American Living in Germany for 10 Years *INTERVIEW*

Alright people, today, we've got a pretty different style of video. I sat down with my teammate Bruno. He has a lot of experience living in Germany and the States, and has really interesting perspective on both cultures. This is the longest video I've ever uploaded to KZbin, so grab a coffee, sit down, and enjoy.

[@anikatri]

Speaking about "too much convenience". I don't think we worry about the stores being open too long. If grocery stores are open longer, customers don't necessary buy more, but only at odd hours. Employees must then work more odd hours to support a non existent. need. At least for me, I worry about social responsibility and people's entitlement feelings than convenience. The way our economy works, many of us worry about negative impact of capitalism. At least speaking for myself.

[@yngveacer8]

And don't forgett: stores are closed on sundays.

[@laragu007]

Sure but for myself it's quite nice, if I can get stuff spontaneous in the middle of the night. But 10 pm seems to be quite fine, cause barbecue is most likely to be decided on before that^^

[@betaich]

Anika you're right. It isn't about the personal convenience we complain about. It is more about the social implications of that. I can remember a time, when stores weren't even open until 8pm, they closed at the latest and only on some days at 7. At that time and also recently studies were conducted about the opening times from stores to even official government ones about the impacts for people and the stores. Even the stores here say opening longer doesn't mean more cash at the end of the day.

[@Anika6.91]

Anika d.S.P. Totally agree with you! Everytime I shop at stores with expanded opening times I am kind of ashamed. Doesn't happen often, but when it does it's usually because I didn't plan very well. But if I didn't even have the opportunity I'd be forced to plan better. So I'm absolutely for closing down stores in the evening, on sundays and on holidays. Greetings from another Anika ;)

[@m45hz0r]

do you know that a lot of factories have "Spätschicht"? Many restaurants and bars are open till midnight and on Sundays. Nobody is forcing people to work odd hours, if there is a demand, there should be a supply.

[@jnordcrane]

As an American who lived in Germany and travels there (multiple weeks in 2015 the last time), I absolutely love that businesses close "early" (by US standards), and most are closed on Sunday ... what a peaceful, calm, fun day Sundays are because of it. My experiences are primarily Munich (some Stuttgart) and Garmisch-Partenkirchen/Berchtesgarten areas. I find the Bavarian lifestyle incredible, and Germans to be open, kind and definitely fun-filled. I never encountered the "they are once they get to know you" mentality ... it was always immediate and from everyone. (I'm not quite sure where the false impressions of Germans came from, but it is absolutely incorrect). AND the food is to die for!! I greatly appreciate Germans openness and open-mindedness, and their acceptance of who each individual is. I also know that Germans generally "toe the line" with social and civic behavior and responsibility ... but, perhaps that's why Germany and Germans are so dynamic ... you're taught how to behave in society and it is expected that you do so -- now you can focus on the important things in life: family, community and fun! My most favorite thing about my time in Germany was the bell towers ... my apartment was right next to the bell tower in Garmisch ... every morning at 8am ... and for a long time on Sunday ... the bells would chime ... their built-in alarm clock! What a wonderful way to start the day! Danke schoen genaedige Deutschern and Deutschland!

[@quo33]

Americans are just really ignorant in general on what other countries/people are like...everyone only seems to know about the negative stereotypes!

[@rippspeck]

If I had been forced to pledge allegiance to my country every single day of my school life, my knee-jerk reaction to cultural shock would be a feeling of superiority as well. Only a fraction of Americans get disillusioned by patriotism to a degree that allows them to not look down on things strange to them. I absolute adore American culture but this is the only flaw that kinda sours the deal for me. Much love from Germany.

[@yakfinger]

I think it's a secret best kept by Germany. Bavaria is truly a wonderful place to live. Most Americans have no idea. They have been ingrained to think America is the best place to live. Throughout my entire childhood education the concept of the US being the one and only free country was somehow reinforced daily. That worked maybe 130 years ago but it's an archaic concept at best now. I encourage all Americans to travel to learn where they're from (cliche, I know).

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

@@quo33 same with Europeans and most other people about Americans.. they're very good at repeating negative stereotypes about Americans

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

@@rippspeck lmao, you're not forced and havnt been for a long time. You can choose to not do it.

[@johnny_nyx]

Great interview! Really like that you talked about positive and negative things, without being biased.

[@tazginpax]

The school system does still leave opportunities. Take my career as an example: Coming from migrant family with lower educational backgound I went after primary to the secondary type Hauptschule which is the lowest... meaning a handy carreer is somthing you should follow, BUT there is the opportuinty with good mark to do the 11-13th grade (Abitur) in regular timeframe like people starting at the highest secondary "Gymasium". After the 13th I did University and BSc Physicy, and MSc Maths and now I am an actuary who started at a Hauptschule. Its always for others a quite impressive story, though when I tell about it. But definitly possible. Regards

[@Delzra]

holy moly, respekt dafür!

[@rippspeck]

Cooler Werdegang. Würde mich echt interessieren, aus welchem Kulturkreis deine Familie kommt. Aber 'ne Antwort würde sicher nur mein Schubladendenken unterstützen, haha!

[@theoeguia3302]

How fluent do I have to soeak German to enter the German university in the Masters Program?

[@Ouz486]

@@theoeguia3302 depends on the program. If it is in english you don't need any. But if you will have to do any courses in german, it gets very hard very fast. I learnt german intensively for a year (after learning it for 5 years in highschool) to study bachelors in german, and the first semester in german was pain

[@goldminer754]

@@theoeguia3302 Almost all Master programs are taught in English here, so that shouldnt be a problem and you could learn German while doing you master.

[@vonrichthofen5734]

there are plenty of Videos about Americans in Germany, but hardly any that's as reflected and insightful as this. Most of the time everything you learn is that you dont get your favorite Food here or things like that. Thanks for uoploading.

[@tobiasmeyhoefer5725]

nice interview. Bruno is a great interview partner with a lot of knowledge.

[@steffenebener7332]

Morgana Freeman how surprising

[@emjayay]

They both defy the stereotype of dumb jocks, particularly Bruno. But then neither one is a super top footballer or they would be in the US making millions of dollars a year. They are better off this way.

[@lindalemoni5428]

I like that our shops close down... and won't even open on sundays... it keeps you in check to not become too lazy and also it's good for workers, there is a time where everybody doesn't have to work, that's great and it doesn't give as much chance of dividing people... i worry more for the workers rights than my own convenience.. it keeps their and my dignity intact

[@Westpark16]

I'm in my late 40s. When I was young .many shops and restaurants closed or had very limited hours I liked it. We had family dinners and relaxed to watch football or go to park. This 24 hour thing is more recent .

[@jora9655]

I think this "buying-food-at-night"-thing wouldn't even exist if stores were open at night, because most people - including myself and everyone I know - have some small reserves at home. Some tin cans here, some oven-ready pizza there. I usually have enough food at home to comfortably live for at least 2-3 days.

[@Leon_der_Luftige]

Jojo Katze *And ingredients for food for several weeks. ^^

[@timefliesaway999]

True, I mean when you’re hungry at night you usually eat a little snack and not a whole restaurant meal. So I’d actually be wondering why people still want shops to be open at night

[@brianmichitti4409]

Clearly, we need more Bruno

[@imrehundertwasser7094]

Kudos to Bruno. It was very interesting to listen to his answers.

[@imrehundertwasser7094]

Cologne *_really_* isn't North Germany.

[@Sean_K.]

80% of Germany is in the north of Schwäbisch Hall ;-)

[@axelfoley5265]

right Cologne is in Mitteldeutschland

[@ElisandeWalters]

yep but that makes Schwäbish Hall SOUTHgermany, not everything else "the north", Jon-snow-like ;)

[@Scitch87]

Cologne has Aldi Süd....end of discussion.

[@L233233]

Everything that isn't Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg is the North.

[@ElinT13]

Thanks for this very honest view an American and German society! By the way: I wouldn't be that harsh on Nick for not speaking German that well, because German is not an easy language and not everybody has the skill to perfect languages. The important part is trying to communicate with the locals, and that he does. Thanks Nick, thanks Bruno! Greetings from the Stuttgart area!

[@henningbartels6245]

I think its just a matter of practise. If you don't need it all day / every day, because you communicate in English e.g. in the football team, then it's hard to improve it. Nevertheless listen to radio stations like Deutschlandfunk where they talk a lot or have music in German helps to get a feeling for pronunciation or expressions.

[@BloodyRabbitProject]

I would disagree. German is a very easy language, so many similarities, the most part is just learning. To speak it perfectly, and here i agree with you, thats the hard part. So many immigrants can speak german really well, who cares about "der Tisch, die Tisch or das Tisch" just say "de" ... thats the perfect part. But.... to be able speak german aside from a few points, is easy. Dont be so german to think that only a perfect german language is the only way to speak german ;) . If you want to learn a difficult language start turkish or chinese.

[@OrangeBlanket]

I always cross the street with the red light (I live in Hamburg), but not when kids are nearby or watching. Also you got to pay attention if the police is around, because even for that you can lose your drivers license.

[@Daneelro]

These customes also change from region to region, and with time. I lived in Frankfurt over two decades ago. back then, no one crossed the red light, even by night. When I visited ten years ago, all pedestrian crossings were equipped with little tables asking people to be a model for children and not cross at the red light, *but* a lot of people did cross anyway. When I visited again last year, interestingly, things got almost "back to normal": the be-a-model tables disappeared but I saw much fewer jaywalkings.

[@jmitterii2]

US, people generally still wait for the light to turn green to walk. Because if you tried to go, you'll probably get ran over. It's only at times of extreme low traffic, or a big break in traffic. There's literally no point standing there waiting for the light to change when there is no traffic. It's moronic. As for J walking, most streets that would induce J walking, legal cross walks have been added, and most have a pedestrian light system that the pedestrian can push a button to activate a yellow caution light with a sign to the drivers to stop when cross lights are flashing. Some cross walk lights go solid red to indicate to stop until otherwise indicated or flashing red indicating to treat it like a stop sign. And the signs above explain to stop until the cross walk is clear.

[@tranceopa]

This is in my opinion one of your best Vlogs ever.Thank You.

[@woni77]

I agree, but to be fair you could say the same about more than 50% of his vlogs.

[@carpediem5232]

Window screens might not be installed in every house, but you can find them pretty easily to buy.

[@SchmausiMausi]

I´d feel like in prison if there permanently installed screens on my windows. o0

[@Zipcom69]

Opening shops for 24 h means more employees without making more money. People will still buy the things they need or they can afford, nothing more. So the shop owner has to divide the same income between more employees. This will simply lower their wages. And if one is actually the only one who keeps the door open around the clock, this one might be able to drag some costumers from his competitors. But they will by forced to do the same than. At the end he will lose his new customers again and with them his income will fall also while his cost stay on a high level. One more reason to cut cost by lowering wages. This is a downwards spiral the US already has gone thru. Their example should warn us. The overall effect is just negative. Only for a little bit unnecessary convenience. I really don't think that we want do this. I don't want to live in a country where it's necessary to have three jobs to make a living. This doesn't any good on quality of life as well. Sometimes it's good to be forced to slow down a bit...

[@katharinan.6798]

You're right it's not that we find it too convenient - this would be unwise to attribute. It's just that we see there are people with private lives that are working there. Let's say there is a german single mum or single dad working at the supermarket. He won't be able to care about his kids when they're home alone at night. Even if the shop-owner tries to only put the younger or childless people into the nightshift, he won't be able to do this at all time. Especially since this type of family gets common more and more. There will always be the single mom, that hasn't the time to bring her kids to bed, play or go out with them before dinner, listen to what's bothering them at school. There is basically the same discussion about the opening hours on Christmas eve, when germans celebrate Christmas (we celebrate on 24th of dec. unlike the people in the US do). Should a shop be opened until 8pm or later? Barely anyone will come into it after 6 pm. But there would be people working there instead of beeing home with their families (maybe with small kids) celebrating the most important familiy-time of the year. Christians or not - it's family-time in Germany on Christmas eve.

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

@@katharinan.6798 guess what? So don't take the job with late hours? Lmao

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

Stores that are open late or 24 hours in the US don't keep the same full staff as they do during the day or busy times..

[@BreakingBenjamin1337]

You have chosen a nice interview partner there. As a german i really like his answers and how much thought he put into them. Great stuff !

[@Gileadean]

"Convenient" also means "more expensive". People don't buy more, but the store has to hire extra staff and is making an already shitty job even worse. Also about sports and highschool: Germans are joining clubs for sports (eingetragene Vereine), where you have probably a comparable feeling of community. It is not uncommon that these clubs are older than 100 years and have a long tradition. A possible advantage of clubs is, that there is a broader spectrum of professional sports you can do. You can join a club for an exotic niche sport, but the training and the skills of the coaches are on a very high level. This also combines the german love for licenses. During my school time i practiced judo and as soon as I became 16, I started on practicing for a training license. When i was 18, I had completed 100 hours of coaching, several seminars and even had to pass written exams, but then i was an official skilled judo trainer.

[@ElisandeWalters]

and they are ridiculously cheap to join in comparison to US Clubs. as in I paid 120 Euros to have my kid be in a Turnverein, which offered everything from Basketball to gymnastics and dance

[@Gileadean]

120€/year and not 120€/month, right?

[@rospincasocl3741]

The truth! "convenient" does not mean "better" or "comfortable". Those are very different things. I don't earn more money just because stores have more open hours - do you?

[@caciliawhy5195]

No but it gives people jobs so they earn money if they want to work those hours. I like working nights and weekends and having my days free.

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

More expensive? Lmao, no it isn't.

[@ToBa2501]

Your friend seems to be a cool guy. I like his answers and the way he speaks. I think he is a good reliable friend and open minded. It was fun to listen to your conversation. You both seem to have your heart at the right place. I didn't find the right words to write exactly what I've felt about you and your video but in simple words, I like your attitudes and your smile 😊

[@Andy81m]

You have to think more to the workers in the stores. 8PM is enough. Everyone can buy everything between 7am an 8pm. Thats 13 Hours and enough time for shopping. We don’t have that much bigger cities. Most of the Cities are small and have not so much Citizens. Thats why its not so important in Germany to have Shops 24/7 opening.

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

No one is forcing people to work nights or odd hours

[@gregorrohde3146]

What you describe around the 19th minute I know (as a German) as the Abiloch (Abi = graduation at highest school eduction, loch = hole). You are so much focussed during your last year on school (called Gymnasium), that your brain is fully packed - and you are probably at one of your smartest states through your whole life. Then the Abitur (the graduation) comes, you go through all the tests and afterwards you fall into this black hole of: dismissed all hobbies during the last year, met friends mostly just for learning during the last 6 months and then your high trained, speed running brain falls into the big: "What to do now?" This "What now?" hits you in two ways sometimes: first for the normal day routine and second for your whole life's direction. Have to say, I am 37 now. And that was the case when I made my Abi for a lot of my friends. Maybe it is different nowadays.

[@MrTryAnotherOne]

Stores don't have to open longer than 10 PM. You you can't get your groceries done until then, you are doing something wrong. Get organized. Period! P.S. It is also very inefficient. Too much energy is wasted for too few customers.

[@BlackAmberMoon]

That's a typical German response! 😂😂

[@JohannesClair]

@@BlackAmberMoon ...also to involve environmental aspects?

[@MarcosWilliandaSilva]

@@JohannesClair and social aspects. I remember when I was working in my first job in a Supermarket here on Brazil. I lived in a small city and there was no supermakets open on Sunday. When we started to open on Sundays I remember that I hated to go to work. I think that most people don't like to work late hours and weekends, they work because they need to. So it's a lack of empathy to expect that people work when they don't want to just because of convenience of a few.

[@geneviere199]

Sports is organised differently in Germany. We have a club culture and sports is part of that - starting with 4 year olds in local football clubs or similar for other sports. School sports is just there to get some movement into the day - else school is there to get you to an academical level - same with music. The club sports especially in the youth sector in Germany lives a lot of voluntary work. Maybe it would be more interesting for you how you get a professional soccer player in Germany. It might have been easy for you with football - but if soccer is your sports it is so much more difficult in the US and you need money to get enough training. The three leg school system is not that bad. It gives you more homogenius learning groups. The brighter child learns atleast 2 languages to a very high level whereas the less intelligent just learns a basic language English. And it is not that you are stuck into the system from age 10 on. If you have good grades in the final years of the "lower" school you can still decide to go for your Abitur - or you could even do that after learning for a job. A lot first learn a trade in the dual system and then decide to go to university.

[@edwardvanhelgen5406]

I agree with you. But i would like to add that sport at school is trying to raise your interest in one of the many sports that exists. If you like something, then you'll most probably also join a local club. From my personal experience i discovered first swimming, then basketball and finally handball. Until today, i still love these sports even if i am no longer exercising them. And i most likely would have never discovered that many interest on my own. Also i think "music lessons" at school are sort of the same: trying to get you intrigued.

[@geneviere199]

Would be interesting to get the information of Silas if it is the same in the US. Sports in our school system means a wide spread education in all kind of sports and fun in movement - not in a particular sports itself. There is school teams here, too, but they usually are not part of the normal schedule but offers for additional time in school in the afternoons - and not daily but weekly. I have done the usual routine for girls in my town - first with 5 in the local gymnastic club, then switched to track and field with 8 and started handball with about 10 (at that time the offers for younger kids weren't so extensive as today). It is just another way to sports than in the US. Here we have the big amounts of clubs, too, and sports for kids usually is affordable. In the US you have the school teams were the offers vary from one place to the other - but it is very expensive to do sports outside the schools. In the US it is the schools and the private sector - either with sports or music that you mentioned - here we have a lot of voluntary work in the clubs, the youth sports clubs often get financial help from the communities (in my town atleast that is part of the town's budget) and the private sector is pretty small.

[@Ruffstantin]

@@geneviere199 most of the professional soccer players were on soccer boarding schools in germany. They have special scedules to train two times a day.

[@sane0matic]

I wanna hear his "Karneval in Kölle" experience! ;-)

[@botibomaus]

something I am culturally used to in Germany is our healthcare system, not once in my life have I had to worry about going to any doctor for anything as I would never receive bills after a doctors visit...now I am engaged to an American and will be moving to the US to be with him probably within a year (depending on how fast the visa process is) and I am not gonna lie, I am terrified of the health care system in the US as I have taken everything I had in Germany totally for granted. Here is to hoping I stay healthy when I am over there. Luckily for me my fiance agreed that sooner than later we will both be moving to Germany as things like social security (especially as we get older) are simply better here. Raising kids as well, education like you said is so easily accessible to children here. University is practically free. Apart from the healthcare thing though I am just gonna look at this chapter of my life as a valuable experience abroad :)

[@beadus3512]

Botty Do you live in the States meanwhile, and how do you like it?

[@Chris-it4fe]

Yes how is it going

[@timefliesaway999]

Convince him to go live in Germany then lol

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

Lmao. It's not that big of deal.

[@SH-mz8ie]

Actually Bruno explained the differences between people in Cologne and in the South quite well. Thumbs up! People in Cologne are said to be really open and you get into conversations more easily than in the Southern part of Germany. However, some people also say that they are kind of more superficial. People from Southern Germany are often said to be more reserved, but once you get to know them better this also means something because then you often are a friend for life... So this is what people often say, but of course you have to be careful with these stereotypical statements and can't overgeneralize this. P. s.: I liked the video a lot. Great new format for your channel!

[@schattensand6129]

Like how Bruno sniffels around any statement, any thought and watch and talk it from all sides. Never had the idea that an American football player could be that mindful. Like the slow, relaxed German sunday afternoon atmosphere of this bla. Great.

[@jetspark62]

Great interview! Hope there will be more like that!

[@cobtyrannon2479]

Our schoolsystem is in fact very fluid and full of possibilities! Even starting with the lowest level of education you can always find another connecting point at the end of that path to go up the ladder until you finish in university. My friend startet in the lowest kind and is now stdying math in university. This is a lot of freedom in my oppinion. Also, i don't like to get scammed, so yeah the need for a license or diploma that tells me that you know what you are doing is exactly what i want.

[@haberschnack]

CoB Tyrannon i second that!!

[@albertwarum6053]

That is simply nonfactual. Go read some studies.

[@cobtyrannon2479]

Sorry but this just sounds like you had a bad time in school because of bad teachers, bad school or bad social circle. Everything you said was not true for my time in school.

[@ElisandeWalters]

and you not longer HAVE to choose often you get the option of a so called Gesamtschule, which is similar to your highschool. also, it may not have been NALF's experience but I was hanging out with a few odd balls kids, who didn't like sports and who didn't get into the theater class or the likes, and for the HS was pretty traumatic, MUCH LESS SO in germany, (though of course (a) things have changed quite a bit in the last decade and (b) there are also pretty traumatized kids in german schools)

[@chattmataz]

TheBlackiwid that's personal experience. Not based on facts. And especially not for everyone. And by the way: British English is THE English!

[@twinmama42]

Dear Nic and Bruno, this is a very interesting video. The topic of educational systems was the most grabbing for me. I really don't like the German way of classifying students with 10 (most states) or 12 years (Berlin and Brandenburg if I'm right), because people can evolve. But I like it, that it actually works out for students to go to Oberstufe (grades 11 to 13) though they were in Haupt- oder Realschule before. They may have to catch up in the beginning in some of their classes but they get along very well. The hardest obstacle is when they only took one foreign language in the past, because then they have to learn a second one within these three years in addition to the normal schedule. It worked at my school with 50 students added to my Gymnasium's 100 students in class 11. Some of them didn't come from school but after three years of apprenticeship and they were successful. About convenience and shopping - I always think about the poor people working the night shift. It's not healthy for them. And what is the harm in planning a little up-front. And, btw, I still know times, when shops closed at 6:30 pm an weekdays (sometimes at 12:30 pm on Wedenesdays) and 12:30 pm on Saturdays with the exception of the 4 Saturdays before Christmas. It was horrible for customers and shop-personnel alike, because grocery shopping was concentrated between 5:00 pm and 06:30 pm with clogged shops and stressed people. The closing times of 10:00 pm (08:00 pm in Bavaria and Saarland) are a good compromise between customer convinience and worker's demands. CU twinmama

[@andrewozenilek5596]

That's one GREAT video! Really interesting perspective! And he captured the nature of Cologne very nicely in one sentence. Maybe your best video so far. I really liked it!

[@digiay]

Great Interview! I'm pumped to see more of that! See you on the August 5th in Schwäbisch Hall.

[@Walldorf-City-Limits]

One great blog NALF, very interesting. Not at all like your usual stuff (which by the way is entertaining), but this one somehow sticks out. Thanks!!!

[@staxstix]

fantastic insight! especially as a german watching this i really enjoyed the perspective on both cultures.

[@melaniek.7653]

I liked Bruno's opinion about the differences between living in Cologne and in the South of Germany. I was born and raised in Cologne and live now in a town near Stuttgart. I can totally relate!

[@1FelixxileF1]

That was super interesting! Looking forward to hear more stories and opinions. Keep it up!

[@corneliusdobeneck4081]

Very honestly talked about pros and cons about both countries and pretty deep insight thoughts about various things. Much appreciated. :)

[@HanitaSF]

The video is awesome and so informative!!! Glad I found your channel👍🏻

[@deanhailstone1789]

Hi, I just happened across one of your blogs and have now watched several. Me...an American who's been in the Stuttgart area for a long while. I enjoyed the 10 years in Germany interview but since it was with a younger person, I felt it missed some important points experienced by older folks, mainly raising kids into young adulthood.My son and daughter were here went through their teenage years here. Experimentation with alcohol and learning their limits occurred in an environment where they can drink years before they can drive...so they make their drunken way home via mass-transit after legally drinking beer at a bar or club. In the States they would have been doing the "Psst! Mister, can you buy me some beer?"...then driving their car someplace to consume it. There's also something about the maturity even a couple years make at that age...before being allowed to get behind the wheel...which they cannot do without going through a professional driving school regimen.What I like most about Europe (in general)...a person is responsible for their own actions and a person can't sue a person/organization at the drop of a hat for something their own stupidity was largely the cause of.Have a great day!

[@summersun3745]

Most interesting video so far. Thanks for that. And please do more stuff like this (added drone footage is appreciated) 😉

[@feelinggrape]

This was very interesting. Thank you for the input. Have to think about some of those points. Really cool to hear that!

[@SlashFredo]

I’m late to finding your videos but our shared German experience has me totally engrossed in this. Great interview.

[@Maybesure]

I really liked this video, great questions! It‘s actually quite nice to hear some positive things about Germany and that you guys really enjoy some of our traits. I have visited the States for the first time this year and I loved how open-minded and „easy-to-talk-to“ people were! I LOVED Oregon- if I had to choose a new place to live, I‘d definitely live in Portland ! Very cool video! Greetings from Bamberg

[@DaxRaider]

amazing video, super nice to watch one of ur best ! rly intresting!

[@mcstaal]

Working at night times gives health issues! That's why shops close so ealy. German govement, companys and unions care about their people. It's a very different mindset , than the mindset in the land of the free!

[@andreagodet6163]

Correct. One also has to consider that in America, people get only 2 weeks annual leave,

[@sanctanox]

Best episode yet. Intelligent conversation and very entertaining.

[@jamalezzeddine8100]

Always interesting and nice to hear someone talk about your home country who is from a different part of the world. Sometimes you think to yourself: are we really like that? that's how you see us? that's awkward or different to you? And sometimes I just laugh about things like crossing the street on a red light. Even in Germany a looot of people do it but I guess far less than in the US. And of course even in Germany there are cultural differences from region to region we still don't know. I mean I'm from Thuringia and you probably already know more about the every day habits of Schwäbisch Hall and the region around it than I know.

[@zomfgroflmao1337]

That was the most interesting video you have done so far!

[@derlucky7967]

Super cool and interesting video...hopefully there is more in production 😀

[@swanpride]

To answer the question: I have no issues with the supermarkets being open a little bit longer, that was a good decision because the original opening times (which used to be between 8 and 18 o clock only) were a nightmare for working singles. But I am against the notion of around the clock opening times. Thankfully no matter what the law says, the shop owners usually do what is sensible. In my little suburb the small shops are even closed every Wednesday afternoon, simply because it is tradition...they once tried to change it, but people where so used to not going shopping during that time period that they kept to the old times in the end.

[@savage7832]

Very intersting talk! I would like to see more in the future :)

[@stefflmrk]

Bruno .... holy shit, he's just such a PRO guy, so easy, so "down to earth" (US words using) .... AMZING to hear his words of looking at things in Germany AND also looking/listening at his German and it blows me away, how "german" how he looks at things already (ok, after 11 years) . . . . Remember, Tina Turner left US too and gave up citizenship as she saw it the same way ... she once said:"in the US, nothing lasts very long!" plus the US still has way too much hate on race, color, language ...... let's hope Germany does NOT pick that up from the US. Nick & Bruno, EVERY (serious!! every!) Video with you 2 in, "TEACHES" just by listening to your views!! 1 day, hearing Bruno speak German or Italiano would be worth a Vid!! Nick, think about that. U 2 would make a great "Team", Bruno is a great tudor for you Nick! 1st, pick up Bruno's charming grin, smile, soft and gentle giant voice . . . Simple: BRUNO rocks!!! no doubt! Servus you 2, Steffl

[@timoshaUA]

Great interview!

[@Tan05061]

Nice interview i love the way you talked. Keep it up guys. Im watching here all the way from Philippines. God Bless.

[@DerHennerFriedrich]

I think you should continue this talk show .. its a good experience to hear outside views on your own culture. Helps to be open minded on things.

[@luisa6992]

I think I just became a Bruno fangirl after watching this. Really loved his mindset!

[@Marc-zi5cq]

This is really interesting and he's pretty spot on and knows what he's talking about. Great video

[@starseed8087]

Super cool guys and very interesting! Thank you for the good video!

[@nozarashichan3452]

Love your Vids :D Keep up the good Work I think its pretty Hard to learn German if you have a lot of American People around you

[@Daswars777]

That "bissele" was so great! :)

[@HoldMySoda]

Just as always, very interesting video. Thank you. Bruno's thoughts are very detailed and I liked listening to him. Shopping hours in Bavaria are still only until 8pm. But it is okay. Like 20 years ago shops closed at 6 or 6:30pm. Every day, it was a hassle to buy all your things, after you finished work. The best improvement, from my point of view. Are the shopping hours on Saturday. The shops used to close at about 1pm. Everything was crowded on Saturday morning because everybody went shopping to get all the stuff for the weekend. These typical Sunday feeling, that you described in you other video began already on Saturday. This was kind of boring. It really sucked, when you was doing some DIY stuff at home and you ran out of nails or any other thing, that you needed right now, to get your work done. You had to wait until Monday. Right now, it is not perfect, but much better, than it used to be.

[@Pnett424]

The issue with stores closing very late is that employees can’t be with their families. Families suffer if fathers / mothers need to work past 8 pm.

[@typxxilps]

Well, that was a really great interview or talking making the big points by diving into the details of why are things (so) different. Sems Bruno had arrived and found a deep relaxed attitude. Well discussed and nice topics even the "italian style" ... Hope to see more .... with a bit less noise ... no, it's not a complaint, take it as a wish. And of cause: When will you visit Bruno in Cologne to let him show the kölsch way of living, quite a bit french? Ask Bruno if he can remember when BRUNO was killed, the first killed bear for over 150 years after he had crossed the alps and arrived in Bavaria. Must have been the headline of german newspaper when Bruno arrived from the US for his first time.

[@franz1102]

This thing with "cross the street when green", the grown ups should be a model for the kids, they watch you and when you cross when red, they do also. Important thing!

[@claudiawhite5479]

Really enjoyed the video. I agree with all points. I was born and raised in Germany and moved to the U.S. when I was 11. I miss living in Germany and am thankful to go back often to visit family.

[@michaelstark8756]

You guys are just funny :D thumbs up, I will look up for coming videos ;)

[@gedachtfront]

Always interesting to hear a different perspective... On the topic of education... The three educational paths are not as rigid as they seem. Anyone can still do their A-Levels and go to university after going down the apprenticeship route. It's actually a quite flexible system, especially because the financial strain for any type of training is pretty manageable...

[@6KidsandaHusband]

As Ameeicans who also live in Germany we totally loved this interview..Left u a big like

[@motoventura7874]

Really good interview - enjoyed it very much :) I did learn a lot from it....because I view my country as too restrictive very often (almost like holding me back - because I can't do the things I want and also we have to pay so much taxes) But as you guys pointed out there's always a positiv and a negativ side. Unfortunately in most cases you focus too much on the negative side and can't even appreciate the pros

[@timwir2990]

great Interview!!!

[@tunahanokatali2199]

About the school thing where you get seperated, you can still rise from the bottom to the top, meaning you can start at the hauptschule and still graduate from gymnasium

[@benediktsonnenschein3562]

Man Nalf, you are an amazing listener.

[@Olim22]

Thank you for voicing your opinions - very interesting video.

[@thomasschmitz3765]

This video is better than I expected. Very thoroughful, partly funny even, and truly help every American (and other non-Germans) who think of moving to Germany to set expectations right, minimize the culture shock and feel comfortable fairly quick. Thank you very much, excellent job :-) Oh, and yes, Cologne is indeed *not* located in North Germany. I guess people from Hamburg, Kiel or Flensburg wouldn't even think of Hannover, my home town, to be part of North Germany ;-) Anyway, please keep up with it.

[@lucaslandis8334]

What you said about sport being prioritized higher in America is so so true. Not only for football but all sports. I played basketball and was an all state select 3 years I played varsity. When I was choosing colleges it was based off where I could play. I ended up taking a track and field scholarship and I fell into a light depression since I was no longer a “baller”. Then during my freshman year of college I tore my hip flexor and couldn’t heal correctly so I decided to terminate my scholarship. Without that “athlete” stigma I lost all my identity and fell into a rather deep depression. I dropped out and moved hope then joined the military. I am now coming to the end of my 5 year contract and am seriously considering becoming an expat to Germany. I love the structure of the education system. I want my soon to be born son to have a better life than I have given myself. I think Germany has made a system that surpasses many if not all others. Just giving credence to trade skill jobs is something America has lost and a reason why we are struggling. Awesome video and thank you so much it was very eye opening!

[@tomtom2806]

Thank you for the interesting discussion!

[@jedrinck]

I enjoyed this. Well-conceived, eloquent and entertaining. One thing, I have lived in Germany most of my life and I cross streets on red if I see fit to do so and not once have I heard anyone comment on that. Maybe I was just lucky.

[@andreasmu3750]

in bigger cities in the west, east or north you have "spätshops". there you can get beer, snacks etc. until 2, 3 am or even 24/7. but they need a special licence and they are much smaller then real supermarkets (mostly only one guy doing the job). baden-württemberg banned them (and bavaria... but im not sure). it is a different legal situation in every bundesland/city. in some cities they arent even legal but they are tolerated by the authorities. i feel good to shop at a supermarket where the employees are paid good and full time. and that is a big part of the story about opening hours. i would feel like exploiting people if this changes. these people are cashiers and not firefighters or paramedics. no need for 24/7 work. its a social issue and not just about convenience. my mom was a stay at home mom and after 15 years of raising children the only job she found was a job as a cashier. i dont want her to work night shifts. that is some crazy idea! that is why we invented the term "social market economy" or "rhine capitalism". germans demand jobs that pay enough. if you work 40 hours a week you should be able to live your life + healthcare + social security + holidays + normal work hours etc. pp. It is a whole other understanding and mindset of how capitalism should work. your debate about health care you have right now in the USA? its a crazy discussion for a german. take away our health care like republicans want to do in the US? haha you are done! people will vote you out (if they dont kill you before). ps: cologne is special. it is the 2nd capital of germany. the "gay capital" (it is a compliment :D) pps: your "german" is just fine! ;-)

[@vornamenachname341]

I really enjoyed the video Thanks guys

[@vanzonhl]

Great Interview

[@sebahabu]

Great Video. That burden you talk about exist in germany too. Because of the three way system you talked about. There is some kind of expectation that comes with the way you choose. At an age of 10 you (your parents / teachers) choose if you go to Hauptschule, Realschule or Gymnasium. At Haupschule you finish after a schooltime of 9 years, Realschule after 10 years and Gymnasium (with A Levels) after 12/13 years. That affects the apprenticeship you do can take after that. After 9 years you are qualified for most craftman jobs (in which requirements increased in the past so its better to have 10 years in school done). With Realschule you are into jobs like a clerk for example, apprenticeships you need more theoretical background in job. With Gymnasium it is expected you go to Hochschule (college? - applied use of knowledge) or Universität (knowledge in use for science). But it is not impossible to break through this "burden of expectation" you can learn a craftmans job like electrician, become a craftmans master. That allow you to study a technology college or some university, maybe physics? In the end you are able to become a professor in physics by leaving the school almost 3 or 4 years before A-Levels.... And in the real world, you always have more reputation if you do your job not only based on academic knowledge but on a mix of applied experience with academical knowledge.... So in the end it is not a real burden... But when you are put in Hauptschule it can first feel like a burden...

[@RahelE.Photography]

Enjoyed this very much, very interesting.

[@ohsokrispi]

Hey! I really enjoyed your video. I am an American who has also lived in Germany for 11 years. I almost never comment on KZbin videos, but this time I couldn’t resist. I think it’s interesting because the majority of my time has been in Berlin with a shorter stint in Cologne, giving me a different experience than you. Even though I might debate certain opinions that you had in the video (especially talking about the U.S.), I thought it was really thoughtful and sincere. Two thumbs up, 5 stars, and all the rest.

[@annaskraddar6953]

Great video, great points! Thanks

[@ChaseX]

Damn that was so much fun to watch! I really like you guys:)

[@ChaseX]

Oh and referring to the last question: There is something similar here in Germany, its football. Germany has more than 2000 divisions with way more than 30'000 registered teams. So there is a system called DfB-Stützpunkt, giving young talents the opportunity to get special training and a glimpse of hope of making it to a professional player in the Bundesliga. Thats what thousands of kids dream of and they are willing to do anything to make it come true. My brother is pretty skillful but got outsorced because he was really small for his age. Of course, that was a real shocker for him. But of course, nothing compared to highschool sports in the States

[@gerdipediaTV]

Constructive criticism: With an external microphone you can improve your sound greatly! XD

[@TheRedArrowExpress]

For this I'd recommend lavalier microphones.

[@emjayay]

@@TheRedArrowExpress And turn off that fan or whatever it is. (Not an air conditioner I'm pretty sure.)

[@AG-xg7sx]

Your buddy is spot on with his observations of Germany and German life style...

[@kieron82]

@NALF Nice to hear the swabian coming through (my mum did her apprenticeship as a goldsmith there when she was14/15), I myself was born in Stuttgart in the Olgaele (Olga hospital), had a holiday house in Neufra as well til 1992, now living on waiheke island in new zealand, Gruessle, Kieron

[@TheYasast]

Nice Interview! Just on a sidenote, there are actually schools in germany, that incorporate sports like soccer or playing different instruments heavily on their timetable, for pupils that show passion and talent for it.

[@gerdipediaTV]

Sensationally cool video! Is simply always interesting how her American feels the cultural differences between the USA and Germany. Through my American friends I have already learned a lot, but it is still interesting to learn more about these cultural differences!

[@geneviere199]

I sometimes think that their view of Germany is still too narrow as they are somehow in a bubble where they mainly get to know people - Germans and other nations - that are interested into American football.

[@Art8lisaM]

Mimi Kri Absolutely agree, the same can be said for the generalization of America.

[@volkergreatg948]

danke für ein so schönes Video. Ihr macht mich stolz auf Menschen.

[@tertam72]

After watching dozens of your videos...I get the notion, that at least you Nalf, will manage to make this transition away from just beeing the football player really smoothly one day... I hope you will play a lot more years here in Germany...but you already are also the film maker Nalf with a finished documentary on the SHU. On your question: professional football player (soccer!) live in this parallel world here and lots of them fall into a hole of identity loss after they end their career - as soccer has the same status in Germany as football to the US. PS: Great video again!

[@prinzpustekuchen7274]

I really really did enjoy this one - especially the second half and I am not satisfied with the length of it! Way too short! :)

[@brianmichitti4409]

Prinz Pustekuchen story of Nalf's life

[@talijah007]

This session is the best have seen bcus is detailed and academic in its nature and it deals with the issue from its core....

[@jul7985]

After finishing a "lower" school path you can still decide to graduate at a "higher" one (for example take the last three years of Gymnasium), so your not that limited.

[@baar610]

Very interesting conversation, well done.

[@gogababaroga2857]

Anyone notice what a handsome man Bruno is? His demeanour, soft eyes, relaxed posture, yet certainty in his body language, way of thoughtfull, eloquent, fun speaking - cool man, great friend, tht's for sure!

[@t.t.6683]

Germany and US are such great countries! I’ve lived in both of them and loved it! Each one with their cultural differences are just great

[@henriegassner9108]

I love America for everything they do for people and for what they are. Long open hours, nice clean stores, open any time. Super friendly people, small talk any time and so on and on....last but not least the great looking guys:)

[@Daniiel-qj5sr]

wow bruno is a great guy. Everything he said is true and I completely agree to his statements ...just spend a year in the states and lived their so I can compare pretty much