7 German Things I Used To Hate (but now I like)

[@NALFVLOGS]

Hey guys, get a 50% lifetime discount on Rosetta Stone using this link: bit.ly/41OPZsY

[@michaelgrabner8977]

Did you notice that always when you used your hands for a gesture while trying to pronounce Italian terms properly that made you pass the try....that´s hilarious

[@mats7492]

Im always amazed that Americans find it outrageous to pay 50 cents to 1 euro to use the bathroom but think its completely normal to tip 20-25% just to be served food.. 🙂

[@nicktankard1244]

I’m totally fine with paying for bathrooms but always having coins is annoying. Just make them contactless payments and I’m all in. If I was able to just touch with my smart watch and go that would’ve been awesome

[@ElMagoRob]

Yeah right, not everyone tips that generously if at all. I think it's mostly the fact that we don't have the change to use the bathroom if we had to pay, so in an emergency situation you crap your pants because you didn't have 2 quarters on you.

[@wakeupcall2665]

@@ElMagoRobTo be honest, how often in a life time do you have such an emergency? If at all, three times max? And even then, people outside of America are capable of and able to handle such an emergency (like with children) and simply ask the nearest shop/ cafe/restaurant staff or owner to use the toilet. And nobody has to be scared to be shot „by accident“ for trespassing! Get real! The only time I ever use a public toilet is when I am on a road trip at a service station when refuelling the car. I don’t even remember when I had to even when sightseeing on vacation.

[@XX-bn9sf]

@@wakeupcall2665 Just wait till you get older and need to pee 18 times a day.

[@AndreUtrecht]

@@ElMagoRob In The Netherlands you can pay with your bank card / Apple Pay / Google Pay

[@andreasherzog2222]

I was among those Germans telling you that almost every little step in our bureaucracy makes some sort of sense. But please continue to hate it for how ineffectively and slowly the processes are executed. We must get faster.

[@justinress2782]

Yes, and it isn’t the most correct either.

[@superwoman6413]

Yes to the delay for being thorough and checking every step of the process, kudos on that. No to the delay for the highly ineffective work style, where everything is on paper and you need to submit the same documents in four different places due to privacy concerns (that I find loable, but wouldn't it be possible to get some documents compulsed and checked in one place and the rest of the burocratic just gets the signal that everything is OK in your documents? Do you really need all of it on paper just to scan it in front of my nose and keep also the paper copy?)

[@MasterBlaster220]

Socialism doesnt work. And it always grows.

[@dreamingflurry2729]

Well, the bureaucrats are slowpokes and the first thing they do is check if they have jurisdiction and if not, they'll either do nothing (worst case) or send what ever landed on their desk to the right desk. What makes me hate German bureaucracy is that it is slow in accepting modern communication! We've had e-mail for 25 years at the very least and they aren't truly using (especially courts! It's FAX-Machine or personal! No other way to get stuff to them...seriously, get with the times!)

[@trevordavies5486]

Jesus, bureaucracy, you guys should try living in France.

[@margreetanceaux3906]

"To pay the people who clean the restrooms" - now that’s a revolutionary thought, America. Sorry, I couldn’t resist…

[@XX-bn9sf]

If waiters shouldn't be tipped, but rather be paid a living wage, then that should apply to bathroom cleaners as well.

[@AndreUtrecht]

@@XX-bn9sf Face it... American toilets suck

[@dutchman7623]

@@XX-bn9sf They are usually self employed, the basic hardware is provided, but they have to take care of everything else. Team work to do shifts etc.

[@Yyr85]

pay rater the waiter who only brings the food that you could get yourself, but get a shock when you have to pay for something that others have to clean

[@Kjartan1975]

@@XX-bn9sf Issue is that the tipping culture in US is the solution for entrepreneurs to pay their employees below minimum wage. I think you are aware of that exemption in US law about minimum wage. This would be illegal in Germany so you can not compare the situation of a German waiter with an US one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5DJfp6Ofb6bbMU

[@gloofisearch]

I personally love the "German bluntness/directness". I live in America and have an American family. They always talk around the bush, even for important decisions. Some of the family members are then just flushed because of what others decided but didn't tell them because they didn't want the confrontation or "hurt" the other person. So, because of this, there is always some drama going on between different parts of the family which could easily be avoided by just telling as it is.

[@samends8863]

there is an old saying here in germany that "only speaking people can be helped". 😉

[@papillon232]

@@samends8863 naja ehr “Wer nichts fordert, bekommt auch nichts.”

[@samends8863]

@@papillon232 Das macht keinen Sinn. Wie "fordere" ich Kommunikation, um besser miteinander leben zu können?

[@AndreasDelleske]

Yep. We stomp right on the bush, twice if you complain :)

[@EnkaMexi]

@@papillon232 Ich kenne auch den Spruch "Was braucht der Mensch zum leben? Einen Mund zum reden."

[@Strohi26]

As a typical German, I must acknowledge that you are now more German in your habits than I am. Impressive to see how much you have been "germanized" in a relatively short time. I've been following your channel pretty much since the beginning and have never commented on anything yet (silent viewer) but the award for 100% fully approved GERMAN you hereby receive :) Nice :)

[@Fragenzeichenplatte]

You WILL be assimilated haha

[@debrachristidis4376]

I couldn't agree with you more!..I've been living near stgt since 1989, and it feels like home. In fact, when my husband and I and our Twins moved back to Minneapolis, it didn't take long for me to be "Home sick" for our German town.. So we packed up an moved "Home" A very memorable moment was when I popped into our local Bakery shortly after our return and the owner greeted me by name mentioned that my son had forgotten his wooly cap that morning and handed it to me over the counter. I was blown away! Someone knows us by our names and was sweet in saving this little kids cap until we popped in again. Perhaps it takes a while to meet people and make friends, but once you do, you will have a friend forever. Thanks again for your very open and honest youtube channel!! Love it!

[@arnodobler1096]

Omg ❤

[@franhunne8929]

Yes, that is Germany in a nutshell - we are coconuts - rough on the outside, but once you got to our core, you're in for a treat. And if we are friends, we are friends for a long time.

[@dashippo4372]

This is how German middle class busineses, often family owned, are!

[@arnodobler1096]

@@dashippo4372 I was in my newspaper kiosk this week and the saleswoman handed me 1 € "You left it last week!" I added a € "For the coffee fund!" I was so touched.

[@Aaackermann]

Love your story and it makes me kinda proud to be a german. I kno we have flaws, but there are things to love about us as well! Welcome back to good ol germany!

[@jonileo3996]

As a German it is funny to watch your Videos, because most of the Stuff is so true

[@NALFVLOGS]

thanks so much!

[@habicht6]

STIMMT... I do agree

[@chrissiesbuchcocktail]

I think the bluntness is great because it safes a lot of time and you don't have to guess what people really think / mean. I understand that it can look rude at first but as soon as you realize that it is not meant to be rude and you are expected to be blunt as well it's a good quick concept of communication. I think our cultural bluntness is the reason why many Germans say US-Americans are so fake. In general we prefer to hear the thruth over sugarcoating everything unpleasant.

[@lucidfox.]

It's nice to see what you have to say about our country and our culture. For me as a German, all these things are absolutely normal, but it's great to have another positive perspective on our life here. I love this country and I am very happy that an American feels comfortable here and even takes a little something for himself. I would feel the same as a visitor to the US! Thank you Nick!

[@mojojim6458]

I have one word for this development...well, two. Stockholm Syndrome. Sigh ©

[@oldtrkdrvr]

America used to be closed on Sundays back in the mid to early 60's. I am 70 so I remember those days.

[@sugonmad2402]

Which way did you prefer?

[@oldtrkdrvr]

I would have the 60's back, minus the racism, we don't need that.

[@sugonmad2402]

@@oldtrkdrvr Like in general or just the Sundays?

[@oldtrkdrvr]

Everything, all week. Neighbors used to look after each other, crime was very low compared to what it is now. I am astounded as to why Americans put up with the level of crime we put up with.

[@sugonmad2402]

@@oldtrkdrvr Crime wasn't lower. It mostly never was. But I get the feeling. For America at least. I feel like your folks got affected way too much by the internet.

[@rudi21785]

And i hope you changed your mind about manual cars. 😅

[@mojojim6458]

Notice that learning Italian with Rosetta Stone involves using the correct hand gestures.

[@simongassenschmidt7995]

wow, that is a selling point!

[@Freestylefisch]

@@simongassenschmidt7995 Wowe 👋that isse a sselling pointe! 🤌🤌

[@CDubs754]

Great video! When I first arrived from the States and I realized everyone gets 30 days per year of vacation I was in shock. I remember going to work and wondering how are we going to get this Project finished when every week another team member is out on vacation?!? Ultimately it always works out one way or another and things get done. Now I look at how little vacation workers get in the States and I feel badly they/we have so little time off to enjoy our families and life experiences.

[@kristinuebele4649]

Agree, German standard breakfast may not be too glamorous, but we know how to brunch 😊

[@LythaWausW]

Hafenbar Neuss has an awesome all you can eat brunch in Neuss. Free refills on the OJ! And if you arrive at the correct time, the menu changes from breakfasty to lunchy and it just gets better.

[@sticc3978]

Haferflocken rules

[@elipa3]

True.

[@timamoll]

@@LythaWausW Wow! Danke für den Tipp. Ich werde es probieren, wenn ich mal wieder durch Neuss komme 😊😊

[@mannyortega]

@@timamoll Die meisten versuchen, so schnell wie möglich von dort wegzukommen. :D

[@sensorpixel]

Perspective is the reason I watch your videos (aside from the fact that they always put me in a good mood). As a German, it's nice to get this outside perspective. You don't only learn that "our" way may not the only way of doing things, you also learn to appreciate things that you have never noticed and always taken for granted. So -- thanks for putting in all the work :)

[@kenhenderson1762]

Nick, I'm with you about hatchbacks. I used to think they were goofy looking. But now, after my second car with a hatchback, I see them as an effective way to have decent rear cargo space without having to haul a big-ass trunk. Also the rear wiper really helps during rain!

[@arnodobler1096]

Hatchback cars were also made cool by the sport of rallying, which doesn't really exist in the US but does in Europe.

[@nejdro1]

Hey, I drive a Mini-Van. Talk about un-cool! But I just don't care because the thing is so damned practical. I can carry up to 8 people, or a bunch of 8 foot 2x4's with the rear hatch closed. What i really like at my old age is the ease of getting in and out. The seats are at such a height that I only have to slide in, rather than lower myself into some seat 12 inches off the ground!

[@Schalalai]

Yeah i have something i changed my Mind about and it´s you. Don´t get me wrong, i am a long Time Viewer of your Channel and really like to watch your Videos, but.... (yes sir, hier ist the "aber") At the Beginning i thought....okay then, here is another american who makes Content about Things he like or dislike in Germany. Same as everyone. But you and your Channel had grown so much since the start. Your Topics are quite deep, the way you express and explain things is just top notch. Not only that. The Cinematography of your Videos are so good. They were my prejudices and therefore my mistake. Don't judge anyone based on first impressions. Keep up the good work and enjoy your next Butterbrezel.

[@jack2453]

The best thing about a light German breakfast is that it allows room for the 'zweite Frühstück'!!

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

I thought only Italians did that, with the second cappuccino.

[@rainerm.8168]

Are you a Hobbit?

[@jack2453]

@@rainerm.8168 🤔

[@MarsOhr]

That's my way, too. Zweiter Hunger arrives soon.

[@Kontrabass66]

That is why the Americans got that fat... or do you still say "strong"?

[@XX-es8vg]

I may or may not agree with you on all of these things, but I salute you for being able to change your mind after being presented with new evidence or gaining new experiences. I wish more people would be able to do so.

[@lischa545]

I don't find it outrageous that I have to pay 50 cent for a trip to the toilet. However, I do find it outrageous that I can't pay with card. The fact that you have to walk around with money on your person at all times, has become such a foreign concept to me that it irks me tremendously 😀.

[@chubbywombat7402]

Nice video, as always. It made me reflect on the difference in meaning of “love” and “hate” compared to their counterparts in German. It’s strange how quickly Americans love or hate something or someone. Americans seemingly use them to express a slightly stronger form of like and dislike. Germans use these words for very, very special persons, things or occasions. For the most precious one only. “I love your socks” = “I really like your socks”. Or “I used to hate paying 50 cents for using a bathroom” = “I don’t like paying far that, it’s annoying.” In German, “love/lieben” and “hate/hassen” are such strong words. You love your parents, your spouse, your kids. They are soo deeply, deeply in your heart. You hate your worst enemy. The worst feeling for that despicable creature who made your life a living hell. But would I love my colleagues in German (“ich liebe meine Kollegen!”) ? Nope. I do like my colleagues. But love them? We’re not THAT close. Would I hate a closed shop on Sundays (“Ich hasse diesen geschlossenen Laden” ? Hate a shop? It’s not that important. Why is there this huge difference in meaning? And how do Americans express their love-love for something, if the word’s been taken over by “really like”?

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

It's because Americans forget that there are also verbs like: "to dislike", "to detest"

[@cdiehr-xm3mc]

I think it’s less of a difference in language than a difference in culture. Americans like to express things in very extreme terms… if we don’t, it feels like it doesn’t mean anything… as if it would somehow get lost in the noise if you know what I mean.

[@owensparks5013]

"I'm literally starving." In English: I'm dying of malnutrition. In American: I haven't had a snack for nearly 8 minutes. I don't know what literally means, but add just for emphasis.

[@seresje]

Every american reality show where someone gets voted off after one episode and everyone is crying and saying " I love you so much!!" You just met! What!? Bizarre.

[@all_in_for_JESUS]

A Hatchback is not a functional tool. It IS COOL 😎 A Notchback is something old people drive. A car from the 70s 😂

[@TheMarslMcFly]

Since you don't like Hatchbacks, what typa car is "cool" to you, Nick?

[@mojojim6458]

Probably the more expensive Mercedes-Benz models. They're so functional.

[@andreasn.9970]

I disagree on the hatchback topic. Germans drive those because they actually like them not because they are functional or anything. That comes from a German that loves his Dodge Ram.

[@GetRidOfCivilAssetForfeiture]

Sometimes I miss my Hyundai Elantra mini wagon. It was versatile, maneuverable, easy to parallel park, great acceleration (a fun story about that aspect) and excellent gas mileage. They were an overall durable vehicle as well. Until recently, since the model was only out for one year and is now 25 years old, I would see at least a dozen in my area if only 120k people. We were like people who use to own VW Beetles, honk and wave at each other when we saw another one on the road. Maybe my next car will be a hatchback.

[@frankb1]

Yes the bathrooms in Germany are clean. But the free bathrooms in Buc-ee's in Texas and Tennesse are super clean.

[@davidhjortnaes2000]

And KwikTrip in WI.

[@schlollepop]

Being Italian, you are actually legally required (by Italian law) to teach your kids Italian. Looking forward to that phase of your life 😊

[@nilsvonbelow5971]

Dear Nalf: Thank you for beeing such a great example of cultural curiosity.

[@happyundertaker6255]

No, we all hate Serways.

[@toniderdon]

German bureaucracy is sometimes necessary but most of the time it is just stupid and a waste of time and resources. Countries like Estonia have seen great success by cutting down bureaucracy and we should learn from other countries. We need to make sure that we never fall into this arrogance trap were we stop learning from others

[@perryrhodan2009]

Ich will die Bürokratie nicht schönreden, aber wo man mehr Anspruch auf Leistungen hat, hat man mehr Bürokratie. Ich persönlich habe viele positive Erfahrungen mit Ämtern gemacht. Sollte auch mal gesagt werden.

[@tasminoben686]

Kurt Tucholsky: des deutschen größte Pein ist es, vor einem Schalter zu stehen. Punktpunkt des deutschen größte Freude ist es, hinter einem Schalter zu sitzen.. Grüße aus Hamburg, Ben

[@richardreinertson1335]

I hafta say, for someone who is just finally learning Italian, your accent is amazing. You even know that half of Italian is using your hands. 😂I would say you must have a gift for languages.

[@toughbutsweet1]

I wonder if NALF has learned German?

[@pippamint176]

ok so you know there are sliding/slide-able screens, so there is no need for flies in the room AND you can stick your head out the window. win win !for nalf

[@andreashorn9638]

Funny to hear that german breakfasts are light with all that sugar, Sausages, fat cheese and stuff. But sure, that depends on you point of view:)

[@barbieb2529]

Compared to an American breakfast, it is.

[@anitapenkert389]

Window screens: I love the sight of some elderly people who place a cushion on the windowsill and do "sightseeing" in their street. Looks cozy. For me, there are two more reasons: As most German houses have brick walls, you get a real windowsill where I put out my planters. If I want some tomatoes or herbs for cooking I just pop my head out the window and pick them freshly. And for your bedroom, you can air out your duvets during (sunny) days. I would find screens really restricting.

[@Frenchie100]

8:10 Great video, as always! :) About the cars: I wouldn't say that Germans just don't care if their car looks cool or not. I'd say that the average definition of what constitutes a "cool looking" car is just very different. Funnyly enough, the VW Jetta, which is the saloon version of the Golf, has always been way more popular in the States, while it's always had a more negative connotation in Germany: "Golf mit Rucksack". It was for a long time viewed as a boring car for older people. Can anyone, American or not, please explain this one thing to me: I personally never understood why pick-up trucks were so popular in the US. Unless you're working in construction and often have to carry huge things around with your car, how do you even use that big load space? If it's open, people can just look at what's inside and pick something they like - so you can't "leave stuff in your trunk". (I know there are some higher end pick-up trucks with a rigid cover, but those are very few) And if you drive at higher speeds than just in town, that shape has to be extremely un-aerodynamic... I know that the SUV is now what most peole want, but back 20 years ago, iirc, about 50% of car sales in the US were pick-up trucks. Can anyone explain this to me? Thanks!

[@blessingsoutlaw]

Personal choice for a mostly male consumer. The pickup truck has been marketed to make them appear as a free spirit or a macho man. No shade. 😂

[@anitapenkert389]

Great explanations in this video from Not Just Bikes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH-anoaOgteoe9E

[@christian_maibaum]

Unaerodynamic is not an issue in the US: You are not driving fast at all (55mph to 75mph would be 88km/h to 120km/h) and gas is much cheaper over there. Cars are cheaper as well. In recent years you can see a lot of US-Pick Up trucks in Germany (like a RAM 1500, Ford Ranger or Chevy Silverado). A lot means you can spot them from time to time compared to 20 years ago when there were none at all.

[@thiemokellner1893]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and views. Been living in Germany and Switzerland for all of my live. Most of the time German bureaucracy infuriates me still. We even coined a bon mot for it. Beamtenmikado, i.e. public official mikado, i.e. first one moving looses. Maybe, this is a gross exaggeration. However, I feel Swiss bureaucracy is much slicker and I do not feel that German does it right the first time more often than Swiss. Cheers

[@skalar_playz7772]

But German bureaucracy still doesn´t get things right the first time xD Sadly in many cases something bad/shoking needs to happen to get attention on the topic and to something to chanege/make actually right this time

[@paulsdomainuk]

Just got back from my first trip to the states. You're not kidding about the breakfast! Basically my whole day calories in one sitting, totally exhausting 😂 very delicious but I'm happy to go back to light breakfasts.

[@OrangeTabbyCat]

I am German and paying for the restrooms will NEVER be normal to me, nor do a I believe that it all goes to the money who clean them.I could be wrong but these are big companies who probably pay minimal wage. Many of the toilets are self cleaning. I wouldn’t buy anything at the Autobahn stops either es they have auch high prizes those 50 ct back won’t make a difference. We got stuck with a group of 20kids at our local train station for one hour. The store in that station has the same machines to use the restrooms. The even wanted money from two little boys who had to pee.

[@blondkatze3547]

It`s true that many Germans think like that, the main thing is that my car is comfortable and practical instead of expensive and flashy.

[@tasminoben686]

❤

[@romywolfofficial]

I'm the opposite. Every time I've traveled to the US I have shamelessly indulged in iHoP and Denny's breakfasts 😅

[@yvonnehorde1097]

I have, by the way, changed my mind on "wait to be seated". It has its advantages because it sometimes brings more quietness to a visit of a restaurant. I used to hate it when I lived in the UK. We do not have that in Germany. In restaurants, you can sit wherever you like.And I changed my mind a bit on that "fake smile" culture most Germans see in the USA. Sometimes, it is nice to be greeted by a friendly smile when you get a service from someone....

[@jjsc4396]

After living in many countries globally I believe a core of the German stereotype in English speaking countries is a relatively extreme reluctance to “have a go” at speaking English. That’s makes their patterns of speech in English hesitant, reluctant, sparse, etc., and this is taken as reflective of their collective national character. In Germany, amongst Germans, speaking German, they are open, humorous, engaging, informal, and other than the relative directness you refer to - not ALL that different from Americans generally. Germans almost universally say this is because they are drilled in school that speaking English anything other than absolutely correctly is very bad, so they are reluctant. Contrast that with, say, most Italians. Who will have a good go regardless of their level of proficiency. That’s not to say Germans are the only nationality to experience this. But, combined with their relative bluntness, I reckon it’s produced a stereotype that’s just not how they are overall.

[@MarsOhr]

In a comment of another youtube-video with this concern, the commenter pointed out that the perceived "bluntness" is based on a misunderstanding. That idea made me think. He/She pointed out that the German language is loaded with modal particles other languages don't have, and that modal particles get lost in translation. And if they are lost, it sounds really blunt.

[@LexusLFA554]

Hatchbacks are so engrained into our culture, they have been a staple since at least 40 years. When I see a Honda Civic Type R I just think how much these cars can actually achieve. The only bad thing, that is often annoying, is the FWD layout in these Hot Hatches.

[@Alexander-dt2eq]

go try italian breakfast! :)

[@Kokuswolf]

My perspective on german bureaucracy has shifted smooth, but slow: avoid the Amt if possible and reasonable. But maybe one day we are like some of our neighbors - full digital.

[@Habakuk_]

Japan ist noch schlimmer von daher die haben sogar noch Videokassetten :)

[@hansgeorgschrey5168]

Hi Nalf as you are Italian, did you notice that Iltalian breakfasts are much smaller than German ones? The typical Italian breakfast is only a small cup of Espresso - that's all! German breakfast is heavy compared to that.

[@franhunne8929]

We had a joke around here, in some student bars you got a "French breakfast" - a café au lait and a Gauloise. You can also have a craftsman breakfast - Mettbrötchen (raw pork minced meat - seasoned -) with a bottle of beer. *that was in the good old days, in the late 80s

[@PagChomp190]

He is american with ancestory in italy, so he doesnt know about the italian "ways".

[@svenlima]

+HansGS You're not quite right: You forgot "il cornetto" (a pastry) filled with vanilla cream that goes with the espresso in the morning. :-)

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

What do you mean with: "a small" cup of espresso? If it not small, it's NOT an espresso.

[@christinehorsley]

About the windows without screens … I’m sure that SOMEONE in all those years you’ve been living here pointed out to you the (very cheap and flimsy) Fliegengitter / Fliegenschutz which you attach to the window with Velcro. Take it them off in the fall when the insect season is over, put new ones on in spring. The thing is, you must BUY them yourself. For a lot more money you can get more permanent Fliegengitter in aluminum frames which you pop into the window … and there are also very fancy and rather expensive sliding/rolling screens, which as a renter I wouldn’t get, but they’d give you the best of both worlds. Of course now most insects have disappeared (eradicated I guess) but I still attach the Fliegengitter every spring, and can read at night in the bedroom with the light on and not a single mosquito bothering me. So PLEASE stop saying there are no window screens in Germany. Simply say that in Germany windows don’t come equipped with screens and that one must buy them yourself.

[@swanpride]

Frankly, the best protection is nature anyway. I am not too bothered about spiders, hence I don't have a huge problem with flies usually.

[@alexz7914]

Or you have these screens that can be pulled down

[@drau331]

NALF, my respect for the ability to change the opinion about something and the tolerance to recognize foreign values. Many people run through their lives, having an unchangeable mind, thinking they are always in the right position in their unbreakable concrete walls.

[@NOBODY.s]

why do u always upload ur videos a secound time and delete the first

[@constanze8404]

I keep wondering the same

[@herb6677]

Well if you want to learn everything that is German you also have to learn how different bugs and flies look here. A screen would not help.

[@marcelmuseler6697]

Geht doch. Nächstes Jahr bist du ein Deutscher der nicht weiß, warum er Englisch spricht.😂🤣

[@karlineschlenkerbein131]

2 things, I find really annoying on YT: Americans complaining about the missing screens in the windows: go to a Baumarkt and buy screens! And not EVERYTHING is closed on sundays, only shops. Museums, restaurants, bars, theaters, clubs and lots of other venues are open on sundays. It's only a problem, if your only hobby is shopping. 🙄

[@bcool9104]

German cars: BMW and Mercedes, but "Germans see cars as just a tool"--NALF showing his CTE!!!!!

[@mojojim6458]

I noticed that, too. LOL

[@swanpride]

A lot of Germans also drive an Opel, which is what you pick if you want German engineering without the flashy brand attached to it. And BMW and Mercedes come in different models, too.

[@mojojim6458]

@@swanpride All of which are functional.

[@bluebear6570]

Have you ever encountered Spanish or Italian bureaucracy? You will love German bureaucracy after that! Hatchbacxks are trhe most common type of cars, not only in Germany, but all over Europe, even the UK.

[@jps30]

I think you need to incorporate a butter Bretzel into your logo somehow. A lot of these things are already part of my life. More proof I need to find a way to get to Germany.

[@hape3862]

Americans: "You have to pay for the toilet?" Germans: "You have to pay for the hospital?"

[@webfreezy]

It's always interesting to see your experience and opinion and then the one from "LebenUSA" here on YT who is a German now living in the US. Maybe you should do a video together discussing these things? That would probably be awesome! 😊

[@MichaelBurggraf-gm8vl]

It's really interesting to watch you growing into our society... and even into European society now learning Italian (wish I had time for that - it's a nice language and I've learned latin in school hence I feel I should do it; (*1)). I grew up having bread with marmelade or müsli for breakfast. Having anything salty or sour for breakfast seemed to be impossible to have for me. Meanwhile I've changed and possibly a stay in England might have contributed to that because I've received a traditional English breakfast a few times with bacon and eggs, baked beans with toast, etc. Striving to be friendly I've accepted and tried it and was pleasantly surprised - even partly of myself. Buona notte! (*1) admit you want to show off by imitating characters of "The Godfather" and "Sopranoes" 😄

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

Godfather, Sopranos... Real Italians are not exclusively like Americans with a Southern Italian peasant ancestry.

[@sns4748]

The toilet thing is weird since Americans make money out of everything besides peeing. They are basically Toilet communists 😂

[@delanebredvik]

Man, I miss those German pretzels. Kills me every time I see one in your videos.

[@LythaWausW]

I'm in Germany and I miss them. Ridiculous huh? You have to be in the precise location for butter pretzels and that is a 10 hour drive for me: (

[@whattheflyingfuck...]

they are reason enough to come back ^^

[@o.b.7217]

@@LythaWausW I'm pretty sure you can get butter brezeln everywhere in Germany. And a 10 hour drive gets you from one end of Germany to the other - in both north-south and east-west direction.

[@roberthernandez2989]

Dont like pretzels for breakfast and I live here since 1993

[@delanebredvik]

@@roberthernandez2989 How about a pretzel with your afternoon beer?

[@rexmcstiller4675]

6:29 I have a moskito net over my bed here in germany. I live close to the river Rhein and his wet lands. So in summer we usually have quite a lot mosquitos. But the net over the bed, a few bat´s in the barn of my neigbour and the guys from the mosquito pest control really help.

[@knownothing5518]

Window screen solution: get a removable one. I have this. It's stuck on with strong metal holders that fit between the window's frame and the window itself, so it's extra secured by a closed window in harsh weather and keeps itself in place if I open it in any way when it's warm. On the subject of cars I quite agree. The absolute priority with a primary vehicle should be utility. Does it get somewhere efficiently? Does it bring me there quicker than other modes of transport? Perhaps there are no alternatives effective enough and it's worth spending as much money as necessary and as little as possible to get around in a personal vehicle. Is it safe (e.g. big enough to protect me from other cars, small enough to let me see more vulnerable traffic participants easily, something which is getting increasingly impossible with 100% needlessly oversized, gas-guzzling SUVs and bullshit trucks)?

[@nxs3374]

He’s becoming more German/ European! Kudos

[@roncenti]

I have learned when I grew up to have a big breakfast, a normal Lunch and a small Dinner. What was the phrase (loosely translated and probably not politically correct anymore)? "Breakfast like a Caesar (Kaiser), Lunch like a King and Dinner like a beggar (Bettelmann)". This way your body can work on burning the food which it can less at the end of the day. I like the bluntness. I am using it often and it benefits me here in the US. I am a little careful with people who don't know me but once they do, I talk fast, blunt, direct and efficient. I used to fight my German attitude when moved to the US but over the years I have embraced some of them. That is one of them. It's sometimes hilarious how people react when in a group everybody is so polite with their opinion and then my simple "NO!" ... silence... makes the Group laugh.

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

The big breakfast had its roots in the industrial revolution, when poor people had to work all day without a proper break, and at the end of the day there wasn't much left for a decent meal. There's no scientific justification for it.

[@peggiescraftcafe7117]

It's not the cost of the bathroom it's that you have to fuss with getting the money and going through a turn style before you get to the toilet. You better be ready and not have to go bad. What a nuisance. And by the way I've been to many roadside rest stops that are clean and just fine.

[@ChoiiXMasters]

There was no oopsie, what are you talking about? 😂 Love your content man, i'm proud to be THAT fast on your videos 💚

[@ElinT13]

When I moved to the States many eons ago, I hated maple sirup! I found it awful, bitter ... nah, not my taste. Well, I came to love it. There are few things better than pancakes with maple sirup. I am back in Germany for decades, but sometimes I just need some pancakes with maple sirup, up to this day. Some things you just have to experience for a while to understand and appreciate.

[@sascharambeaud1609]

My family all love pan cakes and maple sirup and none but me have been to the US. Things like that do spill over even without being directly exposed to the whole culture ;)

[@blessingsoutlaw]

Man, I hate bugs. Even though screens are a bummer, mosquitoes and bugs flying around my head while I’m trying to sleep simply drive me batsh#t. I admire people who can tolerate this! 😃

[@ankem4329]

I don't have screens but cats who lkve to hunt. No mosquito bites sinde years.

[@mitchrapp9354]

In our apartment we have fly screens at each window and sliding doors at our balcony doors. Easy to install, easy to remove. Also in a hot sommer we can sleep with all windows oben and a ventilator keeps air moved. We have always a fantastic sleep in the night with no flies...

[@khecke]

So what is new about that? Are you running out of material to report from Germany and need the money from youtube?

[@BlueFlash215]

8:57 I beg to differ! There are truly some damn impressive hatchbacks

[@thiemokellner1893]

Wit respect to communication style... don't know how to put it. If you grew up in Germany or with German origins, the German way is normal. In Switzerland it often times is considered rude. I grew up in CH but with German parents so I got it both. I feel that German sometimes could be more polite without sacrificing their directness. And Swiss could be a bit more straight without sacrificing courtesy. There is an idiomatic expression in the German language: Der Ton macht die Musik, i.e. it is the sound that makes the music.

[@rosendo9953]

Nick, where is laura??!! We havent seen u guys do anything together in a while.

[@Bitlox]

I grew up in the States, and I have grown to despise window screens. The severely impede the flow of air.

[@ricardotrejoruiz5776]

Hi Nick, haven´t you forgotten to include WALKING every day???

[@alanward992]

Having lived in Germany now for 10 years and being English born but having lived in Australia for most of my life, I have to agree with most of your comments here. I also love the quiet Sundays, (now!) and the no nonsense "say it as it is" German bluntness, but... the paying for toilets still bugs me (particularly when they are so hard to find in the first place!) and the bureaucracy, well, don't get me started, but you know, I really do love living here and the positives far outweigh any negatives I may still have. The difficulty of the language is another issue but...I'm getting there. Give me another 10 years and I'll be fine. Oh, and the politicians seem to have brains here. : )

[@BN-zy6rd]

A toilet has to be clean. So I'm happy to pay for it.

[@elipa3]

Change your socks to black. 😁

[@NeurosenkavalierEmilSinclair]

Even I hate mist of these things and I'm german 😂😂

[@sebastiansarre2436]

Love the years-long commitment to the butter pretzel 😂

[@christian_maibaum]

I find it strange that NALF is trying to explain the prejudices that Americans have towards Germany, while at the same time acting as if it's totally normal to eat buttered pretzels in Germany. It's as regional as Oktoberfest and Lederhosen. Come to Northern Germany and eat a Franzbrötchen. 😋

[@all_in_for_JESUS]

We only have screens on the windows we open regularly. For Lüften 😂. The other windows don't have screens. So you always have some windows to stick your head out or to throw something out. A Christmas Tree for Example 😂

[@mojojim6458]

LOL

[@AM-yu6ys]

I expected you to talk about the German stare. You still don't like it? 😂

[@NALFVLOGS]

Hahahaha that I still don’t like

[@AM-yu6ys]

@@NALFVLOGS on some days I don't like it either. Just the other day I was about to show this old guy my middlefinger because he was staring at me like crazy. But I'm guilty of staring at other people too, I don't realize that I'm doing it. Its very interesting how we learn social behavior from young age and how different it is in societies around the world.

[@arnodobler1096]

​@@NALFVLOGS 👀

[@drewsykes8152]

I’m torn at the idea of having to pay to go to the toilet - Feels like a basic human right/need but then you do appreciate clean facilities. US tipping culture feels like more of a shakedown!

[@mozzerm]

But who would have to pay to clean them? The government?

[@franhunne8929]

Please, do not use the word "shakedown" when talking about toilets - it sounds really - dirty

[@Edda-Online]

In fact there are smaller, simpler Rast areas. They have public toilets for free. I think there are even more of those than the big Segway ones with gas stations and restaurants. But those toilets are less fancy. I always insist to go to the ones requesting a fee. 😊

[@NeurosenkavalierEmilSinclair]

With the german bureaucracy i disagree. In many ways it often is just inefficiant. There is just no point in using snail mail for every important document when you could do it digital. A lot of things could be done way more efficiant. Also there are a lot of loopholes for taxes/ tax paybacks that only people can use, that are more wealthy - and this issue is directly connected to complicated bureaucracy. Some people can spend so much money on business expanses they can get get money back through taxes and its just possible because its too complicated to check if its legit.

[@Lemonrollcake]

Bathrooms can be clean and free. Other countries can provide that. As a German I hate the public bathroom situation in Germany.

[@hansmuller3604]

if you want to teach the customers of a german rail station feel happy to do so...

[@MichaelAndersen_DK]

Even the bureaucracy? Then you have truly been assimilated!

[@raven1508]

I hope that your favorite bakery will sponsor you too. You really love the buttered pretzel.🙂

[@johncollier6914]

As a "Brit", who's now lived in Germany for 28 years, I agree with everything that you say except for the Sunday shopping. If you're as busy (plus a little disorganised) as I am, the ability to shop for food on a Sunday would be very useful.

[@andeekaydot]

Ooohh... You could just mark Sundays red in your calendar. Means "Shopping only in der Bäckerei, im Blumenladen oder an der Tanke"...

[@pillarwatch]

There's always a genius in the family, no wonder the Romans never defeated them.

[@nicktankard1244]

I think hatchbacks are better looking. I’ve always preferred them. And I’m not even German. They are more convenient and practical and shorter which is nice in cities. Now that I moved to Canada I’m annoyed that most of the good hatchbacks are not available in North America so there is no choice. In general there are no premium small cars here. If you want a nice car you have to go with a big SUV or a very long sedan. No bueno

[@mowana1232]

On my first visit to the US, I fell in love with the Denny's Grand Slam breakfast. You are not allowed to diss it ;). I also introduced my parents to it on their first (and sadly) only visit to the US and they enjoyed themselves as well, particularly my mom who also loved their, for German tastes, rather weak coffee ("finally something I can drink without standing up in bed all night" she was 5ft tall). We also love their quick, friendly, but not over the top service. I would say that American pancake breakfast and a full German Sunday breakfast aren't so different. Once you are through a full load of German rolls, danishes and eggs, a small "Nickerchen" is a good idea.

[@r.d.5117]

Dear NALF, look into your local Baumarkt and ask about Fliegengitter / fly screens for windows. Typical German windows have some very useful additional upgrades available. There are several options available for every kind of window to prevent incoming insects. Have some on windows you like to keep open the whole day and you are fine.

[@Gnin1000]

It's funny how often you prefer what you don't actually have. Your neighbor's lawn always looks greener than your own. As a German, for example, I love the breakfast buffet in hotels or when travelling, where there is more than just bread, cold cuts, cheese and jam. I love pancakes for breakfast, fried or scrambled eggs, fried bacon, baked beans with fried sausage and so on. Simply because I don't know it myself and have never learned it from home either. However, I then skip lunch for such a breakfast and only eat the second and last meal of the day in the evening.

[@toniderdon]

8:25 Please take a look at the BMW 5 series Kombi (wagon I guess), the A6 and of course the E-Class. Beautiful cars. Honestly probably the best thing you can get to carry 5 people.

[@k.schmidt2740]

It is so nice to see that somebody can change their mind. Good going.

[@Adalbert777]

Totally on board with everything you mentioned… aside from screens. I love them. Trading a free view for a fly and mosquito free apartment? Anytime. 😉

[@villerat86]

Store hack for Sunday in Germany, only works if you live close to a airport.. Airport store is open all week long.

[@V100-e5q]

Or near a major train station.

[@winterlinde5395]

I think, our bluntness helps KZbin channels like yours to be successful. We like/ are ok with you telling us your honest opinions about Germany and we fill the comment section with explanations. Mostly not with „well I help you pack your stuff so that you can leave“-💩 so this is a fun place for everybody.