SURPRISING German Culture Shocks as Americans 🇩🇪 They're Not What You've Heard Before!

[@peterparker219]

Hi from Berlin, I love your videos and I must say that I really appreciate your respectful approach to german habits and culture. Not every immigrant does it with the seriousness you're showing, so I absolutely cherish your efforts. Great to have you here.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you so much! ❤️🙏🏻

[@caleidoscopepatchamamalove3082]

Absolutley! 😍😘

[@vahidintube9593]

True words.

[@claudiag.6273]

To find all these hidden rules - it is hard hard work. You do more then well, don't be too strict with yourself (even if others do, don't worry. You have good intentions, thats all you need to be respected). For me it is very funny and interesting to see, what you find out - because i even dont recognise it, it is just too normal to think about. But so i can get a feeling, which topics are handeled different in your original culture. Sometimes i think, every german could answer you your question...but the problem is, to find out, that there actually IS a question :-))) What you didnt mention in culture shocks is the direct way to speak, which we are used to. Maybe you can do a Video about that some day.

[@kerstinklenovsky239]

There is a lot of space in our German hearts for people like you, who so happily go along with all our crazy rules and traditions. ♥️♥️♥️ Thank you for coming here. Not only are you some brilliant ambassadors for your home country, but you have also become some fantastic ambassadors for Germany. 🤗

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

That’s the nicest comment we could possibly get! Thank you. ❤️❤️

[@azMD108]

Cycling is very important everywhere in Germany. In my region (lowlands), children in primary school have to get a kind of driving license for cycling. On this day the police monitor the streets around the school and every child has to take an exam to prove that they know and comply with the (basic) rules of road traffic.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes! So cool. Our second eldest son took that bicycle course just a few months ago and it was so helpful.

[@pinkhope84]

I remember taking this test in der Grundschule. I was so nervous 😅

[@loulynn6106]

I remember preparing for this test and getting super excited for it ans then I broke my wrist three days before it took place. I never got my "driving license". Although thinking of it, I think we did something similar in 5th or 6th grade again and I did take part in that. But I don't remember if we got a license then.

[@peterrabbitn787]

@@pinkhope84 me too. Especially I could not ride my bike with a hand off the handle which you had to do and I was too embarrassed to practice in front of my friends. So I learned it on a small road away from my friends

[@mulraf]

oof. fellow people without a bike drivers license. honestly i didn't have the proudest childhood and would oftenly not care too much about the rules. made me be the only one who failed the test in my class at that time. definitely did make me feel a bit bad about it though and at least in the back of my mind helped to mind the rules a little bit more 😅

[@SemperFiParatio]

Native Bavarian here, please do not think too much about "cultural appropriation" while you are in Germany and especially in Bavaria, we do not care too much about that thankfully and do not have a lot of the discussions you have in the US. So if you would like to wear Tracht please do it, just make sure that you go in a specialised shop for that ;) . Regarding the hat and everything, honestly who cares. A lot of foreigners even in the farest corner of the world, everybody at least knows one German word and that´s "Oktoberfest" so German culture and Bavarian culture are mixed up everytime and will forever be, is it correct, No, but it´s not a big deal either. Most of the times there is no ill will behind it, so enjoy your time and don´t worry about stepping on anybodys toes with such things.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ah great to hear from a Bavarian! So the people who got the most upset about our hat were Germans who aren’t Bavarians - they thought we were just feeding into the stereotype that Bavarian culture is German culture.

[@michischaeffler]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife As you know: native Bavarian here too, and when I saw the video with the hat, I just laughed out loud. I never felt offended. To be honest, I thought, you're a fun family, not taking yourself too serious.

[@FlubberFrosch]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife In most of the cases discussed, “cultural appropriation” is nonsense. The real problem is mainly the narrower sense, the external commercialisation. In the broader sense, it is thoughtless identity politics that prevents important contact through cultural exchange. Much discussed in this context are dreadlocks, even though they already existed in many different cultures at many different times and thus do not belong to any culture in particular. What is more important is to engage with what you use in general. In southern Germany, for example, one should rather get/wear a felt hat of the respective local traditional garb (Tracht) instead of a cheap costume hat.

[@embivi77]

Everyone who gets upset at „foreigners“ wearing Tracht or kids running around in cowboy gear - nobody does that to discriminate against anyone. Usually you do it because you like the style, want to be a cowboy (especially the kids), enjoy the area and just want to show it. And not to mock anyone. All this cultural appropriation talk comes from people who are way too much stuck in politics and politically correct behavior.

[@DieBlutigeLynn]

I totally agree, "cultural appropriation" is not a problem in Germany. 😃 I ever only read that mentioned in KZbin comments written by US-American people. 😃 The only improvement I see is it should maybe be a less fake looking Bavarian hat, so that it would look much better/better quality. 😃 If you know German Carnival (more in the West of Germany), German people love to dress up. Btw, to my knowledge, _Trachten_ also exist in Baden-Wuerttemberg, not only in Bavaria, especially in Baden and the Black Forest. German people know those from _Heimatfilme_ (sentimental films in idealized regional settings), like the _Bollenhut_ (trademark woman's costume hat of the Black Forest area).

[@CHarlotte-ro4yi]

Don’t be so hard on yourselves. I wouldn’t call the hat wearing cultural appropriation because you weren’t mocking the culture intentionally. It’s just that Germans especially non-Bavarians are tired of the rest of the world thinking Bavarian culture is German and Bavarians themselves are tired of being seen as these backwards-looking overly traditional people only (which is a stereotype that I even come across within Germany). So you basically manoeuvred yourself into a field of tension you don’t want to be in yet Germans (Bavarians and non-Bavarians) tend to make more of a fuss about it than is necessary 😅😉

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes! We have felt this tension so many times in the comments. People commenting that Bavaria isn’t part of Germany and things like that. We are like, hey, this is the part of Germany where Kevin got a job. 🤣 That’s all! We aren’t trying to ever say that Bavaria is better or anything like that.

[@Ginkoman2]

tbh i dont think it is actually that big of a deal. its just that after ww2 bavaria and baden wurttemberg were under US control and therefore american soldiers were stationed there and that region was their expression of germany. its not something that is intentionally done. people should stop being so overly strict with these things. Let people have fun.

[@ClaudiaG.1979]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife lets just say, bavaria is to germany what texas is to the states.. Things are different, we are very traditional and old fashioned...

[@ClaudiaG.1979]

at least the south part of bavaria is more cultural and old fashioned.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

@@Ginkoman2 yes that’s very true. There are more than 10 American military bases in Baden-Württemberg and 3 in Bavaria, so yes, that’s how Americans have begun to view Germany as what happens in the south.

[@linajurgensen4698]

5:55 yes that is true in many households. But here in Northern Germany it’s often enough to just put your shoes off and go in with socks, also bicycle culture is even bigger up here than in southern Germany😄. I love how much effort you make to integrate… you’re not ignorant!❤️

[@edelweiss2971]

I would say, most Europeans takes off their shoes when entering someones home. Am I wrong?

[@linajurgensen4698]

@@edelweiss2971 You’re right, but this video is specifically about Germany.

[@edelweiss2971]

@@linajurgensen4698 I just wanted to confirm that Germany is not surrounded by people who wear outdoor shoes at home. It's good to know these days.

[@linajurgensen4698]

@@edelweiss2971 true lol.

[@angelaburrow8114]

@@edelweiss2971 We do in the UK, it's only good manners.

[@Rainerjgs]

Danke für Euere große Sorgfalt gegenüber den deutschen Traditionen! Das macht Euch sehr sympathisch und bringt Euch sicherlich viele Freundschaften ein! Mit Euerer so herrlich guten Laune und Euerem so frohen Lachen seid Ihr ein gutes Vorbild für viele Deutsche, die oft viel zu ernst zu verbiestert sind!

[@gudrunsykes486]

I’m from Germany and I enjoy watching you. You are so cute !

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you!

[@dirkschwartz1689]

Dear Sarah and Kevin, I really appreciate the positivity and enthusiam with which you tackle the numerous adjustments to life in Germany! :) This is certainly something us Germans can learn from Americans like yourselves. We sometimes can take ourselves a bit too seriously and forget enjoying our lives when we see someone doing something "not quite the right way". Keep on, and all the best to you, your kids and - the cat :)

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️

[@imkepena8777]

Yes, Dirk, that is right! We Germans Are sometimes so negative and we can definitively be so negative and narrow-minded. Keep up your positive attitude and I look forward to more videos!

[@paulohagan3309]

Here in Ireland we get quite a lot of German tourists [in normal times}. They like getting the British stuff without uh, the corresponding attitudes. They also like our generally easy-going attitudes and not having to adhere to so many rules...

[@philippwattenberg4533]

Please, don't be ridiculous, every sane person would be happy if you would try to fit in their culture even if it's not 100 % accurate. Feel free to do so and every german will be happy to see you guys. Need more people like you here

[@MissLouiful]

In Münster cycling is not only for fun, it is also the main means of transport for many people, we even have something called the "Promenade" which is a bike path which surrounds the inner city center and allows you to get everywhere really fast (and avoid cobble stones), almost like a "Fahrradautobahn". "Lastenfahrräder" are also very popular and we have special parking spots for those. Additionally, we have special traffic lights for cyclists (Fahrradampeln).

[@beadus3512]

In fact, cyclists rule in Münster 😆

[@doejeleuk1]

Im living in the Netherlands. `2km from the German boarder. `You speak super respectfully about the culture and country. I love it. Keep the vids coming.

[@isoldedumas8726]

Growing up in Germany, I don’t remember that wearing house shoes was such a big deal. It was just normal that when you were at home you took your street shoes off. It also had to do with comfort. But I don’t remember that we made our visitors take their shoes off and put on house shoes. Love your videos. Enjoy your stay. Wish I was living back home. I’m in Missouri now.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oh cool, we’ve switched places! You in America, and we, in Germany.

[@nicoleroth3127]

Guess it depends on the family. Personally, I (German, obviously) don't have any friends (also German) who mind people coming into their houses wearing their regular shoes. I don't mind either, even though I've got a set of guest slippers. But usually it's just when shoes are muddy or wet, that you take them off out of politeness. As said, I've got a set of guest slippers, and you can actually buy them in a set of different sizes. They are usually pretty cheap, and admittedly, the slippers aren't exactly comfy, but they do their job.

[@finele1366]

I never heard of having house shoes fit guests. I'm from the south west of Germany. Here the guests just take off their shoes automatically and if not we ask them to or they ask. The floor in our house is really cold so we usually tell our guests to better bring some warm socks or house shoes with them themselves. But some spare socks we always have for them to wear above their socks

[@sonjagatto9981]

We did the same thing. At school we did not have to wear house shoes either. I also wish I would be back home in Bavaria. Liebe Gruesse Isolde aus Canada. 🍁

[@sebastianmatz2828]

Time for outing? Für mich hat es rein pragmatische Gründe. Als ich klein war (zw. 5-6 Jahre) bin ich durch die Wohnung gerannt. Wir hatten damals braune, mit Cord bezogene Sessel. Diese standen auf vier runden Füßen, so dass die Unterkante des Sessels ein paar Zentimeter über dem Boden war. Irgendwann bin ich dann mit dem kleinen Zeh an dieser Kante hängengeblieben und dabei hat sich der Nagel vom Nagelbett abgelöst. -Seitdem trage ich Hausschuhe.. 😎

[@MrDraco82]

Ich muss schon sagen, großen respekt das ihr euch das getraut habt...den ersten Schritt zur Veränderung zu wagen ist am aller schwersten! Ich bin mir sicher ihr geht euren Weg. Auf die Einstellung kommt es an, nicht auf den Rest.

[@Osmone_Everony]

About the bicycle culture: I can tell from my own experiences it (logically) seems to depend on the topography. I lived in the "Oberbergisches Land" (near Cologne) for over 40 years. It has hills after hills (top elevation 512 meters) and cyclists were a rare view. Then in 2005 I moved to a very flat area of Germany and it's totally different here, with bicylces galore.

[@avs200619]

In Canada we take our shoes off when going into someone’s house. There aren’t shoes, slippers etc left out for you. You just walk in with your socks on or bare feet if you’re wearing sandals

[@michaelcomerford7034]

Welcome to Bayern. We moved here from Ireland 10 years ang and live in a town south east of München. There lots of surprises still in store for you, most of them good. Amtdeutsch and dealing with the Beamten will be some of the more challenging ones. With such an open attitude and young children you should have no problem integrating. Enjoy the experience. I'm not surprised that some of the locals picked up on your son's bicycle, as that setup was dangerous.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ah cool! Ireland! We’ve traveled all over Europe but sadly haven’t made it to Ireland yet. We are excited to go there one day. We are also southeast of München!

[@TypeAshton]

Bike culture is amazing isn't it? It's one of the things we love so much about Germany. You guys are looking very prepared with the Fahrradanhänger too. 👍

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah, you guys are the bike experts! So cool!

[@heidiaufderalm2131]

To be honest, Our family uses the bike only for short distances. For long distances we prefer "something motorized". We live in a mountaneous area and also it is a matter of time. Perhaps, we will buy E-bikes at a later stage. So far they are too expensive to us... Enjoy Bavaria (we live in BaWü)

[@cptjfk]

Question: Moving to a foreign country and being surrounded by unknown products, wouldn't it be far easier to ask some locals for help? Germans seem rough around the edges, but they looove being asked for help. And they do it willingly and thoroughly. (And they have Handy tips and hints, too, f. e. similar but cheaper versions of products or how to find things more easily when walking around town). You don't have to be foreign to do so. There's a lot of young people lost in aisles of detergent looking for shampoo or asking what a Kohlrabi is and what it's used for... No joke.

[@NixWiwWeg]

What is a Kohlrabi and what is it for... Reminds my of this one time, there I was asked at the checkout in a supermarket, what type of fruit I was buying. It was Stachelbeeren (Gooseberries).

[@cptjfk]

@@NixWiwWeg 😄 exactly. But I have to admit, some things like dragonfruit or cumquat need a little research beforehand...

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes that’s a good idea! But to be honest, I didn’t know enough German to ask for much help. I couldn’t asked in English, but I was didn’t want to be rude asking in English when I’m in a country that’s not English speaking. I was probably was over thinking it!

[@siggilinde5623]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife That's so sweet :) but please don't hesitate to ask in English. I worked in a supermarket when I was student and every Saturday an American lady came by. I loved to have a chat with her. She helped me with my English and I translated the hole fruit and vegetables aisle into German, we helped each other. Some older people might not be well versed in English but try younger people :) And if someone has a problem with you asking in English and react rude: in Bavaria, such people we call “Depp“ or “blödes Rindvieh“ (both singular) ;)

[@mulraf]

agreed. don't worry too much about that. staff in stores should know basic engish and be willing to help. other than that i'd tend to ask younger people because chances are they speak english to some degree thanks to learning it in school. older people might not nessercarily be too good at it but doesn't mean you can't try.

[@jamesr1703]

@18:10 Also an American (fluent in German though) who has lived, off and on, in Germany. This is a funny story. Thank you for not being too embarrassed to share it. In fact, it makes a fantastic story to tell at get togethers. Your videos are so much fun to watch!

[@winterschmied4583]

You mentioned Hausschuhe, that's, I think, an old tradition here when having carpets in the house. I know that you can buy all size slippers made from Felt that you can pull over your shoes. So you won't dirty the carpets in the living room. But today most houses are having Laminate, Wood or Tile Flooring, that you can easily clean, so not everyone suggests to have your shoes removed when visiting. You'll do it if it's raining or snowing and I know a lot of people that bring their own Hausschuhe to a visit. That's a sign of respect.

[@wendyw.2778]

Don t worry, german parents have problems too with school supplies. I worked at Woolworth and each year desperate parents came with list with requirements they had no idea about. Regarding houseshoes: i never had spare for guests, it is up to them if they want to leave their shoes in or not. If somebody has could feet I offer warm knitted socks. But if you want to offer houseshoes, there are sets for sale which looks like a overdimensonal houseshoe and include a set of 4 pair felted shoes in different sizes.

[@insideAdirtyMind]

It is very disrespectful to go into someones home with your street shoes on, where you just walked through dirt of the street and bring it into the house. Someone has to clean this up. If I would go into my parents house with my street shoes on, my father would make me leave the house immediatly and change my shoes and then clean up the floor.

[@oliverferriere4782]

but it is new (even to me) that kids wear them in school. We didn't wear them 30 years ago ... ;) today our kids do so

[@LeChuck1717]

why would anyone need Hausschuhe. Are you guys really suffering when walking in socks? Thats what socks are for...

[@winterschmied4583]

@@LeChuck1717 Hmm, first let's say it's a tradition not something we have to do. Second here in Germany the climate is a bit to the colder side. And if you have warm feet you'll feel better in all. You don't have to waer shoes you'll often war thicker knitted socks. But Shoes do have another charming favour, If children run around in the house they can't slip that easily and get hurt. But not everyone Here is wearing Hausschuhe. Our family doesn't because we have an underfloor Heating and so warm feet aren't an issue, at least to us.

[@Rainerjgs]

Thank you for your great Care towards the German Traditions! This makes you very likeable and will certainly bring you many Friendships! - With your wonderfully good Mood and your so happy Laugh you are a good Role-Model for many Germans, who are often much too serious and petulant!

[@JakobFischer60]

In our south german region a unknown guest will ask whether he should put his shoes off, and you tell him, that he can keep his shoes on. Only if a familiar guest will come and stay longer he will decide to put shoes off. As a guest, I always decline to use house shoes, I don't like wearing others peoples shoes.

[@Serenity_yt]

Huh in my region of northern bavaria it is actually the polite thing to insist that its no problem to take your shoes of if you plan on being there longer than a few minutes. Familiarity doesnt matter. We do have a few pairs of slippers as well if guests want them but most just go either barefoot in summer or on socks in winter.

[@musashi28]

As a native German I would insist on all my guest to take off their shoes, this is a matter of good education from your parents or do you want to have all the dirt and gems in your house? I always couldn't understand cultures where this is not a thing, but I never experienced that in Germany, all people here in the south are taking their shoes off when entering a house as a guest.

[@PeterAuto1]

I take my shoes off if I want to get comfortable, or if the host asks me to.

[@claudiag.6273]

We are from northeast: shoes are taken off, normally. If hierachical higher person (doctor, boss) would come, i would insist to let their shoes on (if they are nice, they would take them of anyway) . But all the rest please takes their shoes off... must be funny for you. But i wonder how you do in the states: do you hoover and wipe with water after every visotor? Or you just stay with the (potential) dirt inside?

[@Joy-zp5lv]

Oh wow - ihr zwei seid wahnsinnig sympathisch! Is likeable the word? I love how you adopted to Germany and our way to do things! To me these videos are so interesting - so thank you! Grüße vom Bodensee! ♥

[@kevinmcfall5285]

Thanks so much for your kind words!

[@thegreatxcelerator4224]

A tip concerning houseshoes for guests: I always take those throwaway houseshoes some hotels provide to their guests with me when I am traveling. They are usually one-size-fits-all and are okay to be worn several times provided your guests at home leave their socks on.

[@audreydakin8130]

I love the idea of kids being quiet on trains, in public. I love windows open and airing out the house. Growing up in small town Ontario, our stores were closed on Wednesdays. Somehow, we managed. Lol 🇨🇦

[@Sonnenanbeterin1991]

German kids are quite on trains? Me as a german was a little confused at the beginning

[@susannabonke8552]

Love your humour. "We couldn't Shop 24/7". How did you SURVIVE? 2 weeks ago Facebook didn't work for a day and the boomers were so stressed: 😂😁😁😂

[@susannabonke8552]

@@Sonnenanbeterin1991 did you ever hear some American dudes in the train? You hear before you see 'em..No offense. It's their Style.

[@31337flamer]

"Fenster auf und Heizung an?" >:O whenever my dad came home and saw an open window in one of our kids rooms but we forgot to turn down the heating he shouted angry through the whole house :D he always saw his money diffuse out the window :D

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Hahahaha sounds like how my dad was!

[@albertgoller4064]

You are amazing. I'm a born German, spent 2 Years in The US (Boca), 7 years in Canada (Toronto), and have been in Australia for more than 20 years. So I learned what cultural difference is all about. But the way you experienced the different parts of the culture and present it right to the point, not judging it, is unique. It must be very helpful for open-minded Americans moving to Bavaria. I was involved in the Candian-German chamber as well as in the Australian-German chamber. There should be a link provided for newcomers to watch your videos. Keep going.

[@peruchitamolinera]

Do you like Australia so far?

[@tottix1225]

My Father is Dachdecker and Energieberater. He told me that when you put the windows on "tilt", like the smaller option to open the window, then you let humidity into your house all day long. Ofc only when you leave it on tilt the whole day. What you should do is: Stoßlüften. Means that you open your windows and doors all the way up for like 5-10min and then you shut them. Tilt option is not as great for the humidity in your house as we might think. Just do stoßlüften 2 times a day and you´re good. :) I like your channel. Keep it up !

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Great advice! That’s exactly what worked for us but you described it better than we did. 🤣

[@berndhoffmann7703]

We all know it, but anyway the majority is behaving differently :)

[@niwa_s]

You only let humidity in if the outside air is actually more humid.

[@Aine197]

@@niwa_s It almost always is.

[@mrs.bluesky7398]

If you keep the windows on tilt in winter, the walls inside around the window get really cold and the humidity from the warm air inside condensates on the walls. The wall will get damp and mouldy.

[@Stoffmonster467]

The closing hours of shops are because the tiny shops often are family businesses, so they don't have the staff for continuous opening. And the upholstery or TV shop for example installs curtains or TVs on the closed wednesday.

[@winterschmied4583]

The video you released today is very intersting. As a native German most of the things you mentioned I don't even think about. Today is normally a holyday, called "Tag der deutschen Einheit". It remembers the day when both German countries (FRG and GDR or in German BRD and DDR) signed the reunion document in 1990 to become one country again. So normally at this day the Stores would be closed too and Kevin had an additional free day payed by his employer.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oh that’s right! Glad you reminded us about this holiday.

[@madmike2498]

When i was young and on vacation in Übersee, my family usually planned a day trip cycling around the Chiemsee, which is about 60 km long. And that was no problem for us as Kids.

[@JohnHazelwood58]

I drove around the Chiemsee, too! Amazing place to stay for a long weekend! :)

[@viomouse]

when I was around 8 and older, my dad and I would ride 28 km one way, so 56 km total, to a lake, have a swim there, eat lunch and ride back :-) we rode bikes a lot though, so I was really fit to do that.

[@marrykurie48]

When I have been 8 and my brother had been 6 years old, we rode as a whole family of four from Salzgitter to Lübeck in a few days by traveling form one youth hostel to the next. One time we did camping at the Tankumsee, but the rest of the tour was in youth hostels.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

So cool! One of our friends just did this with his son, too. We would really like to try this sometime.

[@millionsparks96]

I live in NRW and we definitely do cycle a lot. When I was young, our parents and their friends (who all had kids the same ages) would always plan bike rides on the weekends. Usually about 30 km too. The parents would pack snacks, we'd stop at playgrounds and then meet at one of the families' garden to have a barbecue. I also regularly rode my bike to school and I also do now that I study in University. Not many college aged kids have their own car, so bikes are elemental, especially when you live in the countryside and can't rely on public transport, or use it to get to the closest public transport stop. My boyfriend and I also often go on bike rides on the weekends now, just for fun and leisure

[@johannessugito1686]

Bavaria does not represents Germany. I noticed that in many vlogs of Americans living in Europe, they always refer to "the US". But aren't there differences between states, the Northern and Southern states, West coast and East Coast? Something strange for someone from Florida might be normal for someone from Washington.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah totally, Bavaria is only one part! Just one state. Yes there are regional differences in the US for sure. If we discussed all of the differences in any country our videos would be an hour long! So we do generalize some of it.

[@mikaelbiilmann6826]

The US is still plural: States. Not the United State. 😁

[@slidenapps]

Exactly!

[@susanneschluterwilmsen4371]

Hey, we live in urban area called Ruhrgebiet in the west of Germany. We also have the same list for Kids in school. They are hard!

[@mikaelbiilmann6826]

@@susanneschluterwilmsen4371 "I know a little German. He's sitting over there. " -Hillary, (Which means "She, Whose Bossom Defies Gravity), Top Secret, 1984

[@kleinerwiesenknopf6330]

In my family, the Hausschuh culture is celebrated up until now as described in your video :D Sometimes guests bring their own Hausschuhe and I'm taking mine with me when visiting friends or family for a few days. My parents have an over life-sized Hausschuh inhabiting slippers in different sizes and colours. Of course those are simple and quiet cheap, but they always have to offer something to those who get cold feet quickly walking on the floor with nothing but their socks on. Cycling really is a big thing- not only in Bavaria. I grew up in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where cycling tourism is that popular special touring cyclist hotels and cycle tracks exist in beautiful protected landscapes you could not reach with a car. My parents took me and my siblings on long hikes and extended biking tours as you've mentioned and I still enjoy having an active and fun time with my family. About airing too long while not turning the heating down: my dad used to say "Wir heizen doch nicht für draußen!". The key is Stoßlüften, which means to open up all windows at the same time and let the fresh air circulate into the house for 15-20 minutes and then close the windows. I think Germans really appreciate your thoughtful, positive and curious approach to their culture. Keep up that contagious delighted spirit

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you! Sounds like we’ve got to visit Mecklenburg and do a bike tour!

[@antjestr1047]

I'm from Mecklenburg too and my family ALSO has this gigantic slipper (on the wall) in which all these guest-slippers in different sizes are stored :'D

[@29duygu24]

Super interesting, we don’t have this culture in the west

[@ProCorona]

Another perfect video and starting with such beautiful images, very enjoyable to watch guys, have a great funny Sunday 😃🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

So glad you enjoyed it ❤️❤️

[@Opa_Andre]

First things first: I loved that rainy autumn intro part of the video. Calm down after a hot summer, peaceful, refreshing... I got somewhat surprised about the Hausschuhe in school. We didn't have such in my school and also my kids or my granddaughter didn't have those. Probably really depending on the school itself. The only extra shoes we had, were some kind of indoor slippers for the gym (Turnhalle) in school. Also in regards of using Hausschuhe it's really depending on the place / family you're visiting. From my personal experience, its not that common. If I'm going to visit others, yes - I'd check. Only one or two families / friends that I've been visiting do have those Gästehausschuhe. So mostly while your visiting, you're either running on your socks indoor or you are even requested to keep your shoes on. And personally, if I become aware that my visitors are about to pull their shoes off, I'm telling them to keep them on. Your mistake about using dishwashing tablets in the laundry made me laugh at first but on a second thought I understand this can become challenging. I still remember when I was living in the US for some time and tried to wash my clothings in a washing machine. Sorted them to colors and temperature as I was used to and when I went to the washing machine there was only a "cold / warm / hot" setting without further explanation. So I was really wondering about what does for example "warm" mean? How warm is "warm"? 😲

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes there ya go! It can be very challenging to use appliances and products in a foreign country. It’s hard at first and then it makes for a funny story later on! 🤣

[@LythaWausW]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Thanks for the beautiful fall shots. I am ecstatic that Summer is over, I cannot handle German summers anymore. Also I'm from Seattle so the sound of the rain is meditative for me. There are KZbin channels that play nonstop rain sounds, did ya know?

[@Opa_Andre]

@@LythaWausW Awww, Lytha - Greetings to Seattle. Been there several times. So many good memories.💖

[@michaelstaadt8012]

Hy, welcome to Germany. This might be a somewhat belated welcome, since I've been watching (and enjoying) quite a few of your videos since you started putting them on You Tube, but a hearty welcome non the less. I was born in 1959, so I grew up in a time when Germany wasn't exactly popular around the world (little surprise here) and it always baffles me to see Americans speak so favourably of my country. To see a place you've grown accustomed to, to the point where you don't even realize it anymore, through somebody else's eyes, is always an interesting experience. I was surprised to find how serious you are about the 'cultural appropriation' thing. To be honest, I had never given it much thought, apart from being slightly miffed about the heated discussion about whether or not it was to be considered cultural appropriation for kids to dress up as Cowboys and Indians at Fasching here in Germany. Your comment about German 'Tracht', however, made me think again. The German word 'Tracht' derives from the verb 'tragen' ( to wear, or to carry) and literally meant 'that what is worn'. For the correct pronouciation you will have to drop the 'k' and use the sound the Scots use in Loch (Ness). Bavaria seems to have stuck to wearing Tracht for longer than most other federal countries, but that was not always so. Germany used to have a wide variety of regional dress and in addition to this, the Tracht of a region would, within itself, have variations, most notably in the female Tracht. Young girls would wear a different outfit than married women, and the widow's Tracht would, again, be different. When I was a kid, in Hessen, where I come from, you could still see a lot of Tracht wearing in small villages. Since it was for the most part older women wearing it, the widow's varity was prevalent. It was subdued in colour, mostly black, but could still be rather ornate for Sundays and festive occasions. Hope you didn't mind my ramblings. All the very best for the lot of you ( including the cat), enjoy your time here in Germany.

[@kevinmcfall5285]

Thanks for your comment! We really learn so much from reading about all of your experiences.

[@derMerowinger]

You´re doing this right if you´re attentive and respectful. Welcome in germany!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you!

[@KlausZanetti]

There`s no need for more words than: YOU ARE GREAT ! And that`s, why I love you and your videos !

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

❤️❤️❤️ thank you so much for your support, Klaus!

[@jeannettewilke205]

Things have changed in Germany over the years. When I was at Grundschule we never had to wear house shoes. Schools used to be not as comfortable and home like as they are today. We never had hot meals at school either. When my kids entered school it was all different and much nicer then it was one generation before.

[@p1ws07]

There are thousands of bicycles in Hamburg as well :) It really is a way of life.

[@rosiekoenig8468]

I absolutely love hearing about other nationalies living in Germany and their experiences. As a German National I find it interesting and of course amusing at times. I nearly cried when you mentioned using dishwasher tablets instead of laundry deterrent. 😅 . I moved from Germany to England 27 years ago and let's just just say there were a lot of differences to get used to there as well. Good luck with making many more interesting experiences in Germany 🇩🇪.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Love your comment! Yes you totally understand as someone who has also been a foreigner in a new country. It’s a whole other world! So much to learn!

[@madeleine6758]

You guys are so sweet and respectful! I had fun watching your video. Your positivity is what we need here in Germany. Thank you.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you so much!

[@HS-wp5vb]

I always love this culture shock videos. Not only do I learn about our German peculiarities that I take for granted. The biggest fun are always those shocks I personally find shocking myself, learning that certain things seem terribly important in some parts of Germany whilst being basically unheard of in other parts. Most of these videos are shot in Bavaria and I always find it so peculiar to think, oh gosh, these Bavarians, such a funny tribe!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah they’re so fun! I like watching them for all kinds of cultures. We can all learn so much from each other.

[@lutzkaulfuss9540]

Hello from a Bavarian living in Berlin. I am in awe to see how serious you took the task to learn every aspect and detail about living germany even before you relocated - in a way that seems pretty german to me - don´t worry about providing Hausschuhe for guest - all in all I have the impression that your respectful and thoughtful approch to the community you live in now almost guarantes that you will blend in it is time that you start the second phase which is

[@swanpride]

The Hausschuhe thing is VERY regional, so you won't be able to get a clear answer to that one. The area in which I am is very situational. Like, you yourself don't wear shoes in the house, but when you get guests, well, they are either allowed to keep their shoes on (especially if you get multiple guests at once and the party happens half outside), or they get rid of them and walk around in socks. I think especially in the rural areas the Hausschuhe are more common, because of all the dirt which is carried in otherwise.

[@byemyself3166]

I don't think it's necessary rural, it's rather personal. I live in the center of Germany's second-largest city and I urge everyone - even handymen - to take their shoes off. I find the idea gross that they were walking on whatever and spread it on my floor. Only if there is a party, people can keep their shoes on - then the floor gets a thorough extra-cleaning the following day. Come to think of it, I believe everyone I know asks visitors to take their shoes off.

[@swanpride]

@@byemyself3166 I would NEVER ask a handymen to take their shoes off. They are part of their protective gear. I wouldn't want to be responsible for them getting injured just because a little bit of dirt.

[@stella81t]

We just moved to Germany, and I love it ❤️ I don't speak German, don't have a job jet, but my husband has a good job and we live really nice. And the free time he gets to spend with family no Money can pay! I just love it! We were used to not seeing him during weekend, but here he is there and my heart is in right place! ❤️❤️❤️

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

I’m so glad it’s working out well for you! Where did you move from?

[@christiankastorf1427]

Do not get ill on Wednesdays either. The docs are on the golfcourse then after lunchtime.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

🤣🤣🤣⛳️⛳️

[@m.l.9385]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Well this ain't as funny as it sounds - as a docotro in a hospital - I can tell you Wednesdays after 13:00 the rush to the ER starts as most doctor's offices close at 12:00 - same on Fridays past 14:00....:-(

[@Moosorkh]

Very nice! I have been thinking about moving to Germany for a while! Have been learning German for some time as well! When I see you, I get excited and I tell myself that it's nice that we are not the only ones who have done this! Looking forward to more videos about your new life in Germany!! Good luck!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ah very cool! In which country do you currently live? We can highly recommend Germany so far. Such a great lifestyle!

[@Moosorkh]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Now I see that there is a little bit of vague in my comment! We live in California, my wife and I, and I have been showing interest in learning German! After each lesson, I do a bit of KZbin search based on what I have just learned to see what comes up! During one of my little searches, this video of you guys came up and after watching it, it gave me the cheers to see that I have not been the only one to think about this idea. Honestly, as much as I love our country, but US is becoming more and more of a distraction from a peaceful life than anything else! (I wish that I didn't have to say that). Anyways, having said the above, I am under the impression that Germany could be a nice destination!

[@wolfgangk4952]

One of the hardest Culture shock`s for Foreigner`s you forgot to mention are the " Opening Hours for Glass containers. 🤣🤣

[@hyenalaughingmatter8103]

I know about it but I think nobody cares about it ;)

[@MhLiMz]

Good video about culture shocks, BUT I also loved the Autumn impressions in the beginning of the video!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oh so glad you liked the autumn leaves footage! That’s my favorite thing to shoot with my camera - the beauty of nature.

Great to see your enthusiasm and easiness about all the differences. Please keep that up. It looks like approaching all the German rules and manners with a light heart, picking it up step by step, is quite the right attitude. :) You don't have to have Hausschuhe for guests, but if you want to be a good host, and it's reasonable to have (for example not as much if you are living in a tiny apartment). Several couples, different sizes or rather to big than too small. There are cheap general Hausschuhe which are fine. But just in general, it's German to be thoughtful and prepared. Plan ahead. If you notice, that a scenario would be better if you had a tool, and you expect it to happen again, think about if it's reasonable to acquire and bring that tool with you next time. No matter if you go walk, go on a hike, go shopping, go on a bike walk ... it's a lifestyle to look at problems in life, think about how to improve it, and take action (and then evaluate if that worked or what else you can do). I guess that's where the reputation of Made in Germany comes from. :D Regarding the quiteness of kids: don't take it too serious. It's good to teach what is expected of them. But if they are more outspoken and run around, even if people give you looks, remember kids are kids, and they need some space to go wild. There's also some leeway parents should get with their parents, based on their age, of course, but there are morons who want to scold anyone for having a little fun. It's a shame. Cudos for being such great parents. :)

[@Marc-zi5cq]

You are so likeable! You seem so openminded so i hope you will settle in nicely and not feel excluded because i think you have the right attitude to moving to foreign countries. Much love from Berlin. Hope you will enjoy Germany.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you so much, Marc!

[@jomaclkego6381]

I was born in 1958 in NRW. Hausschuhe only were worn in Kindergarten, not in school. My family used Hausschuhe at home. Visitors kept their shoes on. They only put shoes of, when they were real dirty. .And when family or friends visited us for birthday or a holiday, they put on good clothes and matching shoes. And the hosts would were good shoes too,, especially the ladies, matching with the clothes. Men wore mostly black leather shoes. When visitors came zu us for a birthday-celebration, I had to put on my "good shoes. I remember putting the "good shoes" in a bag, wearing other ones for snow, or mud and than changing in the good ones, when we arrived. When I came to Saxonia in 1992 I was puzzled, that everyone took of their shoes and a lot of friends would even bring houseshoes with them. I remember the irritating view of people in fine suits and dresses wearing houseshoes or socks. I never had horseshoes for guests. Persons who wanted to take of their shoes walked on socks.. We have some cheap house shoes for people with really dirty shoes and vor those who want to change.

[@annikaParnda]

At my parents house guests usually took their shoes off (its just more cozy than keeping them on imo) and we had a set of different sized Hausschuhe for cold feet. Their were very cheap but did the job :D

[@christiankolinski1563]

Having an additional day off in the week is common for smaller shops, it's kind of a compensation for opening Saturday so they can manage with a 5 day week for their employees. Some shops around here don't close the whole day but only Wednesday afternoon, and close noon on Saturday, so over all it's 5 days. Same with closing from 12:30 or 13:00 to 14:30, so at a whole they go to about 8 to 9h / day so they don't need two shifts. Often employees do a bit of time shifting within those hours, so some come early to prepare shop and the others stay after closing to clean up. On the "Tracht".. I think that's a subject that might be worth a deep dive ;). Here in the Black Forrest, the Tracht - well at least the "Festtagstracht" for Sunday and Holidays - varies substantially from town to town (only about three cities actually use the "Bollenhut" that's often shown on marketing material for the Black Forrest region). One point that's a surprise for tourists visiting is that the Tracht for married and unmarried women is different (in case of the Bollenhut: unmarried red, married black), in my hometown unmarried women wear a quite elaborate "Schäppel" with pearls and silver, while married women wear an embroidered cap/hood. Color of skirt changes too, so getting married would have meant a complete change of wardrobe.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ah this is so cool! I actually learned more about this in a video from Kirsten and Joerg, and they explained the Bollenhut and the differences for married and unmarried women.

[@jkaiserling]

I love the attitude you have toward the changes in your Cultural Immersion experience! I remember as a child whose parents immigrated from Germany to Canada, the attitudes of some families that were friends with my parents. They did not have the sense of humour that you have. My grandmother always said to me, "alles mit humor." She lived by that and it worked in our culture shockcoming from Germany to Canada. Others collapsed and went back "home." Most would, however, return within 6 months as they were reminded of why they emigrated in the first place. Thanks for the entertaining video tht is so helpful for others experiencing or planning to experience their next move.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Loved your comment! Your grandmother sounds like she was an adventurous abs positive lady. 😍

[@ginger8900]

On the Hausschuh-culture: You asked how it works to provide Hausschuhe for your guests... 😅 other people in the comments already talked about the felt slippers. It is also common to lend your guests Hausschuhe that you do not use. I don't know why, but in some families there are multiple Hausschuhe. That's just the way it is. 😅 As a child I was often offered warm socks instead of Hausschuhe. That is also an opportunity. The main intention is that nobody has cold feet. 😊 So: Yes it is true that Hausschuhe for guests are a common thing. But don't worry about it too much. It is absolutely okay if you don't have Hausschuhe for your guests! ❤

[@hei7586]

It's so fun and interesting to see your own country from an outside perspective! Danke und weiter so!

[@gluteusmaximus1657]

Both of you look pretty relaxed. Just stay like that and everything will be fine. About the traditional bavarian Tracht. Even though, there are differences from village to village, you can wear Dirndl or other "Bavarian Style" garments as you like. Just that green hat with the german flag is a no-no. Germans wear those on Fasching/Karneval! Closing the shop during the week is up to the shop owners. Strolling through Reykjavík/Iceland, i spotted a sign that said : " closed, because of the nice weather"! Wouldn you do that - if you could? All the best to you.

[@kevinmcfall5285]

Love it! Closed due to nice weather!

[@gluteusmaximus1657]

@@kevinmcfall5285 I was impressed. That person taught me quite something.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ah I love it! “Closed because of the nice weather.” Yes, that’s the way to live.

[@sugaminny1447]

As for Lüften, i basically never close my windows, except for when the heating is on. Fresh air is sooooo important

[@Baccatube79]

"die Tracht" is pronounced with a long "a" as in "are" and the "ch" as in Scottish "loch". The word is related to the verb "tragen" (to bear/carry/wear depending on context)

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Good to know, thank you

[@gluteusmaximus1657]

Could you please explain how the term "Tracht Prügel" is developed from the verb "tragen"?

[@merla9743]

@@gluteusmaximus1657 Hope that I can explain it in underdtandable English:

[@merla9743]

Ethymoligically, the Tracht refers to what one can wear at once. What bees bring back from flight is also the Tracht. And pregnant (animals) also refers to what is practically worn/ carryed once: trächtig. So a Tracht Prügel is what you can bear all at once.

[@trueamnisias]

@@merla9743 Wow - I really learnt something new today. So Tracht is a bit like Fracht, just for living beeings?

[@haraldpeter5828]

Of course cycling is a big part of life in Germany. North and South, especiall yin the North, were everything is flat, its very easy to have a 30 km trip in the afternoon. I actually even did 100 km trips on the weekend as a child, like going from Hamburg to Kiel and back the next day. But that was the most I did as a child, but it was fun, sometimes with friends or also alone. Since everything is very flat in northern Germany, its really doable.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

We love that about Germany! It’s not something many Americans know, so it’s not obvious for us.

[@tanjasolerti4403]

Just wanted to say that Dirndl and Tracht are not the same things. A Dirndl can have any colour and pattern that you like. There are many different kinds of Dirndl depending on fashion. A Tracht is something like the patterns on Scottish kilts. It shows to which part of the country you belong. And it is not necessarily a Dirndl.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Okay so I thought Tracht covers any type of traditional German clothing, is that not correct? From the Black Forest to Hamburg and everything in between.

[@j.a.1721]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I would say you are right. This is how I would have defi ed Tracht as well.

[@Sabsemade]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife A Dirndl can be a kind of Tracht, but it doesn't have to be. Nowadays, when you think about a Dirndl, there's some kind of vleavage involved, whereas in a Trachtenkleid, there doesn't have to be. Patterns and colours are specific to the area they're from, and some are buttoned up to your neck. It really depends on where and when they're from.

[@elwoodb7510]

Regarding Hausschuhe, there are sets of simply made slippers which include a bunch of different sizes, so you are set for any guests coming over.

[@beadus3512]

Almost 20,000 subscribers 👍 You deserve 200,000 - at least! 🥰

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

❤️❤️❤️ Thank you!

[@belloehlers]

You can purchase a Hausschuh assortment made of felt. They have various included so that almost every guest will find a size. Not everyone has extra slippers for guests, but in the winter if you live in an area with snow it's better. That way if their boots are removed due to slush or dirt, their feet won't be cold walking around your home.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Okay good to know. We do get a good bit of snow here, so I might do that.

[@christiang5209]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife But you don't need it, i know that mostly from older generation who have it (60yo ++). Because the origin of this is the combination of dirty shoes and cold floor (which isn't typically anymore) ... Or visitors in Summer with flip flops, if you don't like them to run barefoot. The advantage is also, if you like your visitors to get off there shoes you can offer then hausschuhe instead of telling them directly that they should get of there shoes (but getting of the shoes is quite typical in germany when entering a home)

[@d.7416]

Regarding the Hausschuhe: the US is pretty much the only country where people would wear streetshoes in the house. Here it is considered not sanitary. So yes, we often have a set of guestshoes: you can get packages with different sizes in shops or amazon. But usually you can also just wear socks when you visit someone. Generally we make a strong difference between outside/ inside. Not only shoes but for example the first thing we do when we get home is wash our hands (also in restaurants for example). To the cultures in Germany: Germany is a country that came out of many countries. Basically you had a whole lot of german speaking tribes: allemans, bavarians, frisians, saxons etc that sometimes were also ethnic groups and were culturally different, then these tribes were followed by kingdoms, then empires (prussia etc) and finally some of these kingdoms/ countries became what today is Germany. So the cultures and food is still very different, even religions and like you mentioned, the traditional clothes. You can even see the different ethnical backrounds sometimes: for example the people with saxon and frisian ancestors live in northern Germany, are often blond or gingers, tall etc. You can look that up with maps where red heads live in Germany for example. Of course it's not as strong as it used to be but these tendencies are still there.

[@alexanderlindner5808]

"the US is pretty much the only country where people would wear streetshoes in the house" -- I lived in Belgium, France, Netherlands, and Spain. In none of these countries, Hausschuhe are asked for when visiting people.

[@d.7416]

@@alexanderlindner5808 i wrote about street shoes in the house, not Hausschuhe in that sentence and i visited those countries too and never wore my streetshoes inside, nor was it socially acceptable, besides France, where it depends on where in France you are

[@alexanderlindner5808]

@@d.7416 I lived in all of those places. I am an expat since 30 years. Never ever have I been asked to put off my street shoes. Never.

[@diegroevorsitzendemeowtzet1323]

I have slippers for guests in many sizes. I knitted them from sheep's wool extra large and then felted in the washing machine. Finally, a layer of rubber is applied to the sole so that it does not slip on the floors. I have certainly ten pieces in different colors with a cord and clothespins hanging in the entrance to the house, so visitors can easily access and pick out his size.

[@deborahmueller591]

Oh Sarah…..I still have issues shopping! And when I first moved to Germany I didn’t have a translator on my phone. Lotion / body soap was most frustrating! And face creams, etc. great video! My German husband had to lead me through most of these, and every morning we have the “fluff pillows. Open blinds. Open windows” process. What translator do you use?

[@LythaWausW]

Funny, I tell my husband, "In America we do not have to fluff our pillows every day. They stay fluffy." But the lueften has completely taken me over. It's only 15 degrees out and I have my windows open all day and night, I cannot get enough. Also, the summer was hot and long. One grocery store label I had trouble with was fabric softener. Lenor does not say, anywhere, what it actually is!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Okay glad to hear that I’m not alone! Hahaha reading product labels in a foreign language is not easy! I use Google Translate and Deepl.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

@@LythaWausW yes!! I like having the windows tilted even when it’s 15 degrees out! Haha Germany has totally changed me that way. I used to be so weak when it came to cold weather, coming from hot Georgia. But now I find the cold air so clean and refreshing. I’m like, what’s happening to me!! Hahaha

[@vstr4276]

There's cheap sets of slippers in various sizes (like grouped small /medium/large), but not every household has them.

[@RickDeckard6531]

S(t)ore hours: Not too long ago shops in Germany shut at around one 13:00 or 14:00 on a Saturday in urban areas. Imagine what a hassle that was after a Friday night out.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah true! You’d have to make sure you do your shopping before you hit the clubs and bars on Friday nights.

[@elisabethlemoigne5710]

Or get up very early on Saturday

[@Steampunksaly]

What a lovely warm couple…….Welcome to Europe! It made me smile as you outlined some of the cultural things that us Europeans take for granted, I had similar experiences working and living in Illinois. I hope you get the opportunity to explore and people make you as welcome as Americans made me feel. I am from Scotland, not too far, similar culture to where you are but a whole lot more. …put us on your to do list,, I reckon you would love a trip here, you will dine out for years when you go back home on all your stories and what an amazing opportunity for your children. Thank you for your video and for making me smile.👍

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Hi! Oh I looove Scotland! Many of my ancestors came from Scotland and I have visited twice. Such a magical, beautiful country. I want to go back again!

[@gardenjoy5223]

Yes, but do be careful not to travel during the Summer. For Scotland invites more tourists, then it provides beds. That sounds weird, but it's true. And we found out the hard way. There were no free beds to be found anywhere in July in the South-West. So we drove till three in the night and then our car ran out of gas. We had to sleep in our car at the gas station. Which wouldn't have been a problem, had I not been ill. We asked several people to house us for the night for a nice amount of money. They didn't bother to even answer. We fled Scotland and had a nice last week in the North of England. We learned this problem in Scotland is there every single year, coming short thousands of beds.

[@roamingcurious6730]

I used to have a girlfriend that enjoyed knitting and she always had several pairs of thick socks that she had knitted in the cupboard for guests. Maybe you have an Oma somewhere that can make you some?

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

What a good idea!

[@Miristzuheiss]

At december in little towns are often private Christmas Bazars, selling all they had done thereself in the year. Like Marmelade, birdshomes, Adventskranz 🤔, wooden toys, honeywax candles, herbal oil, vinegar and socks

[@stefanhennig]

@@Miristzuheiss I second that. to turn around a cliché, I usually ask for socks as a Christmas present, if they are thick and wooly.

[@LerneDeutsch]

I just found your channel! It's so good! 😍

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you!

[@mirka]

Like your clips very much. I'm Polish living in California, most of the peculiarities you mention are familiar to me, turns out Poles and Germans have quite a lot in common, after all. For example house shoes are quite common in Poland. I guess they keep the house floors clean, especially when it's raining/ snowing outside (more then half of the year).,

[@gerhardadler3418]

I think you are right on that. I know quite some people from poland here in germany and they usually fit in very easily whereever they live in germany. I think the general mindset is pretty similiar.

[@mirka]

@@gerhardadler3418 after all we often had same kings, and part of Poland was Prussia once. Every time I land in Frankfurt, and smell wurst + sauerkraut, I feel home 🏡

[@petermages9482]

95% of all Polish have German ancestors.

[@mirka]

@@petermages9482 definitely not. I did DNA heritage test, I'm 99% Easter European. We are a separate race, just absorbing some life habits of our West/ East neighbors.

[@petermages9482]

@@mirka Yes I heard that before. That is what they said when Poland exterminated tens of Millions of people to get their land.

[@kikifromberlin1647]

The house shoes are called Pantoffeln. You can get them at Ikea for your guests.

[@147Heart]

about the Hausschuh-question: at my parent's place everyone was allowed in with their shoes, so we never had Hausschuhe for guests, and i do it the same way now that i am moved out and married myself. but i do have a lot of friends that take care of their floors a looot and they ask me to wear their guest-Hausschuhe when i am there. i think if you want your guests to take their shoes off, then it's nice to offer them Hausschuhe. especially for all the ladies with chronic cold feet 😅🤣

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Okay this is so good to know! Maybe we will get a set for our guests.

[@schnaeutz4546]

Normalerweise lasse ich die Straßenschuhe an. Nur wenn es draußen regnet, bringe ich meine eigenen Hausschuhe mit oder gehe auf Strümpfen. (I usually keep my street shoes on. Only when it rains outside do I bring my own slippers or wear stockings. )

[@LeChuck1717]

socks are good enough. Hausschuhe have literally no purpose

[@147Heart]

@@LeChuck1717 well i think they do, because there a lots of people like me that get cold easily when they only have socks on their feet

[@richard--s]

I wrote a longer comment with "Gästehausschuhe" as a tip but it got deleted. Nevertheless try a slection of the cheaper ones. Many companies make them, so it really is no advertising for any company.

[@90littlebeagle]

I know a lot of households have 3 or 4 pairs of house shoes in 2 or 3 different sizes for their guests, mostly simple felt models that are sold in sets, e.g. in shoe stores or decoration stores to have some to offer to their guests. Others just ask you to bring your own pair if their floor is rather cold.

[@90littlebeagle]

Oh, I forgot: Feel free to wear our lovely bavarian Tracht, if you want 😉 Just treat it with some respect 🙏

[@jeromemckenna7102]

As an older person, I remember when stores were mostly closed in the US. Not quite the way it is in Germany since it varied by state.

[@b.b.2905]

It varies by state (Bundesland) in Germany too. In Baden-Württemberg for example some Supermarkets are open as long as 23 or 24 in the evening. It's not allowed in Bavaria.

[@surenot9491]

Before the school year starts I just give a copy of the required equipment to a friend working in the store that’s specialized on those stuff and pick up the packed bag a few days later. I just cross out the stuff we already have on the copy. Stress free school stuff shopping 😂

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes! That works when you’re not in a lockdown. When we arrived, everything was closed so it was really hard!

[@tokarukoro8196]

About Hausschuhe: Yes. We have them in different sizes for guests, but you do not HAVE to have them. About Cultural Appropriation: I never actually met a Bavarian or Austrian person who was seriously angry about visitors who wear a Tracht or a traditional hat. The worst thing I ever experienced (or did myself ;-) was laughing about people who bought themselves traditional dresses and tried to look "native" while having no idea about it.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Okay that’s good to know. I guess they were more laughing at us than upset about Cultural Appropriation!

[@BZFFirst]

​@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I think this is highly dependent on the region. Abolutly nobody in our wider Friend circle has guest shoes. When we visit family we just take them off. If we visit friend it is dependent on the friend and weather if you take the shoes off or not. But no houseshoes for us. Region "around" Stuttgart

[@andreaweber8059]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I guess it all depends on context. A friend of meine is from India. Now, she does not speak German, so there is no way to mistake her for a Bavarian. When she visited Bavaria she made some pictures of herself in traditional Bavarian clothing. People would not mind - and as this was around the time of the Octoberfest, it was probably even encouraged (Bavaria does make some money through tourists). Then again, if she has European friends over, they like to try out Indian dresses (and they need help - with a Sari I guess you should know what you are doing), and she is happy about it! It is just friends having fun!

[@markneis9610]

You mentioned 'Hausschuhe"... I grew up in the Saarland. There and also in Köln, Wuppertal or Mannheim (the places I used to live and work) , I had never even heard about this custom until I moved to Saxony - where this is common.

[@littlebarbie6400]

First of all thank you for the videos. I really enjoy them. I was surprised when you mentioned qiuetness as an important factor in public transportation because i never thought it was. As I write this comment I realize it is... a little. But I would not stress out to much about it. Usually people won't expect four young children to stay perfectly quiet. Running around is mainly frowned upon because children might fall when the train has to make a sudden stop. There are great games for trains like >who stole the cookies from the cookie jari spy with my little eye

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

German words are the best - Stoppersocken! They’re always so logical. I love it! Yeah that’s a good point about keeping the kids quiet - Germans do seem to really understand children and don’t get upset when they are being themselves.

[@andread.1313]

Very nice video, loved it! I am German and spend some time in the UK and also works for an American company and went there privately and for business. I can relate to the culture shocks, because I have culture shocks in the US as well! Regarding house shoes: visitors ask whether they should take their shoes of or not and people say yes or no, it varies. You can sometimes buy a pack of house shoes in all kinds of sizes to equip an entire family. And, by the way, moving from the North to the South of Germany or vice-versa in the culture shock for Germans, too! 😊

[@elisabethlemoigne5710]

Another great video! 🙂👍 What I really enjoy is that you have lots of video content, and not you just sitting in front of the camera talking, which is the case with too many other bloggers. Thank you Kevin, I have finally learned the American word for "Geodreieck", a compass When I was a teacher in the US, students loved the tiny pencil parcel sharpener I had in my very German pencil case. They thought it was so cool, having one yourself instead of the big one on the wall. My students here keep asking me, if they can use a biro or another pen instead of the Füller, and I usually tell them I don't care what pen they use, because American students mostly use pencils and the US has become a world power without the use of fountain pens. But the fountain pen refills have little balls at the end and you can use them for all kind of things 😁, like building obstacle courses with your pens and other school supplies, and then manœuvre the little balls between them, a bit like minigolf. 😛 Regarding appropriate clothing for school: all those requests stop in Gymnasium. I have had 5th grade parents complain about the lack of Hausschuhe, but as of 7th grade most kids only wear what seems cool to them, namely sneakers. The Regenjacke und -hose probablyhas to do with the fact that Germans want to send their children outside in all kinds of weather. The older kids resist that more than the younger ones. You probably won't even be able to buy them in bigger sizes. Regarding opening times: in two weeks' time there is Kirchweih, which is only celebrated in areas south of Munich, at the foot of the Alps, when stores are closed on Monday afternoon, too; no classes/school activities in the afternoon, the kids might even be let out early. The local specialty to eat then is roast duck. On the Sunday before people put on Tracht and go "Kirtahutschen", which means sitting on a swinging beam which enables you to get really close to someone, if you so wish. 😁 Before about the late 90s, stores in your area, even the bigger ones, had to close at 14:00 on Saturday, and at 19:00 during the week, so at least it is a lot better now. Silence on trains? That made me laugh, because I used to be a Fahrschüler, like your older children are now, and there was no silence on the train, as everyone, after literally storming the train to get a seat, tried to do last minute homework. That might have improved as there are fewer students now, I'd be curious to know. After next week's dreary weather I'll look forward to your next video.

[@dschoas]

Yes! I totally forgot the ink ball thing. We had a teacher encouraging us to collect these during the school year, and the one with most ink balls at the end of the year got a present from her. It encouraged us to write more and being more expressive in the homework, just to use up more ink. I guess she played a psychological trick on us ;-)

[@dolphycj]

Actually looking at it, a Gedreick is a protractor. A tool for measuring angles. A compass is the two hinged arms with a pencil and spike on each arm for drawing arcs.

[@aphextwin5712]

The Ruhetag that (usually smaller) shops observe allows the owner operator (but also their staff) to have reasonable working hours as well as having a day off to run various errands without needing the staff to cover multiple shifts.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

We think that’s really great! Americans have gotten too far away from that mindset of working your business around your life and not your life around your business.

[@arnodobler1096]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife working hours in the US 30%+ (Vacation/Sick Days Parental leave) 🙋‍♂

[@TheHistorianDE]

So nice to listen to people who are so open to a different culture and can smile away problems.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you ❤️

[@robinnehls8057]

My grandmother always opened the windows even in the dead of winter. I do too....I always thought it was to get the bad air out. My grandfather was from Germany and I now wonder what kind of clothing he would have worn. The war really destroyed any trace of what life was like before he immigrated to the United States. Thanks for your videos. I am not surprised to hear that children are to be quiet in public. We were absolutely required to be well behaved and made sure to take off our shoes too.

[@Krokostad]

Now I am completely surprised: I knew that kids in the US don't learn cursive and don't use a fountain pen, but I didn't know that they don't have to write in lines or use a ruler.... So I would be interested in the American way: Don't they have a Federmäppchen and coloured pencils in the US? Do they just need one pencil/ pen?

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

We are going to do a school update video soon, so this would be a good thing to add! Kids do need a lot of school supplies in the US, too. And they do also need colored pencils usually. But only for the younger grades.

[@Krokostad]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Oh thank you! That would be great! 👍

[@LythaWausW]

I'm American and I had to learn both "block print" and cursive, which was enforced by lines & dotted lines on paper we had to conform to. We never used fountain pens, in fact we mostly used pencils. Federmappen do not exist in America. I had a kind of ziplock that attached to my 3-ring binder full of pencils. The erasers were on the ends of the pencils, it wasn't critical to have a separate eraser. We did not need colored pencils but in college we use highlighers of various shades. Also, the pencils must be #2! : )

[@kevinmcfall5285]

Yeah usually just a pencil. Coloring is considered something just for little kids like in kindergarten. I have been impressed here where school assignments often use color pedagogically and to be fun.

[@karinland8533]

Oh, I‘d love a school update 💕!

[@annabellach1376]

Yes, it's true, we have Hausschuhe of different sizes for guests. Just get a few different sizes of Filzschuhe. I am living in the US now and I refuse to use a dryer. The funny thing is that in most places in the US it is illegal to hang your washing on the balcony and I am doing it anyway because it makes the washing smell better and it helps to save energy. It is really sweet how you take all the cultural shocks with humor and I am hoping you will have a great time!

[@MichaEl-rh1kv]

11:45 Most "Dirndl" you see at Oktoberfest and similar festival are such costumes. The typical "Dirndl" actually was invented as such, as upper class woman from Munich in the 19th century adopted the traditional garments of their maidservants for their summer holidays at the countryside (and actually changed that garments to look more "sexy"). Most traditional Bavarian garments for women may look a little like "Dirndl", but are more "chaste" as a rule. This garments were mostly worn only at Sundays, holidays and for celebrations, they were "the good clothes", and they followed certain rules which were different for every village. This uniformity was thought to prevent vanity, but it was also for economical reasons: the local tailors could buy the fabric in the correct colors and patterns wholesale, and the clothes and applications could even be handed down through the generations.

[@S_Black]

The current, sexier version of the Dirndl only came later in 1930s

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

So interesting! Thanks for sharing.

[@Wolfswind003]

One of my grandma always offers/ forces me to wear houseshoes and ever since I was a kid I hated it because I prefer to walk around in just my socks. She had houseshous for kids and adults as well as "Stoppersocken" (socks with rubber on the bottom). My parents (my mom) sometimes also offers houseshoes to guests, especially if they want to help out in the kitchen and have to stand on the cold tiles. I wouldn't say you absolutely need to keep extra shoes for guests in your home, but you can. (Alternatively you can offer them a warm pear of Stoppersocken)

[@c.s.9389]

We have just moved back to Germany after living 9 years in the US, the last 4 in Atlanta. Even though I am german I share many of your Kulturschocks. I was completely overwhelmed by the school supplies list at the beginning, being used to just order it online and have it send directly to school and it took me quite a while to have all their books wrapped. I got a lot of weird looks from moms on the playground who had their kids securely wrapped in Regenhose, Regenjacke and Gummistiefel, while my kids abandoned their flip-flops right away, running through wet sand and light rain in short pans. Trying to order dinner on a Sunday evening has been challenging since the only place that delivers food is closed on Sunday's. And one of my favorite shops in town has a little sign in the window saying they close at "12 or sooner". 😂 But I guess that is part of living in a small town, in the cites it is different. My son is getting a bike riding safety class at school now and soon there will be swimming classes, what I think is great. I think all germans love to ride theirs bikes. To university, to work, or for a Familienausflug at the weekend.

[@nicoleroth3127]

While I've lived in England, I moved back to Germany before I got married and had my son, and even though he's always gone to school here in Germany, after six years I'm still overwhelmed by the supply list. My special pet peeve is, that every year even though I've bought everything on that list, some teachers decide, seemingly on a whim, that suddenly they want something that wasn't on it and then you start running around for a certain type of note book or pencil or whatever. Last year, I ordered a set of folders online (COVID, and all that) with what I thought were all the colours I would need, BUT the colours varied slightly, meaning I didn't have a black one. Massive problem! Anyway, I took the turquoise one I had no use for and wrote 'Black' on it... Take that! So yes, school supplies are a pain in the back and can cost you an arm and a leg. At least we weren't told what type of backpack we had to purchase, but were told, that we're not supposed to pack certain kinds of food for their packed lunches, like white bread, sweet pastries and the like. All nice and well and I sure get the reason behind it, until that one morning you oversleep, or the whole grain bread that was perfectly fine the evening before has started to go mouldy (usually on a Monday, of course). Thankfully, that's no longer an issue at my son's new school. He still gets his healthy lunch, but at least we no longer need to worry in case something goes tits up for whatever reason.

[@haukepowers8491]

As a German immigrant..1961...I remember covering my school books in America when kids did not do it !!! Standing up in a room when a elder walked in and when they left the room....and so many other small surprises...violent cartoons...wow !!!

[@kevinmcfall5285]

Seems like we are having a lot of the same experiences!

[@kevinmcfall5285]

@@nicoleroth3127 Ha! I can relate. On the first week of school I went to the store literally every day to buy something new the kids said they needed. The shop owner chuckled every time I showed up...

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oh wow, so cool that you’re German but lived in Atlanta! Yeah so if you had never lived in Germany with children before, I can see how you’d have some culture shocks. It was so overwhelming for us at first! It’s much better now.

[@kitkat5153]

Aww, bless! That mix up with the dish washer tabs and laundry tabs! 😂 But in fairness that’s such an easy mistake to make even if you’re just not used to a specific brand. 😊 I’d say cycling is big everywhere in Germany. I recently noticed that the existence or absence of bike parking in schools, in front of shops, public buildings etc. seems to be a good indicator to tell you something about the bike culture in that country.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ooo good point about the bicycle parking spots in front of businesses. Our small town actually isn’t very bicycle friendly. Many parents don’t let their kids ride their bicycles to the Gründschule because it isn’t safe! That’s something we didn’t realize until recently.

[@Henning_Rech]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Gründschule - you are over-germanized ;)

[@elisabethlemoigne5710]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Cycling through your town is dangerous, particularly up the hill to the school where the Grundschule is. Down from where you live to the Gymnasium should be easier, although it is further away. Just be along the river.

[@Wolfspaule]

You are very open-minded people, I admire that!

[@epidermis6076]

I honestly love that you have a Happy Easter sign on your dresser while the stores start selling Christmas sweets. RESISTANCE!

[@kevinmcfall5285]

Haha! Well we actually filmed this months ago but never got around to posting it

[@karinland8533]

She mentioned she was sick with C and uses „old“ forage to do the video. So it is a mix of all seasons. I think thats the reason

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Hahaha you’ve got a good eye! That is some old footage I rediscovered 🤣.

[@garrytuohy9267]

I spent years wondering why I could never find the special yellow garbage bags for recyclable waste. I searched every supermarket. It was only after also failing to find them in a hardware store that I asked someone and all was revealed.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oh gosh, years! Haha we can relate.