I became a GERMAN citizen - Do I FEEL GERMAN?

[@56932982]

I strongly agree. I am a German. But this is, as you said, by accident of birth. My cultural identity is formed by my native language, which is shared with Austria and Switzerland, not so much by the nation I was born in. My identity is formed by the region where I grew up and still live (Palatinate). E.g. the cultural identity of someone raised in southern Bavaria and someone just across the border in Tirol, Austria is much closer to an other German raised in Hamburg. Aside from the language, I would call my cultural identity as European or, much more, Western. Where Western also includes at least the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Besides being on other continents, I think, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are so closely related and interwoven with Europa, the difference is marginal. Nationalism, even Patriotism are concepts that I simply completely do not understand. At the end of the day we are all just humans. I follow some expat KZbinrs living in Germany and some Germans living abroad. This is out of curiosity. Every time an expat talks about something that is different in Germany, I learn more about the country they come from / live in now. It is definitely not to make me feel superior because "everything is better in Germany". And among the Western countries the differences are truly marginal.

[@swanpride]

I mean, there is no denying that it is nice to see people impressed by stuff we take for granted, like our windows or our churches. It is also good to be reminded that things we don't even think about, like our healthcare system, is something only a few people in the world have access to. But I also watch vids like this in order to figure out cultural differences (like the staring, I would have never known that this is even an issue on my own), and to discover new places in Germany I would never consider worth visiting otherwise. One gets kind of myopic towards the own country and even more so towards the own city. Identitywise, I am first and foremost a Rhuri, but also an European, a German, a female and part of the middle class. All those things shape me and some of them make me different even from people living in the same street I am living in.

[@abrakan]

Kurden schneiden mir die Haare, mittags gehe ich zum Kroaten essen und Eis beim Italiener. Wir leben in Bad Ems und ich bin froh, dass sie da sind. Meines Vaters Vorfahren sind wahrscheinlich aus Polen ins Ruhrgebiet gekommen. Übers Internet kommuniziere ich gerade mit einer Japanerin und mit einem Kölner in den USA. Ich bin hier geboren, gehe hier wählen und bekomme meine Rente vom deutschen Staat. Mit all dem geht es mir gut und ich fühle mich wohl hier. Hier bin ich zuhause. Ach ja, einen Pass habe ich natürlich auch. 😉

[@albionmyl7735]

I am German and after several visits in England I felt more and more as an Anglo-Saxon.... I discovered my own old Saxon roots... I am from Westfalia in the West of Germany..

[@beachbear999]

Love your videos and reason. I have watched many of your videos and I am kind of the reverse. I lived almost 1/3 of my live in britain for 10 gazillion years and have now moved back with my family to Germany. It's a total cultur shock and I miss many things in Britain. Keep going, you are great!

[@bramscheDave]

I miss walking into a newsagent or bakers and simply buying a pie for lunch, oh and Marmite.

[@bramscheDave]

I have lived in Germany since just after the turn of the century. I always felt I was a European citizen, so I never really thought about getting German citizenship. I love living in Germany, I have my family here now. When Brexit came along, I went straight out and applied for German Citizenship and I also now have dual (is it now going to be duel?) citizenship. My wife is German and I could have stayed here but it was too uncertain as to whether I could continue working or whether I would have to take unpaid leave and apply for a work permit. Getting citizenship was the obvious course of action to stay in the country I think of as home. I am probably more German than English these days - my wife doesn't speak English, so I speak 99% German every month, just a few conversations with my Britihs relations or our US office at work. As you, I would prefer an EU passport and EU citizenship, or simply world citizenship, but that is something we won't see in our lifetime. For all its problems, the EU and its freedom of movement is a good thing. I still can't understand why so many in the UK voted against it.

[@Apophis1966]

Beim deinem Einbürgerungstest hat der Sachbearbeiter bestimmt geschlottert vor Angst Ausgebürgert zu werden^^

[@RichieZero]

🤣🤣🤣

[@TheWuschelMUC]

Mir hat man bei der Einbürgerung die Deutschprüfung erlassen. Ich musste nur mein deutsches Abiturzeugnis vorlegen.

[@connyapfelbaum4498]

Danke für Dein neues Video. Ich wohne seit fast 20 Jahren im Großraum Düsseldorf. Geboren und aufgewachsen bin ich in Dresden. Ich bin mit 21 Jahren der Abenteuerlust und des Jobs wegen nach Düsseldorf gekommen. Mittlerweile fühle ich mich als Düsseldorferin. In Dresden bin ich etwa einmal im Jahr, habe dort noch Familie. Ich bin erstaunt, über die viele Veränderungen im Vergleich zu damals, als weggegangen bin. Aber auch in Dresden fühle ich mich als Düsseldorferin.

[@connyapfelbaum4498]

Liebe Grüße aus Düsseldorf

[@RichieZero]

Conny und ich freuen uns immer auf bzw. über deine immer sehr netten und interessanten Kommentare. Danke!

[@ilsekuper3045]

Hi Ritchie, I fully understand that before Brexit there was no real nessessity to apply for a 2nd citizenship, because all passports granted the same rights within the EU. Here in Germany you can even take part in local elections, not only as voter, but also ad candidate. In Schleswig Holstein, there was a Scottish mayor, in Rostock they voted for a Danish Mayor, etc. So, no need to feel guilty without having patriotic sentiments for your new country. I think, it's more the region, where you have been born and raised, which might raise patriotic and nostalgic feelings. This is the idea behind being a European citizen, thinking in wider horizons. But this requires a certain amount of security and selfconfidence. People who might feel that the carpet will be drawn from under their feet, easily grasp anything promising to be rooted. This is why so many identity movements have been formed.

[@anglogerman2287]

The watchword here being "local elections": Having lived &worked here for 30+ years, I wanted a say in the wider picture, too. This is one of the reasons I took the plunge 10 years back. Another one was feeling"German" despite what my passport proclaimed. For me it was the right decision, even more so in light of Brexit.

[@kilsestoffel3690]

My parents are from (of?) Berlin, I was born in Ulm, but raised in Lower Saxony, next to East Frisia. How do I feel? Not really German, but northwest German and European (and I still include the UK and will ever include this country). There are "German" traditions, which are so wierd to me, like carnival in cologne, dialects, I would never be able to speak (bavarian). But I've learned three European languages, have been to several countries, we go out to eat at spanish, greek, italien restaurants (ok, also turkish..). So, I am an European citizen, more detailed, I am northwest German citizen

[@Kartoffelsuppe_m_Wursteinlage]

Too bad I found you here a year too late. I had to watch your video twice because you expressed so many righteous thoughts. I lived in Switzerland for 10 years and would have immediately accepted the citizenship of the Bern region because I learned to appreciate the type of people, the landscape and life there. The language (dialect) is much more important there than in the Ruhr area. The language of a meeting often determines the course and outcome, which is why I learned Bernese German straight away. Proper "Hochdeutsch" is a sign of formalism, that's how you talk to the state in the forms. I couldn't do much with the Swiss naturalization itself, it would have been mostly practical considerations. I missed the right to vote there, not because I was dissatisfied with the politics, but because it is part of democratic life. The perspective has also changed. After three weeks in a new country you write a book, after three months you still give a lecture, after ten years all that remains is the statement "Only mankind live there as well."

[@christinage6752]

Ich bin sicher, dass einige Länder in Europa ihren Patriotismus und Nationalismus nie aufgeben werden. Sie sind so stolz auf die Geschichte ihres Landes, oftmals haben sie nur das.. Hier in Deutschland erlebe ich es anders. Es hatte lange Jahrzehnte nach dem Krieg einen üblen Beigeschmack, wenn man verkündete, stolzer Deutsche zu sein. Heute, mit Reflexion der letzten Jahre, weiß ich immer mehr zu schätzen, welche Möglichkeiten ich in diesem Land habe/hatte, mich zu entwickeln. Sicherlich bin ich oft kritisch und würde mir manche politische Entscheidung anders wünschen. Das schmälert jedoch meine Zustimmung zu unserem Land nicht mehr so wie früher. (80/90er) Ich bin binational, das heißt, auch in einer anderen, südlichen europäischen Kultur heimisch. Das Wertesystem unterscheidet sich sich dort teilweise sehr von "unserem". Ich liebe das andere Land sehr und fühle mich dort meiner Familie sehr verbunden. Nach Jahren des Zweifelns, was ich denn nun bin, bin ich froh, das ich jetzt klar habe, ich bin Deutsche. Ich kann die politischen Entwicklungen in den anderen Ländern nicht ignorieren, je mehr ich mich identifizieren kann, je höher ist meine Solidarität.

[@t.kausch419]

Aaaaaah, ich verstehe Dich (Euch). Ich habe fünf Jahre in Liverpool gearbeitet - ich habe es geliebt. Ich liebe auch den Fußball... das ist eine andere Geschichte. Ich habe es nicht verstanden warum der Brexit (außer den Lügen der politisch Verantwortlichen). Ich habe mit den Jahren verstanden warum es zu nicht noch einer abstimmung kam - aber großer Fehler für UK. I hope the UK will come back to EU in the future.

[@val-schaeffer1117]

UK Labour market is not protected by Bewerbungsfoto, Sympathisch aussehen, Vitamin B, and most importantly language barrier. There are anti discrimination laws, unlike Germany, where immigrants work in Dönerladen, Müllabfuhr, or Putzfrau. Just compare German Turks and British Indians.

[@wolfgangholba6365]

Der beste Ausdruck war und ist: Basically we are all the same! So true! Interesting and deep toughts; as always... Dummerweise werden jene Personen, die es am Nötigsten hätten, nie diese Worte verfolgen. By the way: An interesting pelican-cap on your head!

[@RichieZero]

Myrtle Beach Pelicans are a Minor League Baseball team ... apparently! 😄

[@patricksetzer2447]

@@RichieZero I applaud anyone who supports the capital of 'Redneck Riviera'. To figure out whether you're British or German, try answering this question: Booking a trip to Mallorca, which city would you rather visit: Magaluf or La Palma ? ;)

[@ilsekuper3045]

@@RichieZero but there are very famous golf courses!

[@raphaelhei9486]

Maaahlzeit Richie Guy! Wusstest Du, dass es in Dortmund einen weiteren gebürtigen Engländer gibt, der als Deutschland-Fan einen Chanel betreibt? "Davids Videos". Vielleicht könntet ihr euch ja mal auf eine Hopfenkaltschalte treffen und ein gemeinsames Video im Dialog machen?

[@annypenny8621]

Your acting is absolutely understandable for me. If I were in your position I would have handled the citizenship the same way you did. I was born, raised and have spent my entire life in Germany. I’m a big fan of the European idea and hope that one day we will get an European passport. It‘s not about nationality it‘s about diversity and in its variety lie a lot of opportunities without neglecting regional characteristics...🤔

[@Apophis1966]

ich würde mich als gestrandeter Briteuropäer dank Johnson und seinen Mannen fühlen^^

[@ingwer55]

Es ist immer interessant dir zu zuhören. Und es fällt mir immer wieder auf, dass du sehr schöne Zähne hast. ;))

[@uliwehner]

@richie i think we have many things in common, i speak english german and spanish, german by birth, english and spanish by choice and by way of university. i live in the US, have been here 23 years now, my wife is american, she does speak german after having lived in germany for 4 years, going to university, etc. i have considered dual citizenship, now that this is possible, Germany used to be difficult about that. Then again, the only reason would be to guarantee that i can stay here if i choose to do that long term. i certainly did not want to apply for citizenship while the donald was president. Then again he might have gotten a wild hair up his @$$ and sent me back to where i came from... who knows. maybe after i retire? my parents, and my grandmother (she is 99) are still alive and in Germany, so traveling in Europe is certainly easy with a german passport. pretty much a no visa situation anywhere i go. I feel proud to be german, i am proud of what i achieved in the US, but i wave neither flag, ever. i am very connected to unterfranken where i lived for 30 some years. So if anything that would be my region, that is what i think of when i think of germany. I love Switzerland, Tuscany, Barcelona, i go to 10 or so NASCAR races a year, have been rooting for my driver since he was a teenager (Kyle Busch). not fussball, i know, but it is fun to go still. try it some time ;)

[@erwinfriedrich7569]

Hallo Ritchie, du sprichst mir aus der Seele. Auch zu dem, was du zur Integration gesagt hast. Nur eines würde ich hinzufügen: für mich bedeutet Integration nicht mehr und nich weniger, dass man das deutsche Grundgesetz anerkennt, gerade Artikel 1.

[@constanzebauer1021]

Ich, Deutsche, lebe in Frankreich mit französischem Mann und deutsch-französischen Kindern. Ich verstehe, wenn Du sagst, Du würdest Dich für einen EU-Pass entscheiden - ich auch! Und ebenfalls nachfühlen kann ich, wenn Du von einem Ruhrpott- oder Kanaren-Pass sprichst. Schon eigenartig, dass man sich einerseits dem grossen, überspannenden nachfühlt und andererseits der Region...

[@janejohnstone5795]

He probably has ancestry in these countries, some people just like living abroad thinking the other side is greener..not always...some people are not very patriotic to their own country...but some of us have Germanic blood in us..

[@Nikioko]

Germans have always been defined by language. Until 150 years ago, there was not a unified German nation but a patchwork carpet of hundreds of microstates all of which had in common that people spoke German. When Hoffmann von Fallersleben wrote the Lied der Deutschen, he defined the borders by the languages borders of German speakers. The language was the joining element, very much like in Italy by that time. And that's why I consider knowlegde of the German language mandatory for integration into this society, along with following our laws and respecting our traditions. As a person from the north I never understood why people are so mad about carnival, but since it is tradition in some areas I don't mind if people have their fun with it as long as I am not forced to participate.

[@andrewozenilek5596]

Part of this video was confusing to me. But I think at the end, I got what you were trying to say. AS a conservative, I have a slightly different position than you on some points, but I can relate to your point of view. For example I don't think everybody who lives in a country and pays taxes ther should be allowed to vote. I think the right to vote should have another component and that is the will to contribute and to respect the culture of the country. Now people like me have tried for a long time to define what "the culture" is in Germany and failed spectacularly. But I do believe there is a national identity and a national culture. And while I certainly also see the similarities with other (northern) European countries, I also see the differences. Now why do I feel a sense of "feeling German" is required for the right to vote, easy: like you I don't think there is anything wrong with working here for economic reasons and then going home again. But there is a reason, people come here for economic reasons. Germany doesn't have a lot of natural resources, but it is a very successful country. The only reason for that can only be a well functioning system. If guest workers are allowed to change the system by voting to something they are more familiar to from home, Germany will just be another one of those countries with worse economic opportunities but worse weather. I totally understand your reluctance to display patriotism or nationalism for any country. Many Germans feel the same way, particularly because as a German you don't just inherit the successes, but also the dark side, like the Nazi era. When you talk about integration it sounds like this means bending over backwards to become something you are not. I don't think this is required. I think the language is very important for citizenship but also a certain very personal sense of belonging. Having watched a lot of your videos I have no doubt that even it you are sceptical of national identity in general that you have a strong sense of belonging, especially to the Ruhr Valley. You might think that it was a matter of convenience to become a German citizen, but as you pointed out, you could have also become a Spanish citizen. I am totally the same when it comes to regional loyalties. I identify strongly with the Cologne region. Some days I feel more German, some days I feel more as a citizen of Cologne. My last point: I think it is totally stupid to be proud of ones nationality. It's not an achievement.So why sould I be proud of it? I am however glad to be German with all the baggage that comes with it. It's a fine place to live - not just for the rich or a certain demographic, but for many people. And while we put a lot of misery into the world, we also did a lot of good. It's not the easiest citizenship, but then again, we have VFL Bochum (and 1. FC Köln), bread and beer, so cheers! =;-)

[@stefanb6539]

Ich stimme in vielem mit dir überein, aber bei dem Ding mit der Sprache habe ich gemischte Gefühle. Ich habe vor einiger Zeit einen alten Mann aus Portugal versorgt, der 13 Jahre vor meiner Geburt nach Deutschland gezogen ist, aber bis heute keinen vollständigen Satz Deutsch sprechen kann, und sich wenn es um komplexere Dinge geht nur mit Händen und Füßen verständigen kann oder seine Tochter zu Hilfe holen muss. Ich kann ihn ansonsten gut leiden, aber dass sich jemand nach all der Zeit so wenig darum bemüht hat die allgemeine Sprache zu lernen, empfinde ich doch irgendwie als Unhöflichkeit. Nicht kommunizieren können ist eine massive Belastung, und eben auch für jeden mit dem man zu tun hat. Demokratie lebt ja auch von der Teilnahme an einer Gemeinschaft - wer nach so langer Zeit so wenig Interesse an einer Gemeinschaft zeigt, wieso sollte er das Recht bekommen zu wählen?

[@swanpride]

Zustimmung. Ich erwarte ja von niemanden, dass er sämtliche eigene Traditionen über Bord wirfst und dafür dann beim örtlichen Karnevalsverein oder Schützenverein oder was auch immer mitmacht (wobei natürlich beides eine gute Idee ist, um Anschluss in der Gemeinde zu finden), aber die Sprache sollte man schon lernen wenn man längere Zeit irgendwo lebt. Das ist nicht nur höflich, es ist einfach notwendig.

[@kreepykraut8457]

I agree heartily!

[@Xaen82]

"So are you german or a you british?" I would answer that with, I am Human.

[@lotharschepers2240]

Or Pöttie

[@Tescheniz]

'Citizen of the World' - problem solved! However, once we become galactic travellers, we have to say 'Citizen of the Universe'. If it just was so easy....The Empire (always) Strikes Back ;)

[@lotharschepers2240]

Okay, Richie let us shorten the whole story. In Germany, you are a "Ruhrpöttie", which is classical German behavior (we define ourselves more about the region we live or grown-up than the federal state) and in Spain, you are one of these "Cabeza cuadradas" and with that, we (I'm a native German) have another thing in common. Btw. Who wants to be a Brit as long as "just Boris" is her Majesties PM? And with that sayed: "Don't mention the war ;-))". And now it's time to watch "Sportschau"

[@swanpride]

Ruhri, not Rührpöttie....or Ruhrpottler.

[@Nikioko]

Assuming dual citizenship to retain EU citizenship sounds like a legit reason to me.

[@Englandfan91]

My husband now has dual citizenship. Since Brexit he doesn't feel British anymore. He is deeply hurt by friends and family voting for Brexit knowing that it would have implications for him. He only applied for a German passport so he could continue living in Germany. He never felt German. Over all he feels more European than anything else. I'm German and have been born in Germany. It was our dream to retire in England. That is now not realistic. We are waiting for Scotland to be independent and rejoin the EU. We could live there. Brexit has changed everything. Nationality wasn't important. Free movement was more important.

[@joeriedler4952]

Why don't you retire in Ireland or North. Ireland? They will join up with the Repulic soon (i hope)! Joe

[@Englandfan91]

@@joeriedler4952 We' ve got family and friends in England and Scotland. We thought that at least we could visit people in England easier, without having to drive too long. Yorkshire was the place to be for us before this Brexit mess started.

[@joeriedler4952]

I understand your reason. We are from Co. Durham and we all thought one day we will retire there. Not any longer, unfortunately.

[@Englandfan91]

@@MegaPomTom Ich habe Freunde, die als Deutsche jahrelang in England gelebt und gearbeitet haben. Nach dem Referendum waren sie Anfeindungen und ausländerfeindlichen Sprüchen ausgesetzt nach dem Motto " Geh doch nach Hause". Sie sind dann tatsächlich zurück nach Deutschland gezogen, weil sie es psychisch einfach nicht verkraftet haben. Einige Freunde sind noch in Großbritannien und versuchen dort ein Aufenthaltsrecht zu bekommen. Das ist mühsam erfordert viele Behördengänge und kostet viel Geld. Außerdem sollen sie Bescheinigungen über Krankenversicherungen beibringen, die sie nicht haben. Die Einbürgerung meines Mannes in Deutschland war dagegen einfach und bezahlbar.

[@just2coolkk]

Wenn es eine Nationalität gibt die nicht deutsch spricht und wie wir sind dann sind es die Briten. ... das werden die wahrscheinlich nicht gerne hören, is aber so :D

[@frankhu9731]

Süd Koreaner.

[@eisikater1584]

Richie, I totally agree with you that it's sad that Britain has left the EU. But it also has proven that Britain is a democracy, because a public vote IS a public vote, and it must be executed, like it or not. It's the nature of such public votes that mis- or false informed people have their say, but nobody ever would like to return to ancient Athen's "democracy", where only the nobles could vote and women not at all. So as much as you (and me) may regret it, what's done is done. And it can't be bad after all. I'm old enough to still remember the border controls to the Netherlands, and the heap of red tape when you wanted to travel to Czechoslovakia. In the words of chancellerine Merkel: We'll work it out. ("Wir schaffen das.") edit: double copy-and-paste removed.

[@dirkfuchser737]

Sach ma Ritchie, in welcher Sprache träumst Du ?

[@TheWuschelMUC]

Consider yourself a European. Never mind your present or former passport.

[@jschr30]

In my opininon it´s enough to have one citizenship. All persons which need 2nd citizenship has an idee to youse that. There is no threat in germany against english people.

[@juricarmichel5864]

That's the middle! Gets it from both sides. Should shut up. And should pay for the whole show in the end.

[@michaeljasterfotografie3985]

🇪🇺🍀🌿👍🏻

[@AlexanderGoeres]

how do you feel german at all? but, yes, without the fuckup of brexit there would have been no need for such decisions ..

[@Feier_Salamander]

You repeat citizenship so often, sometimes it sounds like shitisenship ;) Anyone want to count?

[@joeriedler4952]

Just dont listen to him anymore if you think his posts are repetitive. Your newly invented word sh.ship is not very original nor is it funny. Thumbs down !

[@RichieZero]

I definitely say something close to "sh*tizenship" at least once. Hey, it's a long video with hardly any cuts 😀

[@Feier_Salamander]

@@joeriedler4952 Thank you for your kind words.

[@zeldazyklus7044]

@@joeriedler4952 Geh doch im Keller lachen.

[@joeriedler4952]

@@zeldazyklus7044 Gerne gehe ich in den Keller um zu lachen - aber nicht " geh doch im Keller lachen" Deutche Sprache, schwere Sprache. Try English instead, perhaps it's easier for you.