The COOLEST thing about the GERMANS

Culture shocks are real. I couldn´t believe what the Germans do to take care of each other.
I have decided to share my experiences of life in Germany as a Brit, as well as the beautiful places I am lucky enough to visit.
My meditative videos show a calming and artistic view of the places I visit and the quiet, peaceful wanders I take through them. Medieval villages, picturesque cottages, beautiful cities. Relax and escape with me from the busy bustling world to my dreamy and serene slow living way of seeing my surroundings. Experience the magic of peering into the past and being in a fairytale, just for a little while.
You can SUPPORT the CHANNEL! That helps me pay for the music I use and the editing software I need and I really appreciate it ❤️ www.paypal.com...
DO NOT copy and re-upload any part of this video anywhere otherwise copyright strikes will be made! You do not have my permission to use this footage
❓ Is this what you thought Germany would look like?
Tell me what you think in the comments, I´d love to know.
👩🏻👋🏻 I´m Celtic, (Welsh), and I feel very much at home in beautiful Germany.
I feel a strong desire to share these moments of beauty with you, in the hope that it will also lift your spirits. All my videos will be calm and with no loud noises or sudden bright lights. 👼
❓ What to watch next❓
my MAGICAL Germany playlist
• Pure MAGIC in an encha...
A dreamy journey through the city of Lübeck: • That made sure I´ll ne...
Finding Germany´s MOST BEAUTIFUL village and searching for legends on a North Sea GERMAN ISLAND: • Germany´s MOST BEAUTIF...
💖 How you can support me
😊💖☕ I love coffee! ko-fi.com/laur...
📸 Instagram: / lauren_in_germany
Facebook: Lauren in Germany
If you like the music I use, you can enjoy one month free on Epidemic Sound with this link: www.epidemicso... This is a referal link. If you choose to buy a subscription after your free trial, I will receive a discount on my own subscription for a month. (No extra costs for you!)
#germany #cultureshock #lifeingermany

[@LaureninGermany]

Hi everyone! I´m very glad you are here on my original video. It was doing really well and reaching more people than I ever had in a year an a half of building up my channel with love and authentic effort, until somebody showed it in full on their channel. From that moment, hardly anybody has watched this video, that took me hours to make, as they saw it on his bigger channel first. No, reaction videos do not help me, they just steal the views from the pool of viewers who are interested in German content. Hardly anybody new comes over (and you are of course very welcome here). They just show my video, say a few words about it, and earn money with my work.

[@carolinelavasteel4291]

Is it the channel of King Shae? He only has 1,7K views on your video. I don't think that's the cause, such small amount is free advertisment for your channel.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@carolinelavasteel4291 no, it’s not Shae‘s video. Shae and I go way back. ❤ He didn’t react until my video had stopped performing, so he didn’t take anything from me.

[@joygichuki]

Hi madam

[@hansmarheim7620]

I am not sure you are right on this one Lauren. If the "reactors" are fair and contributes the credit to your work, with name and link i believe it will increase traffic to you. But as i have told you before; SEO is very difficult because nobody really knows the full truth about algorithms the various search engines work by. However my personal view is that most of these "reactors, reacting to a reaction of some other reaction from someone reacting on a video" is that they are basically useless parasites. Take a look at "My self reliance " Or "Bald and bankrupt ". And all their reactors. By SEO it is not nesseceary a bad thing. Maybe useless, but not harmful. As far as my knowledge about this subject goes the most important thing is to create original content, and get as many clicks, likes and subscribers. English language, and most important: frequently updates/new vlogs. If possible every day.

[@hansmarheim7620]

"Reaction" videoes are basically crap and theft. But you can learn something from them. (How to steal, and how to make crap 😬) Parasites.

[@Opa_Andre]

The coolest thing about participating in any kind of voluntary community is to be among other people sharing the same interests as you. It's one of the best ways to get to know other people with a similar mindset and to make new friends in Germany, especially if you are moving to a new location for whatever reason. And if you are able to help other people in need with your service it makes you proud as well. You never know if there will be a time when you might need help as well...

[@LaureninGermany]

It’s so fantastic, Opa Andre! I really wanted to share this about the Germans- I‘m glad I‘m doing this on my channel, too, now. It’s taken me a year to pluck up the courage to not just show towns lol! How are you?

[@Opa_Andre]

​@@LaureninGermany Well done - I can imagine how much guts it takes to get that self confidents of doing it. Regarding your question, my English answer would be "Thanks, I'm fine" but my German honest answer however would be different. Currently preparing a short term trip to my dad tomorrow who is living 400km away and who got health issues during the last week. Will have to discuss with him to move to assisted living or alike as he didn't want to move in the past, speak with doctors etc. to find out whats the best for him depending on the circumstances.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@Opa_Andre oh dear- that’s a difficult moment. I will say that every older person who moved into assisted living has been very happy about it when the settled in. If you need any contacts to a Hungarian organisation for a live-in carer, we have some excellent carers for my Schwiegermutter, and they love being in Germany and want to do the job well. She is a Donauschwaben so that’s why we got the carers from the old country, so to speak.

[@Opa_Andre]

@@LaureninGermany Thanks a lot for your offer Lauren, I'll keep it in mind and may come back to it. However, this is a topic that I do not want to discuss publicly here in your channel. It is simply the wrong medium.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@Opa_Andre absolutely- just let me know if we need to get in touch privately concerning this matter, that’s no problem at all.

[@baer0083]

Gereetings from germany! I am one of those volunteers and I can assure you that we take great pride in our work. Our equipment and training are for the most part financed by the local governments. But the most important factor, spare time is given by every active member. That includes training often times 2 times a month, of course depending on the circumstances. Overall in the whole of Germany there are about 1million voluntary fire(wo)men. Additionally there are "Berufsfeuerwehren" (fire stations doing it as a paid full time job) in the bigger cities. But pretty much every bigger city also has voluntary units for bigger accidents/fires/etc. But in rural areas, you can be sure that everyone coming/racing to your aid is a volunteer. Your employer is by law required to let you leave your workplace in case of a "Einsatz" (Deployment? Event?). The city/community will pay your paycheck during those occasions to your employer. It there are questions feel free to ask! ...and ask your Feuerwehr around the corner if the need some reinforcements! The will surely welcome you with open arms!

[@LaureninGermany]

Hi Baer008 - I‘m a bit confused?! Did you watch the video? I did mention most of this, but thank you anyway!

[@rainerausdemspring894]

In German we say "Wenn sich drei Deutsche treffen, gründen sie einen Verein". The Deutscher Fußballbund has 7.000.000 members and is by far the single largest sports federation in the world. It couldn't survive without all those people spending their time as unpaid trainers, team captains, "Funktionäre". I was mad enough to "work" as a team captain in a chess club many years ago and in those days, I realized how important the work of those despised Sports executives and administrators really is 😊

[@LaureninGermany]

Lol, I totally understand! I run a Jugend -Opernverein... you have to have done the "job" to understand... I remember one person I met said he never wanted to join a Verein in his life. But we got him!

[@abee8405]

@@LaureninGermany Now you are truely a german ;-)

[@LaureninGermany]

@@abee8405 I had to show documentation of the Verein to get the last Stempel on my Persi…! 😂 only joking!

[@mariezp]

I agree with you, Lauren. It is amazing how the German people work together for their community. I did not know about all the different opportunities that are available by being part of a verein. I have always been in awe of how fabulously the buildings are preserved and how impressive every museum is no matter how big or small. Now I know that it is due to all the individuals who work together so thanks to you for sharing.

[@LaureninGermany]

You are so welcome, Marie! I have always admired it and I am so pleased that people are enjoying my video about this wonderful phenomenon!

[@alanthehirsch]

As a volunteer firefighter in service in germany I am so grateful this video exists it makes it easier to explain to my foreign friends

[@LaureninGermany]

That´s just great! Even since making this video, I realise I didn´t understand everything - it´s a really German phenomenon and just so cool.

[@alinski112]

As a voluntary firefighter this is so good to see. Thank you for this video. I love it. Its astoishing that in some distrcts there isnt even a professional fire brigade but just voluntary FBs to take care of the people in any ways. I am very proud that i am a part of a voluntary FB because it is indeed a good way to help others and even yourself. I claim that the most firefighters would describe their engagement as as passion. So do I. Its an undescribable feeling to help people in need.

[@LaureninGermany]

Honestly, if I had a different job, I would want to be part of it, too. What an amazing contribution to society. I think it’s absolutely fantastic!

[@audiolatroushearetic1822]

Danke für euren Einsatz! Ich komme aus der Grenzregion Tschechien/Sachsen und ich war vor kurzem in den am schwersten von den Waldbränden betroffenen Gebieten unterwegs. Das hat mir nochmal eine andere Ehrfurcht vor der Leistung der Einsatzkräfte dort gelehrt.

[@Silberzwerg]

Wonderfull video. Its just great to see someone appreciate the Work that all the volunteers do in Germany. Thank you very much.

[@LaureninGermany]

You are very welcome! I was so happy to make this video, everyone deserves recognition, especially these amazing people.

[@shift-happens]

Beautiful video! As a German living abroad this kind of content is incredibly heartwarming. Thanks for sharing :)

[@LaureninGermany]

Thank you so much, Chris! I was always making videos about towns and places I visit, but I have decided to share my observations and enthusiasm about the lifestyle in your beautiful country. It’s a wonderful place to live!

[@leighevans1489]

Well that was surprising/ interesting that the fire brigade is mostly volunteer based - fantastic. I love the fact that volunteers keep the heritage alive

[@LaureninGermany]

Yes, I was so surprised when I found out and I´ve always admired it about Germany.

[@stephenmedley5844]

I'm initially from COlumbus/Ohio but live in Germany since my 9th birthday. Just watched your accurate video and falled in love with you :)

[@LaureninGermany]

Well, that’s lovely! Thank you!

[@stephenmedley5844]

@@LaureninGermany 💝

[@youtubeaxel9030]

As far as I know, about a third of all Germans do some kind of voluntary work, like the red cross, fire brigades, lifeguards, etc. In fact the German society would not work without all these volunteers. Liebe Grüße aus der Südpfalz.

[@LaureninGermany]

Yes! The Johanniter, you mean? Amazing. I’m so impressed, really. Liebe Grüße zurück!

[@youtubeaxel9030]

@@LaureninGermany Yes, I do. And the DLRG for example and all kinds of nonprofit organisations....

[@pontiuspilatus7900]

I used to live for more than a decade in Australia. I missed many things, and habits regarding Germany, but I also discovered many things and habits in Australia. Finally, I realised, that there are good people in both countries - I guess in all countries.

[@LaureninGermany]

I‘m glad you didn’t wash your hands of Germany… Seriously, of course, there are great things about people everywhere. I wish we would all realise that.

[@raketoped663]

Yeah, we are kind people - thank you for remembering me on that :)

[@LaureninGermany]

❤️ you are very welcome!

[@eskolinaar]

Usually people join certain verein long before becoming an adult. Its more like a community thing. Meeting people and putting your free time to good use. For example my 9yr old daughter is in 4 different vereine.

[@LaureninGermany]

Lovely! It’s a great thing for her, I am certain.

[@thegreenguy8837]

I am with the federal agency of techical relief (Technisches Hilfswerk) which is the german civil protection and counter catastrophy unit run by 80.000 volunteers. We usually deal with large scale catastrophy, such as the Ahrtal when the vollunteer firedeparments get overwhelmed. We also keep in stock special capabilities and heavy equipment aswell as heavy resscue teams. In wartime it would be our duty to protect the civilians. Vollunteers in germany like the ones you mentioned actually do about 2,6 billion unpaid workhours per year!

[@LaureninGermany]

The more I find out, the more I realise how much Germany depends on it’s citizens to run so well!

[@thegreenguy8837]

@@LaureninGermany Indeed, germany is dependant on volunteers. Thanks to you for giving credit to these people.

[@sisuguillam5109]

Vielen Dank für Dein Engagement!

[@tasminoben686]

Treffen sich drei deutsche im Ausland, gründen Sie als erstes einen Verein. So sagt man! LOL! Liebe Grüße Ben😊❤

[@LaureninGermany]

Lol ist das wahr?! Nun jetzt könnt Ihr sehen, wie toll wir Ausländer (ohne ich Ausländerin zumindest) das findet! Einen wunderschönen Sonntag, lieber Ben! Wie läuft alles mit der Wohnung?

[@tasminoben686]

@@LaureninGermany ⠨danke, läuft. ⠨meinfrau wartet darauf, dass sie die ⠨wohnung abnehmen kann. - ⠨sie hat eine ⠨gesangslehrerin gefunden und 5 h gebucht. ⠨und sie weiß jetzt, dass sie ein alt' ist! >xd ⠨ich selbst wess nicht, ob ich noch ⠨tenor, oder schon ⠨bariton bin. ⠨ist aber auch nicht wichtig.

[@axelurbanski2774]

Hallo Lauren neben der Freiwillgen Feuerwehr gibt es die Jungs und Mädels in blau. Es ist das Technische Hilfswerk die liefern Brücken Wasser und Rettung zum Beispiel bei der Flutkatastrofe an der Ahr. Diese werde ebenfalls international eingesetzt zum Beispiel bei Erdbeben zur Rettung und Bergung von Menschen. Es ist ebenfalls ein Freiwilligen Dienst. Die deutschen Vereine kümmern sich auch um die praktische Integration von Neubürger.

[@karinland8533]

Yes, that’s what I wanted to add don’t forget the THW

[@LaureninGermany]

Ah! I didn’t even know about this! I’m so proud of these people. It’s absolutely fantastic. Thank you for telling me!

[@Vinzmannn]

Oh man, you sound like you could read my English workbook listening exercises back in school

[@LaureninGermany]

I hope that’s a good thing…?

[@martinwilliams9776]

When David Cameron was the UK PM he had this idea called Big Society. You could argue that Germany has a Big Society.

[@LaureninGermany]

Oh, I don’t know about that! I mean I haven’t heard of it. I‘ll have a read up on it, thanks!

[@aleks9677]

Same Goes for Switzerland and Austria. It's a usual Things for us German Nations. The THW (Technisches Hilfswerk=Technical Rescue Work Organisation) is Responsible for the Civil Protection in Germany. They Drive "Fire Trucks" in Blue. Often referred to as the "Blaue Engel". The Red Cross also does is.

[@LaureninGermany]

Yes, unbelievable that there are so many willing volunteers to learn such time consuming skills, and help strangers. It’s fantastic.

[@AltIng9154]

Yes and the" Society to save Shipwrecked" or DLRG,... etc.

[@aleks9677]

The society to save Shipwrecked is the "DGzRS". The DLRG Is the Society for rescue of life (Usually water rescue, flood rescue etc.)

[@AltIng9154]

@@aleks9677When I was a boy, I became a Rettungsschwimmer, "rescue swimmer" and proudly wore the eagle on my jacket. Yes, we even have "Kids fire brigades" . It helps to get kids off the streets in rural areas and make them self-responsible adults.

[@EmpressCosplay]

Lived in a very rural German area... Those sirens are such a thing here. 😂 Our volunteers practice every weekend, springing into action with the "Probealarm". That blaring horn is the sound of weekends at my parents' house xD

[@LaureninGermany]

How sweet! A nice association. I just hope it didn’t wake you up? But normally it’s not early.

[@EmpressCosplay]

@@LaureninGermany it's usually somewhere around midday, so usually I am awake at that time. And when I'm asleep, that alarm could be going off next to me and I wouldn't notice.... 😅

[@LaureninGermany]

@@EmpressCosplay 😆

[@pelle7771]

Just one for the algorithm to support the nice channel.

[@LaureninGermany]

Oh thank you! That feels like a hug!

[@GeschichtenUndGedanken]

I am so thankful for the Freiwillige Feuerwehr. They are quick, determined and well trained. Heimatvereine are so special and devoted to preserving the beauty and authenticity of various areas and are highly respected.

[@LaureninGermany]

Yes, both are just so important and valuable!

[@stefankeller7176]

Got this recommended, glad it did, thank you for the big appreciation to the voluntary work we do, I’m in different Vereine, including the FF Randersacker, met my best friends there, never regretted joining

[@LaureninGermany]

Oh thank you! For volunteering and watching!

[@stephenstaines8268]

it is the Kingdom of Vereine. As the old english forall fuer alle as in united ,,,, I specially love their Schrebergartenvereine.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@stephenstaines8268 ha ! That‘s it! Well done!

[@bh5037]

Hey Lauren , you are in my hometown - like to see the Nordermarkt and St Marien - thks !

[@LaureninGermany]

You mean Flensburg? I have made a video, you will see those places in that video, but unfortunately I am not there at the moment. I love Flensburg!

[@biankakoettlitz6979]

if you can and if you hadn't already please join a service/event/reading in Plattdeutsch . I find the language so down to earth , positiv, even if they talk about something. negativ, right to the point and zum Schmunzeln🤩 and I love the traditions, like the teaceremony😃

[@LaureninGermany]

I´m actually learning a Plattdeutsch song right now, as I perform up there a lot. Mr Bensing used to speak Platt to me. (The man I mentioned in the video)

[@biankakoettlitz6979]

@@LaureninGermany I think, your performance gains if you not only say the words right but also the spirit of the word/sentence /song. For example:the word 'Shietwetter' ( I hope, I write it correct) , means 'Schei++wetter', said, when it's cold, windy and stormy, but it feels softer, like that with a twinkle in the eye, even though the weather is harsh. Or they say :' Wat mut, dat mut' even if it's tuff, you do it, but softer, it's so difficult to explain. It's like your philosophy:something positiv in all this negativ...

[@LaureninGermany]

@@biankakoettlitz6979 yes, you‘re right. That‘s always the goal and a reason why I went to Norway before singing the Norwegian songs. It helped so much. And I think that‘s a very astute observation of yours, about the positivity of the Northerners. I think it‘s probably essential to survival, when the climate can be so tough. To be able to be light-hearted about things, take the pressure off with a bit of humour. Oh, and watch my Baltrum video for my Schietwetter fauxpas! 😂

[@Micsmit_45]

Did not expect to see my home town within the first few minutes of this random video xD greetings from Flensburg

[@LaureninGermany]

Lol! I’m glad I surprised you! Thank you for watching and commenting, greetings back to your beautiful home town!

[@moritzlaszlo3115]

A really nice video! We also have the "Technisches Hilfswerk" or "THW" they are kind of a mix of volontary fire fighters and all of the non offensive military groups. They are able to operate really heavy equipment or to build up fild hospitals during or after an environmental catastrophe for example. The German "Seenotretter" = coast guard is also completely payed for by donations if I'm informed correctly.

[@LaureninGermany]

Unbelievable! So amazing…! Thank you, I‘m so glad you liked it.

[@saba1030]

@@LaureninGermany Correct, the "Seenotretter", based in Bremen "gg", is fully run on donations, including those special made ships (they don't sink, but can do a roll over, they can "plough" through hardest sea conditions and are very fast as well) or other needed equipment as well. If you see those "little ships" in shops, pubs or wherever positioned, please put some coins in there, as it's for financing the "Seenotretter" 😉 Greetings from Bremen Insa 😉

[@LaureninGermany]

@@saba1030 will do! I‘ll also make sure to film them so others do, too.

[@JakobFischer60]

Well observed. Verein is a very powerfull tool for every German group of at least 7 people to act like a company. You can have an official bank account and you can do business and earn a lot of money, for the Verein. Almost every German is part of some Verein, we had one to organize our student parties during Fasching and we earned thousands of Euros (or Marks at that time) which were spent for free newspapers and such things.

[@LaureninGermany]

Yes, I never thought of it like that! It is a powerful tool, you are right. It also provides a good structure for when people want to achieve something, like your student verein. Thank you for sharing this!

[@robertzander9723]

Hello Lauren That's something I try to say to a lot of people when they feel the desire to move to Germany and then want to get to know the people. The clubs are a very good option here, as already mentioned in the video, they exist in all kinds of areas and then it is important to compare what interests I have myself or what new things might interest me and then everyone can start in their city or region to find the relevant informations and decide what to do.

[@LaureninGermany]

I only wish I had known about them and understood what they are earlier! It should be included in education about Germany, really!

[@robertzander9723]

@@LaureninGermany Yes of course, it should be and maybe you are the one that can help to change that for the future. But it's never be too late to start something new and maybe together with Ashton from the Black forest family.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@robertzander9723 you know, we are planning a meet up- I‘ll bring this up, well done!

[@Doc_Rainbow]

Also there very cool Youth Organisations in Germany like the Yought Firefighters, i was a Member for 10 years in the Youth Fire Service, i wanted to be a Volunteer Firefighter but i did not lived in the Station Area... so i became a Volunteer Medic with the Red Cross i am there now for 8 years and i love it! its a Second Family i work there around 300 hours a year! also in Germany all Volunteers at least in the Emergency Sectors getting the same Training and need to do the same Education as a Paid ones! Also the Youth Fire Services is great you find new Friends, learn for your live like first Aid and you can get on free! Holydays with them! as a low income Family Kid, these where my only Holydays and i loved it! Also Germany have lots of Volunteers allone in my Rescue Station are 200! EMTs Volunteers! and we got 4 of these Stations in my City, we are the Reserve for the normal Ambulance Services for example if a Plane Crashes or a Mass Cassualty Incidents we get Dispatched and build field Hospitals and Assist in any way at the Scene, also we do First Aid Services on Festivals like Football games and Festivals. Most of the Germany Water, Mountain Rescue and Dog Search Units are also Volunteers. for the German Fire Services, the German Fire Service is 80% Volunteers! thats about 1 Million People! also we dont get here anything to be a Volunteer?! here means Volunteering, Volunteering... no Special Treatments the only thing you get are your drive Costs covered so you dont need to pay to do the Volunteering

[@LaureninGermany]

Amazing! It´s such a cool mindset, I love it.

[@siggi383]

Besides the content I love the way how you present the topics. You have a great talent.

[@LaureninGermany]

Thank you sooo much!! I wanted to find a way to still show my lovely dreamy vision of the places, but also share what I experience a bit, too. I’m so happy that it’s nice for you to watch!

[@christinestrohmeyer1701]

For the fire service and police that serve in accident relief there is a psychological first aid with specialised psychologically trained people helping - also a voluntary involvement for those.

[@LaureninGermany]

Unbelievable. Just so much pulling together, it’s really wonderful.

[@reko7264]

I am doing my job in my Verein the last 20 years. There are young people who join but like you said we as a whole have to talk more about this possibility. Not everyone gets the knowledge and the Vorbild from the parents these days.

[@LaureninGermany]

The more comments I see, the more glad I am that I have made this video. I hope it will encourage more people to see how very important and worthwhile this is in Germany.

[@arnodobler1096]

Sonntag Morgen ☕und ein Video von dir - sehr schön! Schönen Sonntag noch!

[@LaureninGermany]

Danke Dir, Arno! Mein Kaffee zieht gerade! Einen wunderschönen Sonntag zurück.

[@tasminoben686]

So ist es, wahre Worte man Musketier! Liebe Grüße an den Bodensee!😊

[@sisuguillam5109]

🙂

[@arnodobler1096]

@@tasminoben686 Einer für Alle ... Hallo Ben 🙋‍♂

[@martinmatte1518]

i found you "by accident", but i watched your video until the end and liked it, ofc. Since you have been well known by the person you interviewed, i´m pretty sure you collected a lot of experiences with german communities already. What´s so fascinating for me, as german is, that Brits and Germans are almost the same, especially in the northern german regions - they seem to fit very well, if the communication works (which is mostly the case). I was in several clubs (Vereinen) also, did my "Zivildienst" and also made a "Bundesfreiwillingendienst" on top. The coolest Verein i ever joined (besides football clubs and one for education) was a TV show, though. It went live in the local TV every wednesday at 20:00h with guests and sometimes even with live music. Some of us recorded football games in the region on weekends, others did the cut and commentary, while nearly all came together in the studio for the show and did another job on top: Moderation, light, sound, cut, overlay, CCU, camera and such. After the show was done, we all went into a restaurant and were talking about the last show, what could be done better and what´s about to come next - and yes, we are germans...we also enjoyed some beers, vine or whatever. Just awesome, but very time consuming, to be honest^^ PS: Your voice is really what got me, very enjoyable and relaxed. Let´s form a new EU with Brits again, please...i mean, they must be great, it´s in the name of the country already 😃 *deep voice from behind: "Shut up, i´m from England"*

[@LaureninGermany]

Lol! Well that deep voice doesn’t matter, as I am from Wales, and I agree! I’m glad you found me, thank you for your lovely comment!

[@eli34536]

its interesting to mention in Austria its the same structure with "vereine" escpecially the firebrigade and its unique on this planet

[@LaureninGermany]

Yes, I have an Austrian friend who is in the fire brigade! But as I don’t live there, I don’t feel I know enough!

[@vacancy909]

Voluntary fire Brigade is a thing in all of Central Europe. It’s not German speaking area specific…for example all Balkan countries have one too.

[@connycatlady7429]

This one was so good. I have an idea for another one. About grüne Engel im Krankenhaus. Just think about it.

[@LaureninGermany]

I‘ll look into it, thank you conny! ❤️

[@mattesrocket]

Im Vergleich zu anderen Ländern ist das vielleicht viel, die soziale Arbeit und Vereine in Deutschland. Vergleicht man es aber innerhalb Deutschlands selbst, die Anzahl der Menschen in Vereinen oder Vereine im Laufe der Zeit, so hat es in den letzten 30 Jahren dramatisch abgenommen. Immer weniger junge Menschen kommen in Vereine. Viele Vereine sind verschwunden. Natürlich gibt es ein paar Themen und ein paar Regionen, wo noch sehr viele junge Menschen aktiv sind, aber dennoch hat die Quantität stark abgenommen.

[@LaureninGermany]

Dann lass uns hoffen, dass viele Leute dieses Video sehen, und die Leute neu wahrnehmen, was für eine wunderbare Phänomene es ist in Deutschland!

[@butenbremer1965]

Dearest Lauren! I just love to witness your so dearest channel growing so fastly...... Irgendwas machst Du richtig - und ich kann mir durchaus vorstellen, was es ist! 🙂

[@LaureninGermany]

Heehee danke!!! Ich weiß es aber nicht! Ich glaube dass man einfach Glück braucht, dass die Leute sehen, dass es einen gibt. Die Thumbnails muss ich einfach ein bisschen ausfällig machen, was mir schwer fällt 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@zweispurmopped]

Yes, Freiwillige Feuerwehr can be hard for their folks. Frank and Jörg were best friends in school back in the eighties, both classmates of mine. They had lost sight of each others a bit in the early nineties apparently. So Jörg was a bit surprised when he was called to help with the voluntary fire brigade to recover a dead body from a car after a crash. It turned out it was his old friend Frank who had been smashed there. It was a bit hard on Jörg indeed. Me, I served with the THW, the Technisches Hilfswerk basically throughout the Nineties. The decade's two floods of river Rhine and several smaller events were part of that. While I am proud of what I did there and then and wouldn't want to miss the friends I found there and the good times we had together, I have to say the damage the service with them has done to me was pretty bad, too. It was 30 to 40% of the failure of my studies I'd say. I had to drop out without finishing a few years later. The health issues I sustained from one of the floods still haunts me today, nearly 30 years later. The benefit of my work was to the public, the cost is on me.

[@LaureninGermany]

I am so sorry. I wish this world was more careful with people.

[@MagnificentGermanywithDarion]

I love the Geman culture and I enjoy the differences for sure. I really enjoyed the interviews. Lauren, you are an excellent interviewer. :) I can't wait to have you as my special guest without a doubt :).

[@LaureninGermany]

Me, too, Darion! I got so much more confidence since we first met!

[@LaureninGermany]

I accidentally left out that National Service was abolished in 2011! But I think it still influences today’s Germans, it’s not that long ago. What do you think? In GB it’s a thing that went generations ago.

[@uliwehner]

@Lauren, i think the wehrpflicht in germany was good for 3 separate reasons. It was good for the people that did it, learning how your own military works and how to become a functioning member of that military is good not only for personal growth. It was also good for society as a whole, especially with the sozialdienst that really helped out elder care, etc. Most of all it helped out the military, but not for the obvious reason of recruitment. It was good for the professional part of the military to be exposed to 10s of thousands of recruits that did not have any intention of making this a career. It kept the "organisation" honest. Any abuse of soldiers would end up in the newspaper the day after. I was discharged ofver 35 years ago, so i cannot speak for the bundeswehr today, but i do believe that the wehrpflicht should be re-instated for the 3 reasons i mentioned.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@uliwehner I agree. I see the difference between GB, where it was abolished much earlier, and here. And if you don’t want to be in the army (i.e. fight) you can do other things that really benefit you and society.

[@susannabonke8552]

It's in discussion to get it back.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@susannabonke8552 oh, really? Now that the military is being funded more again- but I wonder if they even need that? Maybe people will be glad to have the army as a career choice.

[@doublef3278]

@@LaureninGermany yes, but not so much for the military, the funds mainly go to equipment (as far as i'm aware), so not a lot of new positions there. It is more about eldercare, nursing and such kind of things where there is just not enough staff. So it would get substituted by the national service people in the short run, and (probably more importand) the hope is that being introduced to these sectors, they more likely stay there and choose a career in it.

[@Funkstaedter1992]

I am a Member of an Shootingclub (Schützenverein/Schützengilde). Our guild exist since 1377 in a town in lower silesia. The History of such guild go back to the middle Ages. Voluntiers of the town are formation the first military in the region, to defent there homes and protect the transport and trade routes between the towns. Today this guild can be used for militaryservice in the emergency situation. Lats time, its happen in 1944/1945. This tradition of the guild was also sponsored in the former GDR (German Demokratic Republik), Eastgermany.

[@LaureninGermany]

That’s very interesting. I know relatively little about the former DDR. How cool, such an historic Verein.

[@Funkstaedter1992]

@@LaureninGermany Yes thats rigth. The GDR hast support many and very different types and forms of Clubs and the menbership. Thats was based on the former traditions there exist over the time and foundet in different timelines in Germany. For example. The Sailing-Clubs was foundet in the German Empire under the ruleship of Wilhelm II. Wilhelm was a great fan of all things around ships and maritime things. Based on this the GDR Goverment supportet all Sailing, Kanoo and rowing club activities for Sportevents like the Olymics and other National and International Sportevents. The mainreason ist the international appear and also for propaganda.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@Funkstaedter1992 I was in Wismar and filmed the beautiful town, so this is great to know. I haven’t yet made the video about it. I was also in Quedlinburg, on Rügen, and I will be in the former East again in the Autumn. I will keep my eyes open for the Vereine in these places, now I know this, thank you.

[@daffyduk77]

UK has "retained" firemen/persons as well as full-timers, they're trained up but only paid per call-out plus training time periodically etc so "on call" part-time firemen/persons

[@LaureninGermany]

Yes! Of course... a friend´s father was one, now I remember! He was a driver, I thought he was very cool.

[@Chrischi3TutorialLPs]

The coolest thing about Germany are classrooms during the winter wave of covid

[@LaureninGermany]

Oh, I know, right?!

[@sarafinam6686]

That was a great little overview of the Verein tradition in Germany and also a little advertisment also! Unfortunatelly it is dying out in some areas and espacially the Freiwillige Feuerwehr is always in need of new Members. Beside the important work of saving lifes they also help organize festivals which bring together the whole community. In my hometown they also had a little dance group in the Freiwillige Feuerwehr and met almost every weekend for a beer together. So it is a great way to meet new people and make long lasting friendships.

[@LaureninGermany]

It sounds great, I´d love to go dancing like that! Thanks for your kind words, much appreciated!

[@cogitoergosum9129]

Es ist so cool wie beeindruckt du bist und wie schön du alles findest. Für mich als Deutschen ist das selbstverständlich mit den Vereinen und der Freiwilligkeit. Gibt es sowas in GB nicht? Bestimmt in anderer Form oder? Sehr cooles Video!

[@LaureninGermany]

Es gibt viele Leute, die freiwillige Dinge machen, und Leute helfen in GB, aber so viel wie in Deutschland- nein! Die Gesellschaft würde auseinander fallen, ohne diese Bereitschaft von so vielen Deutschen! Und in GB ist es eher eine Nebensache. Ich bin in der Tat beeindruckt. Danke sehr für das Zuschauen und kommentieren!

[@LaureninGermany]

@@mirabelmarisol but charities are completely different in my opinion. I’m talking about how Germans support the society with their Vereine. It’s present in GB but not as integral to the social structure.

[@cogitoergosum9129]

@@LaureninGermany thank you for your Statements haha

[@cogitoergosum9129]

@@mirabelmarisol thank you for your information :D

[@LaureninGermany]

@@mirabelmarisol that’s it exactly! It’s a real difference between Germany and GB. I do think it’s because National Service is so much more recent in Germany. And other reasons, too, of course. I think it would be a wonderful thing if the youth of Britain felt more involved in upholding society. I’m not judging- I mean it would help them and the country, if this positive phenomenon would be in GB, too.

[@rainerwagner9267]

Danke!

[@LaureninGermany]

Oh! Was für eine schöne Überraschung! Vielen lieben Dank!

[@MGBauer]

Working in the fire department of a bigger city in Germany where you also have a 'professional' fire brigade I can agree that the voluntary fire brigades are very important, especially in the more rural parts and outskirts. But it's not just that, voluntary fire brigades also have a social function especially in small communities. You have things like 'Jugendfeuerwehr' (youth fire brigade) where teens get educated in basics of how to work with the equipment. It's not just very useful in case of accidents or fires, it's also an important part of the social life.

[@LaureninGermany]

Yes, absolutely. I find it’s so good for building that special community feeling and sense of responsibility that I notice so much in Germany.

[@britingermany]

Wow! This is really impressive! A lot of work went into this. You're definitely stepping up your game. Nicely done :)

[@LaureninGermany]

Thanks! I will say it’s actually much easier and less work than my town films, though- so win win!

[@britingermany]

@@LaureninGermany 💪💪👏nice

[@shadowhall1501]

I just found this - What a lovely and beautiful way to talk about Germany and its "Vereine", haha! :`D Thank you so very much, your video style (motives, camera, music and all that) and the way you talk are something else! I love it! Greetings from Northern Germany - from the rural edge of a middle aged City - with a castle, once occupied by robber knights, some minutes from here. And yes, there is a Heimatverein caring for the castle and taking part in the yearly castle festival! 🙂

[@LaureninGermany]

Omgoodness your nearby city and the castle sound fantastic! I‘d love to know where! Thank you for your lovely comment!

[@shadowhall1501]

@@LaureninGermany It`s in the North of Bremen, the small town is called Blumenthal. We have "Haus Blomendal" here, that`s the castle. It is about 800 years old. There`s a wood nearby where you can find the sunken stone steps of a much older castle, it has long disappeared because it was built from wood. That`s where the robber knights lived first about 900 years ago. They terrorized the Blumenthal people and stopped and plundered the ships that came down the Weser river on their way to Bremen City, so they burnt their castle down. (We have cool people here, haha!) After that had happended some more times they built a bigger castle from stone, the "Haus Blomendal". Today there is a Kindergarten in the caste, the children enjoy the historic surrounding very much! 🙂

[@LaureninGermany]

@@shadowhall1501 that sounds amazing. I‘ll definitely go, thank you! I was in Bremen recently and I’m always up and down to the North Sea.

[@shadowhall1501]

@@LaureninGermany Gerne! Du warst in Bremen - dann hast Du bestimmt unsere mittelalterliche Altstadt gesehen, mit dem Renaissance Rathaus, dem Dom, der Roland Statue etc. ! Warst Du auch im Schnoor? Das ist eine enge Gasse mit winzigen Häuschen und sehr viel Kunsthandwerk, die Häuser stammen noch aus dem Mittelalter. Der Schnoor ist in der Nähe der Altstadt. Es ist dort wie in einem Miniatur Städtchen, alles ist so winzig klein und eng, dazu gibt es wunderschöne Schaufenster, man kann den Kunsthandwerkern zusehen. Zur Weihnachtszeit und im Sommer ist es dort besonders schön, es gibt dort auch viele kleine Restaurants.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@shadowhall1501 schau Dir doch mein Bremen Video an- dann wirst Du überrascht sein, was ich alles in Bremen gesehen und getan habe! Aber bis zur Ende schauen, oder durchspringen!

[@Salzbuckel]

It is more like the literal translation, what "Verein "means and really is: Unification! Its only some kind of not beeing a used word in the english language oftentimes. I often hear that kind of struggle english speakers have, when they try to speak about Vereine, they often or mostly translate it to club or clubs , and in doing so they miss the core of the meaning. A club is not equal. It is just a club, a place or habit or something , where a momentary and in some kind loose accompanying happens.. I thought by myself, those Brits or US people must be totally unfamiliar, with those kind of unifications, not knowing that it seems to be a german thing , which i did not realize till then. Interesting. Here it is oftentimes a thing, that spreads out beyond its central purpose and evolves and involves social life locally and society in general. In smaller towns or villages it nearly is and mainly dominates the whole social life. By the way did you know, that some of the most beautiful and great buildings in Germany were made up by those kind of unifications, in some way loose unifications without structure in those early ages. Made just by civilians or inhabitants: The biggest church of the world , das "Ulmer Münster" ( Not made or payed or initiated by the Church) and the "Hamburger Rathaus", all initiated , built and payed only by free citizens. I recommend to see both, Just to see, what free people can do on themselves. Great video again, and i appreciate your way of "digging in" from outside in such a charming way. Always learning something about ourselves. Thank you!!

[@LaureninGermany]

Absolutely! In the meantime I thought, I could have said association or society. Society is a more old-fashioned word which better describes Verein, but nothing really translates exactly. It’s so unique to Germany, in my opinion. And so very impressive! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@Al69BfR]

The „Wehrpflicht“ (compulsory military service?) or „Allgemeine Dienstpflicht“ (including social services like „Zivildienst“ or „Katastrophenschutz“) are suspended since 01.01.11. But there is still the „freiwillige soziale Jahr“, the voluntary social service young people can attend to.

[@LaureninGermany]

Yes, I accidentally left out that it was stopped in 2011! I must leave a pinned comment- thank you so much for reminding me! It’s relatively recent, and I think it still has an effect.

[@skinnex3236]

Iam a fire fighter in a small town in bavaria and its realy an honor to serve with my best friends. We drink beer togeather on the weekend and enjoy each others time. And if the sirens start and we drop whatever we are doing as an individual, i can be 100% sure my friends have my back an we will tackle whatever situation may come. For example when i had a car crash, i was realy chill even tho my spine was hurt. And the reason for that was that i had full trust in my colleges and their skill. ( sry for my english, its not my first language)

[@LaureninGermany]

Hey! Your english is excellent! ANd what you said is really cool. That´s just fantastic, what it´s all about.

[@Ironmikeblood]

The "Karneval Vereine" are allso All Over Germany 😉🥳

[@LaureninGermany]

Oh yes, of course! My friend is in one!

[@DerJarl1024]

In Germany there is the so-called “Ehrenamt”, which is best translated as honorary office, post or duty. There is no 1:1 translation for the versatile meaning of the German word "Amt" in English. This honorary office is the selfless (uninterested) performance of a public office or a social task in the public interest without earning an income, possibly with the possibility of an expense allowance because Volunteering is usually voluntary. 😉 Many charitable activities and organizations are based on this honorary position. An organization pursues charitable purposes when its activities are aimed at the selfless advancement of the general public in a material, intellectual or moral area. These organizations are referred to in English as non-profit organizations, where "non-profit" should be translated as "beneficial to the community". These organisations, often organized in associations / clubs, live from membership fees, but above all from donations, which, in addition to moral satisfaction, also offer the donor tax advantages through recognized "charitable status". According to § 52 paragraph 2 AO are u. to recognize the following goals as non-profit (incomplete list): - the promotion of science and research - the promotion of education and training - the promotion of art and culture - the promotion of religion - the promotion of international understanding - the promotion of help for those who are politically, racially or religiously persecuted, for refugees, displaced persons, resettlers, late resettlers and others - the promotion of monument protection and monument preservation - the promotion of nature conservation and landscape management - the promotion of home care and local history - the promotion of traditional customs (including carnival, Fastnacht and Mardi Gras) - the promotion of animal welfare - the promotion of sport (including chess and motorsport) - the promotion of development cooperation - the promotion of civic commitment in favor of non-profit, charitable and church purposes (since January 1, 2007) In addition to the regional volunteer fire brigade, the Technical Relief Organization (THW) is also a very important voluntary organization. It is the civil protection and disaster control organization of the federal government with honorary posts and full-time employees in the business area of ​​the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Homeland. The need for non-military protection of the civilian population from the consequences of the war and its elimination were the main reasons for founding the Technical Relief Organization. With the legal mandate, reference is now made directly to the Civil Defense and Disaster Assistance Act and thus to the close cooperation between the federal and state governments in dealing with tasks in the event of a defense or in the event of major natural disasters. In order to fulfill this task, the THW builds up facilities and units across the country, which consist of helpers. The Federal Republic of Germany offers other states help, especially in the event of natural disasters, or responds to requests for help from other states, e.g. the technical and human resources of the THW. Voluntary work forms the backbone of THW, so to speak.

[@Ehuatl]

Actually, the freiwilige Feuerwehren and the Vereinswesen in general predate national service. It hearkens back to structures of solidarity within cities. The national services have been at least as much a result of that drive towards solidarity as they have been reinforcing the same. Also, national service was never mandatory for women, yet a lot of women are engaged in the Vereinswesen and very active there!

[@LaureninGermany]

That’s a really good point. Tbh I don’t think it matters if women had been actually doing National Service or not- the very fact that it was part of society is what affects everyone I think. But were there as many volunteers before there was National Service? By the way, I don’t need to be right- it’s just something that really interests me.

[@Ehuatl]

@@LaureninGermany I don't think that you are 'wrong' - there sure is a connection between the national service, the Vereinswesen and that strong german leaning towards solidarity. It's just not that the german vereinswesen is strictly a direct result the National Service having been a thing. Prussia intorduced compulsory military service only after the defeat by Napoleon 1807. After it had shown it's efficiency in the conflicts with Denmark 1864 and Austria1866 the other german States and thus eventually the North German Confederation and thus the German Empire, the Weimar Republic and so on until it got disestablished in 2011 (though our Constitution still gives the option to reestablish it easily). And whilst one was able to 'escape' beind consripted to compulsory military service in western germany, if one was about to join the police force or had obligated oneself to serve for 4/8 (depending on when one did this it got lowered eventually) years in disaster Management (like voluntary Firebrigade or german Red Cross) very few people went that route, actually. The option to go for an alternative national service was for a very long time not really feasible in the FRG as you had to prove your pacifism in front of two tribunals and usually during the cold war era they were not inclined to grant you that. (And it was not easier in the GDR). If you look at the voluntary firebrigades, then at first glance it seems like they go back to around the Napoleonic time as well. That said, most of them were started not by the nation states, but by civilians realizing that they would have to organize themselves for protection, because the authorities weren't doing it. - And that actually goes back to medieval times, where the municipalities had the obligation to organize firefighting themselves. And already in the medieval times you find a lot of 'Vereine' - or at least very similar associations - like the Kaland Societies and a lot of similar societies and associations that formed with the goal to support their cities, communities, the poor and needy within, for protection and sports (like the shooting guilds) and so on. Historically speaking it's clear that neither the voluntary fire brigades nor the Vereinswesen are a result of National Service, yet sure one wouldn't be able to deny that the National Service was an anchor for that idea in the minds of many. But if you wann go back to the historical roots of this, I think you have to look at the medieval era in Germany, where population density soared (especially in the cities) and one saw the rise of quite a lot of those ways to organize communally that are still in place in Germany up to today like the regulated system of guilds and crafts.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@Ehuatl thank you, that was an interesting read, and I‘ll be looking at things a bit differently now.

[@manzanasrojas6984]

1:02 voluntary firebrigade isnt necessarily "voluntary", depending on how many people volunteered for it. Dont know if its still the case, but the state/city/commune used to send out letters to random ppl to sign up to your local firebrigade obligatorily(is that a word?), just like they do with juries for courts. you werent able to deny these requests, unless you had a decent reason - like sickness that prevents you from doing these type of activities.

[@LaureninGermany]

Wow, I didn’t know that.

[@bigN-422]

How the German firefighter came up with situational awareness first 🤣🤣🤣 🇩🇪❤🇬🇧

[@LaureninGermany]

I don’t get it- what’s tickled you?

[@bigN-422]

@@LaureninGermany situational awareness is quite specific and not everyone knows it in a second language. Even as a firefighter. I did live in Oxford for 12 years and know the struggles. It just made me giggle. Love your work and channel.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@bigN-422 ahhhh - thanks! I‘ve been puzzling about that!

[@janphilipzockt9408]

Danke !!!!!!

[@LaureninGermany]

❤️ Du bist sehr Willkommen!

[@bianca2817]

The coolest thing about germans is, we don't swear, unless we mean it really seriously. Fuck, I love You! 😁❤️

[@LaureninGermany]

Oh Bianca!!!! xxxxxx

[@bianca2817]

@@LaureninGermany Yes..? 😄

[@LaureninGermany]

@@bianca2817 💕💕💕

[@adamlubieniecki9074]

jeden erste Samastag von Monat, 12 Uhr - sirene test

[@LaureninGermany]

Genau! Ich glaube es ist bei uns Dienstags- kann das sein? Ich bin immer kurz erschrocken, dann ach ja…! Lol!

[@adamlubieniecki9074]

@@LaureninGermany welche bundesland ? region ? kreis ?

[@rudolfclemens8798]

It's really impressive that in recent time more and more british people draw a much more positive picture from Germany as before. In my region, the Mosel valley, mutual neighbourly help is still a living tradition f.e. during floods, the whole village helps those affected. For Carnaval people sit weeks and months before together to prepare their big party, here called "Kappensitzung", it's a bit of a speakers corner, where big politics, the church and local authorities are getting exposed.

[@LaureninGermany]

Ah, the Mosel valley is beautiful. No wonder we Brits love it there! We have the carneval clubs here, too!

[@henryduval8943]

Like and comment for the algo + it is a good and important topic to speak about.

[@LaureninGermany]

Thank you! And yes, I´m only just realising so many new things about the whole Verein structure, because of all the comments!

[@alexandermuller8807]

If you want to make friends in germany join a "Verein" for what ever you like to do, from reading to bow and arrow shooting, playing soccer or keeping a local Museum running.

[@LaureninGermany]

So true- if only I had known back then! It should be part of German lessons, learning about Vereine.

[@gewurzgurkenkaiser2575]

About 95% of all firefighters in Germany are volunteers and nearly every german village has a volunteer fire brigade

[@LaureninGermany]

It’s fabulous!

[@Sat-Man-Alpha]

You should make a video about the THW - the Technisches Hilfswerk....If there is any kind of catastrophy in Germany or anywhere in Europe they will help with there heavy machines and their technikal skills...and they are operating worldwide with volunteer human an animal (like well trained searching dogs in areas of earthquakes) power....

[@LaureninGermany]

I´ll look into that, thank you Gerhard. I didn´t know they operate worldwide.

[@Sat-Man-Alpha]

@@LaureninGermany If asked they will send their specialists worldwide....

[@Sat-Man-Alpha]

There are so many more organisations depending on volunteers: Johanniter, Malteser Hilfskreuz. Rotes Kreuz and countless local charities.....

[@mannihh5274]

To be clear: usually the fire brigades are set up from volunteers, preferably farmers and craftsmen. They are more a local authority than a club - they get funded by the community, have ranks, officer-like rights and duties. When they get alarmed ( nowadays mostly by "Pagers", not by sirens), they leave work and their boss has to pay for their time off. By law there has to be a certain number of firemen according to the number of inhabitants, and if there are not enough volunteers, which case rarely occurs, additional men can be drafted. If a community grows bigger, the fire brigade gets alarmed quite often and being off work/ farm so often, it gets a burden and a brigade of professional firefighters has to be put up. BTW: there is another institution to be mentioned, the THW (Technisches Hilfswerk / Technical Support Unit) - blue vehicles - which comes into play in desaster management, e.g. flooding, earthquakes, tornados etc. While the fire brigades are completely focused on firefighting and medical aid, the THW focuses more on heavy equipment and re-establishment of infrastruture (roads, water, electricity, gas) after an impact. In some cases they work together with firefighters, e.g. when water supply is an issue, the THW has miles and miles of additional water piping, hoses and high-power pumps.

[@LaureninGermany]

Thanks! I think it’s fantastic.

[@jasminewinkler7119]

99% of the German Desaster Controlment is covered by voluntary personal. Like the THW (Federal Department for technical relief "Bundesanstalt Technisches Hilfswerk) or the SEG of the ambulance Service (the SEG is a Response Unit for Mass Casualty Scenarios), or the Rescue Dog Units (Rettungshundestaffel) But also the major part of our maritime Search and Rescue is covered by voluntary personal. Like the DGzRS (Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Rettung Schiffbrüchiger German Society for Rescue shipwrecked) or DLRG (Deutsche Lebensrettungs Gesellschaft "German Lifesaving Society)

[@LaureninGermany]

It´s astounding to me! I´m honestly so impressed by this.

[@jasminewinkler7119]

@@LaureninGermany that concept has a lot of pros but also a lot of contras. One if the worst things of that concept is you can't guarantee, that you everytimes have enough personal to work in emergency or a Desaster efficient. For example I often work that far away, that I couldn't respond to a call if my pager rings while I am at work

[@LaureninGermany]

@@jasminewinkler7119 absolutely. When you think how difficult it is for people to get time off work if their child is ill, or something else, it’s a precarious situation.

[@EnjoyFirefighting]

actually, lots of emergency services in many countries around the globe are partially or entirely based on volunteers. Let it be the fire department, EMS, water rescue, mountain rescue, disaster management services ...

[@LaureninGermany]

I had not encountered this in Britain.

[@anitapenkert389]

Exactly. In Portugal Bombeiros voluntários come to mind, in Spain and Latin America the Bomberos voluntarios.

[@MsLarrythegreat]

Truly fascinating take on this topic! It makes sense that the national service practice paved the paths for present volunteering practices. Though I suspect that the German speaking communities viewpoints on social responsibility, volunteering and community are much, much older. Logically, there has to be some reasons behind the fact that practices such as national pension and health insurance, cooperatives and unions all formed within the German cultural bubble… I've been pondering over the unspoken shifts and differences of common ideas between languages for a while. As in my experience, different languages have slightly different perspectives on intangible concepts, just by way of the methodology to describe them. Though German as a language has a relatively poor reputation, our languages shape the tracks along which we think and to some extent also what we perceive. Therefore language seems a plausible place to look for reasons why which ideas sprout where. But really I have nothing evident to base such a hunch on :D

[@LaureninGermany]

Ah, there are mixed theaories about language shaping our thoughts, aren´t there? But I do have a tendency to agree with you. I have noticed the prevalence of nouns in German - of course, I can´t think of a single example of what I mean right now! I´ll write again, when I do! I think your comment is fascinating and it´s really making me think! Thank you!

[@kellymcbright5456]

That is an interesting idea. But how much people accept it, depends upon how you elaborate it to something concrete. Do not remain being as unconcrete as a typical german philosopher, nobody loves to read Kant or Hegel or the likes of them :)

[@ChadTanker]

Oh ye tahts still the volsstrum going on here we all give our best lol

[@LaureninGermany]

Hi! I didn’t quite understand your comment..?

[@friedeseimitdiroxmox4669]

Did You know, that the Freiwillige Feuerwehr in some places keep special wagons for pregnant women to give birth in an emergency situation, Storchenwagen (Stork Wagon). Inside there is everything necessary for a birth.

[@LaureninGermany]

Omgoodness!!! That’s the sweetest name I ever heard!!! I will make sure to mention that in a video- thank you!!!

[@GermanoEllinas]

You forget the THW - Federal Agency for Technical Relief , over 80K People are there voluntarily

[@LaureninGermany]

I didnßt know about that! Thank you.

[@hahnele]

There so many opportunities, like Bergwacht(Mountain Rescue) or the German Red Cross, Malteser,Johanniter ort the THW( Technisches Hilfswerk ) or the DLRG and a lot more Emnergency Volunteers brigades.

[@LaureninGermany]

And it’s just so amazing that all these organisations are voluntary!

[@HenryAusLuebeck]

Wow, dein Deutsch ist ja perfekt!

[@LaureninGermany]

Och!!!! Danke, Carlos! Ich gebe mir Mühe, aber diese der die und das… uff! Deine Sprache ist wunderschön- aber schwierig!

[@rudolfclemens8798]

​@@LaureninGermany You are in "good society" with most foreign speakers regarding German articles. Ask Dutch people "Wo bin ich ?", (where I am ?) , 99 of 100 shall answer "Ich bin in die Küche", instead of "Ich bin in der Küche". How to explain ? Nearly impossible. But every German hears that " in die Küche" is wrong, (it's the 3. case Dativ). Ask the same person "Wohin gehst Du ?" (where Do you go ?), the answer is "Ich gehe in die Küche" (I go into the kitchen) and it's correct (it's the 4. case (Akkusativ). Ask him "Was ist dieser Raum ?" (what is this room ?), the answer is "Es ist die Küche" (it is the kitchen) (1. case Nominativ). You are in the street and you ask "Wessen Fenster ist das ?" (whose window is it ?), the answer is "Es ist das Fenster der Küche" (it's the window of the kitchen), (that's the 2. case Genitiv) . Or as an alternative: "Es ist das Küchenfenster" (it's the kitchen window) (1. case Nominativ). While kitchen is feminine (die Küche), window is neutrum (das Fenster). While "Fenster der Küche" (window of the kitchen ) remains 2. case Genitiv, in the combination Küche+Fenster the whole expression "Küchenfenster" becomes Neutrum: Das Küchenfenster (the kitchen window). You want more ? What is "The sun is reflected in the kitchen window" in German ? It is "Die Somme spiegelt sich in dem Küchenfenster", to make it easier you can combine "in dem " to "im", "Die Somme spiegelt sich im Küchenfenster". No child would say "Die Sonne spiegelt sich in das Küchenfenster", it is wrong. Or the child wants to say "The sun is reflected into the kitchen window". Because "into" means a change from Dativ (3.case) to Akkusativ (4. case) but the sentence takes on a slightly different meaning. In the meaning " ... into the kitchen window" in German "Die Sonne spiegelt sich in das Küchenfenster" it is correct. These are only some rules for Singular, those for Plural are of course different. A foreigner needs to learn all these rules. No little german child has an idea of all these grammatical rules but hey make no mistake, latest with 5 year old they all hear the correct articulation within their limited vocabulary. My English is not the best, I hope I could express myself more or less understandable. Otherwise I can repeat it in German (7. case, "Der 7. Sinn", a brief introduction into German sense of humour).

[@LaureninGermany]

@@rudolfclemens8798 oh, believe me- I had to learn all the rules! For me, it’s about remembering if it is der Boden oder das Boden. Und dann kommt Dialekt dazu - der Butter wird plötzlich die Butter. Argh!!!!!!

[@t.kausch419]

This is one base of germany social live

[@LaureninGermany]

Absolutely!

[@hansmarheim7620]

I have some comments on this vlog. First of all, very interesting, like a story one must hear until the end. And time flyes fast because the video is well composed. Flensborg ( or Flensborre) was under the rule of the Danish Crown for about 800 years and lost during the second Schleswig war when Denmark was attacked by Austrian-Preussian forces and lost the city in 1864. The kingdoms of Sweden and Norway sent respectively 10.000 and 5.000 troops to help Denmark. But sadly Denmark had to capitulate. After 56 years of German rule there was held a referendum where approximately 75 percent of voters voted to stay in Germany instead of coming back to Denmark. That was in 1920. Today Danish traditions, food and history and even Danish language are strongly integrated in Flensburg and one of the Danes favourite destinations for cheap cross border shopping. Voluntary free work is very common in Denmark. Denmark used to be a great kingdom. (Re: W. Shakespeare) Ruling Schleswig Holstein, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands (the Kalmar-union) and in the Viking age even England. Except for England the rest of the kingdom was not conquered by wars, but rather by marriage between Royals. Sadly it all fell apart as a result of the Napoleonic war and became the peaceful cosy little country Denmark is today. A very few years back the Danes made the movie "1864" about that war. I strongly recommend it. Maybe this can be worth making a video about? The shorts is a very good way to get new subscribers, i think. But please make a very easy and obvious link in the short so it is easy for (us) lazy KZbin viewers to find and click. Great vid. Loved it .👍

[@LaureninGermany]

It´s so interesting. It´s all so close, but yet with such clear differences, it´s fascinating. I looked for the film, but so far I only found a TV series. Since being in Denmark, I understand the cheap shopping! Hans, what do you mean about who can tell the difference between the Danes and the Germans? Please tell me more!

[@hansmarheim7620]

@@LaureninGermany Denmark and Germany share a lot of history, and Denmark have had Kings from Germany. (Trough marriage) Hence it was more common for the Danish elite to learn German rather than English. All aspects of german culture, like trade, architecture, music, litterature was absorbed by the Danish elite because Germany was so advanced at the time "all" Danes basically was farmers, craftsmen and fishermen. The Danish eliite's love for Germany trickled down to the ordinary Danes. When the nazies attacked Denmark in 1940 lots of Danes welcomed the German soldiers and gave them cigarettes and chocolate. The war only lasted for six hours. The vast majority of the Danes cooperated with the Germans during most of the occupation. Ww-2 changed the Danish opinion, and Denmark leaned more to Scandinavia, the Norden, and England. In some sence you might say both nations have been kind of "cowed" by their own respective histories. Germany by what happened during ww-2 and Denmark by its many losses of land and power since the start of the Napoleonic wars. Germany is rather young as a country unlike Denmark which is very old. Still both used to be great powers. I can feel that the Danes harbour some kind of "sorrow" or even "shame" for all the losses they have taken trough the last 250 years. So they tend to remember the good things. And forget the bad. What many Danes love to say to Norwegians and Swedes is " Ha! We used to own you". Which is both annoying and ignorant because hardly any of them knows why that came to be. (The king of Norway, and later also Sweden married Queen Margrethe the first of Denmark when she was 10. when he died Margrethe inherited the Thrones of Norway, Denmark and Sweden with all their possessions.) When it comes to the Danes there are basically the Zealanders and the Jutes. The Jutes look at themselves as the most "real Danes", and call Zealand the "Devils island"😁. When the Jutes talk about their countrymen in Copenhagen they very often throw in "shitty". "Skide københavner", "Skide sjællænder" . Its kind of funny.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@hansmarheim7620 thank you so much. You‘ve really inspired me and got me thinking. I need to visit again.

[@hansmarheim7620]

@@LaureninGermany Selv tak, Lauren.

[@pkorobase]

Thats a nice video. There are lots of voluntary services outside of Think of trade unions, political parties, municipalities, even judges.

[@LaureninGermany]

Oh yes- what are they called? Schuffer something similar to that?

[@schortkramer4405]

Grüße vom Hesedorfer Schützenkönig, der auch Butterkuchen für den Handwerkermarkt im Heimathaus vom Heimatverein backt! Greetings from Hesedorfer Schützenkönig, i often bake butter cake for our Heimatverein in a big wood fired ofen

[@LaureninGermany]

Klingt fantastisch! Grüße zurück!

[@ParfDull]

No one told me about the siren when we moved to PAF. First time I heard them do a test I freaked out and sincerely asked my girlfriend if we needed to head to the cellar to hide out

[@LaureninGermany]

Me tooooo!!!!! Of course, it sounds completely different for us! I still get a bit worried when I hear it, you know, how they test it once a month.

[@tobyk.4911]

If you live anywhere near a river, going into the cellar might be the worst decision in case of a serious warning ... especially when it has been raining alot in the region.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@tobyk.4911 yes- we British hear those sirens and for us it means the Luftwaffe are coming. And not in a good way… the sirens with that sound have a different meaning back in GB

[@tobyk.4911]

@@LaureninGermany have you ever heard this siren in real life (e.g. a test)? Or just in WW2 movies?

[@sisuguillam5109]

@@tobyk.4911 does it matter? My german parents displayed certain behaviours whenever they heard warning sirens that were closely connected to growing up in WW2. Searchlights that were used in the 90s set off their trauma... seeing them going through that has influenced my reaction to sirens and searchlights.

[@butenbremer1965]

Ich liebe Deinen YT-Kanal, liebste Lauren! 🙂

[@LaureninGermany]

Das ist ja toll, lieben herzlichen Dank!

[@LaureninGermany]

@@butenbremer1965 Du kannst Dich darauf verlassen! Erstmals, ich habe ein wirklich gutes Gedächtnis und zweitens, wer könnte denn der Butenbremer vergessen! Lol, Ich hoffe Du hast recht, 100k, das wäre enorm!

[@michaelkruse4864]

Just to add some data about the volunteer fire departments in Germany: 94% of all fire fighters in Germany are volunteers. Only major cities with a Population more than 100 k have to have to have a professional fire department but even in those cities there are volunteer fire departments who are integrated in the fire protection of the City. Just to give you am impression: I used to serve in in a volunteer fire department in a City that runs a professional fire department. Although there was the professional fire department, we still did respond to 50+ calls per year and we were only one of 22 volunteer fire stations in the City Mid size cities don't have a professional fire department but they have a small number of professional fire fighters employed by the volunteer fire department. Minor cities don't have any professional fire department. There are roughly 25000 fire departments in Germany. Roughly 24000 are volunteers. Out of the remaining number, roughly 100 are professional fire departments, the other 900 are Private plant fire departments of industrial companies.

[@LaureninGermany]

This country only runs because of the people in the general population, I’m seeing that anew.

[@michaelkruse4864]

@@LaureninGermany unfortunately the number of people that are willing to volunteer for something decreases more and more, especially after the obligatory civilian service was cancelled. I hope that the flood desaster last year and also the war in Ukraine changes something to bring people back to more social engagement

[@LaureninGermany]

@@michaelkruse4864 yes, because it’s a marvellous thing.

[@exn207]

@@LaureninGermany There´s another kind of "Freiwilligkeit" too: It´s often impossible to get a job working for the administration of a small town or a smaller city without being a volunteer in the firebrigade. For years the head of the three caretakers at the local school center was also the superintendend of the firebrigade and all volunteers in the district. In fact all janitor jobs were given to men trained as volunteer, so the main station had always two fire trucks ready to go.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@exn207 ach, Vitamin B…

[@jensschroder8214]

Are those Goering's trombones? Goering had claimed that an enemy plane would never appear over Germany. When that happened in WW2, many spoke of Goering's last trombones. The last trombones, so to speak. Today the sirens warn of fire and natural disasters. Three short sounds mean fire and one long sound all clear.

[@LaureninGermany]

Do you mean the siren? I’m afraid I have never heard of Goering‘s trombones!

[@melanief.204]

The funny thing is that - being a German - I always have the feeling that most of us leave too much to the state to take care of or at least expect that. Kind of cool to hear that we‘re not so lazy after all 😄🙂

[@LaureninGermany]

I know what you mean, and I see that in some areas, too Melanie. But oh my goodness, the Germans are far from lazy. It’s really amazing. ❤️

Volunteer firefighters… my dad was heavily involved in our volunteer fire brigade (we didn't have professionals, it was a small village of only 2500 people (small for our area :D)) So… I know some of their reputation. Yes, they are important and do a great job. They also do one other thing… I'll leave it at that ;-)

[@LaureninGermany]

you mean, they save cats from trees....?

[@marcmonnerat4850]

In Switzerland, at least in small towns and villages, you either go to the _freiwillige Feuerwehr_ or pay a tax. Is it the same in Germany?

[@LaureninGermany]

No, you don’t need to pay a tax here. Then it’s not really freiwillig, I think! But I‘m not criticising Switzerland, I know nothing about that beautiful country.

[@axheron2058]

@@LaureninGermany It is free if enough volunteers are available. I read in newspaper that some villages are concerned because there are less and less volunteers for the fire brigades. There is a law that villages can press people for fire fighting service or take a tax. I was kind of shocked reading this.

[@bernb]

In my opinion an important factor is that the work culture is very different in Germany. It is way harder to fire somebody in Germany than in the US. In addition, if somebody volunteers as a firefighter, at the Federal Agency for Technical Relief or similar, the employer of the person's regular full time job, by law, must excuse the person in case of an emergency and (I believe in many cases but might depend on the state) for trainings. The employer gets paid by the government for the absence of the employee, but of course it might still be a nuisance for the company. But because of the labour laws people in general are not in fear of getting fired for some fake reasons.

[@LaureninGermany]

Yes, that sounds very plausible. Feeling secure allows people to be generous with their time, too.

[@mr.lootybutthole]

There is a difference between law and reality. Sadly in the last 2 decades there has been a trend of employers not wanting firemen. They don't hire you or will fire you for a different reason. Happened to a lot of mates. Therefore the participation in the voluntary firebrigade is on a decade long decline.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@mr.lootybutthole oh no! Which Bundesland, may I ask?

[@mr.lootybutthole]

@@LaureninGermany in almost all states. There have been brigades that were so fed up with how they are supported and treated, that there have been multiple occassions where all firemen together did quit service. In those cases they had to form a compulsory brigade, where citizens are drafted like in the military. 20 years ago this would have been unthinkable, now we do have quite a few of those compulsory fire brigades.

[@damarco1124]

Die FF = Freiwillige Feuerwehr ist in Deutschland kein Verein, es gibt parallel zur Feuerwehr Unterstützungs Vereine diese haben aber nicht direkt was mit der Einsatzgruppe der Feuerwehr zu tun.

[@LaureninGermany]

Bei der Webseite der Pfaffenhofener steht e.V. Ich glaube es gibt regionale Unterschiede?

[@sisuguillam5109]

Lauren wearing her Uni hoodie just made my evening.

[@LaureninGermany]

😂 it’s so funny isn’t it? I’m just soooo proud to be there and it’s a fabulous kuschlige Hoodie!

[@sisuguillam5109]

@@LaureninGermany you look so niedlich!

[@LaureninGermany]

@@sisuguillam5109 och!! 🥰

[@sisuguillam5109]

@@LaureninGermany you do! And, of course, smart! 😃

[@LaureninGermany]

@@sisuguillam5109 I‘ve been wearing it today, in your honour! 🤗

[@ockertbrits6907]

Your German is really good.

[@LaureninGermany]

Vielen Dank 🙏

[@christinamotzer174]

In Stuttgart gibt es freiwillige und berufsfeuerwehr, die einander unterstützen

[@LaureninGermany]

Genau, in manchen großen Städten gibt es Berufsfeuerwehr.

[@RustyDust101]

There is a running gag that there are more Vereine / clubs in Germany than there is a German population. So many people are members among multiple Vereine that it actually might be the truth. It runs the whole gammut of clubs, from a simple soccer club in a village, to the ADAC, the largest German automobile support club. Even the notorious TÜV, the Technische Überwachungsverein, responsible for checking on all licensed vehicles in Germany, grew out of a Verein.

[@LaureninGermany]

Wow!! It’s really absolutely huge- even more so than I thought!

[@michaelschuckart2217]

0:56: "not all FFW are a Verein". Not totally wrong, but no Fire brigade can ever be a Verein. It is either an institution of the City / Village or it can be a "Werkfeuerwehr" (Industry Fire Brigade). Feuerwehrvereine exist, but they are NOT the fire brigade, but a social club of/for the members of the fire brigade.

[@LaureninGermany]

Absolutely, it has been pointed out to me since uploading, that I didn’t realise that when Verein is referred to, in connection with the FFW, it refers to the social aspect. But my point is that they are volunteers, joining together.

[@HenryAusLuebeck]

Auf´m Dorf gab es früher die Jugendfeuerwehr.

[@LaureninGermany]

Wie cool!

[@turboseize]

Gibt's immer noch! Und natürlich auch das "blaue" Äquivalent, die THW-Jugend.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@turboseize es ist so eine tolle Sache. Ich frage mich manchmal, ob es besser ist, auf‘m Dorf aufzuwachsen als in der Stadt. Es scheint viel mehr von solchen Sachen zu geben, oder liegt ich da falsch?

[@HenryAusLuebeck]

@@LaureninGermany ich glaube auch. Habe meine ersten 7 Lebensjahre auf dem Dorf verbracht und denke oft daran wieder dort zu leben. Inzwischen liebe ich aber mein Lübeck so sehr. ;) Mein Bruder lebt auf´m Dorf und ich besuche ihn dort oft. Schade das ich da kein Trecker mehr fahren kann. hihihi

[@LaureninGermany]

@@HenryAusLuebeck das beste von beiden Welten. Kindheit aufm Dorf, jetzt in schönen Lübeck!

[@volkerwendt3061]

Manningaburg? Du musst in meiner Heimat Ostfriesland gewesen sein 🥰

[@LaureninGermany]

Ich liebe Ostfriesland! Ich bin öfters dort.

[@volkerwendt3061]

@@LaureninGermany Ja, mittlerweile hab ich das auch bemerkt after bingewatching some of your videos (mir ist auch als Muttersprachler nix eingefallen, das auf Deutsch auszudrücken). Aber allgemein ist deine sehr angenehme Art äußerst wohltuend. Subbed. 😊

[@LaureninGermany]

@@volkerwendt3061 oh, danke sehr! Ich glaube bingewatching sagt man halt so. Ich fühle mich wirklich geehrt!

[@haberg1538]

It is Not even in Germany Ausstria hast also volunteer Firefighter

[@LaureninGermany]

Yes, I have a dear friend who is an Austrian firefighter!