HALLO! Why Germans are so Weird!

HALLO!!!
Are you heading to Germany? Maybe thinking about moving to Germany? Or perhaps just spent some time with Germans? Have you noticed some of the interesting ways that Germans act? Well here we go through some of the best Germanisms that we have seen on our trips through Germany. What odd Germany happenings have you noticed?
Filmed in Bamberg, Germany
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[@BiaEdw1990]

I am from Germany. We open the windows every day to prevent mold growing in our homes. For some reason we have a huge mold problem here.

[@michaelmcloughlin3127]

German properties are very airtight without much ventilation. On the plus side that is a very well built property. A typical older house in the UK may have draughts and heat & air constantly escaping. The ventilation (unwanted draughts) keeps the mould issue down

[@JackieOdonnel]

Interesting about the mold. In my part of the United States, most homes have ventilation systems. But I don't live in a humid area. Probably in areas with high humidity, they have issues too. (Or use a dehumidifier. It can be way too hot to open the windows.)

[@Chris-lt6kt]

The hoses are well insulated. Negative aspect is that you need to „lüften“ to get descent exchange of air, humid air from breathing out, fresh air in. The houses are not ventilated, heating is usually done with radiators, air conditioning is not too common. In German rental contracts it is often described how often and how youngsters to „Lüften“…

[@TheMacbu]

Du musst mal nach Frankreich kommen, die haben ein echtes Schimmelproblem. Und die Häuser und Wohnungen sind oft alles, aber ganz sicher nicht "luftdicht". 😋

[@wolfganglemke6312]

No, we don't have a general mold problem. Never had mold in any of my houses. Properly built houses don't develop mould. But there a few construction companies which don't follow precautious rules.

[@martintodorov8351]

Don't forget to make Augenkontakt when you clink your beer or wine glasses during a Prost 😅

[@billfuhry2112]

We were fortunate to sit with a friendly Bavarian couple at Oktoberfest several years ago who schooled us in the tradition of making eye contact while sharing a Prost - clueing us in on the curse. To this day we tell others and we always make eye contact with our friends who we joined on the trip.

[@christianhansen8689]

Not making eye contact means seven years of bad s.. 😂

[@duartesilva7907]

An Austrian told me "no sex" actually aahahahah ​@@christianhansen8689

[@Max-se8de]

Im german. I hate it

[@StamfordBridge]

Ha. The staring culture is the polar opposite of my home, New York City, where you do not so much as glance at anyone, even if they’re naked and bouncing on a flaming pogo stick right next to you. 😂

[@karink.7673]

@@StamfordBridge haha, same in Amsterdam!

[@ItsGroundhogDay]

Same in New England. I wouldn't be able to adjust.

[@aaronhurst4379]

Yeah that's London in the UK, too haha

[@1234brianatthedoor]

God forbid, they might sit next to you on the subway.

[@Thereallevan]

Staring in my city is an act of hostility

[@filb]

I went there last April, one thing I noticed is everytime I asked them "Do you speak English?" in German, they always replied "Ein Bischen" (a Little bit)....but yet their English was way more better than my German. I always wondered why they are too modest on their ability to speak English when it's pretty good considering it's not their first language. I did try to learn German so that if somebody doesn't speak English, at least I could get by, but my German is nowhere close to their overall ability to speak English. I just know the basics and it's also the right thing to do when you travel into another country.

[@caractax.3110]

Thank you very much 👏🥰

[@anjameyer3427]

I think it's the fear of not being perfect in a foreign language is what makes Germans say "ein bißchen". It's an apologize for "Well, I might not understand all or answer with a wrong grammar or a wrong word".

[@johnnytx45]

The more you drink, the more you understand the language.

[@sandra7790]

That is because in Germany everybody learns english in school, nowadays even in primary schools and basic schools. So everyone who is younger than about 60 years should speak english. But many people do speak english very seldom in their everyday life, so they think their english should be very good, but it isn't. That results in the term "ein bisschen" 😅

[@hansmeiser32]

" I always wondered why they are too modest on their ability to speak English when it's pretty good considering it's not their first language." It's just a cultural difference about what it means to "speak a language". To a German it most likely means to be fluent in it. Being able to have a long conversation without much struggle. Being comfortable speaking the language. That's most likely the reason most reply with "a little bit", because they are not comfortable speaking English.

[@LoevensRambles]

Dane here :) I honestly thought everybody did the airing out thing. I have always been told that ideally you should air out your place twice a day. It's to get rid of humidity that can cause black mold, and also the fresh dry air actually is easier to heat up in the winter than the heavy damp air that can form if you don't air out. Most of us don't have airconditioning or ceiling fans for air circulation, so we circulate the air by creating a draft. It's all about the health of our indoor climate, and keeping the place mould free and the heating bill low.

[@occamsshavecream4541]

We do it in the U.S. too, I can't stand stale air and so many office buildings here stink because there is no fresh air.

[@kenlompart9905]

I wonder how many Americans went home and said, German people are so friendly, everywhere I went people said hellooo to me.

[@spieletippser]

Non i guess xD

[@thesaw9988]

I wouldn't know. I'm European. I wouldn't say helloo to anyone if I don't know them. Germans on holiday surely don't. I do occasionally go to germany because of my wife. They are OK, I guess

[@bobbyknight3589]

😂😂😂😂

[@oritafilms]

Germans r cool

[@DT-wp4hk]

Achtung and Heil are better?

[@njs2311]

houseshoes? I am German and no, not all of us do this to our guests. lol

[@DSP16569]

It is more a regional habit and also depends on the material the floor is made of. With a real oak floor (expensive and not so scratch resistant) letting people walk with their muddy and gritty "sand paper" shoes would ruin the floor very fast and let it look awfull. In a house with stone floor or more laminated wood floors (that have a life span of 10years) and are more water/mud proof the mud, wet and sand on the shoes make less problems.

[@nriamond8010]

@@DSP16569 I don't think it is regional - it just varies from person to person.

[@stefan1924]

I have never been in a house where they give you Hausschuhe, and I lived in Germany my whole life. So I do believe it's more of a thing in the south of Germany.​@@nriamond8010

[@ringrun9872]

@@nriamond8010 spot on In our house everybody can do it like they want to

[@Peko-qy8eo]

I don't have houseshoes for guests 😂

[@lancetable537]

The "Daumen drücken" can be pretty much translated with "fingers crossed"

[@1234brianatthedoor]

I'm in Munich right now. I'm amazed and awed by how readily the Germans take advantage of all opportunities to enjoy nature in the hot weather. They are lying on the rocks along the banks of the Isar to sun themselves. Flopped out all over in the English Garden. Sunday in the park is really a thing here, and it's great! Oh, and the unleashed dogs are pretty well-behaved.

[@bigshitty7190]

Sun is rare in Germany and that is why. Warm weather is a game changer for the german soul. Unfortunately most dogs and their owners suck nowadays. The pet - shelters are full of unruly dogs. And, fun fact: Where people are lying, dogs are not allowed to be unleashed. There are special places for unleashed dogs.

[@fariesz6786]

there are also a lot of pits from excavating sand and stuff around Munich (and in other places of course) that have been made into lakes and we love to spend time there. sometimes it possible to bathe in these even into October but this year seems to have a rather chilly autumn.

[@bonwatcher]

Germans and Japanese share the same ideas when it comes to taking off the shoes in the house, properly putting recyclables in the right bins and the big one, being punctual. I know in Japan you are late if you are five minutes early. 😂

[@suchanhachan]

As an American who's lived in Japan for a long time the shoe thing is definitely true, along with recycling although it's not quite as complex here as it is in Germany. As for punctuality, in business it's definitely important. But with friends, family, etc. people tend not to be so upset if someone is late, especially because they know how busy everyone is. It's a very common sight to see someone running up to another person or group saying, "Hi! Sorry I'm late!!" and everybody laughing about it...

[@waynewallace2583]

Stationed there for three years. On the autobahn, if you’re driving too slow in the fast lane, they’ll flash their high beams instead of hitting the horn.

[@Adalbert777]

Road traffic regulations (Straßenverkehrsordnung) explicitly allow the use of high beams to communicate your intention to overtake, outside of city limits which always includes highways. That being said, it should only be used from a safe distance and not constantly. Tailgating someone at a meter distance at 160 km/h and flashing your lights counts as coersion. Obviously, there always be some drivers who think they know better…

[@ekesandras1481]

because sound travels not as fast as light

[@carbor182]

As a German I consider it very disrespectful if you show up late

[@suplexpiledriver4428]

Nun, das ist eine Schande.🫠

[@suesheehan1976]

I showed up on the dot and they were upset because they thought I should have come 5 minutes earlier therefore I was late.

[@tilmanarchivar8945]

Its te same like the "stare" it depends. 15-30 min are ok. 1h is not

[@George-iz2ce]

The punctuality stuff has an interesting contrast with us Greeks that can be like hours late

[@Denis-zo6qo]

@@George-iz2ce is that the reason why my gyros delivery is always late?

[@mattman6461]

When driving as a tourist, stay out of the left lane. That's "their" lane.

[@1234brianatthedoor]

Don't pass there at anything less than 150 kph in the unrestricted zone. If you want to pass that slow truck, look behind you and wait for the fast traffic to pass first.

[@MaxMustermann-go8xf]

May I add: when you enter the Autobahn, you gotta accelerate FIRST. You can't just merge and have the big trucks hit the brakes for you.

[@1234brianatthedoor]

@@MaxMustermann-go8xf And this is why the cars are so great at acceleration in Germany!

[@caractax.3110]

👏😂💕

[@thesaw9988]

There is no speed limit on their autobahn, so yes I get it. It's kind of their 2nd amendment. Also, the cops in my country don't like my wife having a German drivers licence. It does not expire...

[@marthagraham241]

I was born and grew up in Germany. I never noticed the staring and guests were not expected to take their shoes off. Makes us look like a bunch of weirdos. The clapping in the plane is cringe and only done by weirdos as well.

[@ekesandras1481]

the clapping became pointless, since the pilots are hermetically sealed from the passengers. Before the terrormania, the cockpit doors were usually open, kids could watch the pilots fly, ...

[@abinashmishra329]

Because I took German in college to finish by foreign language requirements, I try speaking the language whenever I go to Germany. I get a lot of respect and compliments. The locals tell me I speak it very well. Also their mannerisms become, “hey! He knows German! I’ll help him out!”

[@FKNNXTLVL]

As the unofficial representative of all nation who doesn't wear their shoes indoor. We are not the weird ones, you are.

[@MrMojo271]

Americans usually don’t wear shoes indoors either. Must be something they learned from American TV or something

[@tedsteiner]

@@MrMojo271 As an American, more Americans do than don't in my experience. It feels gross to me, personally. I've always seen people have their shoes on inside watching american media, so that might have some effect.

[@labtechsuperstar]

And Germany has the best Hausschuhe! The first time I went there as an adult and stayed with family, they gave me a nice pair of Rohde (sp?) shoes. I loved them! When they eventually wore out, I had occasion to go back to Germany and I got a pair of wood soled and leather upper house shoes. (Schwaben Natur brand?) And I still have them after many years! House shoes are a necessity for me. My chiropractor told me the only times I'm allowed to be barefoot is in the shower and in bed.

[@hansmeiser32]

@@labtechsuperstar "And Germany has the best Hausschuhe!" I guess the most common are Birkenstock. My pair is 25 years old and almost looks as new as on day 1. But I don't wear them indoors, only if I bring the garbage out or other thinks like that.

[@picebarius8394]

Crudely put, but you might be right. I happen to know that in Russia it is considered rude to keep your shoes on as a visitor. Muslim countries very likely the same.

[@frauleintrude6347]

If you love your life, never take a walk on a cycle path. They will run you over with their bicycle while ringing the bell or swearing at you, no matter what. Make sure to look left and right before crossing a cycle path.

[@kailahmann1823]

@@frauleintrude6347 I just wanted to bring it. For both Germany and the Netherlands the most important rule: Do Not Walk In The Bike Lane. You won't walk in a car lane either, right?

[@sethlangston181]

NYC is pretty similar. They will not hesitate to tell you, "Get off the bike lane!" Most New Yorker's aren't going to go out of their way to be jerks, but getting in the way when people are in transit is considered one of the biggest faux pas there.

[@benjaminespunkt9433]

Best you stay away from every bicycle driver as far as you can. Many of them think they are right and can do everything they want. I once saw a bicycle crashing in a parked car and the bicylce driver was still shouting at the car 😂 Or once a bicycle running over a Red Light and was almost Hit by a car. Still the bicycle driver shouted at the car.😅 Even as a German I don't get it 😂

[@occamsshavecream4541]

@@sethlangston181 Exactly, now if they would get off the sidewalks...

[@frauleintrude6347]

@@benjaminespunkt9433 that is a classic. Crossing red lights, riding in the dark without any front or rear bicycle light, at the wrong side of the road or on the sidewalk or everything in combination on high speed. I always call them the guys with a death wish, Todesreiter. But oh and behold if you don‘t follow the regulations as pedestrian.

[@j.j.1064]

I've never been to Germany but when I went to Port Grimaud in the South of France I thought I was there and made some lovely German friends. I HAVE to take a guitar with me wherever I go and ended up playing it on the beach and had a big audience of just Germans. I guess my conclusion was The love their music especially the Beatles because they knew every word of every song. So yes, a large beer a smile and a song and you're in Germany where ever you are.

[@caractax.3110]

👏🥰💕

[@amduser86]

fun fact, the beatles were discoverd in hamburg and not in the uk or usa. out of this era i anyway prefer pink floyd. on the other hand there would be probably no pink floyd without the beatles ...

[@Zambineaux305]

Staring contest?? I’ve waited my whole life for this 😂

[@mscarolita76]

Lolllll, Man... and BOY DO THEY!!!!! People have moved their chairs to stare at me many times!!!!! I kept looking behind me,..like what are you staring at!?!?!? I thought I looked like someone famous or something!!!!!! Hahhaaaaa

[@bastian6625]

This bullshit, I cannot hear it anymore.

[@DSP16569]

You will lose. Germans have learnd to stare through you (they look in some direction - if somebody is there or not - without fokusing something special) for them you're only a blur shape and therefore they can stare at your direction for hours without seen you.

[@CodeNascher_]

👀

[@TheHikrr]

We don't stare. When we meet someone, we look each other in the eyes and greet each other. Because we are friendly people 🙂 Try greeting people instead of just "staring".

[@allisonradel4774]

Growing up my dad would always open the windows, even in the dead of winter. I guess it's something he brought with him from Germany. Now that I'm an adult, I do the same thing. At least 5 minutes in the morning and at night. Regardless of the time of year.

[@fritadosebbl9814]

Augenkontakt, means that you pay 100 % of your attention to the other person, like in a conversation.

[@Bluegrassriver8]

Especially important now with the cell phone distracting your friend from your conversation

[@debbiebaitinger3843]

Do not ever cross the street if the light is not the right color, even at 5am with no one on the street!

[@Ba34qt]

@@debbiebaitinger3843 Quatsch!

[@retprob]

Bavarian here.I kept waiting for you to point out something weird.

[@JackieOdonnel]

Hahahahaha!

[@alyssachey8417]

My stepfamily is German I was waiting for something different then what I grew up with that are perfectly normal things that I think are normal. ❤

[@vickenator]

I read this comment on a gossip blog once years ago and have never forgotten it. It was in response to someone saying how they don't know the German language or how to extricate themselves from an uncomfortable conversation or situation! 🤣🤣 "if they ask questions just say 'entschuldigung, aber Keine Fragen, ich habe vergessen meinen Müll zu sortieren, und muss jetzt rennen' 'excuse me, but no questions, I forgot to sort my garbage and have to run' Germans love to sort and recycle garbage and will just nod forgivingly .."

[@JBG1968]

The clapping when the plane lands was common here in the US back in the 80’s and earlier . Not sure when it stopped

[@richardverderber9812]

@@JBG1968 stopped when us Americans started taking everything for granted lol

[@CalinFR]

Now it's a thing is eastern Europe. I'm aure it'll stop

[@deadzio]

​@@CalinFRstopped ages ago

[@kaiberberich1]

Probably when the doors started falling off your planes !!

[@JackieOdonnel]

My first flight was in 1985 and the only time I've ever noticed it was when there was terrible turbulence and everyone clapped after we landed, but I thought that was an isolated thing.

[@Dont_fret_just_wonder]

Austrian here. The knocking on the table is not a German thing, but more an academic thing. At universities, instead of clapping it's the form of applause and appreciation at the end of lectures. Probably because it takes only one hand to knock on your desk.

[@StamfordBridge]

I’m old enough to remember when people on international flights with American and British airlines used to break into applause en masse at touchdown on the runway. It was standard.

[@Elizabeth-ei7ne]

I remember this too, I always thought of it as kind of a thank you to the captain and crew. We also used to clap for professors at the end of the last class of the course to show our appreciation. Maybe people used to just clap more.

[@VictorianForge]

I was recently on a Ferry from Corsica to Livorno full of German backpackers and motorcycle riders. Once we got into port, they all clapped....and each time a car was loaded off the ship and it didn't bottom out....they clapped

[@tinalettieri]

Israelis still do it.

[@StamfordBridge]

@@tinalettieri Couple of days ago, I had a flight from Sofia to Frankfurt - huge applause on landing. Then from Frankfurt to NYC - no applause on landing.

[@bigshitty7190]

​@@StamfordBridgeWell, people from Bulgaria are usually not Germans.

[@SuperTina-zh2cs]

I wasn’t aware that we use „hallo“ this way… but you are right!😁😂👍🏻

[@arnodobler1096]

No problem, US Americans are also weird to us. 😜

[@JackieOdonnel]

Yes, it's true. We are weird as well. :D

[@masond7573]

I think we're weird to everyone, because we are😅

[@ABruin-vw8bi]

Congratulations, Mr. Wolders and family, on recently exceeding 1 million subscribers. You have accomplished a remarkable and significant milestone on KZbin. Yay!!

[@toomuchinformation]

at 1:25. I’m from the UK and have done the “house shoe” thing for a couple of decades. It happens all over Asia as well. It’s no big deal. Didn’t realise the Germans did it as well.

[@hhschueller]

@@toomuchinformation Most of them don't. 🤨

[@MARI0LAND]

House shoes are somewhat common here in Germany, but most people I know just walk on their socks when they're inside.

[@nomaam9077]

"Why Germans are so Weird!" And that from an American? 😅😅

[@vermontmike9800]

Oh I have no doubt he knows we are VERY weird to Europeans.

[@nomaam9077]

I once heard that in the 18th century the English deported their criminals to Australia and the madmen to their American colonies. 🤔😉

[@Meckermaxxe]

And most points are not weird at all

[@ItsBigTexYall]

Clearly it's likely meant to get someone's interest in the video. Don't take it personally. Sincerely, an American :)

[@user-cb9rm8lp4u]

"Hallooo" is such a "German Karen" thing to say 😂

[@derfloh8986]

@@user-cb9rm8lp4u As a german person i can confirm that you are so right with that. Its really not a good thing thats going on here in Germany. I find it very rude to stick your nose into other persons life and say "Halloooooo!", if something isn't right from ones perspective.

[@__.__-_.]

haaaallo 😺

[@jeanjacqueslundi3502]

German Karen? You mean a German? :D

[@AkbarZeb-p6f]

@@jeanjacqueslundi3502 No, those are usually Swedes.

[@karink.7673]

I was slapped on my hand when I wanted to pick up a sugar cube out of a bowl on the counter for my coffee. I had not seen the sugar tongs! I was really offended back then but now I can laugh about it.

[@VictorianForge]

😂😂😂

[@tinalettieri]

Ugh!

[@BettinaSchwar-ju3zr]

As a german who hates The German Stare I just stare back until they stop 😂

[@caractax.3110]

Me too 😆

[@jryan9547]

Hahaha that’s funny. As an American I can’t stand long eye contact. Most people break contact during conversation and don’t stare in public. It’s a creepy thing here haha and personal space. I need my personal space. (Obviously in certain circumstances that isn’t possible)

[@brocho11]

@@jryan9547 Then You better don't have a drink with an older german person - when toasting, they make the most offensive eye-contact You can imagine! Because, there are rules, they have to be followed :D But they will be happy to explain them, so don't be afraid!

[@Moonkin444]

@@brocho11 you’re right, not holding eye contact while toasting does bring bad luck and 7 years of bad sex! 🙃 most germans WILL insist on holding eye contact or call you out if you don’t 😅

[@g745-z2r]

A little wink can help too.

[@hermannschmidt9788]

As a German I found these well-observed and hilarious. Don't worry, you can walk around in the house in your socks, too :-D That part about the staring, though. I don't see that. Maybe I am not staring enough myself, haha, or you were stared at by other curious tourists. Nobody is clapping after a regular flight, maybe to Mallorca or other holiday locations. And if they do, I think it's for fun.

[@alansmith4748]

The. "staring" has happened to me a couple of times, but not often. Not enough for it to be worth mentioning, but English speaking youtubers mention it all the time, so I suppose it must be a thing.

[@hermannschmidt9788]

@@alansmith4748 I find that really fascinating. Maybe I do stare as well without realizing it. My theory is that Germans may be just a little more observant, but I really don't know.

[@jessicaely2521]

Germans definitely do have this issue for a lot of English speakers. What Germans call just looking is what we call staring. If you aren't looking at your friend, looking out the window, or looking at the floor, you are staring. We don't like being looked in the eye by strangers for long periods of time.

[@fanvonvielem773]

As a German, I agree with you on the staring part. Maybe it's because we're Germans and just see it as looking around and observing our environment (that happens to consist of people as well). I'd say what foreigners interpret as staring is simply us taking in our environment most of the time. Same for other Europeans as far as I'm aware. I rarely feel like people are staring at me here. If at all, they're usually children. I've just been to India in April - that was what I would consider reckless staring. Indians truly stare you into the ground if you're a Westerner lol

[@hermannschmidt9788]

@@fanvonvielem773 I've not been to India, but in documentaries I observed that if anything interesting is happening there is always a flock of at least 20 who stand around and stare curiously :-D

[@picebarius8394]

Comment from a native German speaker: If you hear Hallo pronounced on the first syllable, everything is fine. If it's pronounced on the o at the end and sounds like a question you're in trouble. 😊

[@zeisselgaertner3212]

Even me, as a German can experience this passive aggressive superiority of a culture group. I simply have to cross the Swiss border.😮 There you will find Germans, Swiss Germans to be more precise, on the next level 😅. They even have term for it: "Tüpflischiisser" an extreme bean-counter.

[@eichzoernchen]

it's not about following the rules it's about not endangering others and it's about not openly breaking the rules, about seeing nuances and exploiting loopholes btw that's the reason why there are so many rules and why those rules often seem to be so complicated with their many exceptions

[@jimgreulich7860]

I wholeheartedly agree that the most important thing is not endangering others... which leaves be baffled as to why public smoking has almost no restrictions in Germany. 2nd hand smoke has been known for around half a century already to cause cancer and a litany of other severe health issues, so has Germany discovered a non-cancer-causing cigarette or do they just care about some safety issues but not others? Genuinely curious about this as it's really perplexing to me.

[@BradThePitts]

Similar to Switzerland - punctuality, rule-following, recycling brown glass & green glass..

[@kekepania4298]

I identify with most of the habbits in this video. And I laughed my ass off about how you portrait them😂 but the one that embarrassed we every time is the clapping on an airplane.

[@wolfganglemke6312]

Wolter, keep in mind: Karen is not without cause a German name. Hallooo!

[@tkautzor]

Clapping after a landing is certainly not a German thing. Waiting for the light to turn green before crossing a road is.

[@drsnova7313]

It *absolutely* is. I fly several times a month, across Europe, and it's always the flights to or from Germany where that happens. But Walter is also right, it has decreased somewhat over time.

[@tkautzor]

@@drsnova7313 I fly several times a month, across Europe (but not to or from Germany) and it is always the people from nations that have recently started flying (Swiss, Croates, Macedonians, Kosovars, Portuguese) where that happens. So it is not a German thing at all.

[@calidee97]

Good one... just why are you showing the DB train schedule for punctuality?? They are close to never on time haha

[@RudieObias]

Going to Germany for the first time on Sunday. Spending a week for a last-minute business trip in Cologne! A little nervous, but it should be fun!

[@thorstenguenther]

The worst case of Lüften I experienced was at the hospital 7 years ago in mid winter - I broke my right elbow in a solo bike accident and after receiving emergency treatment and arriving in the bedroom, nurses opened the windows wide with me laying atop a hospital bed with no sheets because a dementia patient in the same room had shat himself (so, quite understandably). That was the moment when the shock finally fully took control of my body and I started shaking uncontrollably, even after getting covered with a sheet the shaking only subdued several minutes later.

[@T0MT0Mmmmy]

For me the weird thing about clapping in a plane while touch down is, that the plane still runs at 300 km/h, so even after touch down everything can go horrible wrong. So I always thought "they should wait until we are smoothly and slowly on our way to the terminal".

[@i.m.7777]

I love all of these as shoes inside the house are gross, fresh air is awesome. My favorite is punctuality and wish it rubbed off on my relatives. When I have a get-together, I tell them the time an hour before it starts so they will get here in time and they are still late.

[@fariesz6786]

about the lüften thing: we also have so-called Frischluftfanatiker ("fresh air fanatics") who will have their windows open 24/7 all year round. those can tbh be a bit of a nuisance in larger buildings bc then their flats will be so cold in winter they will make the neighbouring flats lose heat. i used to be one, sort of glad i no longer am.

[@somnia9796]

I grew up in Germany. Once I told my Mom, that I thought people were staring far too much and that it made me uncomfortable. She didn't know what I meant by that and probably thought I was going crazy. Nice to know I'm not paranoid 😂. As a teenager it made me self conscious and I went less outside because of it, now I just stare back or smile at them.

[@martintimmer8574]

Staring,..sure,whatever…

[@somnia9796]

@@martintimmer8574 Yup, but its not mean spirited in any way. People are more registering, that you're there. It's at most one a few milliseconds longer than people would look in other countries, but still noticable. People aren't staring you down or something.

[@sensationalfailure]

My window is never closed 😅

[@tinalettieri]

Right. Italians do it too and I always have some fresh air coming into the flat even with the a/c on. Even if it's just the service porch window. Have to circulate it and not keep breathing recycled air.

[@sensationalfailure]

@@tinalettieri Exactly how I feel :)

[@PearlRubyJasper]

I like the fact that they follow rules. I like the fact that they like to be perfect one of the reasons why they make the best cars in the world and all those things you mention it's just proper respect.

[@somnia9796]

About the "HALLO😡" thing. I apologise in advance about the long comment I'm going to make, but I literally could write books about this and this is very important. I hope this is not a pain in the a$$ to read. In Germany we have have a certain breed of people some of us jokingly call "Hausmeister" (janitors). But don't confuse them with the hardworking people, that take care of your house. They can come in all forms and shapes, but are mostly pedant older women. Legend has it they all worked as spies for the "Stasi". (In the DDR many people spied on their family and friends for the government and reported their mistakes) They literally wait around the corner for you to make one wrong move, so they can jump out and tell you about your mistake in the most rude way possible. They often search for easy prey like little children or newly arrived tourists. If somebody would say HALLO! 😡 to my parents or gradparents this person would get one or two sarcastic comments. The reason is that there are many friendlier ways to remind somebody of their mistake, than screaming at them in a high pitched voice. Also it is often seen as unfriendly to interfere in other people's business like that. Just wanted to let everybody know, that although it is common, most Germans at least try not to be like that. But you could also see it that way: These "Hausmeister" want be an important part of our society. They probably are searching for structure and guidance in this chaotic world and this is their way of coping. Who could blame them. (All your other points were 100% true for every citizen in this country though. If you don't know how to open a German window, they won't let you in this country) If anybody has any questions about Germany feel free to ask, but I feel like we are all just Germans here anyway.

[@SBmasta441]

So basically Karens

[@somnia9796]

@@Elatenl You're right. The joke was directed at Americans :)

[@tinalettieri]

Not all 😁

[@MARI0LAND]

Clapping after landing in a plane used to be very common thirty years ago. Most Germans don't do that anymore, at least not unironically.

[@DemureDelight8055]

"Passive aggressive superiority complex" literally made me LOL. You could also say the same about the Dutch!

[@petergeyer7584]

Having lived in Germany for the past 10+ years, my family feels extremely uncomfortable when we go to other countries and can’t separate all of our trash and recyclables.

[@ZelChan]

That totally depends on where you are in germany. I am german and from west germany. I do not have houseshos. Its not common here to give visitors houseshoes. While most like it when you put out your street shoes in the house you just walk on socks. Some just stay in street shoes as well. With the lueften is accurate bc of preventing mold 😊 but most just lueften for a short time and then close the windows again. Glass is just white and colorful here. So you just have two containers. One for white glass and one for all other glass. Then we have trash for plastic, paper, bio and normal house trash 😂 Even I dont know everytime where to put something. BUT I never was scolded for putting something in the wrong trash 😂 i think its just luck or bad luck what kind of ppl you encounter like everywhere else 😅 there are kind persons and not so kind persons in germany. I was never been stared at. Just normally looked at and greeted. Just smile und say hallo 😊 most germans will also respond with a hallo (not all so). And yes most germans like it when you are on time 😂😂 but also dont say anything if you are late. A friend of mine is ALWAYS too late despite being a german 😂 she is just the type of getting late. Just make sure to be in time for work or a job interview. (My Mom who is over 60 years old is more stricly when it comes to being on time. I guess it depends also on the person and the age). I guess there are things that are accurate german things to do like other countries have their own "typical wired" things too 😊 but arent it kind of funny? How everyone is so different bc of culture? Dont be so stereotypical. It depends on the ppl you met and where you are😊 travel much, learn that way about other ppl and be open minded towards other countries and cultures. You will see it is often not as you have thought it is 😊

[@biggkoz]

Hey Mark, I just got back from Germany last night and it's funny that I never noticed the staring thing before until I watched your video the day before I left....it's true. What I also noticed this time being there, is that NOBODY KNOWS WHICH SIDE OF THE STREET/ALLEY WHATEVER TO WALK ON! At first I was like oh I'll just move over more but then I had people walking directly into me ..ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SIDEWALK! 😄 For all the rules and procedures Germans claim to have they sure cant figure out walking. 😁 You should do a video on that subject for sure.

[@dianalombana6039]

Probably because most of the people in German cities are foreigners. Germans live in the countryside

[@joanlynch5271]

We only cross the street when the light is green. They can be a little more critical. They love their diets. They always return their bottles.

[@desiderata2209]

Not sure about diets but food pairings are sacrosanct. I once requested that Kloesse be substitued with Spaetzle as a side for roast goose at Christmas time and the waiter looked at me like I was genuinely insane.

You may only cross the street on green. I cross when I want.

[@murlerino4301]

We do cross red lights but look out for cars, cops and kids before we do so

[@lnemeth4334]

Deposit system is compulsory in the whole EU since this year. You have to pay some fee for bottles, beer cans in the stores if you buy a drink, and you can get the deposit back at the recycling automats. If you throw away the bottle, can, than you lose the money.

[@tinalettieri]

I can tell the Eastern/Central Europeans in Israel because of this. The main business street in my neighborhood is an older part of the city and straight for a couple of Kms. So, it's easy to know if anything is coming. The Euros of whom I speak will not budge off the curb until that light turns and only at the zebra. The more adventurous Mediterraneans among us will assess the situation and go. The annoying part of it is when there is traffic, we have a button to push that changes the light sequence but many people do not push it. They don't realize they have control.

[@ThePixxelPirat]

Dude, did you just call me WEIRD? Halllooooo?! 😂 You´re absolutly right. Like in other cultures we have a lot of weird stuff and characteristics around germany, that may be a little off for foreigners. 😎

[@dirkm1920]

I am german, I never had Hausschuhe. Nor have my family and friends. We do have good house isolation, so Lüften seems pretty reasonable to me.

[@florianbarkowski6856]

Something about the knocking. For Context i am a German and I always understood it and many professors also stated it as clapping is for something you found entertaining while knocking is a show of respect for their knowledge and work. Multiple persons also referred to it as academic clapping because the acknowledgment of the the work is more highlighted.

[@Adalbert777]

- “Hallo…!” is a call for attention. You might have done something wrong, you might as well have lost your purse or phone and people try to get your attention. - I have not experienced clapping after a landing for a long time now, but it definitely was a (cringy) thing… 😂 - Knocking on the table instead of clapping is common in academia circles and among people with higher education

[@ridingboy]

If you are truly hardcore at staring and want to get a staregasm, go to an art gallery opening in Berlin. You are welcome.

[@shadownor]

I met a few German friends during a NATO exercise years ago. I was invited to make a personal visit to Wilhelmshaven and had a great time. Yeah, were there were adjustments to make, but I enjoyed every bit of it.

[@MrMojo271]

Were you stationed in Bremerhaven or Garlstedt?

[@shadownor]

@@MrMojo271 No the NATO base was in Canada, HUGE base Goose Bay.

[@brocho11]

If You like Wilhelmshaven, You will love the rest of Germany for sure. The saying there is: "It`s sad in Aurich - in Leer even more, but if god want`s to punish You, he`ll send You to Wilhelmshaven" (In Aurich ist's traurig. In Leer noch mehr. Doch will der Gott dich echt bestrafen, schickt er dich nach Wilhelmshaven). And I say this as someone who had studied there for close to 5 years!

[@hendrikwiekenberg]

@@brocho11 Ha-ha! Wilhelmshaven is a purely naval city. If the navy didn't have a base there, Wilhelmshaven would be a dead, gray, barren city.

[@maplemanz]

When I was in the Army there in the 80s Staring thing drove me crazy .

[@Jebbis]

Americans if you want good house shoes, I recommend LL Bean slippers.

[@altitudeiseverything3163]

I prefer something like Haflingers. Similar to a Birkenstock clog (which I also wear), cork mid-sole, similar construction, but with a wool felt upper and insole, rather than leather. LL Bean’s slippers don’t have much arch support. There is no reason people in the US can’t buy good European brands.

[@AkbarZeb-p6f]

@@altitudeiseverything3163 They would be nice if they fit like normal slipper instead of that excruciating heel edge that if you step on wrong, is incredibly painful. That's one of the worst slipper designs, ime. Cheap, foam sandals from Amazon are the best damned things in the world, ime. They have the flaw of being slippery when wet, but for all purpose, house shoes, you can't beat them. Grab a few in different sizes for house guests.

[@vemo916]

We don’t cross at a red light even if no car is in sight.

[@mdee2581]

Well I certainly cross a red light if there’s no car in sight…I only don’t cross it if there are kids around…Regeln sind schön und gut aber irgendwann ist ja auch mal gut :)

[@vemo916]

@@mdee2581 there are always exceptions.

[@andreaelisa5303]

Fresh air is never weird, it's healthy as sitting "im muffeligen Mief" 😅

[@silverwurm]

5:24 I’m autistic and have adhd. Time blindness is an ongoing issue. This aspect of Germany sounds like hell.

[@Kalimsalman]

Just got back from Germany and the helloo thing is for real 😂 Gr8 work welters world

[@mikekelly702]

Thats weird...because people in my area of North Carolina do that. They stare ALL THE TIME.

[@egpx]

You didn’t mention compulsory nudity in the spas. Germans do like to get their kit off. It’s a bit of an eye opener (literally) for visitors from more, let’s say, puritanical countries but you soon get used to it.

[@AtheistOrphan]

Spent some time in Germany as a student, I was intrigued by the ‘short-drop’ toilets that effectively have a little shelf in them to enable you to examine your poo before flushing it away.

[@ridingboy]

It's supposed to keep water from splashing back to one's precious butt cheeks. But I myself never bought into that. Greetings from Berlin

[@AtheistOrphan]

@@ridingboy - Thanks. 👍

[@hairdresser1300]

😶😶😶

[@e-drummer2479]

Grew up with those - disgusting. Even if they make some sense from a health check perspective.

[@JackieOdonnel]

Yes! The Poop Shelf!

[@Uegger]

As a German, I can say: You are right! :)

[@desiderata2209]

You missed a huge one, Mark--sauna etiquette! Public aquaparks are everywhere (and good for your health, fun, etc) and saunas are very much a part of the German culture but--wait for it, Anglo-Saxons--you will be kicked out of a sauna if you are not naked (being "textile-free" is literally a requirement). Weirdly, access to a pool requires clothing. Go figure.

[@tinalettieri]

Yuck.

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

Yes. When I was on a high school exchange program, the host mom would come into my room in the morning, throw up the sash and say "Frische Luft! Frische Luft!" Also, on our recent trip to Heidelberg, our tour guide took us to a very nice restaurant for lunch, and during the conversation reminded me to make eye contact.

[@MadeNCda]

I dated a lovely German man, and on one visit to stay w him I learned a few Germanisms: they do like processes and there is value and purpose in ea step; they like efficiency; they value homeopathy; they prioritize pleasure (go to a German spa and see for yourself - we are way too provincial in North America 😂); they follow rules and esp on autobahn 😊 they are good drivers.

[@algonquin91]

Omg yes the homeopathy craze is so funny and totally true. There is even a stereotype that your doctor will prescribe tea for every ailment.

[@drsnova7313]

It's not that "Germans" as a group value homeopathy - it's just that it originated in Germany, has therefore the longest tradition, and the barrier to acceptance is lower. So you find a lot of those "chemicals bad, nature good" types that have the scientific understanding of a brick who believe in this garbage. Also, the US still has a slightly higher overall belief in "alternative medicines" than Germany, if you include all kinds.

[@xaverlustig3581]

4:40 Knocking on the table as a form of applause is probably a German thing, but more specifically it's an academic tradition. If you're witnessing it you're likely in a group where the majority have an academic degree, or at least Abitur (the school certificate that entitles you to university).

[@JordannGeorge]

1:45 house shoes not sold in the US? you mean like slippers? you can just go to Walmart or Target and find them in the clothing section.

[@deadzio]

It's because in american tv shows etc nobody eber takes off shoes ;)

[@JordannGeorge]

@@deadzio that's true. and it's true in some households in real life. but i think there's more and more people shifting to not wearing shoes indoors in the US. it makes cleaning harder and is less clean. the only time i don't wear shoes in someone's home is if they don't ask me to take off my shoes, they don't want me to take off my shoes, and/or their floors are filthy (maybe because they walk inside with their shoes and i don't want to put filthy socks or feet in my shoes or have my feet to possibly become infected if i'm not wearing socks and i get a cut)

[@JackieOdonnel]

Yeah, that's kind of funny. Their House Shoes are different from our slippers. But we could just buy closed-toed sandals and it would be equivalent. So yes, we CAN buy them here. But we wouldn't bring them over to our friends house when visiting them. At least I would never even consider it.

[@funigurl72]

I have my only pair of Crocs dedicated to house only use.

[@tinalettieri]

Uh, how about going to a shop IN GERMANY while living there and getting some?

[@ccityplanner1217]

My German grandmother (living in UK) uses house shoes, only she calls them "slippers". She even gifted me a pair, but I don't wear them as I find they keep falling off my feet. We change the air daily too.

[@DavidGTravels]

Nice thumbnail, strangely reminiscent to a similar video I uploaded 😂 You’re definitely right about the multiple meanings of “hallo,” though!

[@JayRappa]

The house slipper thing was ridiculous for me. Either way I adore Germany. I’ve seen it in and one. Great video as always

[@hendrikwiekenberg]

The reason why Germans “stare” and look you in the eye for a very long time or seek eye contact is because we are showing genuine interest in the other person. We take time for another person and show our respect that someone else is spending their time with us.

[@chantydescheneaux9673]

The landing clapping is a thing with Quebecers too…lol

[@tommywolfe2706]

One of the key phrases that was emphasized early on in my German classes was "müll sortieren".....sorting of the trash. We were taught (25 years ago) that doing that was expected, there were fines for not doing and it was part of being part of a civilized country lol.

[@feluccini]

First of all, this kind of "Hallo" is unfriendly and you hear that mostly in the South of Germany and second of all, luckily not all Germans are like that and some of them also know how to tell you in a friendly way when you do something wrong, or look away.

[@sierraMaddin]

i'm german and i don't have hausschuhe, not for me or my guests i also hate staring, at people

[@ManiloBerry-xo4hp]

Hes generalizing which I Hate

[@jimgreulich7860]

This probably could go for most of Europe too, but one is definitely "huge number of Smokers, almost no restrictions on smoking in public, and apparently it doesn't bother anybody". If you're going to Germany from the US for instance, this will be an absolute shock. Want to avoid smoke while eating a meal? #1 is don't sit outside. #2 is when sitting inside, choose a table as far away from the outside seating as possible. This will give you maybe a 33% chance of avoiding inhaling smoke with your meal because, you guessed it, as Mark said, the windows ate wide open and that smoke just blows right in!

[@cappuccino_please]

We wear house shoes because most houses have extreme cold floors. Only very new built ones have underfloor heating. And lüften same thing. We have no air conditioning or any other ventilation usually, so how are you supposed to get oxygen into the apartment? We are not so weird, just not have all those fancy house appliances and stuff. And being punctual: most people wait up to 15 minutes e.g. at a meeting point and if they did not hear about you like a text message or what's going on, some people just leave and assume you forgot the appointment. Do other cultures literally wait for hours without knowing if the other person ever arrives?

[@MinecraftPony155]

The "Hallooo" is the equivalent to an American karen threatening to call the cops on you over a ridiculous reason. It is not a nice thing.Those are the kinds of people you don't wanna be around with.

[@brittanymiitchell8491]

TAKE A PICTURE GERMANY! It last longer. 😂😂😂

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, awesome video

[@Vintage_Dave_T]

Going to Germany in September. Thx.

[@ManiloBerry-xo4hp]

Bamberg ?

[@Vintage_Dave_T]

@@ManiloBerry-xo4hp yes actually. My wife has relatives in a small village near there (Mürsbach).

[@duartesilva7907]

Maybe just because I have only visited big cities, but I found Hamburg and Berlin to be quite relaxed cities. For example, I saw many jaywalkers and no one bat an eye..

[@chrish2781]

I like the description of the "passive agressive superiority complex" - so true

[@LibertyDino]

Masters of passiv-aggressiveness.

[@labtechsuperstar]

Spot on! (Half-German, here.) One thing is the bluntness. They just call a spade a spade, don't sugarcoat anything, just give it to you straight up. I doubt they mean it in a bad way, it's just the way it is.

[@LaurenAngela_aufDeutsch]

This video is essentially the point of my entire KZbin channel LOL

[@Yngvi_Barran]

Opening the windows a couple of times a day is to lower the humidity inside to prevent mould