Reverse Culture Shocks 🇩🇪 20 Things We Missed about Germany while in the USA!

[@gretahaase5509]

I always thought the 'Germans miss their bread, when they are somewhere else'-thing was just such a cliché - and then I went on vacation in London for a few days (days! Not weeks or months!) and, boy, did I miss bread! I just couldn't get myself to eat that stuff, the Brits called bun. It was just always a white, floppy yet tough piece of dough on my plate, nothankyouverymuch. At one point I stood in front of a German bakery somewhere in London and while looking inside through the window I must have sighed in joy and relief and the woman, who stood next to me turned to me and said - in German! - 'That's what we always miss first, isn't it?'. And I hadn't said a word, she just assumed (correctly so) , that I'm German craving lovely, crispy bread. :D So, yay to German bread! Same vacation: I was shocked to see there was no toilet brush in the hotel bathroom. I kind of panicked because I really didn't know how to clean the bowl after you know what. I tried using toilet paper, but.. Eww.. So, honest question: what do you do without a brush? Do you just leave it as it is? That's kind of ugly, isn't it?

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

So funny the lady in line in front of you could sense you were a German missing German bread! That sixth sense.

[@schmoemi3386]

I wonder how difficult it would be to spot an American immigrant in Germany who has also started to miss her/his German bread... 😂

[@LeaSonnenscheinTrier]

I'm wondering the same as Greta Haase with the lack of toilet brushes! Is it only in public places in the US or don't you have them at home too? how do you clean the bowl when you do the weekly deep cleaning?

[@LJBSullivan]

The people who clean the hotel rooms do it. Yes, in your private homes you have toilet brushes.

[@gretahaase5509]

So, you do 'your thing' and leave? That's kind of rude and nasty at the same time. Nope, sorry, I don't like that.

[@tobiasmerker5854]

what i have learned from Americans like you as a German is: Count Your Blessings! Thank You!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

I’m so glad - it’s a good lesson for all of us!

[@adolfadolfius5586]

Hey there! I dont know if you remember me, I once commented and stated that I was really frustrated with dating and women in general and that your lovely family life gave me some hopes to go out there and get started again. I´ll make it short: I found a wonderfull girlfriend and feel way better and more healthy now again. Just wanted to say thanks for the help, still love your content.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

I’m happy you’re doing well! We wish you all the best.

[@MrNukedawhales]

there is a translation error in the title of the video caused by the double meaning of "to miss"; e.g. i missed the bus - means that you didnt make it in time or that you didnt "meet" the bus for some other reason. in germany thats: "Ich habe den Bus verpaßt." but "i miss mom´s cooking" - usually means that you are longing for a certain food item, not that you didnt make the "appointment". in this case the translation is: "Ich vermisse Mutters Essen". the title of the video suggests, that you missed sth like an appointment or a party in germany, while youve been in the usa.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ok thanks, I can fix that!

[@arnomrnym6329]

Interessant. Willkommen zurück in eurer neuen Heimat. 🙂

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Dankeschön!

[@ManOfSt33l]

It will allways be checked in germany how much traffic there will be on roundabouts before the government will decide "OK we will built a roundabout here instead of a traffic light" dependiing on the traffic during the rush hours. If the amount of traffic is "more moderate" in then the government tends more to roundabouts because it reduces the wait times for everyone and allows a more fluid traffic.

[@grandmak.]

So nice to have you back ! I'm glad you had a nice family vacation and returned home safely . As for the mask thing in public places I've watched a lot of American news channels on KZbin and found that the division within the population regarding safety measures is even worse than in Germany - probably because politicians are contributing to that by spreading misinformation ( one of the extremes being Marjory Taylor Greene from your home state Georgia ). I'm very worried about the anger and violence this public health problem is causing between people in both countries although a pandemic should never be a political issue. The same with environmental problems. It shouldn't be a question of political opinion to save the environment by banning plastic products and cosmetic ingredients that harm not only people but also the environment. It's funny to watch how much your preferences have changed when it comes to breakfast and food in general but don't forget fast food and junk food is also very popular in Germany and there are also many families here who don't cook very often but instead throw deep frozen stuff into the microwave or get their meals from an 'Imbiss' . Living a healthy life really seems to pay off in your case which is especially noticeable in your case, Sarah, you have a beautiful skin besides your inner beauty that glows in your lovely face . Last question : How did Peanut like your absence ?

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Hi Grandma K! I always love your comments. And I agree with every word. It’s so sad that a virus and taking care of the earth have become political issues. And Marjorie Taylor Greene is awful - I’m so embarrassed she’s from Georgia! She’s totally cuckoo and she spreads so many lies and ridiculous conspiracy theories. All of these things were happening before we left and honestly, made it easier to leave the US. So much bitter political division, fighting, violence…we were over it!

[@grandmak.]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I can perfectly understand, I would feel the same if I lived in Saxony or Thüringen.

[@triumphmichl7019]

I had to smile a little. The last year has infected the Mc Fall family with German life culture. It leaves the impression that they like living in Germany. I am very much looking forward to their further adventures that they will tell us about :-))))

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

We have gotten “infected” in the best way possible! Hahaha 🤩

[@annaluisevogler9175]

It's so good to hear from you that life in Germany can also be pleasant and advantageous. Glad you're back :))

[@RealMash]

That is what happens if you leave your country - you get accustomed to the good stuff so very, very fast-while still slightly missing the good stuff from home ;-) If the USA did not contain about everything you would like to visit more people would have to get outside and have that experience. I liked the people in Canada and the USA quite a bit. Nice people, maybe missing the experience to go somewhere and have your assumptions somehow challenged. Happy to have you back!

[@flothchtronk2068]

@@annaluisevogler9175 That's what happens when you embrace the local culture, which not many expats/migrants do, sadly.

[@SaRah-21532]

I really like the way you talk about differences. A lot of people I've watched, who've moved to a different country, see the differences between their countries as a very negative thing and one always has to be better than the other. It's so nice to see your approach. You just see these things as fascinating differences that could make an interesting topic of conversation and it doesn't feel like there's any judgement.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oh I’m so glad it doesn’t feel judgmental - I’m always afraid it can come across that way, but that’s not how we intend it.

[@karstenbursak8083]

"We missed the German bread" every german can relate to that😁 ... it's the first we miss when going abroad "We missed german beer" british comedian Eric Idle summed up american beer perfectly: "American beer is a lot like making love in a canoe ... it's f-ing close to water!"

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

🤣🤣🤣 Making live in a canoe! That is so funny!! Most American beer and wine is gross. 🤮

[@karstenbursak8083]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife here is the clip of Eric Idle kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGnEgXR4e5yhjZY&ab_channel=dougbaugh1 so you like the german wine ? did you know that we in germany got a agricultural university in Geisenheim am Rhein soley focused on the art of making wine

[@janpracht6662]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife 22:00 min The funniest hotel-breakfast I ever had was in San Francisco, we stayed in an Indian hotel near China Town: They offered an "Intercontinental Breakfast" (consisting of one piece of baked goods, in Germany we would call it "Pudding Schnecke", we have it in the afternoon for Kaffee und Kuchen!) and a pot of coffee- on a table without chairs directly beside the reception... 😅

[@Danisachan]

That made me laugh out loud! 🤣 Thank you!!

[@jessicaely2521]

🤣🤣🤣🤣. Depends on what kind of beer you go with. There are beers that are better than German beers. The beers that every business sells, restaurants, and internationally I completely agree. The small companies that are only sold at a brewery restaurant or only in the city it's made in I disagree.

[@ronnie9187]

I saw a youtube ( channel "not just bikes" ) where a canadian explained the suburban structure of the USA and Canada. Actually it is quit a modern thing, starting after WWII. Before that, the US looked more like Europe with very good train connections, buses and trams and without the huge sprawl of suburbs. There are many disadvantages to this grid design. One of them is costs: infrastructure costs for maintaining all the streets are enormes. Also a reason why the streets in many older suburbs are in bad condition so the person in this youtube channel explained. The second one I find even more important: the lack of normal human behaviour, that is: walking. Cities that are walkable are so much more friendly. Not to say healthy, since pedestrans and cyclist have a natural way of exercising. You see that very clear back in health figures where in the USA and Canada many more people are overweighted (its ofcourse also a food culture thing). Also I find it a disadvantage if children have to be transported by car or bus to school or to friends. It gives so much life quality if children can walk or cycle to their schools or friends. A lot of US citizens would say that because the country is huge, trains and public transport are not possible, but I would disagree here. Look at China and the high speed train infrastructure they are building. A country that is in landmass very good comparible with the US. A very good 13 minutes youtube about this: "Rethinking Suburbia and Urban Sprawl in America": kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGmTq3WZpMRgjLs

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes! I love that channel and have also learned these things from him. It’s fascinating and explains so much about why we like the lifestyle here in Germany better than the US - a lot of it comes down to the city planning.

[@volldillo]

The funny thing about those grid designs is, that is was common both in the Soviet Union and in the U.S. although both of them claimed for themselves to be more advanced than the other. Die anybody tell the U.S. officials in the 1950s, that they were realizing communist Soviet design of the 1930s? 🙂

[@franhunne8929]

You have truly been germanized. not only do you like sparkling water - you talk about toilets without cringeing.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

🤣🤣🤣🚽🚽🚽 I was very surprised that I missed the toilet bowl brushes!

[@towaritch]

"Apollinaris, the queen of sparkling waters" ( from an old German ad)

[@Stoffmonster467]

City design is different ("not just about bikes" explains it better), even we had not much about that topic when I studied civil engineering in Germany. Our professor said to us: please consider that people need a church with a community center where they can meet or celebrate, think about every day needs: school, pharmacy, doctor, shopping opportunities, sports grounds. All this is a must in your new designed housing area. Please mix poor and rich, old and young (for example single or semi detached houses next to apartments for not so rich people). This does not happen in the US in the same wise.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Exactly, and yes, I really like that channel and have watched many of his videos! The city planning is one of the reasons we moved to Germany - we could see that it was just something that would not be fixed anytime soon isn the US - if ever!

[@linajurgensen4698]

To be fair that does not even happen in Germany. There is not a single place where poor and rich live door to door.

[@Philemaphobia]

The only mistake we make is the visible difference. Putting an apartment building next to a road of single houses will always make the single house households look down on the apartment households and vice versa. Let’s not forget complaining is part of German Leitkultur. Complaining about an ugly place in the neighborhood is easy and the ugliest place is always the one stat sticks out most. And especially in school (age 8-15) it can be cruel, when the mixture isn’t balanced enough. 2 poor kids in a class of trust fund babies? Guess who has academical disadvantage... 1 rich kid in a class of otherwise underprivileged children? I can imagine they would get bullied relentlessly, but I doubt this happens a lot in reality because of private and boarding schools.

[@AlexanderLehmann-c6z]

The place I live, rich and poor live in the same house. So, never say never...

[@wiebkematthews8740]

Always love your videos and interesting views of your life in Germany. I would never have thought, that Klobürsten are not common in America. I do not even want to really think about that 🤯 Appreciate your choice of topics 😊. Good to have you back home in Germany. One time you will come up to the north and see a very different country side. Would like to see your views of northern Germany very much.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah healthy, fast food is hard to find in the US! So sad. We are excited to get up north and explore more up there.

[@grandmak.]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Yeeeesssss!!! Please !

[@klobiforpresident2254]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I'm not entirely sure if I'd classify Klobürsten as healthy, fast food! ;-)

[@susannabonke8552]

Btw, the NAME Wiebke is very much northern Style!

[@susannabonke8552]

@@klobiforpresident2254 sometimes all of us are tired and unconcentrated...

[@d.7416]

Very interesting video! Loved your insight. My personal four culture shocks with americans are: 1. that they are louder 2. How everything is sugary, even the bread 3. How very friendly they are, even if you just met them and 4. How divided the society is in different "bubbles" that don't seem to overlap like ever.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ooo yes, good additions to our list. It’s true that the rich and poor are very clearly divided. And everything is sugary! We missed our Schörle!

[@karinland8533]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Schorle😉

[@argantyr5154]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife As you also touched upon in the Video. In Denmark, we say everything in USA is bigger.. The Cars, The amount of food, the stores etc.

[@d.7416]

@@karinland8533 wie unnötig ist ein solcher Kommentar? Wirkt total überheblich und unfreundlich, insbesondere mit dem Smiley dahinter. Sie wird schon irgendwann herausfinden wie es geschrieben wird und du bist nicht ihre Deutschlehrerin.

[@karinland8533]

@@d.7416 darfst du unfreundlich finden, ist aber nicht so gemeint. Ich hab mich über jede Korrektur gefreut die mir jemand gegeben hat, da man sich so am schnellsten verbessern kann.

[@benjaminhartmann4522]

It is very charming that we can hear ella walking by the open door =). You really do a nice job presenting you as family but you two remain the focus. wholesome!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you 😍.

[@Winona493]

I want to be your child!!!!!😫

[@indiramichaelahealey5156]

It's amazing how germanized you've got after living here for almost a year. Lovely. Rolls and real bread is what I missed mostly living in the US. Abd you are right, German parking spots are awfully narrow. That makes me angry all the time aspecially when people are just not able to park correctly or just don't care.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Until I made this list, I didn’t realize how Germanized we’d become either! It’s was surprising to me how many things I missed.

[@V100-e5q]

I always go for bagels with cream cheese. Bagels are the closet thing to German bread/Brötchen for me.

[@michaelparkin6974]

the parking spaces can't be as narrow as here in England .....where unless you have micro car like a Ford Fiesta or smaller , the passenger has to get out of the door before you pull into the parking slot ......In a car the size of a Jaguar or Range Rover i dont know how even the driver can get out once they've parked

[@conniebruckner8190]

I used to travel back once a year after I moved to Austria 43 years ago. I remember everytime I came back here, it felt like it was miniaturized. That was the first 15 years. Later, whenever I went back to the USA - less frequently then, since my mother had died, it felt like so much space was wasted, everything was gigantic and I felt less safe on the road. One thing that I had heard but at first refused to believe was that the friendly customer service in the US was so fake. After so many years here, I wish there was a middle way: a bit more friendliness here and a little less fake in USA.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes! I so agree with you on that. It’s be nice to see more friendly customer service in Germany, but not to go as far as it has gone in the US where some feel entitled to perfect service and get angry if they don’t get what they want.

[@RustyDust101]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Agreed, a middle ground would be awesome. But please, no Wallmart greeters. That is soooo creepy. Let the personnel be well trained to notice searching customers and approach them with an offer of help. But the over-the-top always-ears-wide-toothpaste-ad smile gleaming so brightly you need sunglasses does not have to be the go-to means of greeting customers. Basic friendliness is ok, over the top, nope.

[@Kevin3dp]

I have been to both places and I know exactly what you mean with the middle way 😁

[@dasmaurerle4347]

As a regular traveller to the US for the past 20 years, i noticed the politicization of every imaginable topic in the US. How environmental and medical issues can be politicized is beyond me since it's based on science, and it's getting worse and worse. I find it quite worrying, to be honest, it's not a healthy thing for a society. And yes, i miss the bread everytime I'm in America as well. To be fair though, i found that there is at least one German bakery in almost every bigger city. Yes, the prices for their products are horrendous and the quality can't compete with even the worst bakeries here, but it's still better than the horrible white bread that is sold in grocery stores. So if you folks already miss German bread, imagine how i as a German native feel after 3 weeks in the States😂 And the first thing i do when arriving back to Germany, not unlike you, is heading straight to a bakery in the airport. I usually get myself a Brezel and a Kürbiskernbrötchen. No butter needed in a dire situation like that...😜 Nice video as always, enjoy the rest of the winter!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes! The politicization of science is maddening. 😖

[@Julia-lk8jn]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife That, and dangerous when you end up with a percentage of the population thinking that wearing a mask is subversive / un-patriotic / what-have-you.

[@Julia-lk8jn]

I was gleefully happy when I heard that Subway shops in Ireland have to pay higher taxes for their bread, because Ireland has a different tax for basic food versus sweets and cakes, and guess what, Subway bread has so high a sugar content that it counts as cake. :D :P ;)

[@jacquelineschiesser9308]

Totally feel the part about the missed opportunities to walk in the US. I was visiting my aunt and uncle back in GA in 2015. Been living in Munich for some years now. We went to these Scottish highland games in NC and I could literally see a mall from our hotel. I needed shoes because I had underestimated how bad the weather would get so I was like "Oh I'll just walk to the mall" and my relatives where like "Are you sure? Just take one of the cars." And I was like "Nah, I'm fine. It's just across the street." Except not only did I NOT find a legitimate way of crossing the street. Once I had risked my life running to the other side I noticed I basically had to walk around a huge fence to even get on the parking space. Although I only had to "cross the street" it took me about 45 minutes to actually get to the mall.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

That is such a great example! Exactly. There aren’t zoning laws to require the businesses to build sidewalks or make their business accessible by foot at all. The people who suffer the most from this are the poor.

[@Arltratlo]

i had the same reaction in Philly by my In laws, they understood me after they visited Germany first time, and never mentioned again that we need to move to the USA.... now they are happy that one grand kid isnt in the USA!

[@darionclub2158]

Hey! Nothing wrong with Belgian Leffe!

[@Julia-lk8jn]

I think I noticed that in some places in the US, too. Combined with public transport (apparently) being some suspiciously socialist lefty thing ... good grief, where is anybody supposed to get some exercise into their daily routine? Especially people who _aren't_ living in the suburbs? I think I'd go nuts if I had to live in some place where i can't walk or cycle to the shops.

[@beatrixpastoors1104]

How nice to start the sunday with your video! And of course it fulfilled my expectations! You're constantly showing me the advantages of living here in Germany. Since I've started watching videos like yours and of other expats I can appreciate my home country even better. And I will never miss the ice in a drink. I can't imagine that drinking so cold drinks that your teeth hurt can be healthy. Whenever I get a drink with ice cubes I order an extra glass to put all the ice in which I have removed. Having more space in a car and also to park the car would be great. But it's not viable here. Ich freue mich für euch, dass ihr euch schon so gut in Deutschland eingelebt hat und dass es euch hier gefällt. You've really chosen one of the best places in Germany to live in. Congratulations!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Guten Morgen, Beatrix! So glad you enjoyed the video and that expat videos help you appreciate more about your beautiful country. That's the best part about living abroad!

[@BobWitlox]

I can relate to pretty much all of these. This is what it's like to visit the US as a European. One more thing that shocked me the first time I went to the US is how outdated and scruffy US airports look. It was like being transported back to the 70s, with the shabby carpets (!) and everything looked a bit smudgy. I was used to airports looking modern and almost sterile, so that was a big shock.

[@sushi777300]

Interesting 🤔 Never regarded them as outdated but more cozy and welcoming than airports in Europe. Especially the carpet makes it nicer to me

[@emjayay]

The new LaGuardia terminal that Southwest uses is shockingly OK.

[@V100-e5q]

Must have been New York or Miami. At least Miami has been redone.

[@denizwesley3227]

@@sushi777300 US airports are definitely outdated, which is why many of them are currently being renovated (LAX, JFK, ATL, CLT, etc.). Either way, carpet vs. no carpet is very subjective, but overall, most US airports are inacessible by anything other than car, have non-connecting terminals, and yes, have very old carpet lol

[@cynthiastinson7059]

Must have been Chicago

[@kermitfrosch6559]

Let's hope that the Covid restrictions will finally be ended in Europe and that you can enjoy "normal" life in Germany, the simple, unregulated and uncontrolled crossing of EU state borders. Because since March 2020 life is unfortunately no longer normal, as usual. Anyway, have a good start in 2022 and enjoy life in the beautiful Bavarian Alps. Starting tomorrow, a lot of snow is supposed to fall the week. Your children will have fun ⛷️🏂 ⛄...

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes! More snow this week! Yeah I’m looking forward to the restrictions going away so we can enjoy the many festivals and events Germany has to offer.

[@hughjazz4936]

You spent a few weeks outside of Germany and already complain about the silly little things? Congratulations, you've officially passed the German citizenship test!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Hahaha! 😂

[@christianbraun5004]

Welcome back. ;) Just one remark to be fair: There was a time in 2020 when we had partly empty shelves in Germany, too -at least for certain products. But that was less of a classic supply chain problem, but more of a sudden spike in demand. When the first lockdown measures were announced, some people became a bit hysteric and started hoarding some products like flour, pasta or toilet paper. That sudden spike in demand led to empty shelves, because noone was prepared for it. It lasted a couple of weeks, and then people started realizing that civilization wasn't breaking down, the stores restocked and that was it.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes totally - in the US it’s lasted longer. And hi Christian! 👋🏼

[@christianbraun5004]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Hi there :D Let's wait and see how it gets here when Omicron hits to the fullest extent. Germany is a bit behind on that wave, so maybe there's still some situation ahead...

[@peterrabbitn787]

@@christianbraun5004 our oven just broke and my mum's dishwasher...and you can not find many electrical items that are in stock. For our oven we could decide between a few cheap ones or high end ones as the others were not in stock (same with the dishwasher). So it's already starting with electrical devices and bikes

[@geneviere199]

@@peterrabbitn787 With bikes it is the spike in the demand as the lockdown got a lot people to buy new bikes or even better pedalecs. But yes, there is problems with building material, electronics and cars. As the new car market has longer delivery dates due to production stops of parts and raw material that influences the used car market, too. But I guess that are problems all over the world. But in that aspect we are still in a better position than e.g. Great Britain and the USA.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

@@peterrabbitn787 that’s true! And I went to buy some Billy bookcases from IKEA and many things there were out of stock.

[@eriwendikhaila]

When I was in high school, I was an exchange student. I’ve also been a host sister and a host mom to 4 international students. I am curious about how others live-hence why I watch this channel. As a result I try to live with a small foot print. I’ve chosen to live in a city townhouse so I can walk everywhere. My car is a Mazda5 which is the smallest minivan. It’s perfect for city living. We shop at Aldi’s and bring our own bags. Americans need to stop being super-sized. We need to get back to basics. -Wendy, Harrisburg, PA.

[@pereklund9172]

About the roundabout problem when there is a lot of traffic.. Here in Sweden (at least where I live) this is something that "solves itself". When people see that there is a que building up, they change from giving way to giving way for every second car. We call it cog wheel principal. I think this is a very good way to keep the traffic flowing.

[@LyraSvalbard]

We have this principle in Germany too, but a lot of people don't stick to it unfortunately 😅

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ah very cool! What a great way to cooperate and work together, something the Swedes do well.

[@uliwehner]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife it is called zipper principle here in the US, but it definitely does not work here. there are the ones that do not pay any attention at all, and the ones that are super aggressive and "zip" around everybody in front of them. They feel like they are naturally entitled to the spot in front of you. either way, both end up in the lane that ends and then either force their way in, or just stop and panic.

[@benkofinas2025]

In der Schweiz nennen wir es das Reissverschluss-Prinzip...

[@hightidemidafternoon]

@@benkofinas2025 Ja genau, in Deutschland auch! Ich würde schon sagen, dass die meisten Leute sich dran halten.

[@elizabethgrogan8553]

I've lived in Germany and have visited the US twice. America looked so tired and run down. Walking anywhere was out of the question. I hated the fast food and supermarket vegetables. I hated that so many plastic bags were given out in stores. I can't remember a time here without cloth reusable bags. I also found that Americans are very loud. I won't visit the US again.

[@towaritch]

Things must have changed in the US since the last time I stayed there 30 years ago. I remember back then the delicious vegetables of Korean grocery stores in NYC.

[@robertzander9723]

It's really cool to hear that you had such wonderful time with your family, that you were able to finally visit them. I'm happy for the kid's having so much snow this year that they can play with, getting the opportunity for skiing and just having fun. I totally appreciate that you're so interested in everything, that you visited so many countries and lived there, it's cool to see that you use these opportunities. Something that motivates me totally, but I guess Germany has a big influence to you and you one by one adopted quite a few things in the last year ☺️. You are an international family, that's really cool, very open minded 👍 Your videos 🙂 are something i always wait for. Thanks 👍

[@michele1491]

Probably one of my favorite things about moving to Munich has been the walking culture. It feels so good to stretch my legs and breathe the fresh air (even in winter) and the architecture never gets old. We use our car on the weekends to see the country sides but otherwise we walk everywhere.

[@kitkat5153]

Bahahahaha, did not expect toilet brushes to make it onto a culture shock list! 🤣🤣🤣

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Right?! So funny!

[@heatherv2848]

As an American following your journey, this was the one thing I was surprised about on your list. I have brushes by all toilets in our house and I think most of my friends/family do as well, especially for flylady’s swish and swipe. 😉. I agree that you never see them in public restrooms in the us. I really enjoyed this video and your others. I often find myself thinking afterwards how much I would love to try life abroad, especially Germany.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

@@heatherv2848 that’s true - for those of us who love the Flylady, we’ve got toilet bowl brushes! At least in the south, it’s not common to have toilet bowl brushes in hotels, restaurants or in people’s homes. In Germany you can find them in nearly every public toilet!

[@LucaSitan]

One of the reasons you don't get all that ice in Germany is that it waters down the drink, so you don't really get what you paid for ;) It's an industry trick to charge top dollar for basically 50 percent water. And so good to have you back here safe and sound!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah true! It’s a greedy tactic to make more money. 🤑

[@melaniemaurey4216]

I am enjoying watching your videos because we are Americans that moved here in January-2010. At the time we had two daughters and a dog, and your experience is identical to ours. We also live South of Munich and it is so nice to relive our experience. We have definitely become jaded about life here so it is nice to get a wake up call every once in a while about how different and nice it really is living here. Greeting from Mörlbach, Gemeinde Starnberg

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oh very cool! We looked into living near Starnberg! It’s so beautiful there. It’s be so cool to talk with you, as you know all of what we’re going through. Its been the most challenging year of our lives, but also with that, comes incredible courage, growth and resilience.

[@mr.copernicus8054]

I’m German but I grew up as an expat kid in Asia. I can relate to all of the culture shocks. My wife and I really enjoyed this video. Warm regards from Nuremberg

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

So interesting you can relate to these shocks as a German who lived in Asia!

[@somethingsmatter]

I loved this video! You two are the cutest, and it makes me happy hear that you have adapted to quickly to German life. Your list of culture shocks is very relatable. The toilet brushes made me laugh . When I first moved to Austria wanted to write a blog called pooping on a plate! ( due to the flat shape of the bowl). Now I realize the flatter shape is much more energy and water efficient. Another way the USA fails to take care of the environment.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Hahaha thank you! Yes it was so funny when I realized I missed toilet bowl brushes! I kept reaching to the right to grab a brush. 🤣

[@mizapf]

As for the title, "verpassen" and "vermissen" both translate to "miss", but they are not interchangeable. "Verpassen" is failing to meet some appointment or opportunity in time, while "vermissen" is the mental state of wanting to see or encounter someone or something who or which is not there. So "verpassen" is a physical happening, while "vermissen" is a mental thing. English "I missed the bus" - if you say "ich verpasste den Bus" you were too late at the bus stop, but "ich vermisste den Bus" would mean you had some sentimental feeling that there should be a bus that you loved so much but which is not there anymore, maybe because the line was shut down.

[@dianahausen6619]

Excellent explanation - you nailed it!

[@mucxlx]

I think most germans put their eggs in the fridge too. There is these thing, usually at the top of the door part, that is made for eggs. Like where butter belongs too. And for Ice just look for "Eiswürfelform". Usually people have at least one of these for the summer. You just have to make them yourself instead use the Ice-maker of the fridge.

[@dude988]

Or buy ice cubes in the grocery store and gas stations and put dem in your freezer.

[@schmoemi3386]

I do!

[@saphir7803]

So glad to have you all back safe and healthy : ) That video was realy interesting to watch. To be aware how only 1 year here in germany did influence you so much. My favorite spot was the short clip with the freshly bought "belegtes brötchen" after your arrival in munich. Loved that expression : ) When i was watching the last video of last year and the spot were you told us that you will unplug for 2 weeks and just enjoy family life, i was curious if you realy will do it to not film any stuff for 2 weeks and to not think about material for videos. I would have more guessed you couldnt. And well it turned out you realy couldnt : ) Also at the end of the last year you said you have like 25 topics for new videos already. I could imagine this number has increased a lot during the holidays aswell : ) New Pets sounds awesome, realy looking forward to that. Same with that you wanted to speak more german this year. Realy curious how that will develop over that 2nd year. On to a new year with many great videos and enjoy your sunday aswell : )

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah I couldn’t help myself! I was thinking of KZbin videos the whole time and filming things with my phone while we were there, so it wasn’t as much work as getting out my big camera and editing videos. But I love doing all of it - it doesn’t feel like work most of the time!

[@susannereich7021]

Good Morning! Nice to see you back home safe and well... I find that video very interesting! What did your relatives think about the way you've changed? And could you make a video about the kids opinions of the trip? Greetings from Münster, Susanne

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

We honestly didn’t talk much to them about how different our lives are, but they watch our videos so they’ve been able to keep up with the changes. They noticed how much the kids have grown, and the kids loved seeing their family and friends. It was a special time!

[@nothingspecial123Q]

This video is funny in some ways because it was just the other way round when we did a road trip through parts of the US almost 3 years ago. I was deeply impressed by the huge landscape and how far you can see. So much space everywhere and I really adored it! Mountains, sees, fields, desert, ocean and beaches - everything in one country! So beautiful! And the various canyons!!!!! Loved them!!! And the traffic is much more relaxing - I enjoyed passing also on the right on highways :-) OK - in bigger cities it was always my husband's turn to drive the car ;-) But in general I liked the traffic rules better than here in Germany. I really enjoy to see how you feel more and more at home in Germany - look forward to the following videos!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah the feeling of wide open spaces in the US is really nice, I felt that while we were there. And so many different landscapes in one country is really awesome.

[@KlausZanetti]

Hi guys 🙋‍♂ ! It`s so interesting and also amusing to hear such a resumé from Americans after living in Germany for only eleven months 😄! It seems, a big part in your life has already switched to the German way (with all her rules) and German culture. WELCOME "AT HOME" ! And especially for you, welcome in the land of Lederhos`n and Dirndlkleid, in Bayern ! Until next time, Klaus Z.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Hi Klaus! Yes life in Germany really suits us, we just love it here.

[@wakeupcall2665]

Exactly! I loved it at the beginning, when both talked about coming back ‚home‘.

[@Miristzuheiss]

Dear Klaus, germany is not only Bayern. Please, dont feed this US prejudice. By the way, you know, the rest of Germany dont want Bayern belongs to Germany. ( CSU)😅

[@KlausZanetti]

@@Miristzuheiss Hi Manuela, my welcome wishes, belonging Bayern, were sent, because the McFall`s are LIVING in Bayern. Not because Bayern is the top of Germany ! That wasn`t my intention. And please consider, my comment was my feedback to the McFall`s on their YT Channel. Not a assignment or recommendation to the american people. Please accept it like it is.

[@Miristzuheiss]

@@KlausZanetti i really know that. Please, i am always triggert by typicall Bayern content. Its soooo boring, beneth a canadian woman at Düsseldorf, and the black Forrest Family, always the Bavarian content. Food is more than Bavarian or Baden-Württemberg food. It makes me really sad. I Love this intelligent, emphatic and self reflexing Family. Nothing against to this vlogs

[@Kartoffelsuppe_m_Wursteinlage]

To be fair, in the past few years, many microbreweries have opened up in America that can make some really great beer. Sure, you have to see what's available locally. As for the food, I have to say that even the vegetarian meal was cheerless. My French colleagues picked me up and mostly drove to a restaurant near Philadephia because we were still "hungry" and unfulfilled in the evening. They also have great food if one can pay for it.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

That is true - there are some good microbreweries popping up and it’s really nice to see!

[@Pewtah]

As a German I visited California, got used to the pretty hugeness of the landscape and got some (three) culture shocks on the return trip due to the "tinyness" of Germany's spaces.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah it’s quite a difference to experience the wide open spaces and the European size spaces!

[@rosmariekdittmer-jerzy1044]

This was a lovely reminder of the many difference between my two 'home countries'. Thank you and Frohes Neues Jahr!

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Did you guys see some funny things on our list that has to do with 🚽?! I was not expecting to miss that about Germany! 🤣 Many things on this list surprised us, and one thing we left off was Apfelschorle! I don’t like drinking soda - it’s so full of sugar and caffeine. So I really missed having Schorles in restaurants in the US!

[@supernova19805]

Well, I always keep a toilet brush next to our toilets at home here in the States. Perhaps you were talking about the hotel rooms only? I do like the German toilets, which have different flushes for No. 1 and No. 2. It's much more efficient. I also drink mostly water (stilles Wasser), no ice! Haven't touched a soft drink in years. If I go out to a restaurant, I ask for no ice in my water. I do miss the German bread dearly, there's nothing better and the beer too! I also have to agree that Americans can be very loud. It can be very annoying at times. My American husband slams doors that make the walls rattle, and I tell him to take the door knob in his hand and close the door quietly but it's a lost cause. That was instilled in me in Germany as a child by my mother and I absolutely hate it now too. I can still hear my mother yelling "Nimm die Tuerklinke in die Hand!"

[@Rainerjgs]

Vielen herzlichen Dank für Eure interessanten Beobachtungen und kritischen Bemerkungen und vor allem für Euere so zauberhafte, wunderbar ansteckende gute Laune! Ich muß immer lachen und bin echt glücklich, wenn ich Eueren Video-Beitrag sehe! Macht bitte noch lange weiter so, denn Ihr seid wirklich eine große Bereicherung und ein echtes Geschenk für unser Land und unsere Kultur!

[@Kathy0096]

Maybe one reason they trust you more on driving in germany is, that the driving test is A LOT harder. You have to take a certain amount of driving lessons in a qualified school, pass theoretical and practicals tests, and moreover can drive alone woth at least 18... There's a nice video about all around that topic on "black family forest"'s channel

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes! That’s true - the test is more extensive here. And we love the Black Forest channel as well - Ashton and I have helped each other out quite a bit behind the scenes.

[@chrissiesbuchcocktail]

I never wondered about the fact that eggs are not in the cooling section in grocery stores in Germany and always put them into the fridge at home (most fridges do have those little plastic things shaped to hold eggs). Good to know I don't have to. Thx for making an old German learning something new! 😁 Good to have you back hear!

[@Nemshee]

Oh, I always put them in the fridge as well it helps to keep them from spoiling as I don't eat eggs often. I'm pretty sure there are two best before dates on all the egg containers on for room temperature and one for if you put them in the fridge.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah that’s true - eggs in the US supermarkets are always refrigerated, but not in Germany. Forgot to mention that!

[@dude988]

@@Nemshee The first date is when you have to put them in the fridge to keep them safe, the second date is the best before. After that date i put the egg in a bowl of water. If it lays down it's completely safe to eat in any way. If it stands up you have to heat it thoroughly (best excuse to bake a cake). If it floats towards the surface it's bad and has to go into the bin.

[@emjayay]

Eggs in Europe aren't washed so they have a protective coating and aren't refrigerated. In the US they are washed so must be refrigerated but will be fine for a couple weeks. But once boiled they don't last a long time.

[@ogone1465]

@@Nemshee You can leave them out they won't be spoiled

[@junimondify]

Yes, I also have to get out before the driver parks the car in parking spots as well XD I think you have to visit the Ruhrpott some time. It's basically a big blob of cities. Not really charming like what you described for Bavaria, but a more "workers charm", old Zechen and Bergbaumuseen, a totally different atmosphere from the south or north of Germany. The north is nice as well, if you are looking for a "stern charm" :) I am really fascinated by Sweden, I even took up learning Swedish. I would really be interested in a Sweden - Germany - US comparison! edit: Actually, where I live, people do put the eggs in their fridge. It's not really necessary, but most people do.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thanks for adding your insights and observations! Yeah there is some charm in the US and some places that aren't charming in Germany, for sure. Not an all or nothing thing, which we should've described better in the video probably.

[@pppetra]

You get out sliding your foot trough the crack. Your foot goes next to the back door. Parking in the Netherlands.. i drive An old susiki alto, like i can open the not electrical window from the driverseat. So IT is Tiny. Still to wilde for parking at my brothers. Like Both sides are over the with of the spot..

[@junimondify]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I don't think this will be taken the wrong way at all, I should think people know that you are not speaking for everyone and everything when you describe your personal experiences. It was just what came to my mind. And there are certainly regions where people and architecture do not strive to be "charming" at all, but maybe urban or a sort of "gritty, but honest" type and so on. I have never been to the US, but with such a big country, I imagine there must even be more variety than in itty-bitty Germany XD

[@junimondify]

@@pppetra I tried this and any way imaginable under the sun, but I am prone to getting leg and hip cramps even when I get out with enough space on my side, so I guess I am stuck with getting out before parking. ^^

[@3.k]

Love how you’ve come to call German bread “real bread” when you’re abroad. ^^

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah for sure! It contains real ingredients instead of chemicals.

[@LaureninGermany]

I really feel you about the tiny car parking spaces here! I just close my eyes and hope. (No I don’t!) And I know- DM is just so much cheaper and better. I still appreciate that. Also the food quality is really fantastic in Germany, I totally agree. When I talk to Brits I love that I don’t make grammar mistakes (lol German is so hard!) and I love that they get my humour. I haven’t been home for so long, and I feel rather nervous about what might have changed, particularly since the Brexit. Lovely interesting video, I really enjoyed it with my lunch xx

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

I’m sorry you haven’t been able to go home for a long time! Yes the German grammar is tough, whew! I constantly make mistakes.

[@Xerlash]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife no worries tho, you have the best chances of learning it from your two boys in gymnasium once they got the full hang of it. The methods and explanations they'll learn it in school with are far superior to the ones used in online language courses or apps. :) Ps: Also very many germans arent even capable of using it perfectly, so dont put yourselves under too much pressure for minor flaws. ♥

[@susannabonke8552]

Hi Lauren we are also concerned about the UK. Hope you can go soon!

[@hartmutbohn]

This car size difference made me smile. Germans driving to France experience the same thing: On average, cars and parking lots are smaller in France than in Germany, and especially spots in parking garages are sometimes too small for average-size German cars.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Good point!

[@tillm2481]

all the parking spaces were designed 30/40 years ago...much smaller cars...VW Golf, VW Polo, Opel Corsa...the parking lots were simply no designed for the SUV...no one needed this

[@Arltratlo]

lol, Hyundai i10 und im Urlaub in Frankreich nur mit dem Motorrad!

[@S_Black]

The large number of roundabouts is relatively new in Germany. It's something that has become a lot more common in the last 20-30 years. Before that many of them would have been regular intersections. Or were actually intersections that were converted later.

[@emjayay]

Same thing happening in some places in the US like Massachusetts. The UK always had them all over the place.

[@susannabonke8552]

They are practical.

[@wWvwvV]

@@susannabonke8552 Yep much more convenient, save and efficient. They are nice for cyclists. At an intersection cyclists have a hard time turning left. Only downside is at congestion when you have to force yourself into the roundabout (never happend to me here). A swede above told how they use the zipper mechanism to solve that problem.

[@davidjones332]

@@wWvwvV The UK solution is to install traffic lights on the roundabout in the few situations where they are prone to clog up. Often these lights only operate during rush hour.

[@berndhofmann752]

Your Transformation was successful! U développed tnto good Germans. 😂😂😂

[@brasschick4214]

Hi! That was really interesting. It seems that Australia is half-way between the USA and Germany (except language of course). My parents immigrated to Australia from Germany in the 60s and I was born here but have visited Germany a couple of times. The whole thinking in another language got me too. I think you would enjoy a holiday or even living here. Supermarket bread but many small stores especially bakeries. Traffic circles (we call roundabouts) are common here. More fresh food/less processed food. Most restaurants will offer a sparkling water option, plenty of Italian migrants helped with that as well as the decent coffee. Unfortunately we suffer from the urban sprawl here too but a fair attempt at having footpaths (sidewalks) and specific bike lane infrastructure has been made. We have had some issues re. No maskers but generally less than the USA. Oh and just be mindful that craving ice 🧊 can be a sign of iron deficiency 😳 Thank you once again.

[@refnar8772]

One of my first impressions on my two vacations to the US (always west-coast states) was: Wow...everything is bigger here. Much bigger! Really everything! :)

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Hahaha right! So big!

[@Robalogot]

In Europe you really can notice how towns are walking distance from each other. You often find cities about a day's worth of walking spread apart, with bigger towns about half a day, where people used to eat when they had to walk from city to city.

[@Cz-De-Lifestyle]

You guys are so personable. I feel like I just had you over at my place and we're in a conversation at the dinner table. Your video flow doesn't seem edited, at least to me. Your spontaneous conversation, just feels like talking to a friend and non-technical, made me understand the content easier.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Well thank you so much! What kind things to say. ❤️

[@larsschiefelbein2868]

"Old town centers" :) I followed your videos for quite some time now. I can really feel how those reverse culture shocks came in on you. You really adapted to Germany so well. Couple more months and you will complain about DB beeing not on time and bam, you're German.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

😂 the kids complain often that the bus that takes them to school is often late!

[@forkless]

Also as a Dutch person who has been speaking German for nearly 45+ years, there is a little "trick" that you can use to camouflage your use of cases. What I do is when I'm not 100% sure is swallowing the end of said case when pronouncing it. Eg. unserem would sound slightly ambiguous, where you are not sure if one has said unser, unsurer or unserem. 🤣

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Hahaha love it! Great tip! 😆

[@anette2050]

Haha, my uncle actually does this too! XD He's from the UK and he's been living in Austria for a really long time, but if he's unsure, for instance about an article, he'll just say something like "da Tür". It's really funny. :)

[@schmoemi3386]

If you're unsure, just say "unsurer". Easy to memorize. 🤓

[@unatedescainviaggio3973]

I'm German and have travelled extensively in the US. I agree with almost everything on your list (although not reverse for me), even the toilet brushes. The weird looks I used to get in supermarkets when I told them, 'No bag, please'. For me, the ice was always too much, anywhere, not just the South. And I find driving on the interstate with the cruise control on much more relaxing than driving on the Autobahn, especially for long distances, when everyone stays at about the same speed. Also, one other thing that you mentioned about the eggs. I have always refrigerated my eggs, and I haven't ever met a German who keeps their eggs on the counter, butter yes, but eggs no. So, that was an interesting observation in your video.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Good points about how the interstate in the US can be more relaxing that the Autobahn, we didn’t think of that.

[@andreag983]

I know many in Germany that like myself have the eggs on the counter

[@babelhuber3449]

This is funny! I hate American highways with a vengeance 😂 Driving there is so boring, the speed is low, the speed difference between cars is low and after a while I get so bored that I have troubles staying awake. I simply hate it. On the Autobahn you need to be concentrated all the time, watch your mirrors, be careful what other drivers do etc. Time flies!

[@cynthiacrumlish4683]

Delicious breads here in Philadelphia, most notably: Mighty Bread on Gerritt Street. We are lucky!

[@mascami]

😂😂 you made me laugh at "the breakfast included". I'm always "yes, we won the lottery when there is a waffle maker". My husband is most satisfied since there is "Subway" and he can have something close to a Salami-Brötchen to fulfill his breakfast desire. But a nice beer or glass of wine in the evening after driving and sightseeing - always a challenge! But we're always like "Be in Rome do as the romans do" and don't look everywhere for german things. When in america you have to put up with the american way. But one thing I can't put up with is: Why are'nt there smaller portions of something. For example my husband and I want to eat some nice grilled chicken drumsticks (only 4-6 are enough) but have to buy a big bucket with 20 or more.

[@ElectricEnfield]

I was on holiday in the US in State Michigan, 30 mls north of Detroit in Bloomfield near Pontiac. Not only there, made a tour as well. Ontario CA, Great lakes, Toronto, Niagara Falls, New York State, the typical Tourist thing. One morning after Breakfast in a Hotel, we went outside for a walk. Wondering how nobody was on the street. Big Roads, all spotless clean, gigantic houses but no People, no Kids no nothing. Street so freaking wide, you can make 4 Lane Overlandroad in Germany out of it. 10 mins of walk later whoop whoop behind us. 3 SUVs big as Tanks. Cops - Gang Unit, armed like soldiers. We continued walking, watching and talking about the houses, gardens, the neighborhood. Few seconds later Cops calling us to stop, Hands to the head on Megaphone. After checking ids and we tryed to tell the Situation, they told us just walking in a foreign Neighborhood is not a good idea, cause the People called the Cops cause theyve seen a Gang(Us) walking down the street checking for stealing cars or something else... If we want to take a look of the Area, take the car. If you go for a walk, go a national Park, they are used to walking people and hiking. So confusing for a Family with two mid aged Kids, being mistaken with a Gang?!? Another Culure Shock was a Neighbour in Bloomfield. Typical American House with built in Garage. Space for 2 SUVs, some Jetskis or Snowmobiles and a lot of other Garbage... So Garage Door opens, remote Motor start of a Ford Pickup, Big as one you surely need a Truck licence in Germany (F750 or so?), idels 20 mins, a Man got into the Car, drove to his own Postbox and back to the Garage. Few Days later I asked someone why he doing this. Motor runs by cause of Air Conditioning and its faster by Car than by Feet. Cant really understand why its faster to go 30m by Car then on feet and wasting so much Diesel? Thought it was a Diesel, sounds like a Ship and deep Black Smoke on every lil Accelerating.

[@neeag4112]

I love the complete disbelieve about being so inconsiderate about masks, plastic bags etc. Going visiting in a couple of years you will have the German 'stare' down pat. It is often the outward sign of an internal monolouge going something like this: "I will have to observe you unobtrusively for another minute because what you are doing at the moment must be an unwilling behavior. It harms you/the people around you/ the environment and that can't be your intent. If so i had better go over and help you find a solution to your harmful behavior." I know it is disconceting to a lot of people, but you are in the beginning stages of germanization 😁

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Hahahah I love this comment! Especially the part about the German stare!

[@towaritch]

I wonder how the 2 million " doctors and engineers" from the Middle East that settled down in Germany in the last decade are adapting to German mores in that respect.

[@BanjoSick]

I will always criticize how we stopped building things that we find beautiful. I think that is one of the reasons that Lord of the Rings is such a popular story. In that world they make stuff that is beautiful.

[@aspiringm]

Welcome back ☺️. Glad to see you all well and happy. Your upbeat bubbly videos really brighten up the Sunday morning. Thank you. “Sparkling water” gave me the biggest laugh. Other expats still prefer non-carbonated water after years, but each their own. I prefer water without gas anyway - tab water actually. Seems like we haven’t got you hooked on “Apfelschorle” or “Johannisbeerschorle” yet though 🤔😂. It’s refreshing in summer. I think it’s step 64 of 3273 in the German rule book 1 of 17 😉.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Oh yes we are totally hooked on Schorle and we forgot to put that in our video! I realized that after we recorded it. Our list could’ve been 30 items but it would be such a long video! 😀😆

[@wolfgangscorset2855]

the parking spaces are smaller because the Germans drive better. Driving licence = allowed to drive a car. Führerschein = can drive a car.

[@Mamaki1987]

Interesting, you described the jetlag just the way my Husband and I experienced it when visiting the US. Going there - no problem, getting back to Europe, so hard. Maybe another part is, you just get used to the new time, you get back to the old one.

[@michellemoersch27]

I think being away from family should not be underestmated. As an American who has lived in Germsny for over 20 years, the older I get and the older my kids get (and this also my parents snd siblings), the more I regret all the missed birthdays, graduations, etc. The older my kids got, the harder it was to fly back to the US. Tickets get more expensive, the kids want to spend their vacation time in Germany with their friends plus the problem of finding someone to watch the pets, water plants, etc., when everyone else is also on vacation. K-6 might be better in Germsny, but high school and college is generally much better in the US.

[@KristiaanVanErmengem]

Interesting video. The first half reminded me of notjustbikes, who moved to the Netherlands and has at least one video about the inability to walk safely to stores in Canada or the US.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes that is a great channel that I’ve learned a lot from!

[@rainerwahnsinn9585]

Parking-spaces: It´s completly normal that the driver parks the car alone and let the passengers "schonmal aussteigen" So he parks on the right side of the space and can go outside much easier

[@V100-e5q]

Would also be interesting to see more of how your kids recognized the differences.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

That would’ve been good to add! They felt weird not hearing or speaking German, and they noticed all of the concrete and road side advertisements right away. They were like, there are advertisements everywhere!

[@sudeepnair5477]

Kevin looks like an introvert bookworm but I liked how gregarious and funny he actually is.

[@seismi729]

it seems that you like to live in germany and feel comfortable ;-) great you are back home 🙂

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

We do really like the lifestyle and culture of Germany. ❤️

[@Rainerjgs]

Falsch "über Deutschland vermißt" Richtig "Was wir im Vergleich zu Deutschland vermißt haben."

[@lhuras.]

Haven't giggled that much for a long time like i did while watching this Video. 😆 It's very interesting to see how much germanized you got within this one year. can't wait to see how much you will Change during the next years.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

🤣😆 glad you enjoyed it!

[@volldillo]

"Wir haben den leckeren und gesunden deutschen Frühstuck vermisst, den man in deutschen Hotels bekommt." -> "Wir haben das leckere und gesunde deutsche Frühstück vermisst, das man in deutschen Hotels bekommt." DAS FrühstÜck. 🙂 "Lecker" ist übrigens ein sehr bundesdeutsches Wort, es wird in Österreich und in der Schweiz nicht verwendet. In Österreich würde man einfach "das gute Frühstück" sagen.

[@hightidemidafternoon]

Ach was! Interessant. In den skandinavischen Ländern benutzt man das Wort, wenn auch in unterschiedlich geschriebenen Varianten. Ich werde ich mich versuchen dran zu erinnern, sollte ich demnächst nach Österreich reisen.

[@ThePixel1983]

I had those "wait, which language do I need to speak now?" moments on my first returns to Germany from Paris. 😁

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah there ya go!

[@schoko-fan4370]

Haha, me too. After a whole year in the US came back and talked and asked the customs staff at the Frankfurt Airport for my connection in English. He looked at my German Passport and was confused why I would not speak German to him. Was a little embarressing :-D I even had trouble finding words sometimes but it comes back quick

[@ThePixel1983]

@@schoko-fan4370 Oh, yeah! For me it's especially the vocabulary around COVID, which all came up here in France but not before that in Germany, so sometimes words like couvre-feu or télétravail are easier to remember!

[@wakeupcall2665]

Nice to have you back! And thank you for your experiences about how things are handled differently. And I am excited about your new family member joining you soon. Have a wonderful Sunday. Checking the weather, I believe you have glorious sunshine near the Alps. Here in Niederbayern close to the river Danube, it‘s grey and murky and cold and yuck. Perfect for relaxing on the sofa and watching your video, though! 😉

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes it’s very sunny here today! And yesterday, too. I also like the rain for having cozy, movie days like what you’re having.

[@napoleon1235438743]

you are making beautiful pictures. they are very arty and exellent quality gratulation

[@bschuchi71]

After getting "germanized" more and more, do you consider to get the german citizenship? You can have it along with your american citizenship as well...! I really would be proud to welcome YOU as germans, because of your great attitude !

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you so much! We have to live here a lot longer to get it, so yes, it’s something we will keep in mind in 7 years or so!

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife The new government's plans include (IIRC) lowering the residency requirement to I think 5 years. But of course, these are still just plans at this point.

[@ramona146]

Hi guys 😀 I relly love it to watch your videos and to listen about what you are talking about. I hope you had a great Christmas and a great beginning of the new year. When you talked about being back in the USA I was wandering if you might wenjoy doing a video when you are abroad the next time? I think for your german followers it would be very interesting to see your life over there 🙂. But I also do understand if you don't wanna do it and you just want to enjoy the time with your family 😗

[@jpdj2715]

Ask an American to write a book about the elephant and it will be "How to get bigger and better elephants." The German will write "An introduction into the study of the elephant, Vol. I - VII"

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes! Exactly right. 😆🤦‍♀️

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

And also, an American would write about how to make money off of the elephant - how can this elephant make us more money? 🤑

[@Zobblerone]

Just recently found your channel and have been binge-watching your videos. I've been to Missouri for my Auslands-BOGY (internship required to do in Gymnasium) and got super lucky with my host family, I even went back to visit them a second time, and am still in frequent contact with them. So I totally get the cultural differences you talk about. Also, love how you don't shy away from sharing your opinions:) Much love from Baden-Württemberg

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Ah very cool! Thanks for watching!

[@danilopapais1464]

I find t funny how high the percentage among these things were about food and beverages. As a German, before I watched a lot of Expat videos, if someone had asked me what other people might like about Germany, I am pretty sure food and beverages would have been far from the first I would have thought of.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

You make a good point! Haha good quality is better in the EU.

[@aruba1158]

It gives me great pleasure to listen to you. How lovingly you bring across your AmericaGermany comparison. From my point of view a comparison is serious😉 only possible if one takes into account the historical background. Almost all the early immigrants came from Europe, separated from their roots, in my view, a trauma that continues to this day. The true culture of this vast continent had no chance to develop. The often unbridled exaggeration in many areas of life is explained by the intergenerational transmission of the trauma of uprooting.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

What an interesting perspective - had never thought of this before. Thanks for sharing!

[@grandmak.]

aruba interesting. What makes you think that ?

[@baumstamp5989]

i love watching your videos, sarah and kevin! they always put me in a good mood.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@justme9801]

Like always I loved your video and how you present your observations and experiences. Yes, the US is huge and so just about everything in the country from cars to cartons of milk, houses etc.. I am happy for you that you were able to go home and visit family and friends. Not being around them is probably the hardest part about living abroad.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes to all of those things! ❤️

[@ernestmccutcheon9576]

Hi Kevin, when I‘m in the States, I go with IPAs, they have some taste. Even if you were to get a „German“ beer in the US, they will have been pasturized at a higher temperature that kills the flavor anyway. You should be able to find San Pelligrino and Perrier to solve the sparkling water problem. (or even Club Soda). Just out of curiousity are ya‘ll McFalls or McFalls? I‘ve had a lot of „fun“ with that in Germany.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Great tips, thank you! Yeah so it’s spelled McFalls. 😀

[@martialme84]

I think you don´t need to feel bad about razzing on america a little bit after having seen other places. Whenever i´ve been somewhere else for any length of time, i´m noticing all the little things that are nicer than in good ol germany too and then i razz on Germany for that.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Thanks for that, I appreciate your comment! Yeah and plastic bags are something the USA can easily change. It’s not like we are referring to some huge issue that’ll be very complicated to fix.

[@angelikalechl-rahim3579]

what a fun and joy to hear you talking about the differences of us and german behaviours, food and so on. o had also hurting teeth from the ice water, realy unbelievable to drink so cold.... thanks for this video

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

As someone who’s always loved ice cold water, this was quite a surprise to me! I never thought I’d prefer to not have ice!

[@robert3987]

Very enjoyable watching your videos about differences between the US and Germany, in terms of landmass, a much smaller place.

[@silmuffin86]

Funny how I clearly remember the car thing when I first move to the US! I moved to Texas and cars were HUGE! Then when we moved to Germany I remember my first impression was how silent everywhere was, even crowded places! My kids are half Italian and half American, and they were always the loudest ones everywhere we went 🤣 Also, when you work with clients you realize rude entitled clients are not few and far in between unfortunately...

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah I’m finding that some Americans have become too entitled when it comes to customer service. They except companies and employees to bend over backwards for them and lose money over it.

[@silmuffin86]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife German customer service may be non existent, but in the US is totally the opposite, no matter how irrational the client...

[@geneviere199]

@@silmuffin86 That got me into "Fremdschämen" when I was in the USA in a shop with "friends" that made claims at the customer service board. And their is a lot people that overdo it. My American uncle e.g. bought 2 suitcases and won two suitcases with a prize draw that came with the 2 suitcases... He brought back the 2 suitcases he bought and claimed the money...

[@grandmak.]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I think the loudness and the customer behaviour show the very high self esteem of Americans. We Germans have been raised for generations to be very considerate and respectful towards others and think of other people's needs first. I'm glad when I see little kids today who are allowed to be a bit more outgoing and develop their individual personality without being drawn back all the time.

[@jennyh4025]

@@grandmak. to me many people in the USA felt way too entitled regarding customer service. When I visited the USA nearly twenty years ago, there were people, who did not seem to regard wait staff and people working in retail as human beings, but something „lesser“. Just think of the videos showing people with money being „generous a**holes“ towards homeless. That’s not high self esteem, but absolutely crazy entitlement. I was always taught to behave like a good human being, and that I am no better than anyone else. And for that I love the German Basic Law „human dignity shall be inviolable“.

[@ernestmccutcheon9576]

Looking from the „other direction“, you were in Asheville, one of the main centers of American Craft Breweries! There are many great places to get good beers, many based on German recipies. Also along the Blue Ridge Parkway there are a lot of beautiful views. The next time you could visit the Biltmore House and compare it with some of the European palaces😊

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes just last year we were at the Biltmore and it’s just beautiful! Very comparable to manor homes in England, more than palaces or castles in Germany. And yeah you’re right - there are some great craft breweries in Asheville! But they’re not as good as German beer from what we’ve tried.

[@susannabonke8552]

Oh, I wanna go there some time.

[@JamesJohnson-iw9dh]

Georgia USA is now starting to implement roundabouts especially in Kennesaw and Canton areas.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah that’s true! And it’s been really nice.

[@Jeweliedear]

Wastefulness / less recycling etc was reverse culture shock for me coming back to U.S. Yes more loud in U.S. 😂 You two are too cute 💜🙏

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yes! I thought about adding that one in, too. A lot less recycling going on.

[@Jeweliedear]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife you both are too cute together enthusiasticallly explaining these ❤

[@Jeweliedear]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife yes so much concrete :( and sad we mostly have to drive most places. In oregon we can bike and walk a lot of placed but iwish more areas were like that

[@Mimlou]

Yes, I hate that recycling isn't encouraged here in the US. Such a lost opportunity.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

@JoTheBaer sad, but true! 😖😆

[@LythaWausW]

We're on day 5 of jet lag after arrival in Frankfurt and it just won't stop. On top of that, a corona booster shot. This sucks. I must address some of your items because of the little differences between the PNW and where you visited. About 30% of the shoppers won't wear masks (Target, Walmart) and I don't think the employees are allowed to do anthing about it. In Seattle the restaurant employees checked our Impfung status, pretty much no where else did. The stores were completely out of gallons of water, which we needed desperately because our well water was not safe to drink or even cook with. The empty shelves were blamed on the mountain passes being closed (for weeks) due to heavy snow. Since October there are no more thin, free plastic sacks at Walmart - they are a stronger material and it says on each sack, "Can be used 125 times." They cost 8cents each and that doesn't to deter shoppers. Paper sacks also cost 8 cents. I kept forgetting my crate so I'd put everything back in my cart and then throw it in the truck, and then carry each item separately to the house. (Pretty self-righteous, no?) I drove a 1991 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel for the first month and it was so messed up - the dash didn't work, the gas gauge, the rear view mirror, my driver's side window so every time I bought a ferry ticket I had to get out, and then YELL at the person, "WHAT LANE!???" because it was the loudest vehicle I've ever driven. Happily we switched to a Corolla the next month and it was heaven. The brakes and acceleration worked, imagine that. So what were the foods you indulged in in America? We went to the Crab Pot and had some sort of Low Country Boil (?) with two types of crab. We also enjoyed grilled oysters and filet mignon made from happy cows. On our last day we had Chinese food delivered in little white boxes, it was amazing, and something that doesn't exist here.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

So great to hear the PNW has been charging for plastic and paper! It’s the only way Americans will start using reusable bags. The story of your loud Dodge Ram was funny! 🤣 We did really enjoy eating some Mexican food while we were there! And the kids were excited to have Chick-fil-A. But we mostly had home cooked meals the whole time. Only ate Mexican and CFA one each!

[@geschichten_ursula278]

Wellcome back to Germany ! I endjoyed your look at us here in Germany. Many people in Germany are getting more and more angry about the Corona regulations. I hope this doesn't get out of hand. That could cause problems all over the world. These effects of the pandemic state are not yet taken into account or investigated. I wish you a healthy good year.

[@MyMerryMessyGermanLife]

Yeah I’ve seen in the news how more upset Germans are getting about masks as well. It’s totally understandable - none of us like to wear them. But alas, that’s true of many things in life, all to keep us safe.

[@grandmak.]

@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife unfortunately that uproar isn't really about masks and mandates but rather a dangerous mixture of conspiracy theories and hatred of the government incited mainly by extreme right wingers.It's the same as in the US and it's just a very loud minority - still frightening though.

[@svenreichelt3182]

Hi guys, I found your channel by accident and I love you guys. It's so nice to see you guys getting along in Germany. 40 years earlier I had the same problem, only the other way around. I came to LA in 1980 for 4 years (studying) and experienced a similar culture shock! But it was a great time in my life. I wouldn't want to miss it. I wish you continued success, that you and your children do well! Many greetings Harald