GERMAN LIFE HACKS 🇩🇪 Smart, Practical & Easy Tips that We've Learned from Germans! Haushaltstipps

Life hacks (Haushaltstipps) are things that make everyday life tasks easier and more efficient, and Germans have many of them! Here are some we've learned from YOU this past year from our KZbin and Instagram comments! Germans are known for being practical for a good reason. They have simple and smart tips for making daily tasks more eco-friendly and cheaper. Many of these tips I wish we had in the USA as well, and we think many Americans would appreciate these tips.
#germany #deutschland #germanylifestyle #germanculture #lifehacks #germanengineer
//JUMP TO YOUR FAVORITE PART//
0:00 - Intro - who are we?
01:46 - 1 - Creative Ways Germans reuse Egg Cartons
04:45 - 2 - This is something smart with the Toilet Bowl Brush
06:02 - 3 - Pfand - Deposit for Bottles - SO SMART!
07:40 - 4 - This keeps shopping carts organized in stores
11:05 - 5 - Cashiers can do this in Germany but not in the USA!
12:11 - 6 - Here's something Germans do when it rains that just makes SENSE!
12:47 - 7 - German Gardens are easier to maintain because of THIS...
15:15 - 8 - This is something special with German beds...
16:44 - 9 - Why German windows are so cool and SMART!
18:20 - 10 - Germans do THIS simple trick to keep their houses cooler without AC
20:19 - 11 - The way Germans teach kids to ride bicycles is SMART and it works better!
22:48 - 12 - This one EASY tip Saves a Lot of Plastic
23:41 - 13 - We LOVE Using this very German thing to dry our clothes
📖 See the blog post that goes with this video here - mymerrymessygermanlife.com/12...
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🇩🇪 Life in Germany blog posts and videos here - mymerrymessygermanlife.com
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🇩🇪 Life in Germany - • Life in Germany
🇩🇪 Raising Children in Germany - • Raising Children in Ge...
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🇩🇪 Germany is Beautiful - Relaxing Nature Videos of Germany - • How Germans & Scandina...
🇩🇪 Christmas is Magical in Germany - • First Time Trying Germ...
//ABOUT US//
We are a family of six, with four kids and a cat 😹, who moved from the USA to Germany in February of 2021 to pursue our dreams of adventure, travel, learning another language, and integrating into German life. We hope you enjoy our videos about our journey to integrate - the highs and the lows of being foreigners on the adventure of a lifetime.
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[@zomfgroflmao1337]

You know what feels even better under bare feet than manicured grass? Moss! I love the mossy garden at my parents house!

[@Astrofrank]

I should visit the Lindenstumpf (close to the A7) again - a large part of the ground consists of a thick layer of moss! It looks nice, too.

[@nadinebeck2069]

Pregnant women are not allowed to work in a standing position in Germany. If there work can't be done while sitting, the doctor will give her a description that she is not allowed to do this work. She remains at home with her full income! Everyone has to take care that pregnant women and their unborn babies are protected!

[@ichbin4122]

I’ve yet to be pregnant but if ever I am I will move to Munchen. It is in Germany, right?

[@ingeborggroth1415]

Oh dear, I just HAVE to comment on the glass door issue. We also had many many of those in our house. My parents were very relaxed with parenting, humorous, appreciative and encouraging, I can hardly remember a tense moment, except when we didn’t treat the appliances in and around the house with proper care at a very early age, definitely around Kindergarten age. Whenever we had difficulties, my dad took us by his side and explained what was important to know to not break the handles, locks, drawers, hinges or whatever there was. And both parents were really consistent and strict on this. We never thought it was overwhelming because this was so normal, every kid I knew learnt it this way. So, I guess the most German ‚advice‘ for fixing your glass door frames and handles might be: train your kids to handle them with care … 😂 ( I spontaneously cringed when Ella pulled the door with the handle not at a 90 degree angle… 🤣) I hope you won’t feel offended, it’s not meant to be a judgmental comment!!!!!

[@notyourbusiness1626]

That was my thought exactly! Be careful to keep the handle at 90°. We had lots of these doors at home where I grew up and I don't remember this kind of thing happened unless the handle wasn't at a 90° angle. I still do this sometimes in my apartment - opening the doors or windows that way too fast and carelessly without checking if the angle of the handle is right (it rarely happens, but sometimes) 🙈

[@ewalala682]

unfortunately I think this is the only way 🙈 had to learn it the hard way when my younger daughter basically broke the window frame by opening it the wrong way constantly. the window had to be replaced as a whole because it was so damaged. as far as I know there is really nothing you can do to prevent damage like this other than handling it properly 😥

[@JustBen81]

The handle was horizontal - the door shouldn't behave like that. But yeah if it's not exactly horizontal it can cause issues and even damage the door or window.

[@erwinerwinson5941]

Really old wooden or metal doors will not open if the handle is not at 90% angle. Newer ones, unfortunately, are made of cheaper materials and make it indispensable that children must pay close attention to what they are doing. I've once had a very large cheap plastic window fall towards me. I accidentally turned it even further during opening and therefore unhooked it completely. Only an adult can still catch that and hook it back in!

[@lela2280]

As you do have a cat: Please be careful not to tilt your windows if the cat has access to that room at that time. Tilted windows (and doors) can be very dangerous for cats, leading to very serious injuries and even death sometimes. Or, in case you want to be able to still tilt your windows without endangering your cat, you can buy and install a safeguard made for that problem (it's called "Kippschutz" or "Kippfensterschutz") or maybe try to diy one. On a similar note, there is a somewhat useful gadget to keep your windows from slamming shut while cross-airing the house (and possibly breaking in the process). It's called "Fensterklammer" (window bracket) and looks somewhat like a giant rubber hair pin. I use them all the time as I habe no other way to keep my windows open and safe while airing the flat.

[@schattensand]

They have even a cat door.

[@uli48]

My little one got a Laufrad to his 2nd birthday. On his 3rd, he got a "real" bike, sat on it and right drove off.

[@michaelkuschnefsky362]

I'm a construction and furniture maker by trade and have built and installed many windows. You should not use fine oil to care for the hinges. The best solution is grease. Namely at the top of the window scissors, where the pivot point is. Only use enough fat that nothing gets on the plastic. And grease the corner bearing and the shear bearing. So above where the scissors is attached and below where the corner bearing is. Do not smear grease on the locking cams. And if you want to use a fine oil, use Ballistol. This does not resinify and is also very environmentally friendly. What's important before you switch from open to tilted is to swing the handle all the way down. With patio doors it is very important to always remove dirt that accumulates. Be sure to clean the window also in the gaps, especially if the windows are often tilted. Dirt, pollen, small leaves and small animals collect below. When it rains, this sticks together and can clog the drainage channels. This can result in standing water and mold growth. Spray the rubber seals with silicone spray once a year to keep the rubber elastic. You can also use petroleum jelly or talc. But we have been working with silicone spray for years. I hope I could help you with that. I almost forgot, on your patio door you should regularly spray the depression in which the locking pin moves up and down with Ballistol, you can also use silicone spray. This reduces wear and makes the handle easier to use. You can do the same for the windows. I have to add something, because some people ask me questions in the comments and there is a need for technical questions, for them I have a video here that explains very well how to set windows correctly, which designations and technical names a window has. So for all those who want to save themselves the specialist, I will post the video link here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJzYppSErL2Woa8

[@torstenb2205]

Danke Michael, das habe ich mir glatt per google übersetzt und auf den Desktop gespeichert, da ich gerade neue Fenster bekommen habe.👍

[@michaelkuschnefsky362]

@@torstenb2205 Gerne geschehen, noch ein kleiner tipp mit der Umlaufenden Gummidichtung. Ich will jetzt keine Werbung für Ballistol machen, aber das ist wirklich eines der Besten Universal Öle die ich kenne und völlig Biologisch abbaubar. Ich habe immer eine Spraydose und eine Dose mit Schraubverschluss mit auf Montage. So kann man einen Lappen mit Ballistol tränken und die Dichtung einreiben. Direkt auf die Dichtung würde ich nicht sprühen. Und damit der Griff leichtgängig ist, die Griffolive abschrauben und ein paar Hübe Spray in die Griffmechanik sprühen. Ballistol hat gute Kriecheigenschaften. Wichtig dort wo Staub entsteht meist oben an der Schere nie mit Spray arbeiten, das verklebt mit der Zeit. Da lieber Fett drangeben. An den Schließblechen im Blendrahmen brauchst du nichts machen. Immer am Flügel selbst arbeiten, viele Hauen Fett an die Schließbleche, das ist völlig nutzlos.

[@user-sm3xq5ob5d]

Where the kids have problems to open the door. That is by design. The door is supposed to stay in the closed position. A small effort is needed to open it. There is a small hump at the bottom frame which makes the door "stick" in the closed position. It is a friction pad that engages with a similar one at the door. It is there to prevent the door from being pushed open by the wind. Light winds that is, not storms. The adjustment is by lowering or lifting the door at the corner joint. So it is a delicate balance of too much and too little.

[@tnit7554]

@michael kuschnevsky. Kann man auch wd40 für die scharniere benutzen? Lg

[@michaelkuschnefsky362]

@@tnit7554 WD-40 ist kein Schmiermittel. Es sollte daher nicht zum Schmieren oder Ölen von Scharnieren verwendet werden. Weil die Inhaltsstoffe von WD-40 das Fett von den Scharnieren entfernt. Außerdem sollte WD-40 nicht auf Kunststoffoberflächen oder Kunststoffteilen verwendet werden. Es entfernt die Weichmacher aus dem Material. Der Kunststoff wird dann mit der Zeit porös. Scharniere lieber einfetten. Du kannst Vaseline dafür nehmen, oder es gibt auch Weißes Sprühfett. Aber es hat keine Kriecheigenschaften und du müsstest den Flügel aus dem Blendrahmen Hängen um das Ecklager unten und das Scherenlager oben zu Fetten.

[@ingridschraufstatter3812]

Love your channel. As a German, who has lived in California for 40 years I'm aware that Americans are often put off by what they consider poor customer service in Germany as in having to take your shopping cart back to the shop entrance, bringing your own shopping bags, having to bag your groceries yourself... All of this is true, but for a good reason. When my father visited me here from Germany, he always enjoyed it that someone was packing his groceries for him. So, back home he asked the owner of a small supermarket chain, why this was not done in Germany, and the answer he received was that because every employee receives full social services (health insurance, paid vacations, etc.), it is not possible to hire anyone for a menial job. So, you have to do it yourself..., but on the other hand nobody has to work a job that does not grant them a livable salary.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oh wow, that is really important! I was told that grocery store clerks here are well trained for their jobs. Is that also true?

[@ingridschraufstatter3812]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I don't know about grocery store clerks specifically, but 85% of the German workforce have earned some certificate (apprenticeship, university degree, or at least some training proof).

[@chrstiania]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife A lot of people working in a supermarket did an Apprenticeship/ Ausbildung, something like Einzelhandelskaufmann. That being said, a lot of cashiers don't have a specific multi year training. I used to work as a cashier as a highschool student. Cashier jobs are actually quite popular as side jobs for students.

[@slidenapps]

In many states, especially CA, people who patent groceries belong to a union. Believe me, they're getting paid good enough.

[@sandraankenbrand]

@@slidenapps whatever YOU consider good enough…

[@tmm2684]

Just discovered your channel this morning. I'm an American woman married to my Bavarian husband since the late 90's. This was an enjoyable video to watch and to remember when I encountered these things for the first time during visits to Germany. We live in the U.S. and I had to laugh regarding the "balance bike." A few years ago, our then young son asked for a "walking bike" for Christmas. We could not figure out what he was talking about, "What is a walking bike?" It now makes sense to me...we had visited family near Frankfurt and they must have had one of these bikes and that must be what our son had wanted! It also is satisfying that we, as a family, do almost all of these life hacks in the US, thanks to my German husband. Regarding the lack of glass bottle deposits here...I remember taking glass into the store regularly for deposits growing up in the 70s and 80s. I wonder if the increased use of aluminum cans made glass deposits decline here? Currently, we buy our milk in glass bottles, at the grocery store, supplied from a local dairy and then return them for deposit. I will enjoy watching more of your videos and already, I have a renewed interest in making sure I follow these sensible hacks more consistently here in the US and especially in being more mindful in taking my produce mesh bags and cloth shopping bags with me when shopping. It's so easy and it all adds up to a better environment for all. Thanks for your fun and informative videos!

[@mowana1232]

If you have your own garden, you could start your own compost, instead of using a Biotonne. I find it less gross, because compost can breathe, doesn't smell bad, and insects are kept in check by birds and other small animals. It's also very satisfying to get fertile soil at the end of the process.

[@__cs__]

But you should´nt put meat on there if you do´nt want rats. For all the other leftovers this schould´nt be a problem..

[@somethingsmatter]

Love this video. As an American in Austria I have to agree: the general population here is so much more environmentally conscious than in the us. Most habits that would be considered eco conscious or even „very crunchy“ in America are just regular daily habits that everyone partakes in - regardless of politics. Going green is much less political here and much more of a general lifestyle. Walking, public transport, and driving small fuel efficient vehicles is just a normal part of life, just like eating local food, avoiding pesticides and stringently recycling. Another example would be kids‘ school lunches and snacks at school and kindergarten. Kids bring a snack „jause“ in a reusable container- no ziplock bags! In fact, I’m hard pressed to see any individually wrapped foods for jause. Most kids bring a bread or cut fruit or veggies. Lunch is a warm meal served with real silverware and ceramic plates. Everything is washed and reused, no paper or plastic throw away containers.

[@jjinwien9054]

Also as an American in Austria, I agree completely with the above comment.

[@somethingsmatter]

@@jjinwien9054 Servus! Another American in Austria:)

[@torstenb2205]

unfortunately, in Germany the cars become bigger and bigger, with more and more powerful engines. For what? Almost all ways driven in germany are under 40km (25miles), studies say. But when you see advertisments from car manufacterer, they show usages like driving through the wildness, through the desert (in germany🤦‍♀), through deep riverbeds, at high snow upwards ski slopes and many nonsense like that, that never happens. But: "its important to have a car, that can manage these" with flying colours, totally crazy🤦‍♂

[@berlindude75]

Jause [ˈjaʊ̯zə] f (genitive Jause, plural Jausen, diminutive Jäuschen n) (chiefly Austria) snack Synonyms: Imbiss, Marend, Zwischenmahlzeit Borrowed from Slovene južina (“lunch”)

[@lisal5718]

@@torstenb2205 I think every country has some totally stupid obsessions. Like Americans are crazy about guns and Germans are in love with their cars and believe it’s a fundamental right to drive 200km/h on the Autobahn and have a car that could cross the Alps cross country style.

[@SigneKristineHermind]

The cardboard egg tray can also be used as sprout pots for tiny plants. When the plant grows, you can dig the pot down and avoid damaging the small roots, and the tray will then eventually compost into the soil.

[@andreassumerauer5028]

No. 5 (cashiers being allowed to sit) seems to me a consequence of another German life hack: Workers rights legislature and unionization. While some of the discounter chains are strongly against unionization some other chains traditionally have a strong participation of their workforce through works councils. This helps a lot in reducing inhumane or just plain stupid working conditions.

[@svenasmussen8745]

Wait why would they not be allowed to sit?

[@cocochanel1076]

bei tedi darf man auch nicht sitzen. shame on them!

[@timefliesaway999]

@@svenasmussen8745 I’m sure they would be allowed to stand, but the lane would be way too low then

[@svenasmussen8745]

@@timefliesaway999 Do they not have chairs that go up in America? I feel like thats a pretty standard feature for any normal office chair

[@nehemiahwashingtoniii748]

The best part is that German laundry detergent is made for drying one clothes outside. The first time for me, I got lost in the scent. Still remember that moment 38 years later.

[@christinamekelburger7928]

Balance Bikes: we also used the idea of balance bikes for our children. But as the kids only use them for such a short period of time and as balance bikes cost quite a lot of money - we simply screwed the pedals off their own bikes for a few days or weeks. When they got the trick of balancing, we remounted the pedals - é voilà!

[@michaelstaadt8012]

If you have a lot of sparrows, swallows and blackbirds nesting round the house, it might be a good idea to leave the Biotonne open (by inserting a wooden wedge under the lid) then the birds take care of the maggots, those are a great food source when birds are having nestlings and helps them to raise greater numbers of offspring to adulthood.

[@ourcolonel1685]

I like number 5, a chair for all cashiers. When my daughter was 8 yr in grade 3, I would bring her her bicycle at lunch to ride home together. Her teacher pointed out to me how happy she was to ride home on her bicycle.

[@9thbloodandfire508]

Pro - Tipp: If it is too hot inside in summer, do not use your "Wäschespinne." Hang your clothes in your rooms to dry, and therefore use the cooling by evaporation.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oh! Another great tip!

[@barvdw]

That only works if you can get rid of the built-up moisture, though, so definitely ventilate well. High humidity can make a relatively lower temperature feel hotter than a dry heat.

[@karinland8533]

Watering the garden with collected rain water saves a lot of money, too.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Good point, it’s so smart!

[@1ytcommenter]

If you are into gardening and growing your own vegetables you can use the egg trays to grow new seeds/plants in it before planting it outside. Just fill it with gardening soil and then 10 seeds instead of 10 eggs.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes! We'd forgotten about this idea. We actually used to do it in the US. Great tip, thanks for adding it.

[@dschoas]

In that case you could use your biodegradebles in a Komposttonne or Komposthaufen to produce your own fertilizer.

[@maitrenaturel314]

to have the definitive treatment of hepatitis b, HIV AIDS, breast cancer, diabetes, fibroid, sickle cell disease SS or As, premature ejaculation, myoma, the development of large and long penises, sexual weakness

[@sisuguillam5109]

@@maitrenaturel314 3 Wochen alter account. Keine Ahnung, was er versucht zu verkaufen, aber ein legitimen account ist das nicht.

[@FrauWNiemand]

I highly recommend not to. I first thought this is an excellent idea to user egg cartons, but the tomato plants planted at the same time and same place first in egg carton, second in plastic pot, they grew much slower in the egg carton. ALos these packaging contains lot of glue and is also poisonous for liek rodents and chicks I've read, so maybe this was the reason or the less moisture in the egg carton.

[@ericdaseichhornchen9444]

The term life hack is very common in Germany since the internet became so widespread. But in fact there is a German term who is much older and is used mostly by older people, they call live hacks "Trick 17". The origin of this term isn't clear there are many possible explanations. Some say it came from WWI or from the card game "whist".

[@jerrihadding2534]

Oh, and I grew up with a „Wäsche Spinner“ in Chula Vista, California as a child of the 50’s. Once we had my mother’s brother and his family living with us for three months (both my parents had kind and generous hearts), when they moved from North Dakota to California. They had EIGHT children, four of whom were still in diapers. We washed so many diapers in those months (no disposable in those years) that my parents had to buy a new washing machine! I still VIVIDLY recall hanging diapers all around the the drying lines every single day. I was six then and second from the oldest! Altogether we were ten children. Just a tip: A „Wäsche Spinner“ is terrific for making a tent for a summer sleep out. Just throw a sheet over the top and pin sheets or blankets on each side. My sister and I really enjoyed it!

[@ramona146]

Wow, camping under a Wäschespinne is a cool idea, that never came to my mind! Greetings from Germany 💗

[@hypatian9093]

re: Keeping the house cool during summer - didn't you have shutters at some windows? Use those, close them as soon as the sun comes around to shine through them. That works even better than the curtains (same for keeping the warmth inside during winter).

[@cocochanel1076]

hab ich mich auch gefragt. habe kein shutters. hänge einfach weiße tücher draußen ans fenster. quasi das gegenteil eines gewächshauses.

[@sabine3769]

I love German shutters

[@nordwestbeiwest1899]

Klasse Video , bin ein bischen Stolz auf euch das ihr ...... "germanized" seit . Daumen Hoch !

[@sebahabu]

Deposit would be massive social boost. A few years ago the brother of a friend of mine developed and patent the „Pfandring“ a ring you place around a public trash 🗑. The idea is that ppl, tourist are not interested in bring back an empty bottle but throw it away. To make it easier to fetch deposits of the bin for people that would like to collect it and bring it back. USA has a big problem with homelessness on the westcoast but there are also a lot of people the can afford a comfortable lifestyle. In a Country with so little social support deposit would be a great tool to keep environment clean and support homeless people….

[@philippbock3399]

Greetings from Lower Bavaria to you all :-) I have a Life Hack accordung to #1 you can call it "#1 a": You can use the empty egg cartons again as ... egg cartons :-) In our village we have a "Hofladen" (farm store) and there you can buy your eggs. When the cartons are empty we return them. Many people collect the cartons and when they go go the shop they put them to the "store" where the cartons are kept. So the shop does not neet to buy new cartons (similar to the beer crates at a bottle store). Our garden is more a wilderness or a biotope than a garden and when we get visitors we say: "Welcome to our wilderness". And very often we get as an answer: "Oh you really have a beautiful wilderness" (and that is not ironic). Thank you very much for your beautiful video making a sunny day more "sunny" :-) Many many greetings from Philipp

[@axelstuart2707]

Fun fact: "Doing business" or "Geschäft machen", which has the same metaphor in german, comes from ancient rom (i believe). Then there were this public toilets, where people sat right next to each other, without a wall between them or anything and they did business, like trading and stuff. Making appointments and so on...

[@plutoniumlollie9574]

There's one thing I noticed with Ella's bike. The saddle isn't high enough. For riding a bike the lower leg should have enough room to be almost straight (like Kevin does). Maybe you can pull it out a few centimeters first, so Ella can adjust to the new height. It's also safer because in case she loses balance there is actually enough room to straighten the leg and she can catch herself from falling. This way it's easier to ride a bike. So this little lady is doing a great job, as she can ride her bike in a less easier way already 😊

[@51pinn]

I love your videos and, given your enthusiasm for the German way of doing things, I ask myself: are you actually still Americans who now live in Germany or are you - as people like to put it here - Germans with an American migration background. Ever since I saw your videos and those of the Black Forest Family, my German view of Germany has changed a lot. We Germans tend to see the negative first and your view of things shows that this country with all its flaws has a lot of lovable and good sides. Thank you very much and have a nice Sunday.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

I’m so glad our channels have helped you to see the good. That is so important because German society has now progressed far beyond American society and it’s important for Germans to guard against going backwards in time to when people have less rights and less quality of life. And it can happen easily, as we’ve seen in the US.

[@MannIchFindKeinName]

I read your comment after a video (by SecondThought) on american patriotism. It feels like the exact reverse :D If you are kinda proud of germany and wouldn't really wanna move somewhere else, you have a shitload of complaints and opinions on what to change.

[@SakuraKuromi]

About the more natural lawns here in Germany: It is encouraged to have more "wild" flowers in your garden to make it more bee-friendly (and other insects that are neede in nature and are endagered as they don't find enough plants they need) Since a few years there is this huge bee-movement with adding bee-freindly flowers, leaving unused areas covered in wildflowers (so pretty in my opinion) discouraging picking of wild flowers in the forests or meadows and installing so called insect-hotels in official gardens, aor even home owners adding them to their garden. I don't know if it is just a huge thing where I live, or if it is in Germany over all. but I really like it. Instead of a boring short-cut lawn, the green areas are filled with a bunch of pretty wildflowers. (I only know the german names, but I still list a few of my favourits: Wegwarte, Kornblume, Kuckuckslichtnelke, Dotterblume, Flockenblume) I am a former Florist (I can't work in this job any longer without worsening my health) and I always loved the wild flowers. At the final exams, most made huge flower bouquets out of exotic or expensive flowers while I was the only person using wildflowers, I especially collected the day before the exam (It was in 2009, before flower picking was discouraged - I don't really know when it was imlimented, as I was quite confused, when I heard about it for the first time 4 years ago) Edit: recently I started to see butterflies again, I havent seen in like 10 years. I remember seeing a lot of them when I was a child (around the 90s) but after 2010 I've rarely seen some kinds of butterflies. I still see them rarely (the really big one, I only saw once around 3-4 years ago) ,others I have seen a hand full of time since the wildflower patches had been in use for about 2-3 years

[@hw2508]

To be honest, there is also a trend to create all rocks 'gardens' in Germany. Terrible. However, a lot of flowers are not only nice to look at, but often less work than lawns.

[@m.s.3041]

The Pfand system also prevent throwing glass and plastic bottles in the nature. The last time i was in Poland, where there isn't any Pfand system, in the wood behind the beach there where a ton of bottles just thrown in the wood. If anyone in Germany throw a bottle somewhere, there is someone who take it and get the Pfand (deposit) back... So there isn't any bottles in the woods/parks/city's

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah that's such a good point! Keeps the litter down to a minimum. The Pfand system is just SO smart!

[@xarexes7070]

On the subject of "deposit": If you are lazy, you can also leave the deposit bottles next to the trash can and poorer people will bring that to the store. 4 cans or some bottles are 1€!

[@gast9374]

17:28 When Kevin talked about the "little people" (Children) and at the same time presented the dog flap, I had, for a little moment at least, the picture in front of my eye, that your children have to use the "Hundeklappe" ... 😁😎 But, of course, I know it was just a moment of unhappy coincidence.

[@ramona146]

🤣

[@sonjalazik5933]

We / my husband have got one of these indoor/outdoor thermometers so that we know the exact temperatures. As soon as it shows that the outside temperature is lower (or equal) to the T inside, we open all the doors & windows. So we make sure not to let the warmth inside.

[@thomasd5]

There's one aspect of the deposit system you didn't mention. If you walk in the streets in countries that don't have a deposit system you'll find a lot of trash in the streets. Here in Germany, there are also people who don't care about the 25 Cent and simply throw it in the street or nature. However, since there's a deposit, poorer people will collect it because they need the money. So no litter and more recycling and the poorer people get some money out of it. In bigger cities deposits usually will disappear within an hour or shorter, in smaller cities, it might take a little longer and in the wilderness some days, but they usually get collected. However, there are differences in the deposit systems. In the Netherlands, you can only return the bottles in stores where the brand is sold, so if you have a rare brand, you have to remember where you bought it and have to go back all the way to return it. In Germany, all shops selling drinks in nonreusable bottles or cans (except small shops like kiosks and gas stations) have to return the deposit by law even if they don't sell that brand at all. And since the customers are used to it, most supermarkets also accept the return of multi-trip bottles of brands they don't sell, since their wholesale trader can take it back because he has a wider range of brands (but it is not required by law, so the dealer can refuse to take back certain brands). About the reusable bags for vegetables, you don't need to order those at Amazon, you should also find them at Aldi, Netto, REWE, and a lot of other shops, though I have to admit they are often not easy to find (usually in the area where you get the vegetables). The price is usually 49 to 99 Cent per double pack. And I remember that I have also seen special reusable bags for bakery products at ALDI.

[@furzkram]

Training wheels were common here too until maybe the 80s.

[@lamonaoml335]

Another lifehack that helped my colombian coworker. To keep your house cool on really hot summer days open all the windows early in the morning at like 6am for 20min. Afterwards keep all the windows closed (this is really important to keep the cool air inside) and put your „rolläden“ half down. This works especially well if you repead this on a daily bases and prevent the solid german brick houses from heating up. The stones need a while to adjust the outer temperature, with the cooler morning air you can prevent that from happening and they wont heat up in the first place. I would only keep all the windows open if l lived on the top floor of a building, because nothing else is going to safe you there. Hope you can enjoy hot sommer days even more All the best

[@IIIJG52]

IF i have a choice, ill be asleep by 6 am. Ungodly time to be up.

[@detliskenvondematkos]

@@IIIJG52 well, you can open up for the night, if it won’t rain. Then it is still open at 6 a.m. 😉

[@viomouse]

We just open them in the evening once it has cooled or just before bedtime and close them once it gets warmer in the morning or when we leave. If it rains we tilt them at night and open them fully once awake on the leeside.

[@dukeofspeed2072]

to solve your door problem, just mount an additional doorknob a few inches under the door handle

[@ReinholdHMai]

The thing with balance bikes versus training wheels on a bike is this: A bicycle is steered by shifting your body weight, just like you steer a horse, which is why it's called 'riding' a bike, and you keep the handlebar straight, unless it's a particularly tight turn. Training wheels take that balancing aspect away and make you steer entirely by turning the handlebars like the steering wheel of a car, which makes learning to ride a proper bike way harder, because while it looks like it should work the same, it's actually completely different, and moving the handlebar a lot makes you more likely to fall over.

[@hw2508]

Can't remember having balance bikes in my childhood. I think they became popular in last 10 to 20 years. But they work great.

[@ani2701]

When I was a child, balance bikes weren't a thing and all of my friends used training wheels. My brother and I neither had a balance bike nor training wheels, though and we still learned how to ride a bike basically within days, maybe even on a single training day with our parents. I never understood, why all the other kids had the training wheels - sometimes for years and years. Even as a child, I thought, these were dumb and pretty useless.

[@cocochanel1076]

sehr schön erklärt. mein sohn hat sein laufrad auch sehr geliebt.

[@herbertgonswa3503]

You should see our green and colored chaos garden, but the birds and bees love it . I hate that green deserts with a piece of gras, a bush and a tree and nothing else. Greetings from Hamburg

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

I’d love to see your wild garden!

[@herbertgonswa3503]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife So we are here, on the Elbe river biggest isle, just in the middle of Hamburg, half an hour bike ride to the habour, old Elbe tunnel and Miniatur Wunder Land.

[@wmf831]

Such a cute and entertaining video! Wäschespinne - laundry spider (the German word "Wäsche" can mean "the wash/ing" or "laundry". In this context it would be laundry.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ahhh okay! Laundry Spinne, good to know.

[@jwag82]

Regarding the balance bikes, that's also a pretty recent development. I remember learning how to ride a bike with training wheels and my siblings did as well in the early to mid 1990s. Or I'm simply old already. For our kids we definitely used balance bikes.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Okay good to know! Many others are saying that as well.

[@jgr_lilli_]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife The switch in Germany must have been around the mid-2000s. I (born 1997) still learnt it with training wheels (at least I tried to... but it didn't work because I never learnt balance!). My brother (born 2001) had a balance bike (Laufrad) that he co-owned with the neighbour girl... he learnt to ride a bike much easier!

[@SW-gf6zl]

When I learned riding a bicycle around 1980/81, training wheels were still the 'normal' way... it cost me 1 knocked out cutting tooth (luckily a milk tooth) and several brain concussions (bicycle helmets were also unknown back then; I got my first one in 1992 and since then never actually needed it whenever I fell from the bike...). For our children we didn't use training wheels anymore; in my view they're dangerous - and make it much more difficult to learn how to balance your bike. For our youngest daughter we just took a normal children's bicycle and removed the cranks and pedals - and there you have your balance bike :-)

[@ThePixel1983]

I grew up in Germany before balance bikes, so I learned with training wheels and after that with my dad's "yes I'm definitely still holding onto the saddle". 😁

[@VolkerGerman]

I can confirm that. I was born in 1963, and when I learnt riding a bicycle (around 1968?) there weren't balance bikes around, as far a I know.

[@marcomobson]

I guess your dad fooled you, right? 🙈😂

[@ThePixel1983]

@@marcomobson Well it worked. 😁

[@aspiringm]

I learned it in the 80s. My mum removed the training wheels and we started practicing on our drive way. Concrete to the left, rose bushes to the right. She let go. After one fall in each direction I was like:”FTS!” and took the bike onto the lawn to practice there, which gave my mum a surprised look on her face. A 5 year old’s life hack for smoother falls 😁 So good that kids have balance bikes nowadays 👍🏻

[@n_other_1604]

born 86 = the same

[@nfp911]

when i was a kid (44 now) it was common to use training wheels as well in Germany. I think balance bikes became popular in the last 15 yrs. here

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oh really! Okay good to know.

[@o.b.7217]

I love how you say "I don't know if "life hacks" are really a thing here in Germany, and when you typed it into your google search mask it got automatically extended to "life hacks haushalt". 😂 _(and yes - I tried it, before I typed this - it's the same for me)_

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ohhhh! So funny! If didn’t even notice that when I typed it! 😂 Good eye, you are observant.

[@tizadoli3280]

Life Hack for Kevin when you forget the 1€ coin for your shopping cart again: you can always go to the cash register and tell them you don't have a 1€ coin and they will give you an extra plastic one you can borrow :) at least that's how a lot of young people do it now because they normally don't carrie so much cash anymore

[@walterrudich2175]

A big hello to my favorite American family in Germany! Here is my life-hack: Windows and doors: you have to oil the hinges and the other moving parts annually. Use a special lube for locks which doesn’t leave carbon residue over the years. No multioil! And every 3 years you have to get them serviced (there has to be adjustment done to the hinges and locking mechanisms).

[@gaiahappy]

I have this kind of Windows here in Spain, and didn't know that.

[@walterrudich2175]

@@gaiahappy I didn't know either but a friend who is in the window business told me and did a service because my big door to the balcony didn't close as is used to.

[@mrcool7140]

It's not *that* hard to adjust them yourself. There are ilke two screws... just get a Inbusschlüssel and have a go. He's an engineer, I'm sure he can figure it out. :D

[@stormyweather8280]

Gee, we must have lots of luck or very good quality with our windows. In 52 years no oil, no grease or maintaining. Just cleaning and handle with care. :)

[@sandraankenbrand]

Ballistol… better than WD40 and food safe

[@ritashustitzky2934]

I hope that some day I can get to Germany. It is where my ancestors (grandparents) are from. I watch other you tube videos and it looks so beautiful.

[@conan7422]

To no.10: the concrete interior walls help to keep the heat in the house in winter even while ventilating and keep the house longer cool in summerdays. This is the thermal inertia and benefit of heavy walls!

[@MegaBorusse1900]

I remember reading the book by Carol Klöppel, the American wife of the German news anchor. In it, she writes that she had to bring German bedding and blankets to all her relatives because their feet had so much freedom of movement because you don't tuck the sheet in at the end of the bed.

[@karinland8533]

Yes, she called it freedom for the feet. 🤣

[@anette2050]

Lol, yes, I've read that book too!

[@brigittelacour5055]

I experimented the German bedding when I was 13 in the 70ties during my first summer exchange in Germany. My older brother had 3 years of summer exchange over me and had already spoken of that. We succeed to have the same bedding home in France, so easy to make your bed in the morning after the morning breath ( wake up, open your bed, open the windows even in winter, wash yourself, close the windows, take your breakfast, an do your bed before leaving) But my mother refuse to put the "blanket" ( couette in french) in the cover sheet ( housse de couette), take too much time, so we had to do it ourselves ! It was quicker when I discovered the tip ! Wash, dry this sheets on the wrong side, then catch a wrong side up corner of sheet with a top corner of the blanket in one hand, same with the other side with the other hand, an check your hands to make the sheet to go down, do the same with the down part to be sure it's perfect ! So quick ! My kinds only have that kind of sheets, grandkids now too. Good for summer too, only need the sheet without the blanket inside. It isn't warm, avoid the mosquito bits and still a bit of weight if you used to.

[@Humpelstilzchen]

I once made the mistake to dry my clothes outside when the farmers fertilised the fields 😂. Well back in the washer 😂

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

😂😂 Yeah…gross! I’ve let them outside many times right before it rains.

[@Humpelstilzchen]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Oh yes me too. The weather can change so fast here in the mountains 😅

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

@@Humpelstilzchen yes exactly! It's super bright and sunny and then, bam! A thunderstorm rolls in and it's pouring rain.

[@arnodobler1096]

🤣

[@ramona146]

I don't have a garden but I'd like to have it the natural way because I love wild flowers and I love to have birds and butterflies and bees around me 💓

[@elduderino4983]

The smartest thing is not only to close the curtains but also close the Window during hot days. Open it during the night or just do "stoßlüften"😉 furthermore you can by screens for your Windows.

[@die_pute_von_panem4401]

I dry my laundry outside even on dry winterdays. The smell is amazing.❤

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes! Us, too.

[@AlphaCentauriB]

Freeze dried bed sheets are heaven.

[@marcot.1160]

Dies ist wieder ein sehr schönes Beispiel dafür, wie ansprechend und kurzweilig Videos gemacht werden können. Ich finde Euch nach wie vor erfrischend offen. Ihr strahlt so eine Leichtigkeit aus, das man sich wünscht, Euch als Nachbarn zu haben. Ein sehr schönes Video... mehr davon.... Liebe Grüße aus dem Norden von Deutschland :-)

[@susanne9117]

Hello McFalls! First: I love your videos and you are a great family! 😀 Most of it has already been said, but here are three more mentions from me: 1. the saddle of Ella's bike should definitely be adjusted higher, so that she doesn't get "posture problems" and riding the bike becomes easier and more efficient. 2. for the annoying insects there are so-called "fly screens" or "fly nets". Highly recommended if you like to ventilate, but would rather have the little animals outside. 3. when opening these windows or patio doors, the handle should always be horizontal. Otherwise, I wish you continued enjoyment and success in all your endeavors! I look forward to more videos from you!

[@juricarmichael2534]

Hi. Little toilet hack: Lift the seat, too, when using the brush. No 💦💧 You can adjust, use silicon spray and check for damage at your door. It's a heavy door for the relatively small connecting points, that's why she sags sometimes. You can check, and if necessary replace, the pusher and / or the little pins (door) and their counterpart at the frame, which are responsible for the three functions: open, lock and tilt. Many different typs, but all online orderable. So it should be a diy repair. And better not turning the handle and pulling at the same time. One after another: turn then pull / open it. Schönen Sonntag noch....

[@chkoha6462]

It seems to me that you have adopted the German way of life pretty fast! Glad the move worked out for the whole family.

[@hermannschaefer4777]

12:10 It's better to get an underground water tank, in German called a water cistern. You can get them up to 20.000l (~5000 gallons) made out of plastic or concrete. It's also possible to connect those systems to your houses water supply (separated pipes) to flush the toilet or even to do the washing (cloths, not dishes).

[@cathywestholt5324]

I am 68. When I was young before beverages in cans became so common, we paid deposits on glass bottles at the grocery stores and returned our bottles to receive the deposit back.

[@christinamekelburger7928]

A Wäschespinne is very efficient in winter, too. As it's colder, the air is much dryer than in summer. We even frost-dried our laundry from time to time. And we have a room in the basement where there are laundry lines. The room has a window at each end, so the air can go through the room (querlüften). We haven't even got a dryer at all.

[@Frohds14]

I have an underground water cistern in my house that collects rainwater from the roof. I flush my toilets with it and use it for the washing machine (I only turn the lever to the tap water for 30° C laundry). Using the rainwater also has the advantage that I don't have any problems with limescale and save fees for tap water and the sewage fee, because my roof is no longer counted as a sealed area. I save over €300 a year this way. In the basement I can even use a shower with rainwater. But the water has to be heated in a boiler, which is annoying in winter, but now in summer and in view of the energy crisis, I use it and safe some liters oil.

[@juliea4857]

cashiers sitting down - I'm so glad you mentioned this. This has been my pet peeve in North America for decades! European cash registers are designed for people to sit in. Why can't we do this in N. America!? Makes so much sense.

[@mijp]

You do not need to put away your Wäschespinne in winter. You can dry your washing in winter outside as well, or at least for the most part. it is called "ausfrosten" (to frost out). You will never get such smooth washings again. Naturelly it takes longer. Calculate two or three days for it, but it works.

[@dagmarszemeitzke]

When I was a child, there was training wheels at a bike as well. I never had those.

[@stromhummel4068]

I love my Wäschespinne! I am so used to drying my clothes outside, so when I first came to Nebraska in 2001 for my teachers training and some university experiences I lived in a dorm with so many trees near by. So I washed my clothes and hang it up between the trees (I brought my clothesline;-)) But it was not allowed and I had to go to the principal of the university to get my "bad words" about it. Today I have to laugh but in 2001 I couldn't understand the problem🙈

[@Daniel-vi9zi]

Something I have to point out: The thing about balance bikes is kids learn cycling far, far younger. I could cycle at the age of five. My son could ride his balance bikes when he was two years and six months, getting on his first pedal bike with three and a half years. The earlier the kinds could ride, the more flexible you can be without a car and public transport. It might be that the saddle of your youngest daughter’s bike is to low. If she can`t bend her legs properly it can even damage her knees, especially if she rides uphill. She does not need to stay with both feet on the ground, the toes are enough. It is probably that bikes are either toys in the US or sporting goods like race bikes and mountain bikes. But since the last twenty years there is a bicycle boom in Germany. Bikes to commute and to have nice day trips are more and more common. More bicycle infrastructure is being build all around the country, making it easier and safer to bicycle. Sorry for being so blunt but you really should get better bicycles. It is not a snobby thing (well in some neighbourhood’s people will think something, like with grass being to tall in the US) but quality bicycles in general are: Better to ride Imaging you are a kid of 20-30 kilos, and you are riding a 18 Kilo bike up a hill. It is like riding a 40 Kilo bike for an adult. Weight does matter a lot for kids bikes. Better brakes and gears are easier to handle. Makes more fun and the kids like to ride longer tours. better for the environment The Walmart bike you bought can only last 1-3 years before they are falling apart. You will buy 2-3 in a lifetime of a better bike. Every engineer knows that making a product with the same material but investing in better tooling and fabrication methods will make a more environment friendly product, because it lasts longer. safer Cheap bicycle parts can break more easily. The brake lever, the crank, or even the fork if it corrodes unseen inside over a long period of time. The bikes are probably staying outside during school? last longer better bikes are less likely to get broken, doesn`t need to be repaired that often and staying in a good condition for longer. Cheaper Paying 500-600 Euros (a few years ago it was 400) for a branded Kids bike seems expensive but you won`t buy two to three hardware store bikes in the same period, you pay less for repair costs, and you can give a good bike the younger kids or sell them for a good price on ebay, so other kids can have a nice bike, too. Your kids’ bikes are not toys, they are tools to be free and independent. They should be as essential as a car in the US for adults.

[@schuhschrank947]

Or you buy a good used bike on ebay or on a flea market. And sell it when your kids don't use it anymore.

[@rasmusgornandt7062]

In germany bigger grocerystores also have multiple spots for carts on their parking lots, but they are also with the coin system. Its to make it more convenient for the customers, people just pick the cart from the next spot when they get out of their car and return it there when they are done.

[@lauranewman564]

Mom had a spinner in the back yard when I was little. It was great!

[@DidierWierdsma6335]

A great video well done. Also we here in the Netherlands also have those types of Windows i have it too in my appartement and yes it makes cleaning them so much easier. And collecting water is also a thing over here in general Germany and my country the Netherlands have so much in comon. Once again a great video keep it up👍 And greetings from the Netherlands🇳🇱

[@joannajaworska0000]

Off topic... I am on holiday in Den Haag right now and I have noticed one great assent when watching english films/programmes on TV: you use subtitles! This enables foreigners to watch telly and learn/practise English. I wish we had subtitles instead of the dubbing in Germany. Best greetings:)

[@DidierWierdsma6335]

@@joannajaworska0000 Welcome in the Netherlands Joanna. Den Haag/The hague beautiful city i have been there plenty of times myself and i hope that you have a great day and time here in the Netherlands? And yes i hate it when country's dub their television programs it's lazy country's like Germany should stop doing that. There is a reason why we Dutch people are so good in speaking other language's especially English when we watch movies from other country's we always watch it with Dutch subtitels wich is so much better in my honest opinion. Once again Welcome in the Netherlands and i hope that you have a great day😊

[@jpdj2715]

Doors, handles, German rotate/kipp (tilt) system - problems. In her comment (below today in my view), Ingeborg Groth tells us how her at-ease parents taught her to develop/apply fine (neuro-) motor skills when these handles were concerned - Brits might say the "anally retentive" idiom springs to mind. Looking at Ella trying opening a door by hanging off it, it seems to me the simple solution - beyond lubrication maintenance - is to add a plain simple grip at child level: unlock with the regular handle, open with the lower one.

[@njs2311]

hey, really like your video. may I add collecting rainwater isn´t mainly to be eco friendly but to save money. imagine you had to water all your plants and vegetalbes with water from the tab. that´s a lot of money saved.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oh okay! That’s good to know. So smart.

[@MoDKoP]

I use empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls to light the fireplace. I either reuse empty egg cartons or return them to the little farm shop, where I usually buy my eggs!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

That’s a great idea, too!

[@volldillo]

Topic 10: The most important tool is outside shadowing measures. The second most important tool is airing during the cooler night. However, due to temperatures rising in general, there will be much more AC in German homes too in the future. In cities in Austria, AC is already quite common. (But Italy has the more interesting outside shadowing tools.)

[@madeingermany7123]

Hello, I am a trained glazier journeyman and have worked in this profession for many years. Large and heavy windows and patio doors, especially wooden windows, should be readjusted every few years. Depending on the manufacturer, there are different ways to adjust the windows. If you want to do it yourself, you should be very handy. It normally takes an experienced craftsman 5-10 minutes to adjust a window. I would recommend you to talk to your landlord and see if he can get a specialist (carpenter/window fitter/glazier) to take care of the doors. I hope I could help a bit. Greetings from Denmark.

[@ramona146]

We just have the balance bike since about 20 years. I still learned riding a bicycle with training wheels

[@erikagoodale9014]

I just LOVE your videos! Thanks for sharing! ❤ I agree with ALL those hacks. I'm originally from Germany but have been living in the States for almost 40 years. I still hang out my laundry but I'm the only one in the entire neighborhood with a clothesline. I live in Florida where the sun shines all the time and the laundry dries easily. I love the fresh sheet smell too! I also agree with the lawns. I hate those sterile lawns with no character that are basically poisonous! I have talked to people about that and they just deny that it's toxic. Some people told me they are kid and pet friendly pesticides! Of course there is NO such a thing. I loved it when Kevin asked if he can have a Star Wars duvet! 😂That is something my husband would say! I'm sad that in the U.S. so many people are not open to better their own environment. I see waste everywhere every day! 🌿🌸🐞

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Love your comments! Thanks for writing, especially as a person who’s lived in both countries like us. I’m sure we could have some very good conversations!

[@Kontra57]

If you are into regulated gardening with many rules and neighbors watching if you follow the rules correctly, we have the 'Kleingartenverein' or "Schrebergartenverein" for you 😄

[@tnit7554]

So true. The equivalent in the us is the HOA. 😂

[@Kontra57]

Door problem: For children maybe get smth like a "Balkontürgriff". They still have to rotate the handle but can pull on the lower grip.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Okay thanks! We will look that up.

[@furzkram]

Bigger German supermarkets with huge parking areas have multiple shopping cart places as well.

[@S_Black]

I had training wheels on my first bike way back when. It's not unheard of. Maybe balance bikes are more common these days

[@MiciFee97]

In germany you can also see employees that push shopping carts. Because you can also bring back the carts to some spots on the parking lot. But usually they have an electric thing that does the pushing and they push a button😅

[@m.rubland6737]

It's always nice to see your videos. About the cycling: I noticed something in the part of the video where Ella is already riding the real bike. Her saddle is set much too low. The optimal height is set like this: the person sits on the saddle. The pedal is turned to the lowest position and the foot is placed on the pedal so that the heel (!) is on the pedal. The leg should then be straight or almost straight. If you are sitting on the saddle and the bike is straight, you should be able to touch the ground with the tips of your feet on both sides. For children who are still insecure, you can lower the saddle a bit, but with Ella it looked clearly too low.

[@kerstineisenhut8151]

My hubby and I have each one duvet in the size of 2m x 2m. I LOVE it!!!

[@deitschebanana4128]

Additional life hack for bottle deposits, try to put the bottlebottom first not the neck, sometimes the machine cannot scan properly. Life hack for windows and doors, these are usually made for lifetime and endless uses. Lube the locking mechanism with grease not oil to ensure it locks into the latch properly and the handle should be perfectly horizontal or vertical since smaller kids tend to draw the handle more diagonally, put a small stool or catalog to step on, that should help the kids to open the doors or windows easier. Last lifehack for grocery stores: Many Americans complain they cannot keep up with the cashier, don't try to battle the cashier, throw everything back into the cart and bag the stuff after you paid. Most grocery stores have tables near the exit where you can do that and if you really want to bag at the cashier, simply put the items in that order you want to bag.

[@TinaH302]

Regarding the duvet: we as a German couple changed to having just one together and we love it! Have to add that I'm freezing as soon as temperature drops under 15 degrees C outside, so I love to cuddle with my husband to get warm 🤣 - and of course because cuddling is great! But our duvet is really big (220x240 cm) so we don't fight for it during the night.

[@lindaraterink6451]

As a Dutchie it is most common to have the one duvet, but occasionaly you see it to keep a happy marriage I have tried it but this is what bothered me also when you feel like cuddling, you were always picking fights with the covers. A bigger duvet is the answer for sure.

[@sandraankenbrand]

You can still cuddle up together under two duvets… but there is this point at night you like to be on your own and not be wiken up by the partner turning around… no matter how big ours here in the UK are: we have two your size bc they onky do that size

[@jerrihadding2534]

Finally(! 🤣): I am really laughing. It just occurred to me that the reason we may have had a spinning clothes line was because my mother’s family is German! She literally grew up with her parents speaking German with each other.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ahh cool!! Yeah, there ya go!

[@helenbailey8419]

In England our wheelie bins take glass,plastic and tins which are recycled.Another bin for paper and cardboard and another for garden and food waste I love it.Guilt free shopping.

[@trafficpro]

Ich finde es super das ihr als Familie hier in Deutschland so gut angekommen seid

[@CHarlotte-ro4yi]

Did you alter your intro? I always loved to see the little snippets of nature 🥰 but nevertheless your video quality (both in terms of content and cut) is so amazing, by now you guys are part of my Sunday routine 😅 Here is another hack for you guys, I usually use egg cartons to start growing my tomato seedlings in late winter/early spring, so maybe that’s another idea to make use of those cartons. Edit: the balance bike is a rather new development, 20 years ago when I learned to ride a bike it had training wheels, balance bikes didn’t exist. But I remember a teacher detaching the training wheels and pedals to basically create a balance bike for us to learn how to balance. So the idea was already there :)

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Morgen! Yes for this video I did just to try something different but I also found myself missing my regular shots of nature! Good to know that you like them, too.

[@supernova19805]

A little anecdote from the U.S. We have an Aldi fairly close, so I occasionally shop there. Each time I went there, there was someone asking me if I wanted their grocery cart after they loaded up their cars, while walking toward the store because they didn't want to return the cart. Lazy, hm? I used their cart and I got their quarters though. When I go to regular stores, I always put my cart back into the cart return spot but so many lazy people don't. It's annoying, when you actually have to stop your car and get out to move someone else's cart they left in the parking spot, you're trying to get into. So inconsiderate! I also thought after first moving to the U.S. that it was inhumane to make cashiers stand all day long. It is hard on your feet and back, to stand that long in one spot. The Aldi cashiers in the U.S. get to sit and it seems so unusual to see. As long as I can remember growing up in Germany, we always brought our own shopping bags or nets with us. It has always been like that. The same goes for Pfandflaschen. Also my sister in Germany had these sturdy baskets you could fold up flat, when not in use in her trunk.

[@LythaWausW]

omg that same thing happened to us at our first (and only) visit to an American Aldi. Cart sharing. What is going on with that? Also the checker had her own cart that she transferred our groceries into, so we didn't leave the store with the same cart we entered with, and if they had the plastic chip thing in America, that would mean you'd lose your quarter regularly.

[@dagmarszemeitzke]

At our Aldi (Baden-Württemberg) you can take a shopping cart with a coin of 50 Cent, 1€ or a 2€ coin. All works in the same cart.

[@danibristol380]

Moin from Hamburg! If Ella can't reach the door handle yet, why not put a small stool (Hocker) next to the door as long as she still needs one? Then she is taller, can reach the handle easier, doesn't bend it unnecessarily down and because the stool is next to the door, she can open the door, step down and walk through. Same system used for reaching the sink, a shelf, a light switch or other high things. Works still for myself pretty nicely while watering the plants on top of cupboards! All the best, I love your videos ever since you arrived in Germany, can't wait for more!

[@Melisendre]

I rember the times when we didn't have coins for the shopping carts or deposits for one-way bottles. Not everyone was happy for these changes in the beginning. Natural gardens are so important for the environment. We already lost so many insects. In my town we have wild flowers besides the street. It looks wonderfull. I love listening to the birds in the morning and watch the squirrels visiting my balcony. Even if I live in a apartment next to the main street of my town there is a lot of green arround me.

[@maryw1924]

Great video. We moved to Nürnberg from Oregon, USA almost 2 years ago. Oregon has had a bottle/can refund for many years, it helps to decrease litter in parks, streets. One thing I appreciate here is that the machines for the most part are clean and functioning. When leaving to get groceries pick up your reusable shopping bags that have the bottles in them. Easy! Another smart thing is the window outside blinds or roller shades, wow they keep our apartment cool, also seem to keep bugs out, we don’t have screens. Oregon or at least Portland had really good recycling, garbage collection was expensive. Here I can throw all the packaging in the bin if it has the recycle ♻️.

[@LythaWausW]

In Oregon last year I was amazed to see a Pfand machine, and it was located on the exterior of the store so you can deposit bottles anytime. (Coos Bay)

[@hlovewood5636]

more a laundry spider than a washing spider. love you guys

[@Shoshana152]

My opinion is before America start with a deposit for bottles they should charge money for every plastic bag at the grocery store. That would more help to use shopping boxes or resuable shopping bags.

[@cosmos60]

Reg keeping the house cool: hanging up wet towels inside also keeps the rooms cooler. And I totally agree : sun dried laundry smells incomparably well 🌟

[@tanjab.1090]

This video is full of things that I am taking for granted and I love seeing these things that I grew up with through your eyes. With new buildings, rain water tanks are often brought to the next level by replacing them with a cistern which is built into the ground. The cistern can be much bigger than the overground water tank without loosing garden space. I think that’s a great way to deal with climate change (heavy rains for a short time followed by weeks without any rain at all) and the fact that plots are much smaller nowadays.

[@marcomobson]

Cisterns sound quite sensible - when your garden is big enough... 😁 This would need well-pumps and reminds me at these beautiful old cast-iron ones you sometimes still find at old houses...! 🤗

[@tanjab.1090]

@@marcomobson I know exactly which ones you mean 😀

[@marcomobson]

@@tanjab.1090 squeak squeak ... 🙉😂

[@ingeschleiden3435]

Hi dear McFalls, I love and enjoy your videos and the way of living here with your nice Family, trying in harmony with the enviroment. I've one comment about the tilted windows. It could be dangerous for cats. When my kids were little and our cats too, the cat puts her paws between that tilted floor to ceiling window from the gardenside, wanting to jump into the house. We could save her properly. But there can happen bad injuries. So please pay attention with this windowfunction. Wish you all a great time here and I'm looking for your next videos Greetings from Nordrhein Westfalen

[@Crysticia]

I´m a bit late, but I worked for years as salesman in gorcery stores like Netto and Edeka, be sure, we had to move a big amount of Shopping trolleys, too. For example in the evening, when the costumers put them all in the same line, but they have to be split on 2 or 3 lines, so the cars can drive past safely, or when we have to clean the shopping trolley house, we have to put them all outside. But yes we don´t have to go around and collect them from everywhere. I really like your videos and as others already mentioned it´s so nice to see your view on germany. It makes me so happy to live here and I see many things in a much more positive way, thanks to you.