Are Germans TOO Direct?? Americans React | Loners

#germany #travel #america #reaction
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Original Video
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Hello once again Loners! In this video, we watched to see if foreigners in Germany think Germans are too direct. It was a funny video to watch and react to and we hope you enjoyed it as well! If you did, please make sure to like and subscribe. Thank you all :)

[@nth_to_see_here]

I work freelance. Design, Animation. With clients from different countries. The German feedback would be: we like this, we don't like this! The American feedback would typically start with a really long paragraph explaining how happy they are, how marvelous the work is, how excited they are with the direction... after which they would proceed to ask to change 90% of the work :)) Just give it to me straight.

[@arnodobler1096]

😂

[@nikolah.8472]

My teacher was a engineer for Ford motors and he said the same about the americans. He told us about the workshops and meetings they had with the americans in England. They were allways hyperpositive and annoyingly showman attitute. Talking after a mediocre meeting like: "we really pumped up today and made fantastic progress blablablabla....". He said they were really funny but lack directness needed in technical aspects. For me americans seem like a whole nation of salesman. I like my country for beeing direct, i hate bootlickers that dont tell the truth.

[@nth_to_see_here]

@@nikolah.8472 Yeah, I have that experience too. A lot of "empty" sugarcoating. Not saying it's a trait of all Americans but for sure my experience way more often than e.g. with European nationalities.

[@jensbaranek8322]

Esp. in business, our directness is our respect in not wasting Your valuable time.

[@e.albrecht4033]

I am a German. I can say that the most Germans are direct. We hate to beat around the bush. For example: When i don't like football i say it loud and clear. I do not want to tell you any fairytales and lie's.

[@W210E50AMG]

If You can't handle the answer - don't ask the question ... 😉

[@martar.2085]

Exactly!❤ As a Pole, I heartily agree.😂

[@beldin2987]

Jack Nicholson - You can't handle the truth kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoi2qWOYd86Bf9U 😜

[@meckerhesseausfrankfurt4019]

@@martar.2085The secret to perfect German manners is to always ask the right question. You don't want to hear a 5-hour story about intestinal surgery? So don't friggin ask "How are you?" Just say: "So nice to see you".

[@Krokostad]

The German directness is good in a relationship: no playing games, open communication. I like that.

[@seelenwinter6662]

for that the most relationships dont hold longer than a year or two....^^

[@axelotl86]

@@seelenwinter6662that’s more of a generational problem.

[@BlazingDrag00n]

@@axelotl86Exactly and Amen to that. ... ... Back then it was like: "Yeah,we argue sometimes. of course we do, we are two different people, but mostly it works, so we stay together." ..... Today is more like "Yeah, he is out working for 10 hours, leaving me alone at home. Then he wants me to wash the dishes. .. No, that doesn't work, i look for a better one."

[@metalvideos1961]

no they are not. as a dutchman i can honestly say that they are not direct. they are way too polite even.

[@eichzoernchen]

compared to the dutch no one is direct😅

[@Squagglimole]

really depending where you are. Frisians are super polite. People from Berlin? Fuck them. People from the South? We're just too damn cute Germans are just too different. You can't compare the East with the West or the North with the South. No matter where you go in Germany, people will always have their own culture, traditions, mentality, etc

[@metalvideos1961]

@@Squagglimole yeah but lets be frank here. who ever has thought of germans being direct. thats our thing. people always think that we Dutchmans are direct. i have never heard anyone say this about germany so this video is to me kinda weird to begin with

[@metalvideos1961]

@@eichzoernchen Exactly haha

[@Squagglimole]

@@metalvideos1961Berliner Schnauze is extremely direct. As well people from NRW are pretty direct. As I said, always depends on where you are - but Germans in general? Yeah I agree, it's weird to me too.

[@Micha-qv5uf]

German doesn't sound aggressive. That's a stereotype that developed because most Americans only knew German from Hitler speeches for the longest time. I'm gonna break it to you: these aren't exactly representative xD

[@juwen7908]

What's that thing with the staring? We don't stare. We just watch the environment. When I'm on a train, yes, I'm looking around. Just for entertainment. And if there is someone interesting, yes I'll look at him for a while. Maybe I give him a little smile to show, that I don't want to offend him. I'm just a bit curious about him / or her. In Germany we don't do small talk, if we're curious we look at people. That's absolutely not meant to be rude. (I mean, obviously there are people here who are rude or are just in bad mood, like everywhere) We just don't do this fake smiling 😁 And in conversation we look each other into the eyes, cause everything else seems to be a bit insincere.

[@GdzieJestNemo]

polish or dutch have the same mentality. i work mainly with irish/british/canadians/americans and they often find us very confrontational for that reason.

[@RustyDust101]

Yeah, we intermarried over the borders for centuries, even when we fought. So the mentality thing is understandable.

[@loknopa]

11:28 this is actually a typical intercultural problem. In different cultures it varies how loud you normally talk in public. Germans tend to be relativly quiet. When I'm in a café reading or having a private conversation and a group of Spanish people enters the room they often kinda ruin the vibe because they talk louder and then everybody else has to talk louder and suddenly everybody is shouting and I feel like in a busy pub on a friday night. Americans tend to be similar btw. However, still thankful for people coming here from around Europe and the world and putting up with us :) a little intercultural conflict is totally worth it I love living in a diverse society

[@olgahein4384]

yeah, but let's be real: who could hate the spanish (or italians) for that? Why we might get annoyed by how loud they are, we still love them for their mentality and openness and we all want them to have at parties.

[@centuriobrutuz8907]

to the bike guy from a german. Just obey the fucking rules😀

[@arnodobler1096]

If the police stop him, he has to pay.

[@frankhainke7442]

@@arnodobler1096 And rightfully so.

[@aliasWas]

I as a german am happy about every german who doesnt "just obey". unfortunately they are still hard to find.

[@arnodobler1096]

@@aliasWas If he runs you, or your child, over on the sidewalk, we'll talk again!

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

@@aliasWas Du hast keinen Dunst... Schau mal in die 70er und 80er, wo die Schlachten um kerntechnische Anlagen ausgetragen wurden. Oder seid ihr heute einfach zu lasch...?

[@baramuth71]

Not everyone can deal with the directness of the Germans. We look directly at the person we are talking to, i.e. we mean what we say to them honestly and don't beat around the bush. Honesty in a conversation is more and shows the whole strength of character than disguising your personality.

[@arnodobler1096]

👍 Communication consists of only 7 percent words, 38 percent voice and 55 percent body language,

[@maraboo72]

In germany, Berlin behaviour is known as "Berliner Schnauze" what maybe translates to "Berlin gob". So it is maybe typical but also a bit over the top for the whole of Germany. A woman from Berlin told me that when she visited some friends in the far west of Germany she went into a grocery store and was looking around to find something. An employee saw it and asked if she could help. The first impulse of the Berlin woman was that the employee wanted to insult her but in the last moment she realized that she was not in Berlin. So she told what she was looking for and said thank you to the employee. She told me that she would never do that in Berlin. For sure you can find people everywhere that behave like the Japanese woman showed and I find them annoying, too. But the German language can sound smooth if not spoken in that way. It is like the man from Ghana said: You can be direct without being rude. But some people obviously don't know it.

[@frankhainke7442]

I am from Berlin and I would not expect to be offended when asked what I am looking for.

[@rey6708]

@@frankhainke7442 i live currently in berlin and the employes in shops are actually some of the nicest ive met so far.

[@Marina45711]

I have lived in Berlin my whole life and can assure you that it is completely normal for sellers to offer help with the selection. It seems to me that the lady in your story has more of a personal problem if she sees this as an attack.

[@eichzoernchen]

What's seen as polite in one culture can be seen as rude in another culture. Germans aren't being rude when they get straight to the point, they just don't waste your time. It's just the view of politeness here. The American way of politeness is often seen as unnerving, unnecessarily misunderstandable and sometimes pushy in Germany.

[@frankhainke7442]

And in Berlin it has another point. You give someone a half rude half witty comment and wait how he reacts. When he complains (like the people from the south west often do) you do not show any interest anymore. He is not worthy it. But when he gives a funny answer it is okay. It is like a test.

[@Tassilo102]

@@frankhainke7442Exactly my experience. The Berliners are going to argue with you. You have to argue back to prove you're not an idiot who takes things personally or can't handle people. Then you can become best friends forever. Do the same thing in Munich and people think you're an antisocial pleb who can't behave.

[@eichzoernchen]

@@frankhainke7442 right... if they stop teasing you, they've run outa fucks

[@olgahein4384]

@@frankhainke7442 My answer to people like that is always: 'Aha' and then proceed engaging in conversations with people who don't get out of their way to make life hard for others. I just don't like A-holes, so i don't engage with them, they aren't worth my time and nerves. Afterall, here in the south (west and east) we are kinda busy with working off the financial burden that the north and seast, especially Berlin, puts on us all the time. We don't have time to waste on dumb mind games.

[@eichzoernchen]

@@olgahein4384 aha

[@bjorndebar8361]

I claim that Berlin is the most direct city in the world. A real Berliner says what he wants, when he wants, without actually offending you. Berliners always seem to give a shit about everything. The Germans are very direct and yet sometimes surprised by the Berliners, but we love them the way they are.

[@ChrisTaylor-dz6nk]

Berlin 😅Nice friendly people 😅relaxed 😊I live in Amsterdam and I'm not Dutch 😅if you understand the language its not direct 😅

[@arjanpetersen]

Dude... Just drive 500 KM to the west and then you can experience people being direct. As a Dutch person I have been in Berlin probably 20 times or more. Berlin is just friendly, honest, not really direct at all. Dutch are way more direct etc. Go to Groningen and you will find out. Nevertheless it's not really a game or something. I do like Germany a lot.

[@bjorndebar8361]

@@arjanpetersen You are the first person I have met who says that Berliners are not direct. I also like the Netherlands a lot.

[@bigchicken5243]

dude we even joke about the stereotypical older berlin woman with a kiosk ,with a heavy berlin dialekt that will give you a stern heart-to-heart ( and probably lung cancer)

[@takaetono6773]

"YOU CANT HANDLE THE TRUTH!" originally a quote from a german, which was later used in a movie.

[@kleinweichkleinweich]

to the bike guy rules apply to everyone, if riding your bike is not allowed in some places it is for a reason, like to stop you from running over playing children. So don't be so selfish

[@TTTzzzz]

Man, I'm 64 and I still think I'm 20. My body knows I'm not but my mind doesn't care. 'The Fountain of Youth in the mind', not the body.

[@Joiny07]

"We're in Berlin, that's in Germany" and God Save the Queen as background music. I love British humour.

[@zahgurim7838]

...könnte auch die Kaiserhymne sein.

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

Well... At first, it's "God save the King", right? 2nd, this was also the "Kaiserhymne", in the imperial German times. And 3rd, the Britisch Royals, are from German decent, so it fits also...

[@TiborgSGE]

I live in Western Germany for some 12 years (Rheinland-Pfalz).I guess it is different in every parts of Germany,but i like the German directness.It makes things a lot easier.It's important that you apply the rules because if you're not they will let you know that's for sure.

[@dnocturn84]

It's a German standard. Exists all over the place as part of our culture. Maybe there are small nuances here and there depending on the region, but beating-around-the-bush and sugar-coating doesn't exist, if not specifically asked for. If you ask how you look and it doesn't look good, you will usually get a straight answer that you look terrible. It's simply not considered to be rude to give someone an honest answer. Being honest and direct, without wasting someones time, is valued much higher than lying, just to protect someones feelings. If you can't handle the truth, than don't ask in the first place, or immediately add, that you specifically want a sugar-coated answer to boost your morale. It's even looked down upon, if you sugar-coat your answer, like when dealing with your boss, to gain his trust/support/favor/whatever. If others witness something like this, you'll be called an "Ar***kriecher". And to be honest, if I want someone to judge my work, I would actually be angry, if I have to listen to half an hour of useless sweet talk, that ultimately means that 95% of it is actually garbage. What does this sugar coating mean, if it is fully build around sh*t? And some English speakers have mastered this technique.

[@TiborgSGE]

@@dnocturn84 Agree completely.

[@UltraSuperDuperFreak]

We are direct here in Denmark aswell. Boy oh boy it saves time in long run and you avoid confusion about what you mean. No talking in circles, and bublewrapping every sencetence and hope people guess right what you actualy mean :P

[@olgahein4384]

Yeah, i sometimes wonder if the nordics have influenced their direct southern neighbors to be as 'to the point' as they are, or if german bluntness has rubbed off to the northern neighborhood, east and west (nordic countries, but also Poland, Netherlands and Belgium).

[@nilreb]

I can tell that Sweden has very much a nicety wrapping safe zone culture. Not as verbose as American english, but very uncommitted and indirect. Bara för säkerhets skull

[@SovermanandVioboy]

When you grow up here, you dont even notice these things - you learn to "read" the directness. Like a "Cant complain" or "not bad" is alrdy a good compliment (because if there was something to complain or something bad, they would say so).

[@olgahein4384]

'Can't complain' is actually a really nice compliment. If there was something to complain about what you did, a german would find it without effort. So if a german has nothing to complain about, there is nothing to complain about.

[@peoplelikefrank]

7:59 people from west germany, Ruhrgebiet area, are even more open and direct

[@winterlinde5395]

When we are friendly we mean it. If you perceive us as rude, maybe look again. Could be just neutral. I guess often it’s the language barrier. Even if you think our English is good, beating around the bush is a more difficult skill than just stating facts. And to answer the question „how are you?“ with the question „how are you?“ and without anyone answering sliding into an excited smalltalk, that’s not normal behavior for us and really mentally exhausting. So please be patient 😊. But yes: only ask for an opinion if you really want to know 😁 I hope you come visit, soon.

[@DSP16569]

With some religion as argument: Aren't US-Americans deep into religion (this Jesus stuff): So why do they always violate the 8th commandment (Thou should not lie) by sugar coating everything, what is almost always a lie? Germans answer with the truth and do not lie (Your new haircut doesn't look great, You look ill,...) so we follow the commandment.

[@RustyDust101]

Be sure, if a German is trying to insult you, you WILL know. So just assume that what you might consider rude probably is just neutral.

[@nilreb]

💯 to your ‘how are you?’ Such a gut wrenching experience to be getting asked a question that one is NOT expected to answer.

[@seelenwinter6662]

i lived 5 years in peru and all looked at me all the time too... so where is the problem from the brasilian guy....?

[@winterlinde5395]

Well he’s not from Peru. So we don’t know.

[@frankhainke7442]

The thing about Berlin is not that it is big. It is just a different mentality. The different areas in Germany are more diverse than in other countries I know. And as a German I must admit than I am surprised about the "staring". I am not aware of it. So it does not bother me.

[@maxwilli3718]

If you were a prisoner in Guantanamo, you would swear that English is a very aggressive language.

[@voyance4elle]

that's a very weird comment

[@maxwilli3718]

@@voyance4elle Sorry but. Because everyone in the world has learned nothing other than the harsh, shouted language of Nazi war films. Nothing about the German philosophers and poets like: www.google.com/search?q=der+panther+gelesen+von+otto+sander&sca_esv=2d4360a6340d5bc0&rlz=1C1CHBF_deDE779DE779&sxsrf=ACQVn09GY-G1-52v8vRRXwrukS0KZ5tzJA%3A1712075900250&ei=fDQMZpfbDvioxc8PuPSWgAo&oq=der+panther+sander&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiEmRlciBwYW50aGVyIHNhbmRlcioCCAIyBhAAGBYYHjIGEAAYFhgeMgYQABgWGB5IilFQpQtY8R1wAXgAkAEAmAFQoAHcA6oBATe4AQHIAQD4AQGYAgegArIDwgIKEAAYRxjWBBiwA8ICChAAGIAEGBQYhwLCAgUQABiABMICBxAAGIAEGAqYAwCIBgGQBgiSBwE3oAepGQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:d6c15981,vid:TMjVqDKljoU,st:0

[@Oradon01]

@@voyance4elle Why that?

[@peoplelikefrank]

7:18 the says that because the doors go broke if you hold them open, simple as that

[@juwen7908]

Actually the train driver is right when he said 'You brake my door." That's automatic doors, they don't work properly anymore, if you block them. And probably the driver has a lot of trouble in the past, because the doors then don't open anymore. Absolutely understandable reaction, when he has to deal with this stuff on daily base just because of people who aren't willing to think for second. We also have an automatic door at my library and always has to say the people to use the door opener instead of pulling the door handle. And they get angry, if the door don't work anymore then 😤 Just think about, these doors are made for people who needed it!

[@Myliu030]

well it was also in Berlin and yeah we are a bit grumpy. :)

[@xasanth6318]

I'm direct too. Being direct doesn't mean to be unpolite. In my eyes it's more unpolite to speak behinds peoples back. I mean geez... if you smell you smell... would you like to know or would you like to have other people turn around and talk badly about you? For example smell is something you may not even be able to smell yourself so you have barely any chance to know. As our nose cancels out bad small if its permanent. But being direct makes the other one often feel offended... because most people think so highly of themselves that it's hard for them to understand that they are in the wrong or what so ever. So often regardless how nice you spill the truth... you often have to provide an apology as they feel offended. By the way there is no such thing in pyschology to offend someone but you can only feel offended. It's basically how you react to a situation. If your character is well build and someone tries to offend you, you would simply shrug it off and think he must have had very good parenting and friends if he needs to refer to such bad language... I most often only reply why the need to offend themselves if they try to offend me. And to that bike dude... if you drive your bike on the walkway while there are rules that this one is only if you walk... surely they are mad. Drive your bike where you should drive it. And if he would be polite and correct he may would get some kindness back. Of course there are people who hold doors open for others. But do you really expect someone that he has to do it for you? Are you 5 and the door is too heavy? Impared in any way? Wonder how polite he is to others... I'm getting greeted by most where I buy my groceries which isn't normal. But if you're always polite to them people tend to be polite to you. That plain simple. Show politeness to others and you may receive some back. Politeness is nothing you can claim... it's something that's given to you by free choice of the other one.

[@helfgott1]

German directness: Do I like this channel? YES 👍👍😁😁😂😂

[@bigchicken5243]

directness is mostly a good thing, imo, i had to tell my polish ( im german) friend many times that if they dont want to meet up they can just say no ( same with spanish coworkers) because its okay to say no😂 or if something bothers them they can just tell me, better say something than be angry about it along time

[@KrisThroughGlass]

Wasn't the guy, they said to be from Ghana a German? He said he was adopted from a German and his accent sounded very German, too.

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

To be straight forward, saves a lot of time. Time can not be manipulated and is therefore precious. And belive me... To waste there a minute and here a quater hour, sums up in the end...

[@zorglub20770]

It's true that even when I get a compliment by a German in German I feel like I am aggressed. And yet I have studied the language for years, so I should get be accustomed. But no.

[@jdktoo]

it is not like EVERYBODY IN GERMANY is the same way, from north to south, from east to west.. they differ.

[@jensbaranek8322]

The German behaviour is depending on the seasons as well. The half-year of autumn and winter is cold, rainy and ugly, so the people are somehow depressed. And then ... as actually ... comes the spring, esp. the merry month of may ... and from one day to the other, the people are somehow "as replaced", cheerful, being in good temper and more relaxed.

[@4Kandlez]

That applies to everyone in Northern Europe

[@mikkyo3509]

German does not sound aggressive or angry. It always depends on how you show your feelings. In English it is the same and most German speakers ignore your shyness or if you cannot express yourself and say what they think. They often do not want to be smooth talkers. It is also common to think that smooth talkers are bad because you should show when you are angry about a topic.

[@UltraSuperDuperFreak]

6:13 then follow the rules/laws in the country you visit. no wonder people look and inform you that you may not do that. You are litterly risking a fine if a police car see you do it. Its not alowed !

[@trevorlsheppard7906]

I love the line "Brian was a Puppy in a Past Life" nice one , brilliant 😊😊😊 .In big cities in the UK people are standoffish,no Eye Contact allowed ,on pain of death, smaller towns and villages not so much, friendlier,more sociable .People in UK rarely say what they mean , visitors are as confused as hell ,an interpreter is needed to translate . Example,in UK if someone says "We must get together" translates as"No ,We are never under any circumstances going to get together "😊😊, Enjoyed this vlog. ❤.

[@winterlinde5395]

Whereas we take out the planners to fix a date for the get together 😊

[@olgahein4384]

@@winterlinde5395 german-uk interactions in a nutshell XD

[@onlyfoes]

One the biggest differences that I experienced is how blunt you can treat customers who try to be even most polite to you, in grocery stores and cafés too sometimes. I'm not for the "customer = always king" rubbish but damn it almost feels like YOU have to thank the employees that they let you shop there 😂 (Berlin experience at least)

[@asmodon]

6:20 „Are you ‚hobbylos'?“ 😁 That‘s my kind of guy!

[@UltraSuperDuperFreak]

Really ? He litterly broke the law ! and you agree with him ? I would freaking tell him to stop biking on the walk path aswell ! Go on the bikepath or road if there are no bikepath. Its why we build them ! :P

[@asmodon]

@@UltraSuperDuperFreak are you hobbylos?

[@olgahein4384]

@@asmodon No they are german. Germans like to abide by rules and REALLY don't like people who break laws. And it doesn't matter which laws it is, be it gun laws, muder laws or traffic laws. One of the main reasons why Germany is such a safe country, without having to tweak criminal statistics by shaming victims into silence (peeking over to Japan and South Korea, yep).

[@asmodon]

@@olgahein4384 WTF are you taking about? Cycling on the sidewalk isn’t a criminal act. It’s barely a misdemeanour. Dude, „hobbylos“ is German slang for a person who should mind his own business. The guy in the video used it absolutely correctly.

[@lordofnumbers9317]

When you come to Germany and go to a supermarket, be sure to think of “Yes” cakes. Otherwise you would really miss something. The joke is, as a child in the 80s I thought "Yes" cake came from the USA.🤣

[@monikadeinbeck4760]

Germans like things to work, so they speak direct to the point, they will instruct you to do things right, but they will also look out for each other. German autobahn works without speed limits because people watch out for each other. Berlin is another story, they cultivate a rudeness they are even proud of. This is not exemplary for Germany as a whole.

[@thomasalbrecht5914]

German language isn’t harsh at all, it does have a few phonemes that sound different from English or French or Italian, but you’ll find it in other germanic languages or some Slavic ones. It’s also a language that often has the most important word towards the end of a sentence, and that means people will actually let you finish making their point, instead of talking over you when they disagree.

[@juergenstange6844]

I am a German and I am direct : Why are you talking about your bloody birthday ? 😂

[@Alexandru0687]

Many European countries are direct and what we say is what we mean. We don't like wasting time on useless things and small talks. We are different from other people around the world. Lots of countries with many different histories and culture in Europe. I am Romanian and we are people that are direct people. Same as the Germans, Italians, Spanish, French etc.

[@cap.luisfigo9401]

As a German, it took me a long time to understand what people from other cultures mean by "German Starring". That and the fact that most Germans are rather direct ("German Directnis") are connected. I am of the opinion that a direct approach is usually much better than skirting around the actual topic. It is honest and clears things up immediately. Nobody has to feel misunderstood. The exception may be things that can hurt someone very deeply personally. Or I cut the discussion short if I'm sure that the person I'm talking to doesn't understand anyway, or doesn't want to understand what is meant (ignorance, arrogance, stupidity ...). The so-called "stare" is not one at all. In Germany, it is considered impolite if I don't look other people in the eye, especially in conversation. There's a saying in Germany: "If someone can't look you in the eye when you're talking, they're lying!". And every German knows that if I look at someone and they look away, they don't want to have anything to do with me. Otherwise it's impolite. In big cities it's now the case that most people don't look at you, e.g. on public transport. But there are other reasons for this. So, don't be afraid. Be happy about every honest, direct approach and let someone look you in the eye. A deep look has often been the beginning of a deep love. 💖☯☮

[@giniinthebottle5777]

We give it, we take it. I'm not asking for sugar, I'm asking for truthfulness, that's sweet enough. .... greetings form Berlin

[@TomTomson81]

There is nothing worse and more rude than wasting other people's time. The same applies to being late for a meeting or date. Time is something you can't get back. People don't get to the point, they kind of shorten my life. Time that I could have spent with my loved ones. Instead of asking me how my day was, even though the person doesn't really care and they only do it out of "politeness". That's not polite ,that's dishonest and robbing time.

[@lamaglama6231]

I usually smile back 🙂

[@theoderich1168]

12:07 German does NOT sound harsh or aggressive - only if you listen to Rammstein, then maybe.... Listen to the German anthem kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXuvmIall9qFgJo or to kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpvEgoqfZsaGnZY

[@zorglub20770]

I disagree. Rammstein does not sound harsh. But my Darmstädter neighbor does.

[@mrnice81]

Why 3x the same link?

[@theoderich1168]

@@mrnice81 my mistake

[@kevingrant7098]

You two received one of life’s gift at birth good looks

[@olgahein4384]

Berlin is a bit of a special case in Germany. When it comes to directness, people from Berlin (not only those who grew up there, but also have lived there for a while) are the most blunt. At most places in Berlin people always seem to be on the edge, stressed and pissed. And when they are telling you that you are doing something wrong, they like to pair it with insults, either passive-agressive or in your face insults. For example, you cross a red light as a pedestrian (which happened to me quite often in the past cause i'm often in my thoughts when walking around, and both examples are personal experiences). In Berlin:'TF! Is wrong with you! Are you blind or just dumb? The light is red. RED! You make the friggin kids do the same dumb shite!' In the Black Forest: 'Hey, the light is red, didn't you see that? Be more careful in traffic areas, you are puttin not only yourself in jeopardy there.' I'm aware Berliners aren't meaning to be A-holes, they just speak how they are used to and probably relieving some of the stress they have to build up when being surrounded by pissed and angry people all the time - but man, when you are from the south, Berlin really appears to be a ugly dumpster full of mean a-holes.

[@jensbaranek8322]

BTW: Happy Birthday! And cheers to the end of Your youth ... 🤣

[@micade2518]

30 is the perfect age: you're fit, at the height of your physical and intellectual potental, you're rid of those adolescent worries of trying to fit in an established society you have no say in, and you're not yet in the throes of the 'forties middle-age crisis ... Happy '30's, Bryan!

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

It is, like a wise man said once to me, when I was 20. "If you have a goal in life, try to get it, until 30 and 45. If you are younger, you lack the required experience. Are you to old, you lack the the fitness, of earlier days..."

[@SG_82]

Just a tip from a blunt and direct German: as much as I enjoy watching a handsome couple like you are, it seems a bit odd to see a small 1/10 window of the video you are reacting to. Maybe you could set up scenes so that you switch (via hotkey) between the video in the large focus and you in the large focus, while the other scene is in a smaller window in the corner?

[@BlissLovePeace]

oh my ... here we go again ... I am German, have lived 16y in the USA, married to my American wife of 24y ... and this stereotypical nonsense in these interviews bores the heck out of me (and my wife for that matter). They all sound like 5y olds ... more importantly, they mostly behave like it too ... To German directness, greetings from Germany!

[@Tanerion]

German does NOT sound angry IMO. In fact, I find that it sounds extremely tame, mild even. Perhaps it' because I understand it. It's as if people only know German from Hitler speeches and Schwarzenegger's accent (both Austrian BTW).

[@lent10]

Uff that drive by

[@juwen7908]

When you ask a german for help with your moving, they tell you yes I'm in or no, I've no time. Sorry. Ask an american, they always tell you Yes, I love to. But then they just ghost you. If a german promise you to come, they'll be there! So, which one is more rude? Just say the truth or lie to be polite? In Germany to lie is considered much more rude. By telling the truth even if it isn't nice, you at least can count on people!

[@patrickschindler2583]

I think that German sounds annoying is a myth. You have to differentiate between politicians' language in the plenary hall and everyday language in public. And yes, if someone is walking on the bike path, it can sometimes get a bit loud. But that doesn't mean that people are shouting all day long.

[@gerd3458]

Hello Lynda, hello Brian, best wishes to your birthday! Please come to Berlin, if you visit Germany. We are not all that rude. Greetings from the capital.

[@frankhainke7442]

I am not rude either.

[@nilreb]

Berliner here, living in Sweden. Traveled with my swedish family to London. We asked at the reception for a cab and went outside to wait for it. The concierge came after us telling that the cab would take 10 mins to come and that we are welcome for wait inside. I responded: ‘no thanks, we prefer to wait here, inside it smells to much’ my family’s jaws dropped. And I see now how this is coming across as rude especially with the British. However I claim there is no meanness at all in my words, I did not feel the slightest aggression when uttering these words. All of us noticed the strong Parfum odor immediately upon entering the reception and my wife started getting allergic breathing problems, so why beat around the bush?

[@4Kandlez]

If you had visitors to your house and they said it smells in here, would you be offended? In Britain it's more polite to add some context to your answer like "There's a strong perfume odour inside that's affecting my wife's allergy so we'll wait outside" It gets the point across without sounding like a rude asshole

[@andreash3132]

BERLIN is not Germany ! Berliners are rude.

[@jensbaranek8322]

Berlin (lived there 10 years) is not Germany, it is different as the rest and ever was. In some way, there isn't "the typical German" at all, because some manners may even vary from region to region ... as the German dialects. And often then the dialects are used to say s. th. in a roundabout way - which will be difficult to be understood by a foreigner. Directness: I.e. You may have to make a removal to a new appartement, and You will need some help of Your friends for carrying. Your friends from southern countries will give You a heart-warming speech, how they will love to do this and of course, they will bring their 3 brothers with them to assist. The German will only say: "No, I can't, I will not have the time." or "Okay, no problem, I will be there." And when it comes to the day of the removal, Your sounthern country friends do not show up at all. The German instead will be at Your place 5 Min. before the time, in a working dress and shoes, alone, but brought some necessary tools with him.

[@BellJar2059]

Thank god i‘m german and live in Europe 😅

[@PaulWinkle]

Every german is a policeman? Correct, we even created this one monster called Anzeigenhauptmeister

[@andreashofer4442]

Austrians Talk German aswell, but we dont talk hard or harsch sounding at all... Also we dont play Police the hole day, like the country of 'Anzeigenhauptmeisters', lol.

[@olgahein4384]

The Anzeigenhauptmeister is a running meme atm. Here in the Black Forest you rarely meet austrians, but everyone i know (including me) really loves the austrian accent, it sounds just so lovely and adorable. Always makes me smile immediately for some reason, though i don't understand a word.

[@andreashofer4442]

@@olgahein4384 you should make it like we do if something is embarressing af.... Declare it as culture and make money with tourists, like we do with Farmers in Lederhosen 😁✌️ PS: Hawe d' Ehre, bist eh leiwand! Vaoigemeinern konnst hoid goanix. 😊

[@olgahein4384]

@@andreashofer4442 Well, I'm from the Black Forest. Have you seen our 'Bollenhut'?

[@andreashofer4442]

@@olgahein4384 i See... A Huat zum Buchteln hamtrogn^^

[@KrisThroughGlass]

As a German: yes, we are very direct. But most Germans think that people from Berlin tend to be a bit rude. So this might not be the best city to interview people.

[@nilreb]

Without speaking very good german and the berlin dialects (plural) plus knowing the humor and mindset of people it is a very hard task to make someone understand what the difference in directness between Berliners and other Germans is and when Berliners cross into being rude. That is such a subtle context dependent play of words that even germans struggle with it (e.g. perceived as rude)

[@arnodobler1096]

Young children say what they think, then we train them, don't we?

[@Temeraire101]

Nein, wir dürfen keine Anweisungen geben!!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@arjanpetersen]

Lol Germans are really good at sugar coating things... I'm Dutch. And to our standards Germans are not direct at all :) But that's OK. Every society has its own cultulre and social rules.

[@ninodino444]

The Iran guy can directly go back to Iran

[@neb-taui-djeser1060]

It's 2024, turning 30 means your life has just begun. Time has changed.

[@observet0079]

Why should I need 100 words when I can say it in 5 and enjoy peace and quiet the rest of the time?

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

And more important, save precious time...!

[@Squagglimole]

This is not the mentality in Southern Germany, so "Germans" is a bit of a oversimplification. This video seems to be assuming that Scottish & English people are also the exact same....... Also city-people & people in rural areas are also entirely different, and you've just been testing city-people. People living in the city are pretty much always jack-asses, doesn't matter which country. Living in a city is pretty stressful, and it brings out the worst in us. Bit like looking at New Yorkers & saying that's how all Americans are - and I mean have you met people from Minnesota or Montana? They are fucking cute BaWü & Bavaria are entirely different from Germany. We're ridiculously friendly, and we always smile back. We're also very Christian, we will always say something like "May God greet/protect you" ("griaßdi"/"pfirtdi") to strangers. It's part of our culture here to be very hospitable, because tourists have been coming here for over a thousand years I mean we're gonna talk behind your back if you're a jack-ass, but we will be the friendliest fucks ever to you. The same is true for Northern Germans/Frisians. They are also COMPLETELY different. They are so fuckin friendly, I can't even In the South we have pretty much the same mentality as Austria & Switzerland, but in the North we have pretty much the same mentality as the Netherlands. Germany is a VERY complicated country, and you can't just see us as one people. We're just not. I mean, we've been trying, but we just aren't. People are going to be up to 180° degrees different depending on where you are in Germany. Soo.. German =/= German, please. We are many different CULTURES mashed into one country, and just because Germany/Deutschland is a collection of most Teutonic tribes, doesn't mean we are one people, we are still DIFFERENT cultures. We have different languages, different traditions, even someone else bringing gifts on Christmas (For us in the South it's Baby Jesus, not Santa - for example. St Nikolaus comes earlier with a horde of demons. Yeah you heard right. Called "Perchten") Tbf: My region, Bavaria, was a country LONG before Germany was, about a thousand years prior. We were a Roman province called Rhaetia, back when "Magna Germania" was just what the Romans called the land of the uncivilized Barbarians. So we don't like, in general, to be compared to Germans. They are NOT us. Not genetically, the language is different(and I mean fucking different. They can't even understand us when we talk Bavarian), their traditions are different, they're much too grim & serious to us, they are unfriendly, they stare, etc... We're funny, funky, friendly mountain folk. Edit: You also can't see people from other European countries like that. Let's take France as an example. You can see France as two bigger parts. Ex-West-Franconia, with German roots & Ex-Aquitania, with Spanish roots. (There's also Ex-Lotharingia parts, which also have a very different culture, bit of a mix between German & French culture, but also a little Italian culture, because the king of Italy/Emperor of the HRRE owned it for a while) French people in the North are not even CLOSE to as friendly as those in the South. Aquitania people are a bit like Spanish people. They are super open, very friendly, they hug strangers, their French sounds SO different. Or Italy? There's SO many different cultures in Italy. Bavarian, Cisalpine, Toskan, Italian, Roman, Greek, Sardinian, Sicilian(which also comes with a lot of Arabic culture), High-Burgundian, ... again depending on where you are in Italy. You have to understand that instead of 250 years of history, most of us in Europe have 2000+ years of history. And there's already SUCH big differences in Americans - just imagine if all your cultures had thousands of years to develop, then you understand how diverse Europe is.

[@winterlinde5395]

Liebe Grüße aus dem Land der Barbaren 😃🌸

[@Squagglimole]

@@winterlinde5395Ihr habt den Römern aber ganz schön den Arsch versohlt. Wir haben die paar hundert Jahre bekämpft und irgendwann gesagt "woaßt wos? leckts mi doch am oarsch, dann hamma hoid Römer"

[@olgahein4384]

But please don't throw us Baden-Württembergers into the same backwards religious pot as the Bavarians. While old people here may be similar to bavarians (you know, religious, xenophobic, racist and stuff, without the intent to harm - probably), people under the age of 50 are not. Actually, in the Black Forest you will find as many protestants as catholics and most of them don't go to church regularly and some not at all since they had the choice to say no. Also, we don't greet each other with calling out 'Slave' in latin. That aside, Germans here in the south-west are just as direct as anywhere else in the country. They are just nicer about it. And yeah, they smile a lot, but it's still a genuine smile. Like when i walk into my local bakery (one of the few still family run where they bake all the stuff in the side building), i get greeted with a genuine smile - cause they all very well know that their jobs and income actually depend on customers and every customer coming in is good for the business and themselves. Well, and they know me and that i hate wasting time myself, so for them it's a 2 minute job for me spend 20 bucks - and i always say 'please' and 'thanks', 2 very valued words here i the area.

[@Squagglimole]

@@olgahein4384and you think people under 50 in Bavaria are like that........? wut? I was talking about cultural origin. Also 50% of Germany is 50+ And then some derogatory bullshit towards Bavs I'm not even going to address. Du griagst koa Gspusi

[@Oradon01]

@Squagglimole LOL Richtig, ihr seid keine "Germans". Ihr seid Nord-Jugoslawen. Viele Grüße von einem barbarischen Rheinländer. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@trythis2006]

the stereotype that german sounds aggressive comes probably from nazi germany because all they did was indeed screaming but really try to listen to a normal german conversation, its not aggressive sounding at all

[@angedora03071981]

They just sound aggressive

[@wilhelmmay3537]

congrats🎁🎈

[@AqualungsBreath]

A video about Germany and they play God save the King?

[@Bramfly]

Nah, try us Dutch for that 😊

[@olgahein4384]

I think dutch are a bit too much for americans, even germans are kinda flabbergusted by you guys at times.

[@Cyril_Sneer]

Warum immer Bayern oder Buletten City? 👀

[@BenHatira]

I always wonder why you wouldn't name a video like that "are the Berliners too direct " if you interview someone just in that said city ! it's strange it's like having a video only shot in New York and ask the same question about Americans it just doesn't make sense to me. Culture and people are different in every state/area ...

[@monikadeinbeck4760]

I only celebrate my prime number birthdays.

[@hilligerman7212]

I used to work in a french owned company as German. Most meetings with French participation lasted longer than necessary due to beating around the bush by the French.🙄

[@thomasalbrecht5914]

Well, I worked in a similar situation and they would get 90% of the work done in the last 5 minutes… because they didn’t want to miss the plane back to Paris 😂

[@lordofnumbers9317]

I recommend a “Yes” cake for your birthday. You can also put a small candle on it... ah... you don't have that in the USA. Such a shame. See, this Trump isn't telling you.😉

[@prototypega8257]

We Stare directly through People so we don´t notize if you Smile or if we do we think it´s not becouse of us ,its becouse of your Thougts while Starying Strate through us. Berlin has so much Graphity Becouse the Soviet side of the Iron Curtain and the West side had to Overcome hard times next to the Unification. A Huge gap from Ritch and Poor 2 Systems and the Soviet side just got the Freedom of Speech and had to lern how Capitalism works and to not sit with everyone else in the Same Boad.

[@frankhainke7442]

It is true. I often stare without looking.

[@olgahein4384]

Yeah, staring while not seeing the person is normal for me too. I literally am daydreaming into my own fantasy world when i'm on public transportation (unless i have something to crochet, knit, draw or embroider with me). My eyes need just a resting point that doesn't move too much, cause movement kinda kicks me out of my daydreaming. And that's usually one of the passengers further away.

[@aphextwin5712]

Aren’t New Yorkers known for telling you their opinion?

[@V100-e5q]

Is your dog German? Sorry, for being direct.

[@Markevans63]

Is that a "The Smiths" T Shirt?

[@peter_meyer]

Yep, 40 years late.

[@Markevans63]

@@peter_meyer better late than never i guess

[@peter_meyer]

@@Markevans63 Good music doesn't go bad over time. It's just getting older.

[@djs98blue]

I’ve never liked direct people tbh. It’s the was how I was brought up I guess. I’ve always appreciated cryptic and ambiguous thinking and conversation - I tend to see and like the nuances and complexities of the world and don’t enjoy those who think and talk as though the world is simple and straightforward to understand.

[@danika9411]

.... direct communication doesn't mean that people think the world is simple and straightforward. Maybe you would like to think about that again, because you are simplifying and mixing things together right now yourself. There is more nuance there than you think. Germany had many philosophers like Kant, Nietzsche, Schopenhauer ect. German is know as the language of poets and thinkers for a reason. I think you don't like direct communication and you just made something up that's not true, so you can justify it for yourself. But that's not needed. It's ok to not like something.

[@RonnyWarrach]

15890🇩🇪

[@liyunfei]

I am disabled bbbbbbbbeiiiing

[@zorglub20770]

The Iranian guy is funny

[@beldin2987]

I wished i would turn 30 again since i turn 60 in 3 month 🥴 and here is something for all the snowflakes that always are "offended" by everything : George Carlin on soft language kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWOYemWcr6t6pbs