saw traffic-accidents in the US - and nobody stopped to help. That' s just a little, but anyway it is a sign for a more egoistic society.

[@thestaceyminks]

Yes, it definitely is. From my experience in Germany, you even need to do the CPR course when you get your drivers license and you’re required to help people, but in the US many people are scared to help someone because they can get sued if the person ends up getting hurt in the process. The every man for themselves mentality can be really sad sometimes.

[@Kollektivable]

On the village if u Start building youre house every neighbour will come to help. Making electric etc.

[@SkeptixPrdxn]

There are nearly 350 million citizens in this country alone, more if you count illegal migrants. If we all stopped on the highway every time there was an accident, we would never get anything done. In smaller communities, people will stop - but this comparison isn't even logical simply because the size of and scale between Germany and America is so much different. Not to mention since our political system isn't as nationalized as yours, if we are late for work we will get fired, lose our health insurance, have no access to state welfare, and will be royally screwed.

[@Kollektivable]

@@SkeptixPrdxn germany hast 82 million ppl und is way way WAY! smaller then the USA... Youre argument doesn't work at all.

[@drau331]

@@SkeptixPrdxn But your political system is christianized like no other. Compassion and belonging to God and his rules is something you start your day with. Your System is based on God. Fe just read your cashnotes. Does God allow to look beside if someone is involved in an accident? I don't know a single part of the bible where it's written: "If you ignore the need of help bc you may come late for work you are forgiven..."

[@toniderdon]

Glad that you enjoy it here 🇩🇪🤝🏻🇺🇸

[@thestaceyminks]

Thank you Anton. 🙃

[@martinacarrasco7545]

Glad to hear you love Germany so much.I was born there now I leave in the State and I miss it so much. I want to go back this year to see my Family. Can not wait to see what has changed.

[@thestaceyminks]

Hi Martina, Ich drücke dir die daumen! 🤞Hopefully you’ll get to go back this year. 🙂✈️ It sounds like it’s been a long time since you’ve been back. That must be so hard. I don’t think I could manage if I couldn’t see my family at least once a year. I would be interested as to why you chose to live in the US over Germany.

[@martinacarrasco7545]

@@thestaceyminks Hallo Stacey. I meet my Husband in Germany when he was in the Army. After the 9.11 he wanted to go Home because he was thinking it was saver for us. My Family was coming every year to visit me. Lucky I Facetime every day with my dad and I talk with my brother a lot too.. It's not the same but it's helps a little bit. I will go this year for 3 Month back to visit my Dad n Germany.

[@thestaceyminks]

Dear Martina, Aww that makes sense, there are many Americans in the military here. It’s never the same to not be with your family in person and it gets harder over time. At least for me. It’s great that you get to come back this year. I wish you the best time. You finally will get to hug them again. 😍

[@martinacarrasco7545]

@@thestaceyminks thank you so much and I will have fun and you so true I can not wait to hug my family. Was nice to write to you.

[@thestaceyminks]

Same with you. 🙂

[@newasblue1981]

I really appreciate this video and found many of the same things to be true for me. After living in Germany for 10 years, I think we have decided to go back home to be closer to family. The emotional journey of being away from your support system, especially when you have kids, sometimes simply becomes too hard. But I will always be thankful for Germany and what it gave me.

[@thestaceyminks]

I wish you and you children much happiness now that you’re back near family. Regardless it’s such a hard decision. Once you see what life somewhere else looks like “the grass is always greener” has an even stronger meaning. 💕

[@stephaniemayorga3616]

I love the idea of having your door open all summer!

[@thestaceyminks]

It’s the best!

[@marcoengelbracht4141]

Glad to hear that you enjoy your life in Germany, but also curious about what you find to be negative 😉 Left a sub to not miss this.

[@thestaceyminks]

Thank you for subscribing. It’s coming soon. 🙂

[@steveskywalker1755]

There is a really cool german saying that shows how we dont care when the weather isnt as good as u would want it. The saying: Es gibt kein schlechtes Wetter, nur schlechte Kleidung. Which means that we germans go out even when its windy/rainy/foggy/snowy, because we know how to prepare with the right clothing.

[@steveskywalker1755]

Greetings from Düsseldorf 😎

[@thestaceyminks]

Greetings from Freiburg. 👋🏼 And I’ve never heard the saying, but it’s nice.

[@smejlee2550]

@@thestaceyminks We have the same saying in Denmark - it even rhymes: "Der findes intet dårligt vejr - kun forkerte klær" :-)

[@Metal-never-die1220]

good video, nice to see that you like Germany and German culture, thumbs up. Greetings from Kiel.👍👌😘

[@thestaceyminks]

Hello 👋 from way down South. :) Germany has many wonderful things to offer.

[@bearenkindercool]

how great and openminded, german-friendly you are. great to hear that in those harsh times. thx.

[@thestaceyminks]

Germany is a wonderful place to live.

[@jboneill22]

I don’t think we are that different from what you said depends on location and individual circumstances. Enjoy your time there and I hope you see the Germany Alps.

[@thestaceyminks]

Thank you. Luckily I’ve gotten the chance. 🙂

[@bearenkindercool]

@@thestaceyminks you are on track, and i love you for being so openminded. not everything is perfect here - and there... thanks for your response.

[@moma515]

Thanks for your interesting video

[@thomaserdmann1860]

Liked you video and views! Welcome to Germany from Karlsruhè!

[@thestaceyminks]

Thank you from a fellow Baden Württemberger! 🙂

[@thomaserdmann1860]

@@thestaceyminks Let me guess... Freiburg?

[@ochala9541]

​@@thomaserdmann1860 would match the river and the pretty bikeable city

[@thomaserdmann1860]

@@ochala9541 Yep, these were my clues

[@versicherungs1x188]

Hi Stacy, greetings from north-germany - nice to hear how you feel the german culture and how it changed you.

[@emiliajojo5703]

This channel will grow that fast.and I'm here right from the start!

[@thestaceyminks]

Thank you for joining Emilia. :)

[@emiliajojo5703]

@@thestaceyminks it's Jojo, doesn't matter.

[@markmarki9511]

That's for sure

[@thestaceyminks]

Thanks for joining Jojo. 🙂

[@Roger-np3wi]

Hello Stacey Personally, I think there is hardly any good reason left to want to live in the US at all costs unless you are at least a millionaire. It has unfortunately changed a lot for the worse in the last decades in the USA. But it's nice that you think living in Western Europe has changed you for the better.

[@thestaceyminks]

Hi Roger, I agree that the cost of living in the US is quite high, although since the pandemic there is a steep increase here as well. Like every country the US has its strengths and weaknesses, but I’m thankful for where I’m at. Thanks for the comment. 🙂

[@andrepohle7485]

Danke ❤

[@RascalFascal]

germany all the way!!! I am 0,00000001% patriot..so this video makes me really proud. feel free to reach out,girl. glad you enjoy it here. 😆😉

[@thestaceyminks]

Saaaame girl same! Lol. Where are you located?

[@eugenedavis6792]

I use to stationed there in Heilbronn and lived off post in the Downtown Area when i was married back in the late 80's, I went back to Germany to visit a few times and every time I visit I never wanted to go back to the states. Now I'm about to retire from the USPS with 30 years in and once again I will return back yo Germany to pick up where I left off and enjoy every day to the fullest. I will make a decision by the end of next year on my second visit if I will move there, retire their. Any advice Stacey will be generously welcomed.

[@thestaceyminks]

Hi Eugene. My mom. Also worked 30 years for USPS. Good that your getting out soon. 😏 My only major advice would be to learn the language if you haven’t already. It will really make a leap in getting to know locals and even more important feeling like you actually are home. Otherwise overtime it can start to feel like your are just always a foreigner and that gets sad and exhausting. Of course. My opinion. Germany is lovely. I hope you make the move. However im not sure how a visa works once you are retired here. If you have any specific questions just as and I’ll try to answer.

[@Gr8Buccaneer]

Hi Stacy,i hope you enjoy the real "freedom" in europe :)

[@thestaceyminks]

Hi Frank, I do. :) Lebensqualität is a real thing that I didn’t realize existed on such a high level before.

[@germanCrowbar]

Must be comedy.

[@ArgueWithTheMajority]

​@@germanCrowbar What must be comedy? The original comment? Have you ever left your country, even for a day?

[@germanCrowbar]

@@ArgueWithTheMajority Everyday!

[@germanCrowbar]

@@ArgueWithTheMajority Und selbst?

[@jumpingjacks64]

Hi Stacey! Great to hear that you like your life here in Germany so much. I agree with all you say, but one could also say that germans can be very egoistic too. I know enough to be able to say that. Certainly do a video on the negative aspects too. Okay, I see that you have done it already. For me, I love Germany so much, it is now home for me (British expat), so I don't go home anymore, I'm there!

[@thestaceyminks]

Hi. 🙂 You’re not the first person I’ve heard mention German’s being egoistic. From my experience it heavily depends on the person. I couldn’t imagine not going home anymore because I’m still so connected to people. Can I ask how long you’ve been in Germany? I would be curious how it worked with your community back at home? Did it fade over time or you never built such a strong bond there. I notice over time it’s slowly shifting which is a struggle for me to grasp.

[@orangeblue4890]

Are so naturally so honest and tell so simply and beautifully. How you did your hairstyle very cute! The simple and yet very matching color to your makeup is very nice. What white teeth you have ..incredible! These are COMPLIMENTS. Thank you for your impressions about Germany ..30 years ago I also immigrated to Germany and the Germans have helped me a lot and today I am a very satisfied person. THANK the German people ..who has the reputation all over the world Germans are cold! The people who say this have ZERO EXPERIENCE!

[@thestaceyminks]

Hello. Thank you for the nice comment. 🙂 I’ve experienced both sides, but I find the longer I live here there are so many lovely kind people. You just need time to peel back the onion for them to let you in on a deeper level. Have a wonderful day. ☀️🌼

[@orangeblue4890]

@@thestaceyminks 🥰🥰

[@Baccatube79]

By the way: it's not that we can't afford dryers or A/C here, neither are they unheard of. It's just that we deliberate whether we really need these things. A family with multiple kids and two working parents will most certainly own a dryer because the sheer amount of laundry and the lack of time renders the investment a necessity. But if you have space enough for hanging lines, and not too much laundry - why waste good money on something that heaven offers you for free? Same with A/C. The climate in Germany was not such that it made A/C necessary for more than, like, 3 weeks in a year, if ever. It has become a little bit worse over the last 2 decades, but still: in well-built houses, A/C is just not necessary when you can open the windows twice a day to cool down the area.

[@NeurosenkavalierEmilSinclair]

With the helping issue - i've never been to the US but i've met a lot of US citizens and i have the impression it strongly depends on the region. The country folk seems to be more ready to help, for example when its about repairing thinks. Its like this in germany - if you live in a small village you can ask your neighbor for tools or to help you repair your roof or whatever, while in bigger citys like berlin nobody really gives a shit.

[@newasblue1981]

This is very true!

[@fatdad64able]

Perhaps the threat of getting shot is more of a possibility in the US as compared to Germany. This could be one example of how sometimes through restrictions (weapon law), you actually gain more freedom as a whole society. I could definitely see how that would make people more compassionate towards others.🤷🏻‍♀️. Just sayin'

[@arnodobler1096]

Wasn't that more than 5-6? On the negatives, I would also be curious! Whatever negative also means.

[@thestaceyminks]

Maybe it felt like it because I talked about numerous points underneath each topic. Of course, negative and positive are subjective to a person. This is just how I personally felt impacted. I will share the "negative" in the near future. :) Thanks for watching.

[@thisisme9168]

Love you video... What😂 you find something negative here in germany😂, just kidding, I know it's not easy staying that far away from family and friends.. Greaatings from Rheinland pfalz❤

[@thestaceyminks]

Thank you. 🙂 No, nooo never. 😉 Overall Germany is great, but as every country does Germany it’s things and being away from the people you love is at the top of that list. Greetings from Freiburg. 👋🏼

[@kingkomodo]

glass bottles or jars are 8 or 15 cent. plastic are 15 or 25 cent and can´s (for drinks) are 25 cents PFAND

[@kingkomodo]

this reduces the trash in the nature and streets, and poor people can collect some, to have little extra money. some people can live with like 2-3€ a day just by collecting some bottles when walking around.

[@thestaceyminks]

I see this all the time in the summer where I live. Especially by the river. Everyone leaves their bottles right next to the trash that makes it easy for them to pick up.

[@mainhattan6038]

You get it back, it's only "Pfand".

[@emiliajojo5703]

Environment is important to far left all the way to far right.just not a partisan issue.

[@thestaceyminks]

I agree with you. :) If everyone made a small change then it would be a big difference.

[@hans-jurgenoberfeld343]

Wenn man nicht seine Muttersprache spricht, dann ist man ein anderer Mensch.

[@gerhardma4687]

Was meinst Du damit? Ein schlechterer Mensch? Ein mehr offener Mensch, weil man sich an die jeweilige Situation anpassen muss/darf? Also für mich ist es kein Problem und verändert hat es mich auch nicht. Bitte erkläre uns Deine Gedanken

[@hans-jurgenoberfeld343]

@@gerhardma4687 Was gibt es da zu erklären? Weshalb möchtest du den Menschen kategorisieren?

[@gerhardma4687]

@@hans-jurgenoberfeld343 Kategorisieren???? Ich verstehe nur Deinen Aussage nicht. Vielleicht trifft sie auf Dich zu aber sicher nicht auf alle. Ich verändere mich nicht wenn ich Englisch spreche

[@robertomanz6399]

it rarely gets hot in germany such a s we have i n the usa and its not humid, ; nights have a natural cooldown. you dont need a c in germany; many o f the thngs you are comparing are comparing apple s and oranges. ; many aspects of life in germany are not comparable to the us which operates on a much larger dimension. r.

[@thestaceyminks]

Thats true it’s hard to compare curtain things, but I’m just speaking off of my feeling and things I’ve noticed. The thing about Germany not getting as hot, I live in one of the warmest places in Germany and in the summer even with the fan on it’s miserable at night. Of course you can’t compare it to somewhere like Florida, but to Los Angeles it’s comparable.

[@maris1407]

Das ist ja auch unhöflich, nicht Bescheid zu geben, dass man sich verspätet.

[@thorstenrahlmeier929]

Ich hätte gern ein Date 🫠

[@Synchronicety]

When you want to get depressiv, come to germany. All day will be grey and if you like to suffer, your life makes finally sence! We care but the days are slowly over. We die. Germany is Part of the bible US because they become rich. You will pay taxes for the hole world but you will understand. Sundays go to church but monday fool the others. One lives on the back of the other.

[@norwolf4765]

Good for you , now stay there. I left the states 20 years ago and and live in a different and better country and would never ever go back....yuk!

[@thestaceyminks]

I’m glad you found your own corner of the world that makes you happy. 🙂 I felt that way at first, but as time goes on I become more indecisive.

[@Jagertal]

Problem is, most of what she is describing there will most probably be useless soon, for industrial power and wealth are leaving Germany RIGHT NOW... And why is it so? Because of all the Conversationists who tell us all the time how to work, how to live, how to warm our houses etc.

[@matthiass.7343]

Negative is not necessary because out of lack of self proud and confidence germans are negative thinking enough.....

[@Zentralrat-der-Schwaben]

German bureaucracy is not nice. Rather confused.

[@ursulasmith6402]

Not as bad as the media makes it out to be.

[@wolfgangpreier9160]

You have clearly no experience with other buerocracies. Like Italy, Romania, Turkey, India etc.

[@Chris-kh2sx]

Maybee you should not curl your hair all day, then you would be on time 😅

[@thestaceyminks]

🤔 That’s a thought! That sounds no fun though. 😂

[@samuelbird5255]

Even though ww2 was a long time ago Everytime I go to Germany I get uncomfortable especially what happened to my people there. I'd rather stay away from Germany you never know when they will go crazy again.

[@thestaceyminks]

I’m sorry to hear you feel that way and can understand why you don’t want to visit there. The war was over 75 years ago and the country and its people have done many things to provide refuge not only to Germans, but for many ethnic groups around the world. They are very aware of what they did wrong and constantly take measures to make sure that’s not the case again. I wish you peace.

[@gerhardma4687]

I would be much more concerned about the Nazis and racists in the US. They are heavily armed and ready to use violence, and under the guise of Freedom of Speech, even Republican politicians are allowed to openly express their hatred of Jews, blacks, Latinos etc. You should reconsider your racism, even if it has an understandable background.

[@WesterwalderAdler]

But the USA Army is on the World tour since the WWII and that of course doesn't bother you a bit.It's always easier to point fingers at others instead of taking a long look in the mirror and admit your own failure.I am sick hearing Americans still talking about the WWII,while at the same time they are bombing countries into oblivion for decades.And even dare to call it "bringing democracy".Arrogance and ignorance on the highest level if you ask me.At least Germany is,doing everything to correct those huge mistakes from the past unlike the USA who is proud to demolish everything and everyone wherever they go.Cheers from a not German from Köln.

[@drau331]

About the helping thing. I was shocked when I saw traffic-accidents in the US - and nobody stopped to help. That' s just a little, but anyway it is a sign for a more egoistic society.

[@floridacargocat]

When it comes to first aid during a traffic accident, the legal situation in the USA is totally different to the one in Europe / Germany. A small example: when you go for your driving license in Germany, you have to attend and pass a First Aid course. This concept does not exist in the USA, and you can obtain your driver's license without any knowledge on First Aid.

[@drau331]

@@floridacargocat I know, but what I expectet was a little sign of emphaty, Just care about someone, perhaps without the big first-aid- action, but just asking wether someone is ok, that should be possible for anyone....

[@thestaceyminks]

@@drau331 ​ you are right that people usually don’t stop, instead we normally just call 911 to make sure someone is on the way. However, I would say this really depends where in the states you are living as I lived a few different places and the way people respond was different.

[@ursulasmith6402]

No solidarity, no president ever encourages this or even introduce it. Loser politics like always.

[@WesterwalderAdler]

​@@drau331So true.