6 House Differences (Germany vs USA - Homes)

[@DeanaandPhil]

We honestly could talk for hours about the differences in homes and what we consider "normal." There are things like outlets, door knobs and light switches that we didn't even discuss in this video. Let us know something that you find different about the housing in Germany or the USA! 😊

[@Ok-cx6qt]

🙋‍♂️🍻👍

[@michaelgrabner8977]

Well those toilets with the shelf or let´s just call them for fun "pooh-watcher toilets" are to watch your pooh for health reasons..pooh can actually give you a lots of informations of your actual health status..that´s why they exist..and sometimes for certain medical screening related to your guts and digestion the doctor might ask for a "pooh sample" and with those toilets it´s easy to get. And because of your mentioned "backsplash" while going for "Nr 2" I definitively prefer the shelf simply because usually while doing Nr 2 also Nr 1 happens and an Urin backsplash is not the kind of thing I like to experience while sitting on the toilet. And regarding to the movable kitchen...people who are very passionate in cooking invested much in a very good stove and oven and they are also used to them while cooking (every stove + oven works a bit different regarding to temperature which affects cooking + baking times and so on...my grandma for instance who was a very passionate and tremendous cook hated - Well "hate" is a strong word let´s say "felt very uncomfortable" - to cook/to bake on a different stove/oven while visting us) and therefore they simply want to take them with them when they move place...For my Grandma´s Generation the stove/oven was the most important thing after the also used to bed and the for generations old heirloom wooden artwork wardrobe which are hell of expensive when you find one of those old hand crafted in good condition in an antique store today by the way (which also explains why "built in wardrobes" are rarly till not to find in older houses) when they had to move.. And to call it "garden" instead of "yard" speaks for itself..regarding to the care.

[@seanthiar]

When I see an american electrical installation I get frightened. I don't know why somebody designs a plug that way that you can touch the pins while they are live. Or light switches in lamps that are directly one part with the lamp socket and are metal. My first learned job was electrician and I now what can go wrong.

[@Wolfspaule]

Guys, there is no competition our german/europe stuff is way better, maybe except a few things we really need to consider. (don´t take my tone too serious, I am just annoyed about humans in general, nothing against you guys!) Not because I am used to it or biased, because it is objectively considered. For example, having a shower head detachable makes it so much more useful, there is no objective argument against, only feelings. Also the garbage disposal is THE reason for the rat situation in the states. You´ll never find that many rats and cockroaches in Germany. It is like feeding polar bears to attract them in Alaska, who would do that? The kitchen: I have a kitchen from my landlord and it sucks butt, but I can´t change it due to the contract. How cool is that?! And yeah, for a country were you get everything for money, where are the f******german windows... not even buyable! Disney made a movie it was called three little pigs if I remember correctly. It is a well known german fairytale. Since I heared this fairytale I know stone is better against wind than wood. Anybody else knows this fairytale? Ask an professional american builder: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivdJh7aq-ad5I

[@readhistory2023]

We've had push button toilets for decades in the US but most people don't install them due to the extra cost. Roughly $75 more on the basic model. It's the samething with a bidets, why everyone has white toilets instead of all the colors they come in and the interal blinds on the windows. Cost. The garbage disposal is environmentally nuetral? That waste is either going to the landfill, water treatment plant or your spetic tank by way of your sewer lines. Germany treats their organic waste by composting it. Either way it ends up as fertilzer. PS. Where I grew up it was like there was some sort of unofficial competion for the nicest yard. The neighbor across the street did up his front yard as golf green. You know that really short and really tight grass they use? That was his front yard. It felt amazing on your bare feet. My dad's yard was weedless. I know that because my brother and I picked weeds daily to keep it that way. I guess it depends on where and when you grew up.

[@kristi.kervin]

The separate sheets and blankets is GENIUS!!! The detachable shower head makes cleaning the shower SOOOOOOO much easier!

[@TamsynKent]

This is a very very good point! It sure does. It's also a strange concepts to me, but I find myself cleaning more often because it's super easy

[@djukaa17]

You can also shower without washing your hair more easly.

[@Michael-kx2io]

Its not about comfort. Only reason we do something is efficiency or cost reduction. Like even the toilet where shit falls on a plateau saves your ass from poseidons kiss and you can have a quick check on your health-status.

[@Singurarity88]

@@Michael-kx2io Amen? A plateau where shit lands and tends to stuck there for worse cleaning efforts, doesn't sound very efficient - more convenient.

[@Caprifool]

It also helps that most bathrooms are wet rooms, so you can just hose everything down. Do NOT do that in most English bathrooms. It will be coming out from the ceiling below 🤭

[@StayshaS]

We’ve been married 12 years and have had separate blankets since day 1. It’s the greatest.

[@hazeltulip]

Us too!

[@palladium607]

Married 6 and same! Lol

[@annacastillo8944]

We are married 12 years also and the same. Two separate blankets and I sleep with more pillows than my husband.

[@chicoamericano8500]

Why???? Where do you live???

[@melindar.fischer5106]

Married 24 years (USA) and we have used separate blankets for 22 or 23 years. I don't remember when we switched!

[@HealthyDisrespectforAuthority]

I'll give ya another reason that toilets need to be on the ground in the US.. walls here are not made of concrete... well mostly.

[@adalheidismond3523]

Your profile picture... it moves...

[@NikkyElso]

And the people... well they're a bit larger on aggregate

[@AllToDevNull]

American houses are usually wooden framing with something like dry-wall or osb plating. You can just place the framing so your toilet is fixed into the studs. attaching you drywall would be difficult. I have seen it on modern American houses, too, but yes it's seldom.

[@whataboutbob9786]

@@NikkyElso wood frame is supporting the weight of the house. Wood framing can easily accommodate the weight of people.

[@daddyshoneygirlusa7030]

Most Florida houses are concrete, we have issues with termites and hurricanes.

[@ekartak]

Is it weird that the first thing that came to mind about Germany’s split mattress thing is that it’s way easier to move in and out of a room? Anyone who’s ever tried to get a king sized mattress up the stairs and around the corner can probably relate.

[@cherryfairyy]

That makes sense!

[@prozaque]

The shutters. They're for - thermal INSUlation, and - sound ISOlation.

[@junkmail2505]

In german there word for insulation is Isolierung. That's where the confusion comes from.

[@kristinazoe370]

isolation forever

[@melaniecocker5399]

I love the shutters ❤

[@tobinhutto7973]

There's just one German word for both. It gets messy in translation

[@prozaque]

@@tobinhutto7973 Us architects, in DACH, prefer to use the term "Dämmung" for both "Wärme-" and "Schalldämmung", and "Isolierung" for electrical conductors. So there are still two different words, but you are correct it is easier, because often you can use the same "Dämm" material (e.g. mineral wool) to provide BOTH functions. Now is this insulation or isolation material? Over here in the US no one has a clue 😉

[@deliriumguiness]

They may not have a garbage disposal in Germany, but they can have 4 different trashcans!

[@DeanaandPhil]

True!!

[@msmreviews8408]

Deana and Phil 6 in Austria! Fantastic!!!

[@ursulaeissner9945]

As a German who emigrated to Canada I can tell you , the Germans are masters when it comes to recycling . Very few things actually go into the garbage . It was a shock for me to come to Canada years ago and nothing was separated . It’s getting better , but we are still decades behind the Germans .

[@msmreviews8408]

Ursula Eissner I couldn’t agree more Ursula. I have lived in Germany and Austria and no place else reaches the level of recycling. Quite sad, actually. People scream they have to bring their own bags to shop when that should be standard!!! in the USA, I mean!!!

[@anni7247]

@@ursulaeissner9945 yep im cringing every time when im throwing organic waste into the same bin like plastic. But that's what they have workers for who separate everything in the end

[@cathy3937]

Struggled with one blanket for years until we heard Europeans use two! Much happier sleeping in our Canadian home now!

[@energiearbeit.leichtfried]

Xlarge blanket is the best one. 220 cm, not 200 . Its called "Comfortgröße". Your toes and your neck is totally covered. 🥰

[@sarahstrong7174]

Three blankets or two plus a quilt is quite common in U.K. I have two quilts & a blanket, plus a throw right now. I do not like to have the heating on at night but want to be warm. The air in the house feels nice & cool but I am cosy.

[@johannalutti8453]

I was always so confused how these people in the movies punched that wall and don't fracture their wrist. Now I know how.

[@lorr.jones8887]

If the walls are made of drywall then one can break a hole into it. BUT it would hurt like heck and one would probably damage their hand. Movie walls aren't real 😆

[@tylerlane6707]

@@lorr.jones8887 uhhh drywall does not hurt to punch through, it's pretty weak. If you hit a stud then you will definitely feel some pain and possibly break your hand or wrist. But drywall punctures easily.

[@annavasilakopoulou5732]

hahaha markiplier punched a hole in his wall but it prob was empty

[@Laurie6060]

Oh... Hahaha... another experience I had in Germany was when I was visiting a friend that I had met years earlier while visiting Germany. I'm sitting in her apartment and I say... you have very similar kitchen cabinets from your old apartment from when I met you 10 years ago. She said they are in fact the same cabinets and then explained to me that you bring your own cabinets with you. Funny thing that I would even recognize the cabinets from only a short visit so many years earlier, except that they were white with red trim.

[@reinhard8053]

Many people like to have their own style of a kitchen and not something the last renter left or used. They get the correct height of countertop and the type of stove. Even the sinks are individual. And some even change that every some years.

[@indymarie8661]

In the U.S. a room cannot be listed as a bedroom unless there is a closet built in. Otherwise it can only be considered a bonus space.

[@nafsi8519]

I don't get it how do you use wooden used furniture? I would not prefer one. Then again I don't live or see any wooden house.

[@kovanightshade]

I think it depends on the state. Where I live a room no longer has to have a built in closet to be an actual room. Its based on square footage. All states have different regulations though.

[@Galworld761]

My state just requires a window to be classed as a bedroom.

[@sapphirecamui6447]

OH! That was the secret! In romania, all spaces with 4 walls and a window are rooms/bedrooms. if it doesn't have a window, it's possibly the hallway, bathroom, or built-in closet (depending on size and other visual features). We currently live in a 1-bedroom apartment, so we also have a living room, and the hallway is big man. could serve as a 3rd living space - there's enough space for a closet with 4 doors, a round table, and we could squeeze an extendable couch for 2, and still have some space around to move. But we don't like so much furniture. We put the laundry machine there because it doesn't fit anywhere else :(

[@sophiesto6122]

First thing i did when we bough our 4br American house: sledge hammer all the closets.... I hate those things. Takes too much space, unefficient. So yep. Million dollar home in the us with zero bedroom if defined by closets.

[@clwbchbabycakes]

The dryer DOES ruin your clothes. They will last decades longer if you hang them dry.

[@christineb1464]

Who keeps the same clothes for decades?!

[@ja_u]

@@christineb1464 #ecofriendly #GretaIsMyIdol #SaveTheTurtles

[@palladium607]

@@christineb1464 plenty of people. If you like it, it still fits, AND its in good condition, why wouldn't you?

[@vaderladyl]

@@christineb1464 Many people that buy high quality items and are not wasteful.

[@whataboutbob9786]

Fashion is cyclical. Hope I still have hair when the "mullet" returns😜

[@hopet2552]

I was born in Germany but I was raised in the states starting at age two. It’s so funny because every time I watch videos about Germans...I’m like, “so much about me makes so much more sense now.”

[@arttues]

Germandy is really nice. I live in Germandy

[@goldcraft1337]

@@arttues Did you mix Germany and Normandy?

[@hopet2552]

@TheManMan I did last year...actually stayed in the city I was born. It was life changing and one day I hope to move back.

[@hopet2552]

@@arttues Germany, Normandy....just meaning Germany but having autocorrect write something else...doesn’t matter. That is awesome...I would give anything to go back “home.” I would give anything to live in Europe...Germany specifically....and that is the goal.

[@hopet2552]

@TheManMan how come anyone one who says they want to live in another country aside from America, gets met with this type of aggression and assumption they don’t appreciate or respect the states? In any of my comments did I say anything negative about America? No...I didn’t. I’ve lived here for 38 years. Nothing wrong with me wanting to live elsewhere.

[@sofiaarmendariz7539]

I’m from Mexico and all houses I’ve seen here are made of cement, like in Germany, I find it so weird that in the US they’re made of wood and such. Loved the video!

[@liljanasufaj1643]

No wonder that when a tornado or a hurricane comes , they go flying,🤣🤣🤣

[@lorr.jones8887]

On the West coast hardly any houses are made of stone. Probably because there is/was so many trees here that wood is readily available and cheaper.

[@dennyj8650]

Didn't know that about Mexican houses! Wood is usually used to build houses in the USA, although brick houses are common too.

[@teddyde6128]

@@lorr.jones8887 earthquake building codes especially in the west coast. It depends on what part of the US You live in some states have building codes for tornadoes these are built using brick, rock, or concrete.

[@teddyde6128]

@@lorr.jones8887building codes.

[@LKH-mm2ls]

We bought our house almost 7 years ago. It has a good sized “area” lol around the house but no plants or bushes. I decided right off I wanted two lilac bushes placed in the side area, where the wind seems to be constantly blowing so the nice smell will travel through the house when my windows were open. ( no air conditioning) Off I went to my sisters house where she had some small ones coming up and got two starts, took them home and planted them. Now granted they weren’t all that big, perhaps about a six inches. I was so happily nurtured them making sure they took, they were doing so well. I go out one day after my hubby had mowed the yard/garden to find he had mowed them down lol. They didn’t come back. So the next spring, I go and get more. This time they are a good 18 inches tall and tied a white piece of cloth them thinking no way they would not be mowed down this time. Well, this time it was my brother who decided to help me take care of the yard since we away for a week. One he pulled up thinking it was a weed (never mind the flag on it). The other he took down with the weed eater/trimmer. He said nothing to me at all about it so I come home to no bushes once more. So the next spring I go and I buy two 5 foot tall bushes lol. I told both if they couldn’t see those bushes, something was very wrong. Lol so finally I am enjoying having lilacs scent blown through my house. Sorry for such a long story, just thought I would share and perhaps get a laugh or two. 🤓

[@kazabra]

I am German but I live in the US. One of the biggest differences in houses are the entry areas. I most american houses you step directly into the living room, while houses in Germany have an actual entry area. Same with apartments. American apartments - directory into the living room. German apartments - the front door opens into the hallway.

[@slouberiee]

Same in Czech Republic - we too have entry halls, where you can take off your shoes, jackets... and hang them there, and after that you can enter the other rooms.

[@jvalravn7228]

I’m American and I absolutely hate that I don’t have a proper entryway for taking off shoes and such, as I don’t like shoes worn in the house (sure I’m not adopted from Europe??) In my house you enter straight into the kitchen and have to go through the living room to even get to the closet to hang up your coats, and there’s no room for shoes there either. I also hate we don’t have a drain in the bathroom floors here.

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

What? American homes have entry areas! With a big coat closet and a place to take off shoes if you want. Except for small apartments and very small, more inexpensively built houses.

[@kat_rin_Fu]

Dafür haben wir hier nicht diese tollen langen Verandas vor dem Haus, die viele Häuser in den USA haben. Wir in Deutschland haben bei Häusern dann dafür die Terasse nach hinten zum Garten hin raus.

[@peppersghosttheater]

@@Lucinda_Jackson what ?

[@knicklichtjedi]

Waiiit! In other countries people *dont* have two blankets?! How to they even survive the winter?

[@DeanaandPhil]

snuggle for warmth. 😋

[@knicklichtjedi]

​@@DeanaandPhil I cant imagine its getting much warmer if the other person uses the only blanket to turn themselves into a Bed-Burrito that you have to snuggle with :D Except if both are in the Burrito. Then it would be awesome!

[@sluggo206]

Two blankets side by site on separate mattresses, not two blankets stacked for extra warmth.

[@sinelli7827]

We use a big one :) it's great. We like to cuddle and with two separate blankets it's not as nice. And we sleep very well with the big blanket.

[@caciliawhy5195]

It's called heating.

[@cdnest]

"Ach Mutti, ich kann gar nicht mit ansehen, wie Du so hart arbeitest ! Mach mal die Küchentür zu!"

[@missmojo8779]

Never had a dryer but I’m jealous of ppl having access to freshly dried towels. I mean: the fluuuuufffff!

[@KokoBirdSings]

Warm blankets . I envy that

[@stopske9332]

@@KokoBirdSings just throw your towels over the radiator while your under the shower

[@andreab.6802]

Iron them

[@HomeWorkouts_LS]

as a designer in America, wall mounted toilets are usually in commercial spaces for ease of cleaning. But not in homes because you need thicker walls to hold the structure that keeps the wall mounted toilets up. So in US floor mounted is cheaper. Love that dual buttons are becoming more popular though!

[@sxphe_draws]

Als ich ein Kind war und bei meinen Eltern im Bett geschlafen hab bin ich immer in dieser mittelritze verschwunden 😂😂😂

[@kroddilowenherz1519]

Ich auch immer 😂😂😂

[@jaytap4265]

😂

[@nexu_1327]

AHAH ja same

[@keicho_nijimura588]

Same 😂😂😂

[@MySmuffy]

In die Besucher ritze😂

[@sm4rsch363]

The advantage of two separate mattresses is the "Besucherritze".

[@lw1717]

What's that?

[@sm4rsch363]

@@lw1717 When you translate it, "Besucherritze" means something like visitor's crack or visitor's gap. It's the gap between two separate mattresses in one double bed. That's where I often slept, when I was afraid at night and I sneaked into my parent's bed. :-)

[@dietkegerhardt5398]

@Sm4arsch Witzig, dass das ein gebräuchlicher Begriff ist. Ich dachte immer, dass man das nur in unserer Familie gesagt hat 😅

[@aileenmoore7503]

I live in the UK and we have a super king size bed with two mattresses joined with a hidden zip. Feels like one mattress but it means my husband can have a firm mattress and I can have a softer one. It makes sense.

[@Hannah17540]

@@dietkegerhardt5398 Dachte ich auch immer😂

[@Hanmacx]

For shower heads, I got a combo one A detachable and a fixed one

[@EgoBrain1]

Me too. Best of both worlds!

[@richardh4756]

I have had that "the single blanket gets taken by one partner" issue a lot, so we switched to each having our own blanket. It's a life saver!!

[@stefanies.8381]

Regarding the "garbage disposal" - they recently had this question in a german quiz show. Actually these things are illegal in Germany (as well as in the rest of Europe if I remember that right) as the rests of food that land in the sewer attract rats and it damages the sewer system.

[@bentleyr00d]

Food Waste Disposers (FWD) are ***not*** forbidden by law in the EU. The standard 'EN DIN 12056-1' does not prohibit the installation of garbage disposals within buildings. Actually the standard EN DIN 12056-1 explicitly mentions technical parameters of how to use FWDs properly. FWDs can be installed and used in many European countries such as UK, Sweden, Norway, Spain, Italy. In 99% of the cases European opponents of FWDs do not have any personal experience with FWDs. Even worse, politicians usually don't have the expertise to know something what they talk about. So there is a special "alliance" against this extremely useful device: The folks from the Sewage Treatment Plants (SWP) do not want anybody to make a change in the use of "their" plants. The firms that make a real big buck with garbage collection would not be happy to see a reduction municipal solid waste (MSW). FWDs are primarily a very efficient source separation system for biodegradable waste. It has been proved many times that even the overall output in energy of the FWD-System is positive - including production and recycling of the devices, production plant, etc.. There are not many technical systems that show that excellent numbers.

[@betaich]

@@bentleyr00d In Germany at least water companies and garbage disposal companies are most often owned by the municipality anyway. So it isn't about the big bugs.

[@emjayay]

@@bentleyr00d As pointed out, not good if you have a septic tank like a house in the country not connected to sewers. Some sewage systems can't handle the food waste, but otherwise it's just like, uh, toilet waste.

[@alexaelliott2598]

Garbage disposals contribute to water pollution by putting too many nutrients into the water. This can cause toxic blue-green algae. It’s best to compost and return nutrients to the soil.

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

@@emjayay There’s no reason to avoid a garbage disposal with a septic system! I’ve lived with both for a pretty big chunk of my life, both younger and now (I just turned 65) and never had any problems whatsoever.

[@beque3668]

In Australia we are like the USA and have 1 blanket. My husband and I are currently travelling in Germany and we are completely sold on the double blanket idea. So much so that when we get back home I'm going to buy 2 blankets!

[@shaelaann]

The thing about one vs two blankets is so crazy. I’ve lived in the US my whole life but my husband and I have always had two separate blankets. I always thought it was weird and like we “should” have just one so when we make the bed we put a fancier blanket over the top of our two blankets. I guess we are secretly German

[@DeanaandPhil]

One of us! One of us! :)

[@leventdhiver]

After years of trial and error my partner and I understood we need 2 veeeery different blankets for each of us, yet we use one single fancy cover 😅 and I fancy having 2 mattresses. Secret german desires😆.

[@evapohlen3576]

Somewhere I've read that this splashing water in the toilet after 'something' fell down is called: Poseidon's Kiss You're welcome.

[@jenese6079]

Eva Pohlen thanks for this information 😂

[@Fuglychick]

Lol 😂

[@whataboutbob9786]

Only a sailor would appreciate that! Everyone else fears the splash-back.😝

[@alexnelson09]

Love it 😂

[@sarahkleimeyer3792]

LOL!

[@dustshelldavis8557]

We are an American couple, who just discovered you, by the way♥️🇺🇸/🇩🇪♥️, and we are living in Beratzhausen, Bayern, Deutschland!!! So we can relate SOOOO MUCH with everything we have seen in each video so far!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! Your videos are so perfect for us to sit and watch together!!! We are able to relate and laugh and laugh!!! This bed thing was confusing at first, but soon figured most of it out and you guys helped to end the education, so thank you on that one!! But we separated our bed a couple of years ago and JUST separated our blankets a month or two ago… We have a king size that the hubs cut in half!! We bought two twin size adjustable bases, put them together inside the bed frame and the rest can be figured out by the intelligent people reading this far😁😉. And now with different sheeted and blankets, sleep and life is a bit more peaceful!!!♥️♥️♥️😁😁😁 Love your videos!! We both do!!🇺🇸🙃🇩🇪😊♥️ Thank You!!

[@ItsMe-db7cy]

Regarding the blankets I have a funny story: My wife and I come from Germany and we are using of course separate ones and we really appreciate it very much when we have this comfort on vacation, too (to avoid any stress at night). We booked a hotel in Fance and we know that they have usely one large blanket for the king size bed. So we asked during booking process to get two blankets instead of a big one, assuming that we get two small blankets. What we found in the room was two big ones instead of one and this was really two much blanket for one bed. But it is for sure that the hosts twisted their eyes about this crazy germans :-).

[@AmeliaThatsMe1]

I have never heard of separate blankets for one bed.

[@saschac.5340]

Den Schrebergarten und Balkonen habt ihr vergessen 😉

[@kls7370]

When coming to Canada the landlord said ' for 6 month winter & snow, there is no need for a balcony' ahhh missed it a lot

[@alexkassl4952]

Thank you for the video. I live in NY, and watching your channel is tremendously helpful in calming my covid-19 anxiety. Having lived in both the U.S. and Germany, your channel is a lot of fun to watch. I started to hang dry my clothes again after a recent visit to Berlin. It really does help keep the integrity of the fabric intact.

[@mikedingman5773]

Alex Kassl I’m out in central NY I feel ya lol

[@nette4307]

Love, love, love your videos! Comment about the garbage disposal and the tumble dryer situation: Many german municipalities require people to sort their trash quite extensively, and the there's often a green "bio-tonne" for green kitchen trash. It gets composted, rather than just ground up and sent to the ocean. Also, after 26 years in the US (I'm Danish), I'm still baffled by how it's "just easier" to throw things in the drier, even on warm days - there's little consideration of the environmental impact of such a habit. Seems to me some if the American modern conveniences are really backward in terms of taking care of the planet - and that Germany is forward thinking, even if some of the habit seem outdated.

[@mikegrantham7440]

One way to resolve the situation with the fixed and detachable shower heads is to have both. That is what our shower has. Although our fixed shower head is up high and is called a rainfall shower head. It is fairly large and literally covers your entire body when standing under it.

[@bayyinahzhaxx7620]

You two are funny! I love your energy! By the way I love the handheld shower head because it's so convenient when you need more water in certain places.

[@amberlc253]

I’m American and we have separate blankets. Best thing we have ever done!

[@jbloveday9538]

From New Zealand 🇳🇿 here: Shared sheets and blankets on the queen bed is usual. King size beds are becoming more common but most would be queen size I think; We have the 2 buttons on the toilet, not levers especially in modern homes. Detachable shower heads are common (but it depends how old the house is). Ours has both a detachable head and a fixed head overhead and we can change from one to the other depending on preference. Toilets do not have a flat bed in them! I have heard (from a German) that Germans are taught from an early age to inspect their doings because health problems can be picked up earlier that way, so it does seem to make sense but I’ve never seen that here. Lots of people have driers but choose to hang washing outside when the weather’s fine. Indoor drying racks are common too whether you have a drier or not. Integrated kitchen/dining is common except in old houses. Modern houses are often open even more, i.e. including the living space as well. Garbage disposals are quite common, we just choose not to have one. Taking your kitchen with you from flat (apartment) to flat is not a thing here! (as far as I know). Double/triple glazing is getting way better but not up to the quality in Europe - yet. Having air-con/heat pumps here depends on whether you can afford it but are quite common. Gardens and gardening are common and very popular here (as are fences! Can’t understand not having fences round my property!). Love all the differences between cultural ‘norms’😊 Another thing you didn’t mention are cars. Automatics have largely overtaken manuals here but manuals are still around. If you pass your licence test in a manual car you may drive both kinds, but if you do your test in an automatic you may not drive a manual until you pass your full license test.

[@tanjamorris5647]

Two things about kitchen ..... refrigerators are generally much smaller and do not have a water or ice dispenser. They are becoming more available, but generally fridges are small and no ice or water dispenser. Also, many kitchens have the washer in the kitchen, no separate laundry room.

[@Smolsmols]

My boyfriend is german and raised in germany and im still learning, but these videos are so cute and helpful to know all of these things! Thank you all so much ^^

[@sabinemckay7239]

In America the Challosien are called Rollaway Shutters😉we have them but mostly on coastal areas😊Love what you guys do and the subject’s

[@rjz9785]

Hey! I've been watching for about 10 months now as I've been in a long distance relationship with my sweet German from Hamburg. He's the best. I'm moving to Hamburg in July or August of 2021 all the way from NY. I want to thank you for making this transition less scary and more happy and exciting. When I went to a Christmas Market I knew exactly what to get because of your video. I love you both so much and I've never met you haha ok I'll stop typing. -Rebecca xo

[@DeanaandPhil]

hey Becca, thank you so much for the nice words! And Hamburg is one of the best cities, you'll love it! =)

[@PianistStefanBoetel]

If you ever want to take piano lessons in Hamburg, contact me 👍😁🎹 Update March 21st: Online-Quarantine-Lesson 😂

[@josieringhand8762]

Becca hamburg probably is the most beautiful city i’ve ever been to and I’m more than glad to live there

[@prestigejunkie1st]

@@PianistStefanBoetel how cute is that?! ☺️☺️

[@AnxiousAlien...]

Wow, congratulations🥳 how did u meet? Over the internet?

[@NeoAemaeth]

Insulation not isolation 😄, "isoliert" is a german false friend meaning both isolated *and* insulated in English.

[@dannyt5798]

The same in Holland, "isolatie"...

[@ShamanKish]

Insula or isola - mean the same - island.

[@glitner]

The blinds are called rolling shutters and are considered a luxury item in the US. The detachable showerhead is intended to shorten the showering time and preserve water, and same with toilet tanks. The flat toilet prevents backslash and encourages courtesy flushing. Driers are considered luxury as well as using lot of electricity and electricity is expensive in Europe. Also washers have a heating element and use only cold water connection. Kitchens are small generally due to limited space availability. Kitchens in Germany are not wall mounted. Windows are called pull and tilt and are better quality than US windows. They are available in the US but are considered luxury. Europeans don't have forced air hvac and use oil to heat water which is in the radiators. Each radiator has it's own thermostat and they heat up a room pretty quickly, hence why you can turn the heat off in rooms not being used for the most part of the day such as a bedroom or a bathroom until you're ready to take a shower. Concrete building is common in Europe mainly due to timber being so expensive. In the US timber is abundant and has been used traditionally from the time the first settlers came. Also, additions and remodelings are easier in the US at the expense that the homes have to be maintained more frequently such as winterizing etc. whereas European homes do not require a lot of maintenance. German gardens/back yards are small again due to land scarcity and cost in residential areas. However, Germans usually have some sort of garden on the outskirts of the town where they go to barbecue and spend a weekend, at least in Hessen. Also, as a bonus Germans don't have window screens and screen/storm doors

[@peppersghosttheater]

God I miss Hessen. I got stuck in the US for both lockdowns. Still waiting for Germany to open

[@b.christensen9669]

Wow, those blackout metal that covered the windows were the best! No sounds and dark. The Swiss hotel also had air conditioning in the summer. Fabulous!

[@alexandercruz3796]

We lived in Germany for three years and we loved it. To this day we use two separate blankets for our bedding and we've been married 25 years. This also keeps the peace by keeping the Dutch oven to your own territory 😆

[@Peaceful-Dez]

I went to visit my mom and grandparents, aunts and uncles when I was 23 and had not been to Germany since I was 4 or 5 (dad raised me) and I fell in love with Germany! My favorite thing about the homes was the windows and the blinds that closed the room and made it dark but it was also good if you wanted to go on Vacation and keep your home secure. I also loved the gardens as well and when I would walk through the village that mom was living in in the morning I would see the moms and Oma's out in the garden hanging their clothes, rugs out being banged to get the dirt out of them and then they would be sweeping the front walk, side walk and sometimes the street area in front of their homes. The windows would either be partly open or fully open depending on the time of the day to air out the house. You are so right about the houses there being so sturdy as well. I fell in love with Germany and did not want to come back. One thing kind of off topic of the homes is that Germany was so very clean, everything is recycled or composted and you were only allowed one size garbage can and then they would do the junking (only household items on the curb for others to pick through and take home). Once again I loved Germany!

[@rebeccalougee4908]

2 blankets here for sure .. both of us from US , been married for 20 yrs almost! We’ve been using our own blanket every since we lived together!!

[@sandyseibelhager7131]

I've never thought to use separate blankets. It sounds like a great idea. We just bought a huge blanket so we both have plenty of blankets. With the toilets-I think I would have to clean it way more often due to the "landing zone".

[@maxmevissen3816]

We also have duo flush buttons here in Australia. We have outside washing lines here in Australia as well, most people have one called a hilltop hoist that spins around and you can crank a handle to make it go higher or lower.

[@Mrs_Guac_and_Glock]

My husband and I shared a blanket for years and eventually we got fed up with it! Switched to two a few years ago and it's been great!!

[@darleensun]

In the 80’s I moved to Germany and was shocked to learn the three-family wonung I rented did not come with a kitchen. Absolutely a surprise. Thankfully, the organization we worked for knew this and brought us one out for us.

[@tanjalarsen85]

I’ll use a dreyer for my bedlinned and towels. Not for my cloth, I’ll hang it in my bathroom. Love from Tanja in Denmark

[@freedomdove]

I think it's strange that they call yards "gardens". In the US, if you have a garden then you're either growing food or have flower beds.

[@LisaZoe86]

Vorgärten or "frontgardens"^^ very often (ususally) do have flowerbeds and or trees and bushes

[@loriar1027]

@@LisaZoe86 but not always. If there is just grass is it a garden?

[@JLC48]

And the majority of people who own a home in the US take care of their front and backyards. We garden here, too.

[@paulburley7993]

Same thing in Canada. A garden means you're growing vegetables unless preceded with flower and even then flowerbed is more common. We have a front yard and a back yard.

[@ruthtorphy2204]

freedom dove when I came from Ireland 34 years we called grass in front of the house (our lawn ) . The back was called the garden ,but we also did grow vegetables there .

[@retyfuller4641]

I live in Canada, and because we traveled, now our bed is 2 singles put together, for the last 3 years. We have different covers too. Is great! I need a thicker blanket most of the time. My husband use to still the blanket, now we do not have this issue! Soooo happy now!

[@gaylemetscher7699]

You two are just the cutest!!! I loved listening to you talking. It was fun and interesting, and i wished i was sitting there with you joining the conversation. I am a 70 ye@r old "Oma", who was born in Berlin. My parents imigrated to Canada in 1955, where i still live. I LOVE Canada, but am very interested in hearing about the differences in more resent times. Keep up the great work! I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to hearing more from you two! Hugs!

[@lillianarose1261]

In Austria we have often in the Big Apartment buildings an washer and dryer in the celler.

[@anggieb.2936]

Yup, don’t just dump everything in the disposal. It’s simple to get rid of small amount of food stuffs from plates, basically so you don’t get clogs.

[@Bl0nD1e711]

As an American living in Germany as well, I can completely relate to everything they are talking about. Having separate blankets is something I never knew about until moving here either, and is something I don't understand why no one else does. Love your videos, they always make me laugh.

[@chrischen7397]

Just discovered you both by chance this evening. This is so funny yet important things to talk about.

[@arhodsden]

I live in USA in New England. Bedroom: My husband and I have our own blankets, always have. He sleeps with one comforter all year and I use a quilt and a weighted blanket and in the winter throw on a fleece and feather blanket as well! I need those blackout curtains. We throw blankets over the blinds to make it extra dark. Bathroom: I wish we had different buttons for flushing. I also wish I could clean under the toilet. It would make cleaning the bathroom so much easier. Laundry: We have a washer and dryer, but also dry clothes by hanging them. We use the dryer in the winter because the clothes would freeze if put outside. And in the summer, we use the dryer if the pollen count is high or if they are spreading manure. Kitchen: We don't have a disposal, we do compost. Outside: I wonder if we use yard/lawn (I tend to just say "going outside") instead of garden because where I live, a garden is where you grow food, or you may have a flower garden. But a yard or lawn is just grass. I enjoyed your video a lot. When we visited Germany, and I don't know if this is typical in houses, but the towel warmer was a new feature to us, and to have the entire floor tiled and connected to the shower area, which I think is called a wet bathroom in the US. We did not stay any place that had a tub. Wondering how common bathtubs are (it's a must have for me). Have you seen videos of Japanese laundry and bathrooms? kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2fLonunbLJ_qcU

[@kathleenkalt3852]

I cannot believe I never though of using separate blankets before. Game changer.

[@Baer1990]

fixed showerheads often hang too low, the detachables have a sliding bar. I rarely detach it but man do I love that sliding bar

[@renae9365]

We also have our own blankets, I am hot all the time, so I have a thin blanket, my hubby is cool, he has a comforter and blanket.

[@j15n5ll5]

We have a king size bed, with shared linens, but I have a twin size electric blanket on my side because I get cold. It's perfect! And we each have two pillows, as my husband changes his mind during the night about the firmness he wants. Interesting video! Thank you and hope y'all are safe!

[@lenavonberg6758]

We have a dryer but still we put our cloth up most of the time. Just a few towels and special things get in the dryer

[@noahfilms2260]

“German” in the title? Diese Kommentarsektion ist jetzt Deutscher Grund und Boden

[@c.c.fritzen7112]

Jawohl

[@3.k]

Muss sowas jetzt eigentlich unter JEDEM Video mit deutschem Titel stehen? Ist nichtmal lustig. :-/

[@el_eleminador1071]

Hippity hoppity, now this is our property!

[@lpmitdidi109]

Jawohl Herr Hauptmann

[@robknight666]

Dadum babum Das ist nun unser Eigentum.

[@CuriousEarthMan]

Thanks for the lively video! Isolation is when you separate something, or keep it apart, like to isolate an ingredient, or isolate a sick person from the group. Insulation is something that impedes or prevents something from passing through something else. The term 'heat insulation' or 'thermal insulation' is so commonly used, mostly it's just shortened to 'insulation', but for sound, it's 'sound insulation' or 'electrical insulation' for electricity. Or, if the context is well understood between the parties involved, then 'insulation' is also used by itself. A garbage disposal is just a 'size reduction unit' technically, which grinds waste food to allow it to flow in water (a slurry) through the sewage lines with 'brown water', since most homes don't have a separate system for 'gray water' (usually washing water) That is: most kitchen sinks are connected to the sewage system, not a gray water system. A food disposal is usually not used for heavy bones (beef bones) and anything not easily ground up. Chicken bones may be ok, but may jam. Other foods like breads, vegetables, and so on are easily ground. 'Food disposals' work best with running water during the grinding. Their drawbacks are the use of that potable water (wasteful) and that they increase the volume of solids and of water to be processed at the wastewater treatment plant, which costs more than sending the food waste out with the 'household solid waste', (regular garbage that usually a truck picks up curbside) A 'Disposall' (originally a brand name?) also usually prevents the veggie waste from being composted. I think the primary criticisms of Disposalls are the volume/cost they add to sewage processing, and the water use. I think of them as coming with the post ww2 consumer economy of convenience, the consequences of using them not being considered important at the time. I think this is plenty long enough, so I'll stop here lol Thanks for another fun video! Is the matching wardrobe a coincidence? haha I appreciate you guys!

[@DeanaandPhil]

well, sounds very logical. We will definitely see in future videos if we are gonna be able to remember that! 😬

[@Craftlngo]

the english word Insulation corresponds to the german Word Isolation. But it can also have the second meaning of separating people from one another

[@henningbartels6245]

It's tricky ... Isolation is a false friend . Ironymus is right: the English insulation corresponds to the German Isolation or Isolierung (at least it is often used this way). Therefore it's easy for native Germans to mix up these both when speaking English. Having said that, Isolation is often used technically wrong in German. Heat or thermal insulation is actually "(Wärme) Dämmung" in German while for electrical insulation "Isolation" is indeed correct in German. There are two different physical effects behind it. "Dämmung" (thermal insulation) only reduces or slows down the flow of heat but it can not totally prevent it. While "Isolation" (like electrical insulation) really prevents all eletricity to pass through this insulation layer. Likewise sound insulation would be rather "Schall-Dämmung" in German, because it just reduces the noise, while "Schall-Isolation" would imply there is no sound or no other sound at all.

[@brittanymartinez3296]

I’m in tx. Hubby put in detachable shower head. AMAZING.

[@lindadunn7656]

Love, love Germany. We visit family in Germany every year and have learned so much. During my first trip over ten years ago I had to buy my own duvet! I love using only the bottom sheet

[@sosoleechen]

My boyfriend and I (both not born in Germany, but raised there) got 1 big 2.20x2.20m blanket 😍 love it. Greetings from Bavaria

[@steveweidig5373]

About the insulation: In German, the word for insulation is Isolierung, but as a verb, but isolating and insulating share the word isolieren. In fact, Isolation is sometimes used for Insulation though it more commonly means isolation, just like in English. And since the English word isolation is written exactly like the German word Isolation, it's a bit of a false friend and a translation trap between English and German.

[@bjjones1968]

When I was stationed in Germany, my landlady told me she was going to isolate me. I said, "Isolate me?" She peoceeded to tell me she meant she was having insulation put up in the house, explaining the word insulieren was used for both isolation and insulation. My shock reaction to being told I would be "isolated" seemed to amuse her. 😂

[@shalyntomlinson4018]

I'm in Canada, my boyfriend and I do both. I have a blanket of my own on top of the blanket we share that way I can be covered no matter what.

[@tomhalla426]

I am originally from California, and masonry/concrete structures are radically unsafe due to earthquake problems. One can do masonry, but the reinforcements required are quite impractically expensive for residences.

[@missionaries7575]

I have a side blanket as well, it’s a down throw I use it for a pillow plus my own blanket. It works

[@Mindy14]

I am an American and when I found out about 10 years ago that 2 mattresses in one bed was a thing, I was shocked but amazed, my husband and I now have this set up I love it! And the blanket question, we have always used separate blankets.

[@curiousman1672]

Minnesota, USA: King Size, 1 fitted sheet, 1 loose sheet, many blankets ( 1 for me, several for my bride), and a comforter. Interesting post. Thanks. MSJ

[@kovanightshade]

Us Minnesota gals get cold and need lots of blankets lol. I like the weight too

[@kls7370]

I used to have a double bed here in Canada and pulled it from the wall to build some attachment for my pillow - head space -I don't like feet dangling over the end of the mattress. Now Queen size bed is the absolute minimum

[@juricarmichel5864]

You'r right i remember "garbage disposal on elm street", "garbage disposal the 13th" or "28 garbage disposals later" , as you know, cause phil's older brother was in that movie.

[@stephenietucker5256]

My partner and I have separate blankets. He sleeps with like 6 blankets and I sleep with one.

[@DeanaandPhil]

haha, I can relate to him! :D

[@stephaniehowe0973]

Haha when I would go visit my boyfriend. We had seperate comforter him rolled up in the whole thing. Me sheet and maybe a blanket

[@nikkil764]

We have those same shutters in Louisiana but we have them because of hurricanes. They are nice for blacking out the sun.

Me and my SO have each our soft thin king blanket (him bamboo and me soft faux fur)plus one california king that we share!!! It’s great

[@umakarunakaran4626]

I’m in America and my house has always had a detachable shower head... I can’t imagine having a fixed one unless I’m in a hotel

[@andreasstolcke6801]

If you live in an earthquake prone area (CA) you will appreciate wood frame houses. They swing with the earth moving, instead of cracking or crumbling like brick. Drawback: no resilience to fire.

[@MrsCasa]

Yep, stone or concrete would not hold up well to that.

[@robbypolter6689]

Auch Stahlbeton widersteht einem Erdbeben, das Fundament spielt dabei eine große Rolle, siehe Japan.

[@LadyMarimeya]

We were both raised in the USA but after one trip to Germany we came back and now have separate covers because that is just sheer brilliance! Tilt-turn windows are amazing and I love them. I was also amazed that no place we stayed had screens (because there weren't that many bugs even in summer) and even the hotels/tall buildings let you open the windows (NOT a thing in the USA). Dryers: It is true that dryers do shorten the life-span of clothing. The biggest question I have about Germany is: WHY do so many showers have a detachable shower head but no curtain or even wall to keep the water from going everywhere?????? Every hotel in Germany we stayed at had a very tiny wall which did not keep the water from splashing out. Even some of our friends had a tub with a detachable shower head and no curtain or stall. We found this very confusing but were too embarrassed to ask for an explanation. Buildings: I did notice there is a very different attitude. Here in the US people try to spend as little money as possible and aren't as worried about quality because they probably aren't going to live there for more than a decade or so. "Let the next owner worry about it." But in Germany everyone seemed concerned with making sure the material would last and was of good quality. I asked about the slate tile roofs and my friend said, "Why would I spend money on something that only lasts 20-30 years when I could put something on the roof that lasts 200 years?"

[@hl6765]

My boyfriend and I are in America and we use two different blankets! He is always cold, so his is a heavier one, I’m always hot so mine is thin! We agree, it’s a game changer! We will never go back to sharing.

[@carola-lifeinparis]

Here in France, the standard size blanket is 2,20 m x 2,40 m and then I went home and my father gave me this 1,35m x 2m blanket for their guest couch ... lots of cold limbs that night.

[@EmziieLou77]

The bed sizes confuse me. In UK we have single, double, king, superking. Add those ones into the mix lol

[@marydavis5234]

In the US, twin[ single] full[ double] xl full[[ 2 inch wider and longer than a normal full]], king , California king, Queen, California Queen, Alaskan king for mattress sizes

[@joannevalentinaromonosky1878]

Forget different blankets. I have my own bedroom. Lol

[@susanjohn6506]

Me too, love it. I get up early & like my room cold with windows open pretty much all year & the cats sleeping with me. My hubby is a night owl, likes his room warm with windows closed & no cats. Great to have our own space too.

[@marylo191]

And that ladies and gentlemen, that is how marriages last 😂 I always said I'd want separate bedrooms

[@alexaelliott2598]

We have had separate bedrooms since day 1 of our 30year marriage. We have kept the mystery and allure in our relationship. I never wanted my husband seeing me struggle into tights or shaving my legs.

[@tammarastephens3728]

Separate bathrooms too!

[@peppersghosttheater]

Yep us too. Separate bedrooms is the best.

[@amyloriley]

Belgium here: kitchens are included in rental apartments.

[@Meziwna26]

Same in spain.

[@fotinibekri6063]

Same in Greece

[@towaritch]

In France, sometimes included, other times not

[@lynnmarieadams1678]

I’m from New Orleans, and when you rent houses (vs apartments), you often have to bring your own fridge, but I have only rented once in which I had to bring my own stove. Usually, you have to have your own washer and dryer.

[@jeanjohnson8492]

I think you probably have not been to much of the US. Especially in the South, many people take great care of their yards. Planting flowers, shrubs, bushes, etc., in your yard is extremely common as is edging your yards and raking leaves, etc.

[@efboeder]

Thanks for this video. I emigrated to Canada in the ‘70s and married a girl from Malaysia. It was that old familiar story of German boy meats Chinese girl from Malaysia in Canada in French class. A number of things you mentioned resonated with me: 1) toilets, 2) gardens and 3) two blankets on the bed. We could not do with a single blanket. Each has a separate blanket with cover. One difference you did not mention is the North American habit of entering your house through the garage or side door. I never liked that. It’s my house and I will enter through the main door. Keep up the entertaining work

[@davenwin1973]

People who park their cars in the garage, then enter the home from the garage, have an attached garage. If people park in the driveway, then most people will enter the front door. As for homes with attached garages, that's a standard feature on homes built since the mid 1970's. Before that, it was a luxury. My grandma was the original occupant of the house I live in now. Money was tight, and got the minimum. Some of the 3 bedroom homes in my subdivision don't have a closet in the living room for hanging up jackets and coats. That was the case with my house. Her house originally didn't have plumbing for a washing machine. That was added later. While natural gas was available, it was for just cooking. The house was originally heated with oil, until 1979. As far as garages, they were not included with the houses, and my place still doesn't have a garage today. Most houses that had a garage added later, are detached. Only a small percentage of houses have attached garages.

[@amygray1451]

I’ve been married 20 years. Separate blankets and sheets!

[@towaritch]

Separate rooms for us

[@peppersghosttheater]

@@towaritch me too. I'm married 4 years. Separate rooms now. I'm currently listening to him snoring 2 room's away

[@miosen7100]

Living in Sweden and the German homes as they ar described here seems to be like the standard here. But, there is kitchens in the apartments .

[@DerTaran]

mio sen In Switzerland, a kitchen is included in the rent as well. But it has it’s pros, in Germany people have control about the equipment of the kitchen, in Switzerland people have to accept whatever the landlord has installed.

[@energiearbeit.leichtfried]

@@DerTaran oje🤒 ihr armen😄

[@zeelowsguys]

I also noticed in Germany a very different toilet style as in the bottom bowl section was filled in like a “viewing platform” and the very front held the water quite cool

[@nikkibonanno3184]

Interesting. Im mostly german. Irish and italian. My grandma aka oma is from germeny. Love learning about Germany. Would love to visit!! My oma and opa always had seperate rooms!

[@sungirl3133]

I think it‘s great to have a „moveable kitchen“, because you can design your own kitchen!!!

[@Elitus]

Me: The toilet should always be a seperate Room

[@danielleaileen4414]

I live in the US and this was soo interesting to me

[@mickieb946]

During my rental years in NYC, occasionally I've had to supply a stove, a fridge, or a window AC (always lived in pre war buildings) and in more townish settings elsewhere, a washer/dryer (hook ups only present--NYC never even had the hook ups) but never a whole kitchen. I've never rented anywhere that had a dishwasher and then went and bought a house that didn't have one either!

[@sierrafoxtrot666]

also zwei Decken im Bett sind absolut notwendig, weil einer dem anderen sonst die immer wegnimmt, bei den Toiletten unterscheidet man Flachspüler und Tiefspüler und die Sache mit der Küche ist auch normal bei uns..bin die letzten zwanzig Jahre zehnmal umgezogen und hab immer meine Küche mitgenommen und dem jeweiligen Platz angepasst..wenn das wer für Deana übersetzen könnte, wäre richtig nett...ich mag eure Videos total, weil ich damit auch mein Englisch etwas aufbessern kann..👍..außerdem seid ihr zwei auch so sympathisch