How I See Britain After 15 Years Abroad

[@britingermany]

Good morning and sunny greetings to all!🌞I know this is rather personal but I hope some of you can relate. What do you think?

[@sarahmayer8539]

I always wondered if you just walk around cities and film yourself all day, setting up cameras and walking towards it, hundreds of times a month?

[@jmolofsson]

Laudable and promising. I'll have to listen to the video again, because either you're actually mumbling at some crucial points, or I was unfocused for brief moments, *_precisely_* when you announced stuff like what lodging you've found and the time frame of your stay . No problem! The videos are beautifully edited, so watching this one once more is no harsh punishment for being distracted.

[@terrylodge4846]

I see you are in "Pompey"! This video really resonates with me. I moved to Spain in 2007. I needed the change as my life wasn't going anywhere and I wasn't happy. I love so much about the UK and I work at Kings college every summer, love the place! My friends who live there however tell me that it's really difficult to survive there and it's not what it was. I feel a sense of familiarity and dissonance at the same time these days

[@britingermany]

@@terrylodge4846 I totally get that. I find it is rarely black and white but usually a mixed bag

[@NeaFrea]

Your last sentence is very much appreciated.

[@robertosans5250]

I am a Spanish citizen living in the Uk since 1998. I am so grateful to this country for letting me make a contribution to society and give me decent working conditions and good pay. I came to travel extensively inside England and Wales mainly and love the countryside, the towns and beaches. I am about to retire and return to Spain but I will always have Britain in my heart. I know things are tough for many but it is far worse in much of the world. It was good to hear a moderate and thoughtful opinion instead of the usual negative comments.

[@britingermany]

Thank you for watching

[@kamrulz659]

Britain is not as good as it used to be 30 yrs ago.The weather quite depressing n the crime is a normal scene esp people trying to scam the tourist.i used to study in the uk n came back in 2023 to visit old places.😊

[@frusia123]

I'm Polish and I feel very similarly. I'm planning to return to Poland but I know I'm going to miss Britain ❤💙🇬🇧

[@ailsondmoraes]

I identify myself either you. I came from Brazil over 32 years ago and Britain gave me some professional and intellectual opportunities that I will always be grateful for. Today I travel the world teaching in some of the most prestigious universities in the world, thank you to Britain’s authorities to offered me the opportunity to become a British. I will always be grateful to the British people to welcome me as part of their community.

[@askarindarto664]

Good on you, mate! Have a wonderful retirement time!

[@mina_en_suiza]

I lived four years in London, and I absolutely loved it. Hadn't my company moved to Switzerland, I would have gladly stayed. As a German from Berlin, I had a far harder time adapting to Switzerland than to London, mainly because of the lovely, friendly and kind people of Britain.

[@britingermany]

Lovely to hear you have a great time there

[@mina_en_suiza]

@@britingermany "Had", it's a couple of years ago. My point was actually also that, London can be a great place to live, not only to visit - apart from the fact that you have to pay ridiculous amounts of money for a rathole. But: I had the first garden flat in my life there.

[@vidavuk1649]

I had a wonderfull time in Switzerland. Perhaps they are not so cute and charming, but the life is very safe and they have a high quality of life. Country is soooo beautiful.

[@madameversiera]

London has changed dramatically in the last years, you won’t find the same London if you come back….many businesses are closing down as well.

[@mina_en_suiza]

@@madameversiera This is, what everybody tells me. Especially the Londoners, I'm still in contact with.

[@thereallotharmatthae]

Can relate. Lived in the UK for 12 years as a German. It’s a great place - but unless you earn very, very well or have inherited wealth, it is a tough place to live a comfortable middle class life in and around london.

[@britingermany]

Totally. As an employee, even on a "good salary" its tough

[@stshnie]

@@britingermany I think you said you have a better quality of life in Germany. It would be great to hear more about that. Is the pay better? Is housing cheaper? Are there better opportunities for leisure? You could maybe do a whole video on this. We're English and left the UK in 2005 because it was hard work and we were getting nowhere fast - except into debt. I think it’s extremely difficult for the majority of people to just get by.

[@madameversiera]

It’s true, I earn a low income and my life is very hard. I work everyday and most of the income is taken by bills and rent.

[@NMiller80666]

Even the chances of inheriting there are obstacles. Had to sell parents home to fund their nursing home. There is tax and fines and fees for everything. I cannot afford my own freehold property, had no choice to buy a leasehold flat/apartment (feudal system), I pay full price via a mortgage, property returns to the owner after 125 years, unless I pay £0000s to extend the lease. I also pay ground rent to the owner £300 a year and services charges to maintain our building. England is a rip off and very corrupt place. Politicians are so corrupt by donated money, they do whatever folks with money says :(

[@HkmK-hr3kz]

Used to love the UK before they tried dividing the people and Used tax funds to commit ethnic cleansing

[@LievenSerge]

I love the Brits, most of my online friends are from the UK, Australia and the US, but nothing beats the British humor and their opennes towards other cultures. They are smart, empathic and loving. Much love from Berlin.

[@britingermany]

Thank you. Looks like we could use that right now 🙂

[@alanhat5252]

@@britingermany definitely

[@inatwirlingram2540]

Back at you 😊 I've only been to Germany briefly for the world cup The people were so warm and friendly and the countryside looked beautiful. Somewhere I would like to return to visit Kind regards from England

[@augustusmaximus891]

Exceptionally cold and bad damp weather though kind if takes the shine off it imo. Summer is great in uk if you can make it 😂

[@aldozilli1293]

​@@augustusmaximus891Germany is colder and equally as damp

[@campsbay1990]

I'm a German who loved to live and work in the UK in the mid 1990s. I then moved to Hamburg. Coming back to Germany and living in Hamburg, I realized too how much we have in common. Love your videos!

[@britingermany]

Thank you Andre. I was beginning to think I was the only one who thought this 🤣🙏

[@michaelburggraf2822]

​@@britingermany oh no! How could you?! However the "Hamburgers" are known to be a bit more anglophile than most other parts of Germany.

[@Reaktanzkreis]

I agree 100%. Both our languages got many same words, same written, different spelling or the other way round. We like beer & pubs, listen to the same music, like football & sports , share the same religion, our home is our castle, we like fiddling with cars , computers and electronics , like a small talk with our neighbors, like fishing and hunting or playing in a band. My home is in the north of Germany in the outskirts of Hamburg . I spent 2 years in England in east Anglia (Essex), in a small town called Harlow. It was a good time for me. A flat and beer were still affordable☺ I know some english people which lives here in my area. Some are more then 20 years here. And two of them are lovely women , working as english teacher here, I met them now and then at the supermarket.

[@TechSucht]

@@britingermany you are definitely not. 🙂

[@laredo7543]

I had a German neighbour in Denmark. He had lived in England for some time and had a totally different opinion

[@janakinb5495]

I‘m german and I‘ve been going to the UK since 20 years and I absolutely love it over there. I basically spent all my vacation time in the UK, especially Scotland. Whenever I fly over it feels like my second home.

[@britingermany]

That’s great to hear 😀

[@michaelhawkins7389]

@@britingermany There had been social media since 2004 ........... so to say there was none in 2008 .. that is not true , we had facebook Bebo , Myspace MSN

[@hmu05366]

@@michaelhawkins7389yeh but it wasn’t used on smartphones and not even close to being as invasive and pernicious. Smart phones have utterly transformed social media use.

[@hartmutbohn]

My husband and I were traveling England and Wales extensively maybe 6 years ago. We avoided London, as we had been there before. We loved it a lot! The thoroughly maintained landscape, the old towns, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, ... Since then I am convinced that no-one does museums better than the UK. Coming from the Southwest of Germany, where almost each small village has an "industrial zone" where they produce something or another for global markets, we started asking ourselves: Where do the people who live in the British countryside go to work?

[@britingermany]

That is a very valid question. Seeing as it’s a more services based economy usually an office job or some kind of shop/restaurant/hotel

[@michaelhart895]

Britain also used to have industrial areas linked to towns and villages. A lot of villages grew around mines , clay works etc, or going further back into history ,the wool trade and weaving , think of the Cotswolds. The small mining Village where I grew up ,in South Derbyshire ,was basically a mining village . It used to have various local shops a small garage . Most of the locals would have worked in the large number of local pits , pipe works ,along with the large number of Engineering companies serving them and producing a wide variety of goods . The next village to my home village had not only a pit but a small shoe factory and going back a few hundred years a foundry . Our local towns were heavily industrialised, even when I started my apprenticeship, my local large town being dominated by Brewing Ale . It had a large foundry company ,lots of small Engineering businesses , the company I did my apprenticeship at designed manufactured industrial locomotives for export all over the world . They designed bespoke machinery , manufactured large worm reduction boxes and gear boxes and was old enough to have had a hand in manufacturing parts for the very first tanks of WW1 . The variety of products and factories around my local area was astounding, especially when you consider the area is ,or was, very rural and not a large industrial city . Sadly our politicians from all of the three big political party’s,threw this all away ,with their policies over the years and decades .Before we joined the then common market we were an industrial based economy ,as Germany ,fortunately for the Germans, still is . I am an Engineer and the short sighted deliberate politically motivated industrial decline has been astounding since I served my Engineering apprenticeship ,in the late 1970s , and early 1980s . From a high skilled manufacturing,industrial based economy we are now a low skilled ,low paid ,dumbed down economy ,based on the service sector , banking,insurance, coffee shops ,retail and the new god in the economic policies of our brainless politicians, house building ,designed to fuel an ever insatiable demand in consumerism ,fuelled by mass immigration. All completely unsustainable on a collection of little islands , but that doesn’t bother our esteemed politicians, so long as they survive their term in office and line their pockets. 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@mynaturalperfume828]

They don't work, they are rich... English countryside is for rich only says my neighbor from UK.

[@EsteOeste-vw7ps]

@@mynaturalperfume828 i imagine they all quote Jane Eyre whenever they have conversations 🤔

[@jdd5886]

They do museums better than others because they looted a lot of artifacts from all over the world

[@darkstarr2321]

Another reason for the identity crisis is that we are experiencing a profound demographic change. You can see this in pretty much any town you visit in England. Net migration for the UK was 672,000 last year alone. This is a fact and one we cannot discuss sensibly in the UK currently because it descends into arguments between left and right. All of this contributes to an identity crisis

[@sunmoonstars3879]

And that’s just the official figures, the boats arrive daily and they just run up the beach and away they go. It’s an invasion. The kalergi plan in full flow.

[@scrambaba]

Agreed. If immigration were reasonable and within absorptive capacity the far right would not be nearly as popular as it is.

[@baum7des7lebens7]

The same is happening in Germany.

[@toivoa119]

I am a German woman living in Frankfurt. The UK was and is a big love of mine. I did my GAP year in the UK, studied and worked there and now have a goddaughter in the UK. For many years the British culture and history was a big part of my life - also professionally. I was educating others about British culture and history. So I am elated to find your channel here! 😊 Lately I often felt sad and estranged by the politics and Brexit, although the resentment against Europe was not new to me. I felt also a sadness as I could observe the identity crisis you talk about, but then again crisis is always a predecessor to change. Let’s hope it is positive. But I still feel a strong bond to my British friends - and to me there’s nothing more sublime than the infamous British humour. Thanks for your beautifully grafted clips and personal, balanced and deep insights, and your lovely soothing voice. 🙂

[@britingermany]

Thanks a lot for your kind comments 😀

[@harryhaller9386]

It's all different...I think there is a no resentment against Europe as group of diverse cultures. It's the commerce and its powers in the hidden which rules everything: not only the contracts but the public opinion, just anything.

[@luaking84]

Someone who voted for Brexit here. No resentment toward Europe at all. That's a media lie. It was toward the institution of the E.U.

[@johnmcmenemy3864]

Totally agree ..more about loss of sovereignty in decision making ...now it seems our uk politicians have forgotten how to take serious decisions

[@stuartwalker8755]

I think it’s important to have some perspective. Every few years France nearly votes for neo nazis. But Germans don’t care. Just a week ago the neo nazis won some big elections in Germany but again it seems nobody cares. Brexit was and is a disaster but there is a huge blind spot among Germans for far worse things going on on the continent and in your own country.

[@Marozi1]

I am in my late 40s and lived in the UK all my life, its funny how many comments say they love the Brits as I do not share this feeling and all my friends feel the same, we used to like our fellow countrymen but not anymore, many of them have become rude, entitled and selfish, whether this is a result of social media making people more narcissistic or just a natural progression with more of us disliking the way the country is going, I will never know. Pretty much everyone I know and their friends all feel the same, most dont even speak to their neighbours anymore.

[@dibble2005]

Brexit was a product in British Imperialism reasserting itself. It was an inward action designed to give the elite and the establishment more power to impose austerity on the poor and to remove environmental protection and human rights policies.

[@Mugwumps107]

I am English, I have lived here all my life apart from relatively brief periods in Scandinavia and Africa. Britain started to really change in the early 2000’s, it has RAPIDLY changed over the last 12/15 years. It is now almost unrecognisable to what it once was, I no longer recognise my own home town, a medium sized town in the English Midlands. When I venture into town you barely hear an English voice. London has changed beyond all recognition in just one short decade. London feels other, someplace else, not England. I am the proverbial stranger in a strange land.

[@TO-qg8sq]

Financial Times "How migration became a weapon in a ‘hybrid war’" 5 December 2021 Foreign Affairs "When Migrants Become Weapons" 22 February 2022 Frontiers "The use and abuse of forced migration and displacement as a weapon of war" 06 July 2023 This seems to be a well studied topic.

[@Ponchoed]

And this is entirely with Tory rule. They are supposed to be the sane ones compared to Labour.

[@paulogrady6679]

I left the UK 20 years ago to also live in Germany. I now hold a German passport and have become a German citizen. Seeing what is happening in the UK from outside it has become clear to me that the UK is longer my homeland i would never consider returning.

[@britingermany]

20 years is a long time and after a while you lay down roots.

[@paulewan8068]

Thank goodness

[@steffanhoffmann]

Can you actually get a German passport; as I thought it was EU.

[@paulogrady6679]

@@steffanhoffmann As long as you a german citizen you can get a passport.

[@steffanhoffmann]

@@paulogrady6679 👍

[@Be-Es---___]

I think that the queens death really hammered home the reality that it will never be as before and that the empire has gone. More a state of mind than a thought. A realisation of what always was feared for.

[@britingermany]

Yes I do think that was very significant

[@bobbyrayofthefamilysmith24]

No one cares about the empire we just want a functional nation which the UK is no longer. It's quickly becoming a failed state.

[@stevencutts6314]

very few people I grew up with were ever mentioned the empire in everyday life. The memory was fading many ytears ago. If u look at the countries that became independent, some of them have done very well but others have given a poor account of themselves.

[@samashby8203]

I don't think anyone really cares for the days of Empire, it was so long ago. The loss of the queen definitely put the country into a deeper existential crisis

[@NewYasmine-nl9jq]

The empire that was built with the blood of colonisation is fading away? Good.

[@samashby8203]

I’m a Londoner, I moved to New Zealand 3 years ago with my family. There's a lot I miss about London, its size, culture and energy. I came to a controversial realisation... As beautiful as NZ is, the more I learn about the country, the less impressed I am. Makes me appreciate the UK more.

[@britingermany]

That’s the great thing about different environments. They make you think 😀

[@S1LVAW0LF]

Shiiii that's the first time I've heard a negative opinion about NZ, and from a brit of all people. Usually all you hear about it is how mild the weather is, the beautiful scenery, and overall tranquility. what's not to your liking? As an American, the only thing i would mind i suppose is the isolated nature of that part of the world. It feels so far away from everywhere else, but atleast east and southeast Asia aint too far from there. Living in the US, you gotta have patience to go to the far east. The flight length is brutal. Already hate the 17 hr flights to south asia 😂.

[@samashby8203]

@@S1LVAW0LF​​⁠I know right, I thought I’d be in heaven. The things I don’t like took a few years to surface because they’re very subtle. And maybe I’ve had a rough couple of years and it’s tainted my experience …NZ is wonderful in many ways and they get a lot right. I want to be an outdoors guy, that’s why people come here, but with a family and work, the city is still 95% of the experience, and you shouldn’t move to NZ for their cities. They’re still figuring out basic city stuff. It’s all very small and provincial, in reality and mindset. I’m a big city guy at heart and still adjusting going from a very big dense city to a medium sized town. Anyway, I’ll stop complaining. The coffee is the best in the world. Can’t fault that.

[@jonathannorris8992]

I think anyone who thinks there kids will get a fairer situation in the UK instead on NZ must be wealthy. Without a doubt our son got chances he would never have got in the UK No, NZ isn’t the garden of Eden, but what it isn’t lumbered with the class system. I’m a carpenter, my wife was a teacher, our son now works in high end marketing roles in the top marketing company in the world based in Canada. Not in a million years would he have had the chances he got here in NZ

[@philippschwartzerdt3431]

I like your balanced and respectful approach on the nuisances of differences and the current challenges the UK and in particular England is facing, putting it into a different, personal prospective. Well done.

[@britingermany]

Thanks a lot Philipp 😀

[@simonsadler9360]

Benidorm is screening brit visitors re Alcohol , we don't want them here, some few year ago drunken foot ball hooligans knifed the opposing supporters !

[@awolgeordie9926]

Left the UK in 2006 after a decade in the military. Single best thing I ever did.

[@DavidBeattty]

Funny, my lifelong dream is to escape my country to live in Blighty...

[@damianbutterworth2434]

It went down hill after 1997 when Blair got into power.

[@awolgeordie9926]

@@damianbutterworth2434 100% agree. The 90s were the last good decade. Blair destroyed a nation.

[@steveunderwood3683]

@@DavidBeattty In England those are called nightmares.

[@ronaldrt]

Yes, mass immigration

[@tactical1981]

My mum is in her late 70s and says this current era is by far the worst she’s ever lived through. Not being able to afford to put the heating on. Not being able to get a docs/dentist appointment. Price of the weekly grocery shop. State of the roads. Kids stabbing each other. Etc..

[@jakecavendish3470]

I'm only 40 and it is definitely the worst I've ever known things to be, and I grew up in Northern Ireland during the 80s and 90s

[@leojohnson-lay4051]

Old people living too long etc etc

[@davidwolstenholme4676]

ill be 80 soon and i lived in the old england this is the satanic one.

[@AaaaandAction]

@@leojohnson-lay4051That is a disgraceful thing to say, but sadly true.

[@Dirty_Hamble]

​@@BigReptileCrew Did you actually watch this video?

[@rogerhardy6306]

Thanks for these videos! I too lived in Germany and now live in Portugal; I've also lined in NL and Belgium. Whenever I go back to UK I feel slightly overwhelmed by the pace of life, the cost and complexity of everything. The roads are a nightmare. In Germany I appreciated the greater sense of community and the reluctance to engage in the 24/7 economy. Life/work balance seems to be better outside UK which is becoming more like the USA. I hate the divisive nature of UK politics and the whole Brexit fiasco...I identify as European these days! These comments also apply for Portugal, even more so. What do I miss? The smell of the countryside, big trees, green everywhere. What don't I miss? Motorway clog and the weather!

[@britingermany]

Oh yes! Don’t get me started on the roads. That is going to be something I talk about in my next video. Just a rather unrelaxing stressful experience in the Uk

[@rogerhardy6306]

@@britingermany Thanks for getting back to me! Yes, Germany (I lived near Köln) had rush hour clog but in general, the autobahns were pretty good. In UK, you can be certain that you will meet roadworks, accidents, shear weight of traffic etc. The contrast is with Portugal where the motorways are all toll roads and are a pleasure to use...but expensive. I am tempted to say you get what you pay for but the German roads are also free and far better. There really are certain things that the Germans do better!

[@britingermany]

@@rogerhardy6306 yes the roads in the U.K. especially around the south of England are just too small for the volume of traffic. Yes I think there are many things to be thankful for in Germany

[@cassandra8620]

I am German and I used to visit the UK frequently, at least 3 times a year. After BREXIT I wouldn‘t set a foot on this island anymore😮

[@polaris7122]

@@cassandra8620 why would Brexit affect you in that way?

[@marwellus1]

Regarding most in common I feel the same way as a german. I've been only a few times in Britain, but everytime it was like visiting a close family member. My favourite city is actually Manchester, I can't help myself, it's just 'wunderschoen' like it is, it has a deep history, really great pubs and is charming overall. And I've to admit that I'm a fan of British beer, British breakfast and British humor. Heck, I guess that makes me almost a Brit myself - almost ;-) I still have a terrible accent. 😛 On the other hand it might be not surprising, I grew up with BFBS and a lot of British music back then when radio was still a thing and Germany not yet united. - Nice thoughtful video :)

[@britingermany]

I also love Manchester! But gritty but it has real character and the people are more friendly than in London 😀

[@elipa3]

British beer? Really?

[@theonlymadmac4771]

@@elipa3 absolutely! I am German, even Bavarian and adore British beer!

[@vladmirkuhn233]

@@theonlymadmac4771 is something wrong with you :) ?

[@rainerm.8168]

@Vladimir Kuhn Must be. Saying that as a Bavarian. I am flabbergasted.

[@briandbedford4178]

A very interesting view point. Thank you. As a Brit l often consider going back to the UK as l miss "my culture" and "my language". This video has helped me understand the changes England is undergoing and that perhaps my life in Germany is of a higher standard than it would be in the UK right now.

[@britingermany]

Hello there. It’s obvious dependant on individual circumstances but I think in general the standard of living is higher in Germany. For me and the U.K. it was a case of absence makes the heart grow fonder😀…and I think some relationships function best at a distance 😉

[@cosmic4037]

I left the UK and returned after 25 years to visit family. There's nothing good to say. The country I grew up in died and replaced by a third world country in most parts. Everything has gone down, rundown, poverty, and destitution. I could not get home quickly enough. Depressing to see my homeland in such dire circumstances. The divide between haves and have nots is vast. My heartbreaks, knowing lots of good people, have been abandoned, especially in the northern parts. The people up north should go independent from the south.

[@pujapete3665]

yes you only have too open your eyes.

[@dungcheeseMORK999]

That would have a massive impact on both sides of the country, economically and socially, if the north separated, and probably a mostly negative one. I think it would be just as impactful if not more than brexit.

[@bordedup546]

nothing good to say? have you seen manchester's regeneration over that time? the new mayors are the beginning of the independence that the north needs to thrive without london trying and failing to decide what's best for them. let's see what the next 25 brings. im quite optimistic now that there is a universal desire for evolution and change

[@bordedup546]

​@@dungcheeseMORK999 yup the north benefits a lot from fiscal transfers from london and greater south east. the north runs a tax deficit which is funded by a tax surplus in the richer parts of the country. no offence to the other commenter but only someone who hasn't lived here for 25 years would want independence, not people living here

[@pujapete3665]

@@bordedup546 lets hope so...ireland leading the way

[@LaureninGermany]

Hi Benikon, I am glad you said that we foreigners here in Germany tend to be the ones pointing out the positives, and why. I sometimes feel like I’m foolish for being so positive about Germany when so many Germans are knocking it. But in comparison, there is just so much here that’s absolutely fantastic. And also not in comparison, einfach so. I’m loving this British series from you. You‘ve convinced me that a trip home this year won‘t be as difficult as I‘ve been thinking. Have a lovely Sunday 🤗

[@britingermany]

Thanks so much Lauren. Yes I can highly recommend it if you get the chance. But like you said there are so many things to love about Germany. Lucky us right?! 😀

[@LaureninGermany]

@@britingermany yes, in many ways, very lucky.

[@Marianne-Bachmeier-Extremist]

The problem is that we were taught not to be proud but instead feel guilty. We used to be a proud country.

[@michaelburggraf2822]

​@@Marianne-Bachmeier-Extremist I've never been taught to feel guilty. Absolutely never. I remember hinting at such a kind feeling within me receiving the immediate response from an Israeli "Why? You haven't even been born then. What's that supposed to be good for?" His family had lost almost all of their Polish relatives due to the Shoah. He pointed out that we have a responsibility obviously. However guilt is an aspect of an individual person.

[@Marianne-Bachmeier-Extremist]

@@michaelburggraf2822 All we're taught is WW2 and a bit WW1. Rarely anyone even knows about other important eras in German history and if you put your focus on these eras, you're automatically viewed as someone who is playing what happened in those 12 years down. Media, education and politics don't want proud Germans, they want to get rid of Germany.

[@ralfklonowski3740]

This is beautifully done! Thanks for sharing! I like that you avoided simple statements / solutions. Those last years I watched the whole Brexit scenario with ever growing confusin, disbelief and sometimes despair. What I learned is basically that simple answers don't exist. Greetings from the Ruhr district!

[@britingermany]

Thanks you Ralf. Exactly. I have learned that know one really knows what they are doing and those who cry loudly about immigration or the rich or the EU are just charismatic sophists who are oversimplifying things.

[@michaelhawkins7389]

@@britingermany York is a nice city and I like it better then London

[@snakeoilaudio]

I was living in England (as a German) for a few years, and I must admit that I love the country and the people. My impression is that the British still have this "Britannia rule the waves"-thing in mind. We Germans lost the war and from one day to another it was clear that we've f*cked up and had to start from scratch. For the British it is much more difficult because the Empire was in steady decline for how long? 50 years? 70 years? Still is? But the mentality of an Empire is still there. I guess that's why the British struggle so much with the EU. They are simply not the leader anymore, the were a very powerful member, but only a member among others. Maybe that's the chance within the aftermath of the Brexit that the British now realize "We are not an Empire anymore, we f*cked up, and now we have to start from scratch again". The British have a problem with their attitude it is not a lack of skills or that they are lazy or stupid or anything it is just that they need to adjust to a new world, and they need to realize that the Queen is long gone, and I am not talking about Elisabeth but Victoria.

[@britingermany]

Yes Germany had no choice and it was really a very sudden change. For the UK it has been a very long process and will continue to be so I think

[@ChrisCooper312]

I agree on Britain and Germany, but I wonder where France fits in? I think possibly their stubborn nature and passion has helped them avoid the slow decline from an imperial power that Britain has had, and when it comes it will be more sudden. I think a lot of it can be summed up in that Germany accepts that's it's no longer an imperial power in the old sense but seizes the opportunities that the new world provides. Britain also accepts it's no longer an old imperial power, but harks back to the good old days and blames everyone else for their current state. France though buries it's head in the sand and still thinks it's an old style imperial power. I do worry for all 3 though. Britain will continue it's decline until we realise where the world is going and start to make the most of it instead of trying to stop it. France is in for a rude awakening when they finally wake up to their position in the world today (including the EU as power shifts east). Germany needs to be careful that it doesn't gamble too much in the game of neo imperialism, since there are far better players with far less scruples (China, India and of course Russia for just 3).

[@elvishprincess321]

This is comment is complete rubbish I'm english & I can tell you we brits don't have an imperial mindset at all, our decision to leave the EU was purely cultural, English people are island people, we are not continentals & we largely lack a european mindset, being governed by a franco-german dominated project was simply unbearable, it just didn't suit us mentally & emotionally & was an historical error that we ever joined, we're an anglophere nation, we have much more in common with americans, canadians, aussies & kiwis than we do with french, germans etc.

[@trytellingthetruth.2068]

​@@elvishprincess321 I totally agree with you. I'm English and find the comment about our feeling of loss of empire, very strange and has never once enters my head. If anything, it's the Germans that long for an empire and being in the centre of the EU, gives them that feeling. They have finally achieved what the failed to do 84 years ago.

[@jenny2tone242]

@@elvishprincess321 I disagree. I think we have far more in common with France and Germany. We have Germanic and Norman blood.

[@stopato5772]

I am currently thinking of moving from SW Germany after 15 years to the UK for a few years to work and enjoy English culture, food, countryside and flower shows.. Holding me back is a type of laziness - this area I live is very peaceful, high quality housing both modern and traditional. It easy to do anything. We cycle to supermarkets (6 within 5 minutes) We have lakes in summer, flat wide bike paths in every direction, green fields, old forest, untouched hills and sunny weather. My rent is also 1/2 of a UK equivalent and my health plan takes care very well with cardio operations almost annually. But still I think of their salt air, creamed scones, gumboots and painted timber buildings. My worry is the UK violence. Here even the criminals are oddly rare, and my children are safe

[@britingermany]

Well it sounds like you should just take a holiday for a couple of weeks there and stay where you are. You can gain a lot of insights in just a few weeks

[@sandralauzon9416]

Do not commit - until you have been there a while. Do not give up a good life elsewhere, you will regret it.

[@roodborstkalf9664]

Places like you describe in BW are quite rare now in Western-Europe. You seem to have a good thing going. Chances are around 90% that a move will decrease your quality of living.

[@EmmaDivaOfficial]

10 years abroad, 4 years back in UK and I hate it. Soon as we can afford to leave again, we're gone.

[@roncouch]

I lived and worked in Germany four years: needed work urgently as my current employment terms had changed adversely and was open to any better job offer. I didn’t really expect it to be in Germany. It was a great experience and yes, I’d say you’re correct about the mutual empathy between the British and Germans…….in spite of WW11.

[@britingermany]

Thanks for sharing Ron. Glad you enjoyed your time here

[@actoraa]

British and Germans have so many historical and cultural links they are blood cousins. And like good cousins they like to wrestle from time to time.

[@vicentiumunteanu2385]

"mutual empathy between the British and Germans…….in spite of WW11" WW11? 😀

[@ComputeCrashers]

@@vicentiumunteanu2385 WW1+1 = WW2

[@craven5328]

I'm a Canadian who visited England twice about 25 and then 15 years ago (I'm 43 now). Those visits - to London, Oxford, Bath, Cornwall, Gloucestershire - sort of cemented this image in my mind of an almost impossibily varied, historic, and cosmopolitain capital city, wreathed by a bucolic countryside, dotted with lively villages, centered around warm pubs run by witty publicans and filled with open, friendly townsfolk with deep feelings of community. I desperately want to go back, and show my partner this side of England. Every morning I actually watch videos from a lovely gentleman, who walks slowly through costwold villages as the sun rises. But, I'll admit I'm a little worried what I might find when I go back there (I can also acknowledge that perhaps the England I saw back then was fairly idealized, and perhaps getting to see how it has changed might be a good cautionary tale to listen to).

[@karimtabrizi376]

​@@thetruth9210i love that theme tune eh

[@karimtabrizi376]

@@thetruth9210 i think its probably dated now but why not try. Do you remember that series follyfoot ? I watched reruns back in the 80s and lovrd it as it seemed like another era

[@FTFLCY]

I can assure you, living in Bath, The Cotswolds are still there and the same as they ever were.

[@PaulHewsonPhD]

Amazed how much thought provoking you can do with one video. I had a few initial thoughts. Regarding the identity crisis I'm sure we had a stronger regional / sub-regional identity in the past (I've no idea if that's good or bad) but seems to be part of the mix. Secondly, whilst I firmly believe everyone has the right to hold their own opinion on anything, I've been staggered by the lack of homework people do in forming their opinions when coupled with how seriously they think their opinions should be enacted. Finally, simplistic versions of WW2 form a worryingly imbalanced national myth. Anyway, a truly brilliant video, thank you.

[@britingermany]

Thank you very much Paul. I think we did. Maybe a silly example but I remember you used to support he football team in the town you lived....now people just go for the richest most successful club, this feeling of supporting "our local boys" seems to have gone.

[@MallorcaUnderTheSun]

I’m a Brit living in Spain for 19 years. Very interesting video and I relate to much of what you say here. I also agree my life is better here in Spain.

[@britingermany]

Hey thanks for commenting. I’ve actually watched your channel before. It was as preparation for my Mallorca trip a few years ago. Keep it up 😀💪

[@ingovb6155]

Good morning :) Thanks for these videos with their refreshingly slow way of taking the needed time to dive into a topic - and NOT boiling it down to a list of 5 pros and 5 cons.

[@britingermany]

Thanks Ingo. I was thinking it was alarmist a bit too slow but glad to hear your feedback. 🙏

[@97henrik041]

This may be a minority view but having lived in Germany for 8 years, I felt more at home there than I did in the USA, despite the language issue. I lived in London for a while too and as an outsider, I see what is happening in the UK now as a delayed reaction to the end of WW2. The empire was dismantled after WW2 but attitudes barely changed and the Brexit catastrophe has forced an enormous identity crisis on the UK at a time when the political tools needed to deal with this crisis are not fit for purpose. Democracies are being tested in many countries but in the UK, with its unwritten constitution, its unelected head of state, its unelected second chamber and an archaic electoral system which in 2019 rewarded 43% of the vote with an 80-seat majority, the test is rigourous indeed. I do not see the UK in its current form surviving as the people of Scotland and of Northern Irelandhave less and less incentive to remain tethered to rule from London, regardless of whatever fig leaves of devolution are on offer.

[@Purple_flower09]

I agree that UK institutions need a radical overhaul and modernised. I don't agree about Scotland heading for independence unless something severe happens to shake people in Scotland. We just had a long period of the SNP being dominant in national politics and a leader that until very recently was highly regarded as a politician. During that 8 years there was very little movement in the polls regarding independence. It seems doubtful the SNP will find a better leader than Nicola Sturgeon. And despite Brexit, Boris Johnson and the likes of Reece-Mogg running the Tory party there has been no boost towards independence in polls. The polls don't show enough demand for independence in Scotland to justify another referendum and I don't know what would change that.

[@marcd6897]

@@Purple_flower09 Yeah, although the scottish polls in favor of independence may change with every day the tory chaos continues, and the fallout from Brexit is reaching reality.

[@jasonallen6081]

Who is talking about the British Empire? It's not any kind of discussion in England and hasn't been for generations. If you can drag the British Empire up as a talking point, then why not the Germans and their Nazi past, they concluded at about the same time. And arguably, the Germans also had a way more brutal Empire than the British ever did. If you mention the Empire to any English person, you'll catch them cold. They'll need a few seconds to scratch up some thoughts about it.

[@james3547]

@@jasonallen6081 I agree, however catching an English person cold regarding the empire? I reckon we should have kept it going strong. But obviously that will upset the happy clappers 😂. Doesn't matter now anyway unfortunately.

[@jasonallen6081]

@james3547 I'm damn proud of being English and see so much about us that it's worth being proud of, but we have to fight against this thing we're being subjected to lately. This exaggerating the negative and eradicating the positive it gets me so angry because every other nation in Europe has a dark past. In fact, they have worse and darker history's than we do. It's a concerted effort to judge us in isolation. This Englishman in Germany fella is struggling with the subject/object part of his critique. Doesn't apply them equally to both places he knows well. Germany is a good nation, but there are nowhere near as many unicorns running wild as he'd have you think. He conflates the EU with Europe, one's just a political union, and the other is a geographical fact.

[@Wulfilasify1]

What a wonderful, beautifully balanced and wholesome video. You have my sub. Greetings from Munich and to all the Brits, we really do have a lot in common.

[@britingermany]

Thanks a lot and greetings back to Munich. I hope you’re loving the cool wet weather as much as I am😉

[@Wulfilasify1]

@@britingermany I am living in an attic flat - so yes I do 😅

[@stepheng9607]

An interesting video. Many thanks. I think that the issue that many of us feel now about the UK is that we have no illusions anymore. We have seen it for what it is and we struggle to remain positive. The things you list about the culture are fine up to a point, but they are a product of past investment. We are no longer making that investment in people, institutions nor communities. We are spending the capital instead. Finally although we share a common language, we are not really like the USA. People delude themselves when they think that. We are much more European

[@britingermany]

I'm not sure about your last point. It might be objectively accurate in that our culturally the Uk has more in common with Europe but people tend to identify with things they understand. Seeing as US culture is everywhere on our screens, phones and high streets and it takes quite a bit of effort to learn about "European culture" I would bet that the average Brit identifies more we the US than Europe...but that's just my take I could be wrong.

[@demonvalentine1]

This was a superb essay to listen to. Thank you for adding your unique perspective. I also find it very unhelpful and unproductive to think in terms of superiority/inferiority, much easier and useful to appreciate the subtle differences between peoples and cultures. I hope our beautiful and ancient culture can persevere these challenges. Best wishes to you.

[@britingermany]

Thanks a lot Nick I really appreciate it

[@pincermovement72]

We are not importing people from the anglosphere who apart from an accent hold our values and traditions but are creating a Tower of Babel of competing factions and one looks set to dominate . Without the indigenous British set to become a minority by 2066 but likely to be sooner , the British culture will wither on the vine and Britain will just be a name for multicultural land of no one or the latest conquered Muslim state , or there will be war , either scenario is the fault of corrupt politicians.

[@greble11]

Thank goodness for a comparison video that is balanced and includes nuance!

[@britingermany]

Thanks Peter! I think it is important

[@ljames2382]

Left in 2004, returned in 2011 to live (stayed 3 months), went back again in 2017, got stuck for one reason and another. Finally left again in 2023. Moving back has set us back financially but emotionally was great. Have realised that what we originally left and missed is no longer there. Unfortunately the cute pubs and pub lunches with welcoming people is in demise, the shopping precincts are dead and everyone is depressed. It is so sad.

[@Mark-ml3nv]

I have briefly lived in Munich and would agree that most Germans love the English, what is interesting is your typical Brexit voter believes the opposite. I have also lived in Australia, New Zealand and currently Republic of Ireland for 9 years now. I agree that England seems to lack confidence in it's identity. While Ireland is still part of EU, it has a very strong sense of identity. Brexit was an expression of English nationalism, which has now been shown to have failed.

[@britingermany]

I think it is too early to see the full effects of Brexit. Lets not forget that the pandemic and Russian sanctions are taking their toll..it is quite frankly extremely complex but putting politics aside what I felt and experienced during my time here was a positive upbeat atmosphere...

[@Ikon_Sound]

I love Germany as a proud Englishman now living in Australia, there is a lot to be admired in the way they do things

[@loub344]

I, too, am English that lived in Germany for 8 years and now live in Australia. I lived in Germany when Britain voted to leave the EU. Interestingly, Many of the Germans I spoke to at the time were very sympathetic of Brexit. Many Germans also don't like the EU. I found it to be more people in the UK imagining that everybody in Europe is pro EU but that is simply not the case at all. British media framed it to be Brits against Europe but it wasn't it was against the EU. I might add that I love the UK and Germany!

[@keithfowler2013]

Hi. I have visited Germay a few times. Mainly around Bonn. I absolutely loved the place . Great food ,beer,scenery and also to my surprise, humour. Something most Brits think doesn't exist in Germany !?? The question I found myself asking is why did our Grandfather's and Great Grandfather's end up bloody fighting each other ??? One good game of football and a good party after ,seemed to me ,the answer. God,I hate politicians !!!!

[@mogon721]

Remember the Christmas Truce of 1914.

[@JamesDeemons]

Propaganda that is why Grandfathers and Great Grandfathers fought, Our Governments made us believe they were the enemy and the mugs believed they were fighting for their country, they used them to fight their wars to not lose their power of the ruling class.

[@saba1030]

​@@JamesDeemons Yes. All could have been "sorted" in grandmothers (Queen Victoria's) garden ... by the King, Tsar and Kaiser ...

[@rainerm.8168]

I recommend Christopher Clark 'The Sleepwalkers - How Europe Went to War in 1914'. An eye opener for me was the role of diplomacy in the prequel to.the war. And a Britain had a leading diplomatic influence.

[@k.schmidt2740]

@@rainerm.8168 I agree. In addition, a main factor were the respective imperial ambitions: Kaiser Wm II had the imperial ambition, but Britain was already an empire and had the means to block the Germans and stifle their trade (even in food stuffs), preventing them from becoming even more of a sea power. So they did. That was the perfect preparation for WW I.

[@jonathanscott7372]

Do you find your speak a form of old fashion English? I do sometimes. Each time I visit the UK, I seem to have to learn new expressions. Some I struggle with, like "hiya." I still tend to just say "Hello". I also remember a number of years ago being puzzled by CCTV signs everywhere. It took a little while to work out, they meant, what I knew as "Close circuit television." Another thing that struck as having changed, is seemingly every house having burglar alarms now.

[@britingermany]

Well everyone tells me I have a Germany accent when I speak English so yeah you could say I struggle with that 🤣. Interesting point about the burglar clams. I did not look out for that

[@jonathanscott7372]

@@britingermany In Germany I am frequently asked whether I am Dutch. I could understand it when I was younger and had blond hair, but despite my hair loss, I am still asked whether I am Dutch. I have also been occasionally told in the UK that I have a German accent, but my German friends would laugh out loud at that.

[@tomkraft3931]

Thank you for another insightful video! I like the way you analyze the current situation as 'identity crisis'. I also agree that broadly speaking the standard of living in Germany is higher - at least that was also true for me. It was one of the reasons why I left the UK in 2012. But then I was living in London were the cost of living was extremely high...

[@britingermany]

Thanks a lot Tom. Yeah London is just astronomical!!

[@lalalalalala8147]

My partner and I have given up on the Divided Kingdom, and are starting a new life in Bavaria. Thanks for the video!

[@britingermany]

Good luck with the move 🤞

[@lalalalalala8147]

@@britingermany Vielen dank!

[@brianmacadam4793]

I think there is a “meanness” that has built up within the English culture. I sense a us versus them ethos ( not in a good way ) the Tory leadership has certainly leaned this way.

[@britingermany]

Ok that is interesting. But more in politics or do you think in general society? as in men Vs. Women? locals vs. immigrants?

[@salsabil44]

I moved to Germany from Edinburgh nearly 20 years ago and I can honestly say it was the best decision I ever made. Even though I left a relatively good job on a newspaper to try teaching english - something I had never ever considered - my quality of life has improved significantly and I now enjoy a financial freedom I never had in the UK. Now, when I go home for a visit I always have mixed feelings. The people, for the most part, seem unhappy, poor and downtrodden; in contrast to the glaring inequality evident everywhere. It no longer feels like home in many ways. I´ve changed for sure: moving to another country allows you to reinvent yourself; and you get a different perspective. But I see that the UK has changed too. And not in a good way.

[@britingermany]

Congrats on the move😀

[@maruia-bv5iz]

which germany lmao. I think you always making it worse than it is, when you live in a different country.

[@salsabil44]

@@maruia-bv5iz If by ´you´ you mean expats in general then I think you´re wrong. Studies have been done that show that expats tend to be if anything more positive about their homeland than they were when they lived there. I know that when I´m talking to German people about Scotland (NOT England!) I always stress the positives - the beauty of the countryside and the warmth, generosity and friendliness of the people - in contrast to the stereotype. But I keep my other thoughts to myself.

[@charleskristiansson1296]

I agree (from Glasgow) been in Luxembourg since 2004.

[@Prometheus7272]

@@salsabil44Scotland still has a good community feel.

[@jimmyl7511]

This was a truly amazing video, I've lived abroad now for over 2 years and somewhat struggled to articulate this myself, you did it wonderfully, thank you for your thoughts!

[@britingermany]

Thanks for sharing🙏

[@christian_in_Spain]

Love this video. I am German and used to live in the UK fro 1990 till the end of 2001. I loved it there and we had a comfortable middle-class life in London. But the dislike in the society to all things foreign just got to me: I felt I could never be “me”, it’s like society expected me to be someone who I wasn’t. When I came back to Germany I was surprised to see that the standard of living really was a lot higher but also the petty rules and regulations of everyday life in Germany got to me. I moved to Spain a few years ago for work. I have come to love Germany with all my heart but it was a long journey

[@britingermany]

It can be a long a turbulent journey but I think you learn so much through and it beats staying in one place and bemoaning the situation

[@dianneludwig6574]

How did u find it living in Spain please tell me more about your expierience of Spain i love UK and germany as well would love to stay in Germany or spain

[@dianneludwig6574]

What i love about germany the punctuality of the Germans i like order

[@andrewrobinson2565]

9:41 Where is Hovis hill (looks like it)? Is that Richmond castle's buttressed retaining walls on the right? The valley looks too wide though 🤔. Almost, but not quite, Heimweh 😊.+1 Subscribed.

[@jakecavendish3470]

I live in London but the thing that disturbs me is when I go to some other towns and all the shops are shut and it feels like all the high streets are dead

[@roodborstkalf9664]

I watched some KZbin video's. It's worse than in other Western European countries. But for a large part it can be blamed on local politicians who build far too many shops in the past.

[@jakecavendish3470]

@roodborstkalf9664 Yeah this is true, plus in the old days more people lived over the shops. They could convert them to residential now given the housing shortage

[@katharinabecker752]

My favorite moment in the video is where the background music is playing JS Bach's Cmajor prelude /Well-Tempered Clavier and you are talking about feeling the 'British' spirit...❤

[@Limeyfrog]

Hi, I also lived in London for 5 years before moving to France in 2000 and when I return to the UK I can see the obvious decline, especially in my home town of Blackpool. Less opportunities, lower paid temp work , drug problems and more immigrants ( I get the irony as I am one myself. ) Also the widening wealth gap between generations. I believe the press is more divisive too and the Conservative government seems to have given up on the younger generation completely. There are other things like more speeding cameras (more in one town than a whole department in France!) and much more traffic. In general there is now a much greater gulf between rich and poor. It is true what they say 'You can never go home' - it changes so much that it is no longer recognisable. I would never go back. I'm thankful that my Irish heritage shielded me from much of the effects of Brexit and will allow my French kids the same freedoms that I had to travel and work anywhere in Europe including the UK.

[@britingermany]

I'm happy you found your place in France😀

[@dezafinado]

Maybe being Irish, you're immune... but Isn't France also in decline for the last 2 decades? Lower wages/salaries than its neighbors (except the southerners). Debt champion of the EU? Racial tension?

[@paultrought267]

Its not Irony, its Hypocrisy.

[@andkosification]

@@paultrought267 It is irony! Hypocrisy is when the rich let the immigrants work for them and on a politicial level complain about them.

[@Purple_flower09]

Blackpool is an extreme example of deprivation and decay. It's not a useful yardstick in the context of the UK as a whole.

[@beinspired1487]

When I come home I spend quite a bit of time in Portsmouth, it is a reminder of when I was a child and my children love it too

[@chuckmaddison2924]

My family left in 1970 and went back 1979 for vacation, and that was different enough. Never been back since. I would like another visit.

[@roodborstkalf9664]

1970 is a very long time ago. Nowadays you can visit cities following walkers on KZbin. An easy way to do tourism.

[@marge2548]

Very interesting insights and food for thoughts. Thank you for sharing.

[@britingermany]

Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it 🙏

[@peterclark8208]

I love this video… so thoughtful and balanced. I’ve worked for an airline for 34 years and often compare my experiences of being abroad when I get home. The UK is complex and subtle … the people almost shy. I love our thoughtfulness and politeness, and I agree the Germans do love travelling here.

[@britingermany]

Thanks a lot Peter. I do think we still have a lot in common with the Germans even after all that has happened

[@petermiller1041]

What a lovely warm hearted gentle video to stumble across. Thank you for your thoughts. For me the Hollanders have always been that little bit on the same wave length, but I’ve always got on well with Germans. Took my girls to Europe in a camper van and let them choose the destination. To my surprise they picked Berlin. What a great choice! What a lovely city!

[@Annie-ex3ge]

I watch your videos very often and the more nuanced your discourse, the more I enjoy it. So you left the UK in 2008 just Wien the first financial crisis hit? That must have been quite tough.

[@britingermany]

Thanks for watching Annie. Yes But I had just left Uni then and didn't have anything to loose so the financial crash passed me by.

[@Gguy061]

I like the cut of your jib, Mr.Brit. Here, have a sub. I get the impression you are level headed and intellectually honest. And you have great taste in music - your inclusion of Bach preludes in your videos are a lovely way of getting the point across. Cheers from America

[@beatus7251]

Indeed the British and we Germans have a lot im common, which is historically speaking no wonder, when you take a look at the millenia of shared or at least interlooped history. But it doesn't even start there! In fact our languages are structurally (grammatically) very similar and both vocabularies have hundereds of words from the other language dotted in and while this is likely more true for german taking in english words in modern times, especially in the past you could easily stumble upon german words in the english language. Language itself is as much an expression as a builder and former of culture and the geographical and climatic closeness surely helps to form cultural and interpersonal bonds. Nowadays the northern german dialect of "Plattdeutsch" still has quite a lot of similarities in the vocabulary with english, as both languages didn't make the "second german sound shift", which transformed the germanic language into the old high german language (which no german today would understand anything of, believe me!). Still, words like wiet (wet), skiep (sheep), hüs (house), Klock (clock), wark (work), Wind (wind) or Wort (word), show the closeness of both people in everyday life, surroundings and their experiences with the world they lived in. Britain only had a somewhat remote geographical position, which stopped conquerers in their tracks most of the time, while Germany was always in the very centre of Europe and therefore in the centre of political struggles. Yet we must not forget, that we have a lot more in common than things that devide us.

[@britingermany]

Thank you so much! Very well said 🙏

[@saba1030]

@beatus72 😊 Yes, apart from a tiny correction: Nedderdüütsch/Plattdeutsch/Lower Saxon language is a language, not a dialect, and has, like every language its own dialects as well. Like Welsh, Scottish or Frisian, Nedderdüütsch/Lower Saxon language is registered at the Unesco World Heritage as a "protected minority language" 😊 About 5ish million Northern Germans are still speaking the Lower Saxon language. Hol di fuchtig met groetens ut Bremen 😊 All the best with greetings from Bremen

[@beatus7251]

@@saba1030 Jo, danke, du hast natürlich Recht. Sprache, nicht Dialekt. ^^ Ich hoffe, ich habe den Rest in halbwegs verständlichem Englisch hinbekommen.

[@saba1030]

@@beatus7251 Jo, alles bestens 👍😊

[@ianlang6058]

​@@beatus7251 Sicher, aber meine Meinung nach, sind Französisch und Englisch ähnlicher als Deutsch und Englisch.

[@torstenberlin4088]

Frohe Pfingsten, lieber Benikon!🕊️ In contrast to you I would love to live in London at least for a few years! If only the cost of living weren't that astronomical ... Talking about English food - also the traditional cuisine is, I claim, much better than its reputation abroad! Steak-and-kidney pie, for example, can make me melt away!😋 Your last words in this clip are really heartwarming!😊

[@britingermany]

Awww Thanks Torsten. Yes I do love the pies😀. And I know what you mean London is just so out of reach in terms of living costs. But at least for a short trip it’s doable 😀

[@gdok6088]

I think your description of London is so accurate and insightful; both nuanced and profound. I lived in London for 7 years and my daughter has lived in London for the last 15 years. Every time I go to London it simply knocks my socks off. The history, the profusion of green spaces, the architecture, the culture and entertainment options are breathtaking. When going to a West End theatre production you often find yourself sitting next to people from different sides of the planet or, as on my most recent London theatre trip, next to a businessman on a 2 day stopover in London on his travels from Singapore to the USA. And the quality of theatre productions in London are world class, only being rivalled by Broadway imho and I would say overall that London's West End edges it. I would move back to London in a heartbeat if I could afford it - any one of the houses in one of the beautiful terraces by the architect John Nash in Regent's Park would do just fine! Thank you for this wonderful video :)

[@cuebj]

The cost of living in London is almost entirely down to the cost of the roof over your head, whether rented or bought. It's primarily about land value with the building being a small factor. House prices went crazy from late 1960s when Parliament 'rectified' the situation of high quality social housing so that landlords had more 'customers'. There were ups and downs after that but, on the whole, roof over head a massive increased compared to normal income levels. That has left much left money to spend on food (we still have among the lowest food prices vs our comparator countries) and home fittings and furnishings (hence lower quality of them and lower quality of work to build houses and install fittings and furnishings)

[@englishcitystone1663]

​@@cuebj You have described the main societal problem in modern Britain. Don't let go of your social housing!

[@james3547]

You need to try some Pie & Mash... Arments more specifically, google it ;)

[@twofinedays]

I guess I'm definitely more judgemental than you. But having experienced both UK (albeit mainly through London) and Germany and yet coming from a third country, it is always fascinating to compare and complain about them all 😏 As you say, UK (mainly England) is going through an identity crisis. And it's a different kind than what Germans had in the Romantic era. While the old German struggle was seeking a coherent identity of then yet non-existing country, current British one is the old sense of self identity challenged by the changing world. The image of UK I had before actually coming to the island was that of grandeur; a nation that ran the biggest empire in history, towering Victorian architectures, the glitz of monarch... and all that. I was pretty amused to find the actual life and mentality on the ground was much daintier. Houses are smaller, roads narrower, landscape more pastoral. Many seem to be perfectly happy, if they could, to sip their tea from a chintz printed cup in the assurance of their self-image as Brits. Unfortunately a national identity is neither so permanent nor so sacred as many make it out to be. It's always a subject of constant change as anything in life and often actually not very old either (as I see it, the conventional British identity is from largely Victorian and later era). My advice would be - in the Imperial time, UK went around the world and, for better or worse, changed it radically. Now, rather than complaining why the changing world should come back at them and rattle the peaceful ways of their ancient island, they should embrace and accept things as they come. That would be the only way for the nation to stay relevant as a part of the force of change rather than the follower.

[@britingermany]

Very well said👍🏻. Thank you

[@englishcitystone1663]

A very insightful commentary, thanks for sharing.

[@britingermany]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@rw9854]

I’m English and have travelled widely but lived in the midlands or London my whole life. You’re right there is an identity crisis, but the main reason is the enormous amount of immigration. There are now millions of people in England who don’t want to be English and don’t even pretend to want to. So there is a complete parallel society of 1. People who see England as their home which they inherited and it’s their job to pass on. And 2. A massively growing number of people who see England as somewhere to escape to, enjoy the safety and security but not assimilate in any way.

[@britingermany]

Do you actually see this in your own life or is it more something that you hear on the news and notice in big cities? It's an argument that I keep hearing but something which I fail to notice. It could just be that because I have lived abroad for so long I am very used to multicultural societies.

[@rw9854]

Certainly both. From my parents generation to mine, the demographics of the country are unrecognisable. For example, Small Heath in Birmingham is where “peaky blinders” was set. It’s now nearly 100% Arabic. All shops and signs are in Arabic. Nobody English I know would ever go there. It is just a parallel community within the borders. There is not one aspect of their lives you would call “English” In a nutshell, one stat sums it up. More immigrants came to England last year than babies were born in England. So by definition, the country becomes less English every day. Also, anecdotally, I got on a bus in quite a nice area of London last week. Out of 20+ people I was the only white person and there were 5 women in burka/niqab type clothing.

[@krabbypattyfartball]

@@rw9854I really have to question where you are getting that information from, sounded quite intriguing so I'd thought have a look on google maps. I saw one singular sign in a foreign language and that was at the mosque. It's got a majority muslim and asian population, clearly, but you can see still white and balck people on the streets as well. It also had a 51% percent Pakistani population in 2007, and it's not at all like I'm expecting you to differentiate between 2 types of brown people but you could've at least done some surface level googling before calling them all arabs.

[@dibble2005]

That is typical right wing racism.

[@peterbolton6193]

​@rw9854 There are hardly any people of Arabic origin in Small Heath. It is just over 50% Pakistani-British. Pakistan is not Arabic and is, in fact, located thousands of miles away from the Arabian Peninsula. The other major immigrant groups are mostly from East African countries, which likewise are a long distance away from the Arab world. Also, it is not 0% white British as you claim. White British people still make up over 5% of the population.

[@Mike.Muc.3.1415]

The term you are looking for is patriotism. /s Sadly many people could not define the fundamental difference between patriotism and nationalism.

[@britingermany]

I decidedly stayed away from any of those terms on purpose as they are too emotionally loaded.

[@Nils.Minimalist]

In my opinion, the line between patriotism and nationalism is very thin. Many people don't even notice when they cross that line. That's why many people here in Germany are very careful about patriotism, which I appreciate. Unfortunately, we have a history of crossing this line a few times.

[@Anerisian]

The Nazi Era of course cast an enormous shadow, but we should not forget that nationalism in Germany was the fluke, or exception - a very extreme, and violent one, sure - yet brief and unusual. The Germans were a patchwork of tribes and local cultures in the two thousand years since Romans first documented them, and it reverted back to that within a generation. That local diveristy, the absense of a centralised Paris or London, that ought to be embraced as typically German.

[@saba1030]

​@@Anerisian Yes. In diversity we are united, the same goes for the EU27 😊 Frohe Pfingsten

[@dezafinado]

@@Anerisian Nationalism in the German people existed before Hitler, before Bismarck. You ought to look into German Romanticism. The idea of a master race was not completely of German origin. Example: Arthur de Gobineau. It was an evolution and a desire to be like France and Britain. To be sitting at the big boys' table. As for Germany after WW2, federalism in the political structure and its constitution (Verfassung) were heavily influenced by the US system. Notice the French political structure is the opposite; it's very centralized and top-down.

[@ianlang6058]

Lovely to listen to such a thoughtful and gentle man. So much more engaging than having stuff thrust in your face. I've been (mostly) in Austria, but also France, Germany, Denmark and Sweden, since 2012. And I think I know how you feel. It does, incidentally, sadden me to hear what many British people think they think about German speaking people. Especially in the light of how enthusiastic they are about us. I couldn't agree more about how similar we are. And I love their language; I bet you do too. I shall watch a few more of your videos.

[@britingermany]

Thanks a lot Ian. Very glad to have you 🙏

[@JD83000]

Myself and most people I know just don't care anymore TBH. Most zoomers/millennials hate this country, as do many people who choose to come here. There is no country, no shared culture, no shared tradition, no shared identity. Its just a geographical area. Look after yourself and your family. That's it.

[@britingermany]

I would disagree with that. I think there definitely is a shared culture and shared traditions. Millenials...thats me by the way 🤣 and zoomers are critical across the board in most countries not just the UK and well that's a whole topic for another time. I know I was only there for a few weeks but I got a very strong sense of "Britishness"

[@paulm.7422]

Millennials don't hate their country, but it has done little for them.

[@marge2548]

"There is no country, no shared culture, no shared tradition, no shared identity. Its just a geographical area. " - Do you speak of the UK or of Germany?

[@JD83000]

@Marge UK - subject of the video. Where I am from.

[@marge2548]

@@JD83000 Ah, thank you! I was a bit confused about that yesterday. 🙂It was a little late for me, apparently- half my brain was asleep already, I suppose.

[@thadtuiol1717]

I left the UK in Jan. 1997 for the Far East. Since then, I've come back every few years to catch up with family/old friends, and each time I come back I feel like the country is getting shabbier, more expensive, run-down, fatter, less white, more anti-social... Sorry, just calling it as I see it.

[@stevensibbet5869]

That reflects my observations exactly, I can't believe just how bad it is getting.

[@airstripone2419]

You went to the same place that I did at roughly the same time. Then you stole the words from my mouth.

[@dibble2005]

less white you say. Maybe thats why Britain invaded most of the world. The people that are not white were invaed and their wealth was stolen by Britain so maybe thats why you have so many non white people in the UK,

[@David_Baxendale]

I've been living abroad for just about 20 years now. I have always managed to get back at least twice a year but the last years it is like going back to the 70s. People are struggling and in one city I used to visit a lot (when I was still living in the UK), the Wilco's has closed. Added to that, the main fast food places are moving out and being replaced by more generic "we do everything" places - "southern fried pizza chicken kebab" type places. If you know what shop that is and what they sell, you'll know just how bad things have to be for them to close their store in a city of over 300,000 people.

[@zoranorlic2423]

2008 (the year you moved abroad) was key. We had a financial crash and instead of the house price correction, the prooperty prices kept going up and up, propped by cheap mortgages rates.

[@roodborstkalf9664]

Same happened in all other western countries, so that is not the distinctive factor.

[@matthewstaniforth5603]

I assume you’re from Portsmouth? Some great shots of southsea.

[@fredamber8238]

I'm German. I moved to England over 25 years ago. I lived up north for a short time, then moved to the south west. The beginning in England was very difficult. I often had to struggle with racist remarks. At first I thought it had something to do with being German. But over time I met people from other cultures and countries and they told me about similar experiences. I found then that many in England failed to recognize the fine line between patriotism and nationalism. And many see their nation's history very naively and uncritically. That died down a bit. But flared up again during the Brexit period. I was shocked to realize that many people around me voted to leave, even though they had always enjoyed the full benefits of EU membership. They voted to leave, not because they were dissatisfied with the EU or for economic reasons. No. Everyone I spoke to gave foreigners as the reason. In recent years, however, there has been a change. I have the feeling that many have woken up. Hardly anyone comments with the typical "We and they". I'm also no longer asked by anyone where I'm from. Perhaps many have also become aware that the leaders at that time were concerned with something completely different and not with what they stated. Despite the difficult times at the beginning, England has become a part of me and I feel more British than German. The last time I was in Germany I felt like a tourist. I noticed how English I've become. The last time I visited Germany I kept saying "please and thank you" and kept the door open for other people. I also often said "after you" etc. The NHS in England is a disaster and it can only get better. The roads aren't much better, but over time you'll know where the potholes are. Anyway, England is beautiful and despite everything, life is quite good here.

[@jackdubz4247]

"The NHS in England is a disaster and it can only get better." Our far right governing Conservative Party is determined to make sure that it can only get worse. And thus speed up the process of privatisation and takeover by foreign healthcare corporations.

[@pincermovement72]

Benefits of the EU ? Is that the EU that morphed from a free trade zone to infiltrating every aspect of our life . The same Eu that we joined with a massive industrial base and left as a warehouse for foreign made goods ? The same Eu we paid in billions to , to improve infrastructure throughout the poor countries of the Eu where once they were up to scratch our industries moved there with EU grants , while our infrastructure fell apart ? The same Eu that gave us 8 million low skilled immigrants that decimated living conditions for the working class, who saw their wages decimated while housing , welfare and social costs spiralled out of control and you wonder why the NHS is overrun ? I could go on but you will never understand because you are a migrant and only see things through your own lens and what is best for you . Any country can and will take some migrants and they will be welcomed if they are productive, law abiding and embrace their new country but on the scale we have had in the last 30 years I see it as a true picture of our tolerance that we have let it just happen . Germany as Sweden is now is fully enjoying the fruits of uncontrolled immigration , maybe you feel less attached to Germany now because of the enrichment it has received has made it less like the country you left behind.

[@saba1030]

@Fred Amber Richard Tice stated some time ago "Brexit was about stripping down all regulations (protection of labourship, environment, banking etc) and to convert the NHS into a private health system US style". He was smiling when saying that... My London born spouse and I are living in Germany, but we have regular contact to our English friends and family living in the UK. One of our friends might need a new knee, the NHS people were telling him to go private, would cost him £25.000. All the best to you with greetings from Germany 😊

[@alanwhite7127]

Live in germany over 30 years and germany has gone the same way not the country i came to in 1989 and its getting worse

[@bbell1549]

I have been here even longer than you and I must say I regret having stayed and wished I had gone home to Germany, if I had known what was to come with Brexshit. I feel now more homesick than ever. Anyhow, there is nothing stopping you from keeping up your native culture and traditions, which aren't that different from those practiced in Britain. I was fortunate to have worked for a multinational company, I realise that, which allowed me to speak & write in both languages on a daily basis. However, I have had a happy childhood back home and wouldn't ditch my German family for anyone in the world and neither should you.

[@davidwatts-hw2dh]

'Krauts' have played a huge part in the formation of Britain. My ancestors are also from the Anglo-Saxons, Danes, Frisians, Vikings and all the lads that love a glass of beer. :>))

[@holger_p]

But who cares. Just say people came from across europe and you are true in any relationg. Why pointing out details. You could also say "Blondes" have played a huge part. It's true for sure, but completly meaningless. In the same way, the birthplace is meaningless. But that's a common missconcept.

[@mikeifyouplease]

You have a great bass? voice. I started noticing that the top of my desk was vibrating with your voice! There must be a name for this phenomenon, but whatever it is called...it is cool and amazing! Perhaps you might want to look into voice-overs or become a voice actor or read audio books as possible career moves. Just my two cents' worth.

[@britingermany]

Oh wow! That might have more to do with your speakers than my voice😉. Thanks a lot that would be pretty cool👍🏻

[@mikeifyouplease]

@@britingermany All I know is that only your voice does that. It's a gift. I've heard some people use the term a "golden voice". Don't let that talent go to waste.

[@dmoore167]

I agree! His voice would be ideal for voice-overs.

[@thespectator1243]

Thank you for building bridges. :)

[@britingermany]

Thank you for your support 🙏

[@thomaslanders2073]

Average UK gdp per capita in PPP is now less than the EU average. The UK is definitely falling behind other developed countries in standard of living 🤔

[@britingermany]

Yes it's it's very complex but I would say it is struggling especially when it comes to standard of living

[@jasbindersingh2441]

Yep... as you would expect with adding 10 million new inhabitants over only 25 yrs. Sure....gdp goes up....but now that's devided over 67 million folks not 57 like in 1997

[@shelleyphilcox4743]

​@@jasbindersingh2441I think a lot of people dont quite grasp the magnitude and speed of the population growth in the UK. I was pointing out how challenging it is to absorb growth at the rate of entire nations in such a short time and the pressures on developing infrastructure and services to keep pace so rapidly....it takes quite a while to develop capacity in highly skilled people like teachers, doctors, nurses, dentists and housing, road and railway infrastructure. The population has grown, in 23 years, by the equivalent of the entire population of Sweden or Portugal. Or Denmark plus Estonia plus Slovenia. At the same time, some EU countries have lost up to 20% of their population, which no one wants to discuss how damaging that is for them either. Immigration is not bad, its a good thing, but it has to be managed responsibly, with care, planning and respect for all the impacts that occur with high levels of moving populations as well as the changes in the domestic population growth or decline. The UK was one of just 3 countries that opened its labour market in full in 2004 to new ascending states. Sweden and Ireland were the other two. Other countries had a very different approach, Germany is an example that kept its labour market fully closed for the maximum allowed 7 years. In the same time period, Germany's population has grown only slightly, about 2m I believe. The UK also never implemented the 12 week rule on unemployment and everyone was able to stay, settle, fall in love, get married and have families and this is the case for members of my family too, so I feel a little cross when the UK gets labelled as xenophobic, which we clearly are not!!!!! No 12 week rule here. No one had services and support like healthcare access withdrawn to push them to leave during periods of unemployment. Thats what we decided at the time and should absolutely honour, as we did, after leaving the EU. I also believe that opportunity in the UK should be based on being able to offer proper opportunity for a home and job. People uproot their lives to leave family and friends so there needs to be a real opportunity, its just irresponsible otherwise. Opportunity should also be on a level playing field no matter where you are from, and not privilege for some over others based on where they were born...it doesn't seem fair otherwise. It is frustrating that people dont want to have a nuanced and practical conversation about how we all reasonably plan these things to everyones benefit.

[@stshnie]

@@shelleyphilcox4743 It’s worth comparing the population of France with that of the UK. In 1960, the UK had over 5 million more people. But by the mid 1980s, France had overtaken the UK. ( The population of the UK flatlined between 1970 and the mid 1990s.) By 2004 France had over 3 million more people than the UK. In 2020 the populations of the two countries were more or less the same. Yet the pension age in France is lower than it is in the UK. It’s only now going up from 62 to 64. We (British) can only dream of that. How have they achieved this?

[@shelleyphilcox4743]

@@stshnie Achieved by having a massive constant debt of over 100% of GDP baked in for decades? The UKs debt situation was better, but post Covid it's pretty dire again having racked up debt on that, however, it's not as high as France. More to the point, how does Germany keep their debt to GDP at about 50 to 60% of GDP in the usual run of things, disasters like covid excluded? Spend less than 1% on defence and less on foreign aid, but retirement age is higher than France but lower than the UK. Moldovans retire at 63 for men and 59 for women, but life expectancy is about 10 years shorter too at 72 compare to around 81 or 82. The French do live longer than Brits and Germans by a years or so. The French also dont spend as much GDP on defence or foreign aid...they do spend more on health as a % of GDP and of course pensions. Im sure there are other different spending priorities as well. We used to say there was a big difference in the tax burden as well, the UK had lower taxation. I'm not sure that's the case any more!

[@johnstafford7288]

I left the UK in 71 i think having moved to another country looking in at the changes it is disturbing where they are now, i'm glad i'm in the Netherlands the quality of life is far better. I feel they are always going on about the British spirit we will do ok but the present generations are not the same as generations that came before us fingers crossed i suppose that things will turn out ok.

[@britingermany]

Well generations are always different 😉. and I've heard a lot about how these generation is different than the ones that have come before it but I am optimistic things will work out

[@johnstafford7288]

@@britingermany Yes we all live in hope that the next generation will do it better sadly were mostly disappointed but hope springs eternal so as i say fingers crossed😏

[@markymark7803]

Netherlands is full of crime and mass immigration from the third world. That place is finished

[@evelynwilson1566]

I'm Scottish and pushing 50. I don't think it's fair to blame different generations - every generation has its problems, and advantages. What I do think happened throughout the UK was a breakdown of social unity. We lost big employers and communities that were centred around them. We stopped going to church. In cities people moved to sprawling suburbs and housing or commuter towns and spend their life going from house to car to work. People are very individualistic now. I have seen some new shoots of community spirit in recent years.

[@rememberme3852]

The uk is a fallen country. Every treacherous politician should be in prison for what they've done to the British people.

[@chrisa5631]

Please. British politicians are somewhat a reflection of the makeup of the population. Brits voted these idiots in.

[@christiandengler6689]

Nice video, I have a very different view having lived in the UK for 15 years and returning to Germany a few years back. Interesting to hear your take but I personally think Germany and Germans have a lot more in common with other European nations and not so much with the UK.

[@britingermany]

Thanks for sharing. We can agree to disagree 😉

[@christiandengler6689]

@@britingermany no problem with that at all. I like your videos, nice to see Brits in Germany (beats seeing all those Americans coming here). While I don't agree that we have more in common with you than other Europeans, I still like you and I still consider Manchester home, partially. If our paths ever cross we can settle the disagreement the way they should be settled, over a pint! In the meantime I will make sure to hit like!

[@britingermany]

@@christiandengler6689 haha thank you 😀

[@mogon721]

9:35 I see what you've done there. ;-) Yes, one can talk about one culture and appreciate another one. Good point, and very subtle! ;-) Enjoy your well-tempered weekend!

[@britingermany]

Thanks a lot and same to you 😀🙏

[@JohannesNiederhauser]

Beautiful! The British Spirit is alive in your words. Liebe Grüße von einem Deuthschen, seit 12 Jahren in Deinem Heimatland.

[@britingermany]

Danke dir

[@JohannesNiederhauser]

@@britingermany cheers

[@christopherdew2355]

I love the way you introduce the British Spirit with a piece of German music! (Bach WTC I/No. 1)

[@britingermany]

We are kindred spirits 😀

[@HB-bl5mn]

Most Brits think Bach is a British achievement.

[@britingermany]

@@HB-bl5mn ummm what exactly are you basing that on? Definitely not something I’ve ever heard!

[@dereknewbury163]

Thank you for these very thoughtful reflections

[@britingermany]

Thank you for commenting. That means a lot 🙏

[@davidlynch9049]

Thanks for your insightful analysis. I found myself nodding at some of your points. I am a Canadian living in Munich for the last four years. I taught ESL in Japan in the 90s because I spoke English. Toronto is Canada's London, with much of the wealth concentrated there. I lived there for four years and would never again for many reasons. I was recently back in Canada for a few months, and when the Brexit topic popped up, the majority opinion was wtf did Britain do? 😊 I think because Canada relies on trade to survive, many Canadians don't understand why Britain would leave the most extensive free trade union in the world. I suppose many Brits feel the same. I have visited Britain several times and love the place and the people, but I don't think I could live there given Britain's detachment from the EU. And I bet you're pissed that you now must pay the duty on imported British products. 😉

[@britingermany]

Actually the most annoying thing for me is having to stand in a different line at the airport and always remember to take my residence card with me…luxury problems I know

[@shelleyphilcox4743]

@Davidlynch9049 Do you anticipate Canada applying to the EU? Or would that be detrimental to Canadas predominant trade relationship? It certainly took a really long time to negotiate the trade agreement between Canada and the EU. Its not very nimble. The UK is not like Hungary, whose entire international trade is goods based and intra EU. The UK economy is services based, not goods based, and the EU has done very little for dealing with services trade, much on tariffs and little on non tariff barriers. Half the UKs trade is non EU. One size does not fit all. When the EU market is saturated and does not have the capacity to increase its purchases, but the RoW does, but regulation and trade agreement hampers expanding RoW export, its quite the dilemma, especially if you make significant payment to be part of a market that also hampers growth outside of it for what you have to sell, and also make your purchases from that same market disproportionate to your own sales. Thats a lot of investment for a diminishing and unbalanced return.

[@FutureChaosTV]

​@@shelleyphilcox4743 You are utterly mistaken if you think your tiny island empire will get better trade deals than the EU can negotiate for itself. As it can be seen from the trade agreements with f.e. Japan and others the UK is now in a very weak position. Your whole argument is upside down.

[@shelleyphilcox4743]

@@FutureChaosTV Well, if the EU isnt even negotiating trade deals that include improvements in services exports and the UK can do that for itself it is an improvement. I'm certainly interested in more just trade deals, so the UK can certainly do that too. What do you think the EU actually is? It's not just a trade organisation. It is collective might in order to extract the best deal for itself over weaker entities. Its mission is to expand and gain increasing might, centrally managed. Trade is used to exert political and economic influence. The EU even created a department called 'Protecting Our European Way of Life' which had to quickly be amended to 'Promoting Our European Way of Life' It doesnt change the brief, but it sounded slightly more palatable to people. The wealthiest, whitest most Christian countries banding together to exert political, economic and cultural influence around the world, with a centralised administration and policy makers and implementers who you cannot vote for. The Commission is appointed. The President is not even a spitzenkandidat selected by the Parliament. The President of the Commission serves a term twice as long as the President of the Council...why do elected Heads have a shorter term than the appointed President of the Commission, which is supposed to be an administrative role...yet surely you see it's the leading political role in the EU? Anyway, it's interesting that you call the UK a tiny island 'empire'. What's very clear is that the UK has rejected empire by leaving the EU, because that is what the EU is. Have a think about it, read some history about how empires were created in history, especially european ones (including the British empire). Trade, territory acquisition through power either economic or military, political and economic influence and imposition of culture and centralisation of administration. You might think it's a nicer empire because it doesnt use weapons, unlike empires in history, but it is, nevertheless an empire.

[@richardsimms251]

To David Lynch -I completely agree with you. RS. Canada

[@davidgaar609]

I lived in Bayreuth for a school year, nine months on an American military base. I wrote a lengthy response to one of your other episodes. I loved my time there, and still miss it, but my experience forever changed me. Even though my time was short, I was forever different, and as a result I am neither American nor European. I loved this difference at first, but my new mindset separated me from my home culture. My stories of Germany are great for breaking the ice at a party, but I'm still not permitted back home as I once was. I am somewhat cultured (even though I don't like Wagner). The whole world of travel is a very interesting one, but frequently, I would trade it all just to be "one of the boys" once more. I often cried myself to sleep under the skylight of my tiny three story walkup apartment.

[@homodeus8713]

I grew up in the UK after the country of my birth attacked my family for their politics and religion. We paid for our education and the only thing I received were National Health glasses and emergency once when I was fifteen. I left the UK suddenly 20 years ago to look after ageing and ailing parents. It broke my heart. I returned briefly in 2013 and did not recognise London- nobody spoke English.

[@Real_Matt]

can I ask what you used to film this bro, camera, lens etc it was beautifully shot.

[@chuck1804]

This is a very beautiful video and a touching tribute to the country I grew up in. Sadly many of these scenes will become less and less common as that culture and identity is increasingly diluted and displaced by those who have no interest in Britain other than to occupy its land. I am also an expat, for similar reasons to the ones you mention. I have thought about returning, to be closer to family, but my heart breaks at what it has become. I barely recognize it from the place I left.

[@britingermany]

Really? I don’t see that. It probably depends on which parts you are talking about. I grew up pretty rural and it hasn’t changed at all since my childhood. My memories of London have always been that it was very multicultural

[@GariSullivan]

I am a Brit who moved to Morocco a decade ago. I make videos about comparisons between the UK and Morocco on my channel if you're interested. I don't regret leaving the UK. I am richer and happier here than I ever would be in the UK. Like you say in your video: I stopped feeling part of the UK long before I left. Now when I go back, its a mix of sadness at what is happening, frustration and irritation that the Brits have brought this on themselves and happiness that I will be there for a short time before returning to my home by the ocean! If anyone is hesitating about leaving the UK, I say: don't! - don't hesitate, I mean!

[@MrFStCtUK]

Wir haben im Prinzip spiegelbildliche Lebensläufe. Ich habe als junger Mann DE verlassen und 20 Jahre in den USA und UK gelebt, bin jetzt wieder in DE. Mir fällt auf, dass in allen 3 Ländern „Sachen nicht mehr so gut funktionieren“ und es deshalb sehr viel Frustration gibt, die zu einem Teil den Erfolg radikaler Bewegungen erklärt. Ich habe die englische Gesellschaft gemocht, aber fand das Leben und die Kultur in den USA interessanter. Ich habe das Gefühl, das alles 3 Länder „den Plot“ etwas verloren haben. Grüße nach Frankfurt, Frank Stühmeier.

[@shahlabadel8628]

you are right. the dysfunction is similar.

[@alanhat5252]

& the reason may be similar - the politics of all 3 countries are very heavily influenced from Israel. For initial evidence I offer Google (or a better search engine that doesn't bias results towards what it thinks you want to think) - type in the name of a politician & the word Israel, do it again & again especially with well-known politicians, then go through the same names with any other country instead of Israel. What you find will be very suggestive of a pattern...

[@scobeyrowley5115]

Can I please offer a correction - you mentioned devolution in England but unless you are talking about directly elected mayors (not really devolution at all) there is no such thing. You also failed to mention devolution in Northern Ireland which is hard to understand considering you correctly mentioned devolution in Scotland and Wales in the same sentence.

[@uliwehner]

with age/experience can come reflection and ultimately a nuanced perspective. My situation is quite similar. I have lived here in the US for 25 years now. I like my home, my life, and i still love germany, my family there, etc. It is entirely possible to love 2 great places, and still be critical of the faults and shortcomings of either. I wish more people tried it.

[@britingermany]

Thanks for sharing Uli. I’m certainly glad I made the move

[@Leopar525]

Such quality material. I can relate and agree to everything you say. I’m a Greek living in the UK for the last 5 years, my career progresses well, but I feel sorry to see the same financial and cultural problems happening here as well that led to the demise of modern Greece… I’ve been a huge fan of UK culture as I felt Brits were and are still in older generations carrying a torch of enlightenment and pureness of the human spirit. So I’m very glad hearing lucent voices like yours still exist and dare to talk

[@RuneRelic]

If you go back to the era of the celtic and germanic tribes and their relationship with the nordic nations, there is no doubt much shared blood over a very long time, even though we progress along different roads. It does not suprise me that people would feel a sense of the familiar. Angle terre..angles/jutes/saxons & nordic. Tug on vines hoary with age.....perhaps you start puling up deep seated roots. The Beaker culture makes that pretty clear.

[@jamesskinnercouk]

I do find a lot us here in the UK saying we’re finished the country is going down the pan but maybe that’s an ongoing phenomena of every generation looking back when they were young and seeing how things change over time. Institutions crumbling away (I worked at Royal Mail and it is definitely crumbling away, but it’s a sign of the times less people writing letters and more people communicating online) yet new forms of social constructs rising up in the new environment that the older generations seem to struggle to embrace probably due to concrete thinking. Me and my family lived in a van for a few years traveling around Britain and wow this place is incredibly beautiful, with public footpaths (that we typically take for granted, other countries including Ireland and America don’t have the public access into the country side that we have) taking you to amazing beauty spots unspoiled, and we are full of ancient sacred sites. I feel extremely privileged to live in the UK. I will say there is a mental and spiritual crisis happening, but maybe the crisis has been under the surface for a long time and now it’s been revealed and crying out for a rebirth of a new vision.

[@roodborstkalf9664]

Good comment. People tend to take the good things for granted, especially when they are young.

[@jamesskinnercouk]

@ that’s very true

[@KseniyaM234]

I am a Ukrainian living in the UK, London during the last 2 years. Me and my husband are expats. When we came here we were shocked. Dirty streets, it’s very unsafe, I see poverty and helplessness. The center of London is very beautiful and full of energy. But it’s only the part of this city. Sometimes I was the only one white person and felt myself unsafe. I am afraid of wearing jewellery. Kyiv is much more safer under the war than London. It’s not comparable how it was before the war. The quality of life is very low in the UK. And we are planning to leave the country. However, I like British people very much and your culture!!!! I wish you all the best! And I am very sorry that your country has changed so much. But hopefully things will get better. Thank you for support and you are very welcome in Ukraine!

[@Ross17033]

Quite amazing how much Pompey has changed since I was a student there in the 70's.

[@britingermany]

I’m sure it has. It was my first time there so I have no comparison

[@andrewrobinson2565]

WHY did you go back? (Are you working remotely?) We've had 35 years so far as economic immigrants to the south of France from a north-east England council estate. We really paid attention in French and German at our comprehensive school on the estate. We escaped our "class" prison aged 25 to Saudi Arabia (with my FREE Arabic degree as the genie) for 3 years, then France. Never going back 🔙. Totalement intégrés et heureux. 2 passeports 🇨🇵❤🇪🇺.

[@roodborstkalf9664]

Sounds thay you made some good moves.

[@andrewrobinson2565]

@roodborstkalf9664 Thanks 🙏+1. Very fortunate that circumstances (free higher education for all, non-reimbursable student grants for those from working class families, burgeoning EU free movement - ALL GONE !) allowed us to do what we did. It was a very small window in history when British people were truly free.

[@McGhinch]

I'm glad that you still feel at home in England. Remember what I wrote several videos (I didn't find it in a short search) ago about that topic; (paraphrased) unless England doesn't change so that it enstranges you, you will always feel at home there.

[@britingermany]

Yes thanks a lot Guido. I think that was the “do I feel at home in Germany video”. I was actually quite surprised at how at home I felt. Of course it was a holiday so totally different than if I were to live and work there but it was nice to go back😀

[@pierrewilliams1533]

You say London is too big for Britain. As a Londoner, I say that's an excellent observation. I don't think Brexit would have happened if London was more in proportion to the rest of the country. The wealth and social inequality it creates causes a lot of resentment. And that resentment will manifest itself in any way it can and Brexit offered the opportunity.

[@Punki001]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings.

[@britingermany]

Thank you for commenting 🙏