5 Reverse Culture Shocks in the USA after Living in Germany!

After living in Germany there were a lot of things that felt strange when coming back to the USA. There are many little reverse culture shocks that surprised us upon arriving in America. It's interesting to see how quickly I adjusted to Germany.
Please Note: These are observations and opinions based on our experiences. These are opinion based statements, not facts. It's very important in today's society that we remind ourselves of the differences. We want this to be a platform where we can share our opinions, observations and differences in a positive way. Differences are NOT a negative thing. It makes things interesting. We honestly feel that the world would be a very boring place if we were all the same. Thanks for watching!! #ReverseCultureShock #CultureShock #USA
00:00 - This is us
00:16 - Shock 1
02:01 - Shock 2
03:16 - Shock 3
04:55 - LIKE & SUB Bitte!
05:09 - Patreon Family S/O
05:42 - Shock 4
08:06 - Shock 5
09:55 - What would your "culture shocks" be?
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KZbin Channel: Potato Phil ( / @potatophil8432 )

[@DeanaandPhil]

What do you think about these reverse "culture shocks"? 😀

[@luispadilla6730]

It happens. When I visit my folks in south i notice how different california is.

[@traceybeaty4494]

Love watching the videos you make 👍✅

[@jdmagicmusic]

i'm still experiencing my German culture (& language) shocks in Hamburg!!! sweet tea, a classic southern staple; thumbs up as always, #141

[@yaakov22]

I live in South Carolina and yes I talk to many people in the stores!

[@gaborfarkas4425]

Is it possible for Deana to go completely mute, so that we all can have even more of Phil? Thanks for considering... Btw. could you please stop constantly touching the teat of that paled out sexual harassment panda you are grabbing? It is kind of disturbing to my sick mind. But again, maybe it is only me...Thanks again!

[@CarinaCoffee]

Germany last week: 36°, sunshine burning you, sweat everywhere. I think you left at the wrong time Phil 🤣

[@MoreMotionPod]

Yeah it’s true. I was in Alaska and their 60 degrees and burning hot! But once I got back to California it was 109 degrees and it felt the same... it’s weird

[@ismirdochegal4804]

Carina S and Fishy Vagina speak of 36°C and 25°C, while @@MoreMotionPod speaks of 60°F and 109°F. Don't get confused. However, up until ~15.06.2021 the weather was rather cold in germany.

[@melindar.fischer5106]

My family (from USA) lived in Germany for six months. Just like Deana, when we returned to the USA we were so surprised (it sounded odd) to hear English and Spanish being spoken all around us in the airport. It took us a few days to stop saying "Entschuldigung", "Bitte", "Danke", "Tchüss", etc. to people. German was our automatic response!😂

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

We are from Atlanta! That’s the airport we fly in and out of, too. Okay so about small talk - it’s totally a thing here in Bayern! Everyone makes small talk, well, most everyone. In some ways, I don’t feel like I left Georgia when it comes to the friendliness and small talk here in southern Bayern.

[@krisa990]

Interesting viewpoint,its actually not only in the US you can get friendly small talk...:)

[@keenmate9719]

Then come to some small city in Czech rep. not used to tourists you will be left completely alone, czechs will flee and hide in their basements, praying to God these aliens let their children be. ;-)))

[@awesomedude4428]

Nice, i didn't know about it.

[@pretzelchannel1]

Ich wohne in Bayern (und sorry für die über 2+ alt comment) und ich bin ein Ausländer, und ich finde die Bayerischer sind nicht so gesprächig dann der Südamerikaner, aber mehr so dann, z.b. Berliner. Die älter leute in Bayern sind mehr freundliche dann die jungen leuete, im durchschnitt, in meine meinung.

[@johnlabus7359]

Phil needs to talk to everyone about how pale he was, how tan he is, and how much he likes speaking English. He already has his catalogue for American small talk.

[@sandrajackson5661]

Great topic! Reverse culture shocks are definitely a thing. I'm an American (married to a Brit) who has lived in the UK for 30 years now. When I went back for my first visit to California after 2 years I completely forgot about sales tax being added at the register!

[@love4daydreamer]

In Iowa everyone waves to everyone they pass. Even driving, they wave to each other.

[@rollastoney]

Texas is the same way. Throw a wave at someone when driving. Only rural though, never in large cities. You’ll get followed 😅

[@love4daydreamer]

@@rollastoney sometimes when I drive with my husband, I'll be talking with hands and I see the car driving by always waves lol. Glad to hear Iowa isn't the only weirdos lol.

[@mountainlace7618]

Same here in E. TN.

[@NijimaSan]

Regarding small talk, my father had a joke about my mother. While waiting for her to come out of the grocery, he would mimic her talking to the cashier. “Tell me about your life. Quickly.” 😄

[@saraatppkdotpt8140]

Really like that chat with you! It was these cultures' videos that initially made me subscribe!

[@reesesnpieces1]

Just discovered your channel. Love it!

[@DrGlynnWix]

That kind of chatting people up is definitely a Southern thing. I remember the first time I tried to talk to someone in the grocery store in Minnesota. They looked at me like I was an alien.

[@tamarakaddatz9955]

Yes, Minnesota does have a large German heritage. Minnesota had great land for agriculture. We also have Norsk, Swedes and Irish and some Scottish heritage. The railroad expansion helped.

[@pamelacox540]

Same here when we moved to Boston for a couple of years. And I learned not to say ma’am or sir due to dirty looks!

[@BethC817]

You both seem happier now! Not that you seemed unhappy in Germany, you're just happy and glowing now! Maybe it's the tan 🙂 I had very similar reverse culture shock returning to the US after living in France for a year. It's so weird when your own country seems foreign. But also cool, you get to experience it like an old friend!

[@joanlynch5271]

I went away from my state for a week, and had some culture shock upon returning.

[@scottscottsdale7868]

Well 2020 was very bad for everyone all over the world. I don’t even know how I would have produced up beat videos.

[@awesomedude4428]

Everyone seems happy when they visit another country after quite long but after living there for sometime it again feels normal and you become unhappy. They seem way more happy in Germany. Checkout their Instagram :)

[@wtsalive8210]

Phil, I understand you, that the first thing you remarked Deana‘s hair. So did I just now and thought: ”Deana‘s hair are awesome!“

[@scottscottsdale7868]

1984 I returned to NYC from Germany. First thing was size of US cars. And it also is great being “the foreigner”. It is a sense of freedom because no one expects much from you.

[@mutantplants1]

My family left Brooklyn when I was 12. Six months later my parents' best friends (they were in their 70's) came down to visit that summer. They'd never been outside of Brooklyn their whole lives. After 3 days they were saying "Y'all". I thought my mom would die laughing. I've been in Florida for 30 years now, but every time I talk to my friends in Charlotte, my Southern comes back.

[@johnsloan4987]

I live in Northern Nevada and they are really friendly and into small talk. I remember I brought my partner here for holiday and we were in a supermarket and after a while he asked me if I knew everyone because there was exchange with so many people. Yet southern Nevada is not like that at all.

[@nataliefromnormandya1135]

My mother would meet someone in the market and know their entire life story before the exchange was over. *Life in the South *

[@Kloetenhenne]

Same with my mom. She is german though. But veeeery talkative 😂

[@DrGlynnWix]

Accurate. My German partner is always surprised by how much I know about people after I meet them.

[@bethhardin8795]

It's just not on the south. The Midwest can be that way, too. We call that being friendly.

[@Violetss11]

I`m like that here near Chicago!! I `m in line and all of a sudden someone or myself starts a conversation and BOOM! We know each others life story!

[@jloebick]

It's great to see you are enjoying your time in the States. At some point you should make a video about some of the things you miss about being in Germany.

[@jamesbarnard9417]

I've watched several of your videos and I think that you're a cool couple. Your adventures are interesting and entertaining. Keep up the great work.

[@jamesbarnard9417]

Have you thought about doing a castle review or maybe touring the Rhine

[@krisa990]

I think Phil doesnt want to be in Germany anymore,maybe you guys should move to America for good? He loves the american junkfood,feeling exotic in a different land,he likes sweating and feel refreshed by that and other stuff as well. But what does Deana feel most to be,which place? She seems to be more german in the heart then Phil by now.

[@johnlabus7359]

Most places don't charge anything for water, but they will give you a smaller cup so that it's obvious if you try to steal a fountain drink with a water cup.

[@arnolsi]

Would you want to drink the american piped water? In some areas it's risky.

[@AlbertMeza]

Willkommen zuhause, Deana! I hope you crazy nuts have a great time!

[@jorgbecker5028]

Fun fact: Germany: A: 'Wie geht's?' B: *tells his life story and a lot more* USA: A: 'How are you?' B: 'Am fine' But then again: Germans at cash desk: *silence* Americans at cash desk: *telling each other their life stories and a lot more *

[@r.o2938]

We small talk in the Great Lakes region too. Any time you are standing in line it's pretty much assured you will have a conversation.

[@rsaxtellartist]

You should consider coming out west, but not until this heat wave is over... like September. But please come, would love to see your videos of that trip! Cheers from Arizona!

[@my5ks48]

German here living in Texas It was so weird to me many years ago that Americans would just start talking to me out of nowhere. I now love small talk and I feel like I'm gonna be the weirdo whenever I go back to Germany because I'll say hey to everyone lol

[@yavantii3615]

I don't know if this is actually a good or a bad thing. There's these times where I actually connect with a stranger on small talk and it can be fun, but there's also times (and that's the majority unfortunately) where I neither understand the purpose of the conversation, nor am I enjoying giving scripted responses to scripted questions. I guess it depends on the mood probably.

[@OurWayOfLife]

Took me a long time to learn small talk and also when the small talk is over...something that occurs only rarely in germany. Greetings from Virginia

[@ann_ig_staticseconds]

"I'm exotic here" 😂😂😂😂

[@vickita2620]

I had to laugh a lot here. Also: "'look, he must be from the nordpole. Look at his light skin!"

[@larrym.johnson9219]

Phil glad to have you in America again and the homecoming of your lovely wife, the one thing to remind you is your wife is Appalachian and to be prideful in Appalachian is to be proud of your culture it's not proud in a bad way, glad to have you back in America somehow makes me feel better, God bless.

[@kathrynhile1684]

People are people anywhere you go. If your friendly ,they are friendly back. I'm from Indiana , moved to Florida 16 years ago. At first people were not as friendly as up north. Sometimes you have to make the first effort, because some people are just cautious, or shy! Also people talk faster up north. Accents differ depending on where you are in the USA!

[@antoniajagodic]

Love it 💕

[@potatophil8432]

Howdy y'all!

[@jacobbailey-lawton1086]

Howdy phil

[@windwatcher11]

S'up!

[@loniivanovskis1239]

stamford ct. on Wednesday, bottled water only for a charge...no water on the tables. couldn't believe it.

[@FmFpF1992]

'Might need to introduce you to the "midwest goodbye". Its where someone says "we should get going" and thrn the host follows them to the door and there is an awkward 30 mins to 1 hour long new conversation with the guest having a hand on the door or a foot out the door. You can't leave a house generally without at least 2 instances of saying you need to leave. Its an odd ritual. It is loosely related to the "you got time for one more" where someone announces they are leaving and the host asks/demands that you have time for one more beer, which turns into 3-4 more beers. Gotta love the midwest "nice" way of being held hostage.

[@socalrockergal3727]

People in the south are far friendlier than in California from what I see in my travels. I’m a native Californian and I never experience much small talk out here. People are always in a hurry, busy and just want to get their stuff done. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@greenmachine5600]

I prefer the northeast personally. I like the directness and efficiency.

[@MoreMotionPod]

California is literally the greatest place on earth!

[@cariettamei8036]

Sounds so much better and makes so much more sense than pointless chats

[@roxannaramirez929]

Love the natural beauty of California. But yes, very little small talk; in fact, it's more like eye contact and small talk avoidance.

[@susannegerber8380]

We do a lot of small talk out west in Arizona 🥰🤓

[@mojganjazayeri1862]

Will you be traveling soon? Probably you won't be traveling to Europe in 2021, but will you be traveling to Europe in 2022? If yes where would you start your journey? Great Video as always. Looking forward to seeing more.

[@jessicaely2521]

The EU has agreed to open up. Traveling will be happening for people this summer/autumn.

[@slidenapps]

And Phil as a German and Deanna his wife; they are allowed to go back to Germany whenever they want.

[@skooterbrah]

Did anyone else notice that Deanna now pronounces "yeah" as "ja"? Ja, ich auch.

[@abancay3167]

Deana, I think I‘m developing a crush on Phil. 😂😂😂 But don‘t worry. I can control myself. Anyway, I can,see why you fell for him.😀😀

[@moniho6907]

Ikr

[@word42069]

Hey, just a reminder… at most places if you ask specifically for a “water cup” they’ll give you a smaller plastic or paper cup for free that you can fill with water…. as opposed to buying a cup (used for soda) and filling it with water. At least that’s the case here in the Northeast.

[@ESUSAMEX]

I am an American from New York who now resides in Florida. And many years ago I also used to reside in Mexico. During my time in Mexico, I used to travel back to the US once a year. Once, after six months of speaking Spanish everyday, I forgot how to speak English. Upon landing in Dallas to go through immigration, I spoke to the US Customs agent in English, but then-- for some reason-- I said gracias instead of thank you at the end of the conversation. The agent was surprised and said I must have been in Mexico a long time. And we both laughed. It took me a month to stop saying gracias because Mexicans say it everywhere while Americans tend say thank you in only certain situations. Another thing I noticed each time I traveled to Mexico after a month or so in the States is that I would forget the differences in the prices between both nations. I once returned home to Mexico and stopped in the supermarket to get some food. At checkout, the woman said in Spanish that will be $100. I still was thinking in American dollars and started to tell her I though the price was a little high. Mid sentence, I realized the price was in Mexican pesos and not American dollars.

[@sophiebunning9051]

We have the smalltalk Thing in North germany aswell xD it was weird for my Mom when she visited me in Sachsen-Anhalt xD she greeted the cashier and I was like: momentan they dont Do that here xD

[@madomfitness523]

Phil is talking about the vocal fry 😂

[@snappic2867]

Ich lebe seit 10 Jahren in Bayern. Und wenn ich zurück im Ruhrpott bin, erwacht mein Ruhrpottslang in ein paar Stunden

[@kleoonyoutube]

I can definitely understand that you enjoy being the foreigner :D It just gives people an instant interest in you and makes them more open to talk to you xd also its always helpful to make people forgive you for small mistakes you might nmake

[@kleoonyoutube]

Also when you speak and think in English i feel like it changes your personality at least a little bit, and definitely the way you present yourself as your use of the language will depend greatly on your sources for learning it.

[@eddasanders3644]

Freue mich über deutsche Untertitel!!! Ihr sprecht so schnell😜

[@princevegeta08]

You have to admit and you will notice it maybe more depending where you are. I really hate since I have moved back to the USA after 7 years in Germany. Specifically the overload of advertising on the roads and you have to read every sign vs just look to understand the signs and etc. It's cause a high level of anxiety and the interstate isn't friendly.

[@marydavis5234]

That is why I like living in Vermont, only road signs no Billboards here as they are banned for being unsafe with drivers looking at them instead of having their eyes on the road in front of them

[@cooler_boi_patrick3989]

2:15 wait what? 11 monthe Winter wouldn‘t be nice but we had one week Winter this year. Nothing else. Winter starts under -5°.

[@LythaWausW]

Agreed. My snow shovel was so neglected last Winter. And the ice scraper.

[@80Lora]

Phil your voice sounds like the voice of a voice actor. Kim Hasper and someone else.

[@jeromemckenna7102]

I live in what can be called the German belt in MN, nobody tans here.

[@windwatcher11]

Northern Iowa, too. We just burn, over and over.

[@katielee89]

I hope yall go back to Germany for Christmas time for the Christmas markets they look so fun. But also cant wait for more videos while your here

[@DeanaandPhil]

We probably will! Lets hope there are gonna be christmas markets this year!

[@katielee89]

@@DeanaandPhil hopefully!

[@kaybrisvegas1099]

Yes I am desperate to see Christmas markets this year, stuck in Aussie and not allowed to do any travel internationally 🙁🙁🙁🙁

[@katielee89]

@@kaybrisvegas1099 sorry to hear that. Wish the US had Christmas markets or I had the funds to go to one.

[@karstenskorner7205]

@@katielee89 we had some Christmas markets in TX, I’m sure they aren’t as grand as Germany. The US seems to be opening more than Germany, they already canceled October Fest this year.

[@joanlynch5271]

Deana, I just want to say that you look terrific.

[@joecool5670]

Hey there, Phil, wich Part of Germany are you from and how did you met Deana?

[@uli48]

Leute, ernsthaft. Kostenloses Wasser, Free Refills... Das muss doch alles in die Kalkulation! Wenn das Wasser kostenlos ist etc., wir das Essen teurer. Die Restaurants müssen rechnen, die stehen in Konkurrenz mit den anderen. Wenn sich hier in Deutschland ein Amerikaner beschwert, dass "in Amerika ja das Wasser kostenlos sei", dann müsste man sagen, okay, bekommst Du hier auch umsonst, dann machen wir das Essen um 20% teurer, weil wir unsere Miete, unsere Leute und unsere Einkäufe irgendwie bezahlen müssen.

[@wandelndeslexikon1614]

Nur dass in den Staaten die Bedienung nicht vernünftig bezahlt wird. Stundenlohn von knapp 2 Dollar ist normal. Die Leute müssen das dann über das Trinkgeld reinholen. Das ganze System finde ich krank, weil man sich ja auch Kritik aus dem Nichts ziehen kann, um nicht "tippen" zu müssen.

[@psa110]

Love hearing about your U.S. experience. Phil, you are not tan.

[@loraleigh93083]

Are you guys traveling to Southern California at all during this US trip?? 😍

[@saratemp790]

Yes I agree it will be better for the language situation to be in the US.

[@tuneskramer69]

So how do you watch "die mannschaft" in the USA?

[@bl4d3runn3rX]

I live in the usa since 2016 and I still can't really do the american accent. Americans say Woaaadderrrr instead of Water! LOL

[@jessicaely2521]

Depends where you're from. For me its Wa-ter.

[@immitable]

Really love the small talk culture in the US

[@MoreMotionPod]

6:50 The American accent he was referring to was “GHETTO” 😂

[@moniho6907]

I live in germany and i love it here but i miss the english language soooooo much

[@NijimaSan]

“Brain off AGAIN.” 😂

[@pamelakoehler-zastrow9639]

I love the cowboy hat on the kartofel.

[@swampophelia2098]

Here in the uk we are masters at small talk lol

[@JostSchwider]

👍

[@pascalmerschaudio]

yu both are the funniest couple on youtube

[@sonntagskindlein]

Isn't tap water with chloride everywhere in the US? Who would seriously drink that?

[@TexanRibs4312]

6:17 I dont know about that, a lot of americans start screaming everytime they start talking. It is weird to Europeans why Americans are always shouting. Regardless, great video! Thanks for the content!

[@Nicole-mr8po]

I think the sun ☀️ is stronger now than it used to be. I wonder if there’s any data on that. I never used to burn and now I do to. Ahh, I know what Phil means by the arrogant tone, it’s so icky

[@cvanryswyk]

When I came back to the US after living in Switzerland for a year, I forgot to add the tax in my mind before I paid...

[@luispadilla6730]

Phil admit it you love the burgers not the whole " being the foreigner".....

[@DeanaandPhil]

hahaha, maybe, maybe.... >D

[@rasmusn.e.m1064]

Nah, he just loves not being a Bürger :P

[@biankakoettlitz6979]

Phil, in Norway you get also free tab water:-)

[@BuffaloC305]

Small talk: give me any accent, and I get curious. "Where from?" "How did you learn English?" "At home, do you see English signs and printing? Labels and logos?" (I love going to countries and not hearing or seeing English. Make ME learn numbers and measurements, directions, etc. Or else - why travel?!!

[@sessessesses]

A huge one for me is always the amount of plastic bags in the store!!

[@birgitwiley5540]

You will be happy to hear that in my area in VA they now charge for the plastic bags and people bring their own just like in Germany. 😮

[@meinname777]

3:23 😂😂😂😂

[@destineebattiest4238]

I have been in Germany 6 years. I dream of the day I can walk into a supermarket and read everything, and understand what everyone is saying, I miss the US so much! Im an Oklahoma girl and I am so ready to have warm weather and a nice tan lol

[@gerhardma4687]

after 6 years in a foreign country, people who are interested in the country, the people, the culture and therefore also the language are usually able to understand quite a lot of the language. If you are not yet able to do this, it is obviously due to your willingness to deal with the country and the language.

[@destineebattiest4238]

@@gerhardma4687 Umm Ok? Because I said I want to go HOME? I speak, read, and write German almost better then my German husband... Its not my first language, I have been speaking English for 30 years lmao I dont have to put so much effort into speaking it..... I have been here 6 almost 7 years and have hated every minute of it, but I have learned the culture, the language, have tried meeting new people and it doesnt work. I HATE this cold wet climate. I want sunshine and Sring times lol

[@AnnaKaunitz]

@@destineebattiest4238 If you are miserable 24/7, why don’t you move back?

[@destineebattiest4238]

@@AnnaKaunitz Do you really think if it were just that simple I would still be here?!? I swear one day I will be able to say that I HATE where I live and I wont have to explain to anyone why or why I am still here... I have 2 kids. I cannot just move back. I have to have premission from their father.... Is that ok? Or should I just leave my children behind?

[@windwatcher11]

​@Destinee Battiest ooooh, ouch. 😢 THAT is universally understandable. You probably even miss the tornadoes by now! 😳

[@esteli69]

Come to Cape Coral Florida is a free country 😀

[@ernesthutcherson1491]

When I come back to the US after visiting my wife's family in Australia, for a moment the American accent sounds a little different.

[@scottscottsdale7868]

I would give anything to be able to live in Freiburg.

[@love4daydreamer]

Working in a hotel there's a lot of small talk

[@richiesd1]

It won’t be long until you guys feel isolated in the suburbs and having to drive everywhere.

[@Luerrip]

phil continue to hold the german flag high :) i love you both :)

[@louchat333]

Southerners are just friendly.

[@SB-fh3sv]

I am from Portland Oregon and I do a lot of small talk

[@MetalBere]

😄 😄 😄

[@jaehaspels9607]

That chatting thing is weird. In my area, it's usually baby boomers or older who do that. Usually, if a guy chats up a girl, he's flirting. I'm a gen X so I'm rather rude. I don't like talking to strangers so when they start chatting at me, I usually just turn away. I especially hate store clerks or restaurant wait staff who chat. Who am I, Oprah? Just cash me out and let me get the hell out of here.

[@iTzFabi23]

Phil imitating North Americans 🤣🤣🤣

[@blessedvillain]

I’m exotic. 😂😂

[@biancavoorman2328]

Hello

[@bernardbouzon5499]

in France the water is free

[@imrehundertwasser7094]

Phil always gets so excited about the "free" water and the "free" sauces. There ain't no such thing as a free lunch, buddy.

[@creativeepicure]

🤣😂🤣

[@pierrealleman7476]

im proud to be an alleman its a place in iowa

[@pierrealleman7476]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqCvd2pog5qIjKssi=slSf7rHdPihrNOOK

[@tonyyero7231]

It has nothing to do with being American...it has to do with her PERSONALITY.

[@hoschij.8355]

Also ich liebe ja euren Kanal aber ich verstehe leider nicht viel, deutsche Untertitel wären mal super... sorry 🥸

[@yippie6862]

Why does Phil always wear black T-shirts?

[@slidenapps]

German

[@starfeatherxkxx5096]

I'm so curious on Deana's ethnic background. You don't mention your race, your culture, your language if you have one.

[@pizzamannmann5239]

you get free tap water everywhere in germany, you just have to ask.

[@cityhickstephanie8725]

😍🤩😎