TRUTH or MYTH?! Germans React to Most Popular Stereotypes

How true are these popular German stereotypes? We got people from all around Germany to tackle the most common German stereotypes to see which are true, false and in between.
Are Germans direct and to the point? Do they not have a sense of humor? Are Germans all about efficiency? Check out the new TRUTH or MYTH and find out how accurate these common German stereotypes are!
We used EPIDEMIC SOUND music for this episode. Use this LINK to get your FREE MONTH: bit.ly/2TqSmBE
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0:00 Intro
0:31 What stereotypes will you hear today?
0:53 S1: Germans have no sense of humour
2:03 S2: Germans are direct and to the point
3:18 S3: Germans live by organization, rules and structure
4:55 S4: Germans are distant and hard to get to know
6:21 S5: Germans are cheap with money
7:29 S6: Germans wear socks and sandals
8:20 S7: German in a harsh language
9:06 Final thoughts?
CREW:
Marina Iakovleva (directing)
/ youtubermarina
Bryce Humphrey (video/audio)
/ bryce.h.88
Oleh Voitovych (editing)
/ olkowg
CAST:
Kat: / katarina.vic
Josephine: / josephine_buettner
Leon: / leonnoelmerse
Ferdinand: / iamferdiw
Sebastian: / sebastiankowollik
Pauline: / paulinshen
Adrian: / ady__joe
Filmed in:
Toronto, Canada

[@9y2bgy]

Both my parents were German teachers back in Korea, and they always praised its language and how precise and insightful it is. I must admit I am in awe of how Germans come up with words that perfectly encapsulate nuanced feelings or complex ideas.

[@__princess____]

As a german, I am so thankful for you sharing this. We barely hear positive comments about our langugage

[@BiglerSakura]

As a language of great philosophical works it should have sufficient means to express anything one may feel or dream of.

[@monero892]

Goethe Institute? I live in Korea…not many German schools here

[@einunbekannter498]

Every language is able to sound harsh if you put strong pressure on the pronounciation of the words. I think too many non-native-german-speaking people saw too many Adolf-Hitler-speeches. Believe me, not a single, normal, average German would speak the way Hitler did. Maybe some german dialects can sound harsh like Bavarian because there you put pressure on the words sometimes. But I could also say scottish-english sounds harsh because they put pressure on the words too sometimes.

[@blackmambazane3306]

While your pressure on pronounciation point is valid, the reason why people say german sounds more harsh than other languages is based on many linguistic factors, for example glotal stop in between vowels (that you don't have in english or many other languages) or making lenis consonant endings fortis (for example in the word Kind, which in german you would pronounce "Kint")

[@ArinaBolot]

Before I met two of my German friends I supposed Germans to be cold, reserved, boring but now I know for sure they are great friends, funny, passionate n sweet❤

[@Diablooss273]

I-m Croatian and I moved to Germany... thanks to Germans I am able to be myself... noticed I am more German than I am Croatian (in ways of being) ... so DANKE DEUTSCHLAND

[@sasas845]

As a German, I like that the Croatian language realizes the full potential of consonants. Like when I e.g. listened to Croatian radio on vacation, I could not understand a thing as I don't know any Croatian, but I probably would not have any problem writing down the spoken words since the consonants make every utterance clean and well distinguishable.

[@annabarham155]

I’ve only just found your channel. I’ve been looking for a video like this. Thank you

[@henri_ol]

Some of these are classic , i also don't like the smalltalk and be someone organized isn't a bad thing at all , i've never heard about the socks thing 😂

[@josiavantroyen4215]

It's always the 50+ year old dads with the socks and sandals😏😅

[@DieBlutigeLynn]

I don't know why, this was something superficial girls in my school always complained about, like that was the worst thing you could do to offend the fashion police. I am not sure this is actually a stereotype outside of Germany. Personally I think if you want to put on socks then put on socks, lol.

[@Sisterlisk]

When I hear customers in my store speaking German, I can't help smiling to myself. They never leave a mess, by the way.

[@lissandrafreljord7913]

Are they cleaner than the Japanese?

[@gerhardma4687]

​@@Al-jw5kf There are a lot of those people here but i noticed that they use mostly use their native language when talking to each other. This changes late, at least in the third generaton living in a foreign country.

[@Sisterlisk]

@Lissandra Freljord I don't know. I'm not super good at recognizing Japanese, people nor the language.

[@familyandfriends3519]

Because you love Nazis

[@Eragon2679]

​@@lissandrafreljord7913definitely not, the japanese are way cleaner than us. But there are many similarities, it is called "the germany of asia" for a reason.

[@artemisvii2280]

I live in Germany since 8 years and I agree most of the stereotype with nuances. Yeah the germans can be very honest but more like bruttaly honest. For exemple, I show a picture of me to my boyfriend and asked him what he thought about it... He made a list about all that wasn't good in the picture... I wouldn't say that germans are cold but more reserved. It can be destabilising, especially when you want to flirt with them, because they are too subtle and you don't know if they are interrested or only friendly. But all change when the alcool comes in the game ^^

[@amiquigonzales7917]

Good tip: As I am a teetotal it is difficult, but I know now why aparently it didn't work with this German guy 😂

[@artemisvii2280]

@@amiquigonzales7917 but it works because of communication and I took time to calm down my outraged french ass before to start the conversation again 😂 we still are together

[@amiquigonzales7917]

@@artemisvii2280 Congratulations!! Si j'avais su... j'étais en France d'ailleurs 😂

[@ExecWarlock]

Oh wow, that is not too common. Did you maybe make it seem like you wanted to take a picture for something (to post, social media or similar)? Because in that case he probs just wanted to be helpful. We are quite honest, but i definitely wouldn't tell someone what is wrong with a picture, unasked. But i would tell someone if he/she had something in her face, hair, spots on the shirt, or if he/she looks tired, etc.

[@DieBlutigeLynn]

@@artemisvii2280 I find your opinion interesting! As a German from the Frankfurt area, I don't agree with 1 (many people talk behind your back sadly...), 2 (of course we have humor!), 4 (depends on region and individual) and 7 (German as a literary language), but I can agree with 3 (usually follow rules) and 5 (cheap, for example groceries). Stereotype 6 is irrelevant as rarely anybody outside of Germany will complain about it I believe. Btw I have been in France a lot and love France. :)

[@lutfysalim5998]

The stereotypes are spot on. I have quite a number of German friends and have worked with a few. They are meticulous, efficient, organized, straightforward , are a bit distant which can be confused with being a bit cold, Financially savvy and responsible. I will say they can also come off as stiff, uptight and lack a sense of humor, cause they are just different from say the American Friends, British and Canadian Friends that i have.

[@henningbartels6245]

the "lack of humor" is a cultural misunderstanding. While Anglosaxon could start a conversation with a stranger with a joke or even a public speech, humor is considered a private matter in Germany - among people you know. Joking around with strangers would rather considered as odd or even rude.

[@camanou1430]

@@henningbartels6245 unfortunatly this is true with a lot of people in Germany, interestingly not so much within dialects 😄

[@henningbartels6245]

@@camanou1430 Social standards are not unfortunate ... they are a thing you have to know or consider. When people using dialects maybe they feel surrounded by a familiar situation and by strangers - maybe this helps them to start joking around.

[@DieBlutigeLynn]

As a German from the Frankfurt area, I don't agree with 1 (many people talk behind your back sadly...), 2 (of course we have humor!), 4 (depends on region and individual) and 7 (German as a literary language), but I can agree with 3 (usually follow rules) and 5 (cheap, for example groceries). Stereotype 6 is irrelevant as rarely anybody outside of Germany will complain about it I believe. As to coming off as a bit distant, I often react a bit oddly in a business context when people I don't know address me with my first name (on the internet it is fine because it's a private context, but I mean for example customer service e-mails), so this is something where I may come off as a bit distant compared to other cultures, because I will always address them with "Dear Sir or Madam" or with Mr. or Mrs. and their last name. I believe in German culture offering the first name in a business context should always come from the costumer side first and not from the business side, it will make me think they don't take me seriously. I have noticed this is different in some other countries.

[@mrwolf84]

Humor is not used in Germany to downplay. 90% of humor in Germany consists of criticizing someone or something with sarcasm. this kind of humor they can keep, it would be preferable if they didn't have it at all.

[@MichaelBurggraf-gm8vl]

Socks and sandals: possibly there are some good reasons for doing so. When you go hiking in the countryside there are some areas with an elevated risk getting bit by a tick. That's usally not dangerous. However, in some regions - eg in the south-west of Germany - ticks can transmit dangerous diseases, mainly boreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis. To protect against the latter a vaccination is necessary. The former can be treated with an antibiotic - the sooner the better. When walking through grass - particularly wet grass - or touching some bushes and shrubs while passing by can transfer a tick on you. Socks can make it more difficult for a tick to find a place to sting you. And with socks in a lighter colour you can easily detect one to remove it. As a different case if you tend to sweat at your feet walking in some sandals could feel more comfortable with socks.

[@henningbartels6245]

ticks tend to sting (or bite) not immediately, but wonder around on your legs etc. for a few hours in search for a warm, moist dent. Therefore it is best to change your socks or trousers right after a hike.

[@MichaelBurggraf-gm8vl]

@@henningbartels6245 I can confirm this because my cats often bring some ticks in for me. Most of the time I find them before they bite.

[@Bellasie1]

German is actually a beautiful language and German culture a dream for anyone who values education and correctness.

[@familyandfriends3519]

If you love Nazi history

[@yuyuinny369]

Well not really

[@Holuunderbeere]

True but not the current system the overall culture yes

[@mrwolf84]

education? not in Berlin! a lot of berlinerschnauze here

[@asmirann3636]

What the hell is correctness !!! German culture is a lame culture. It is a culture that creates loners and depressed people. It is not individualistic as it claims to be but is authoritarian collectivist. Germans are treated like children within the German culture and their attitudes & views are heavily influenced by what the ruling elite wants them to be. Any one who dissents or behaves differently is treated like a pariah and ungerman. The reality is that for most of history Germans have lived a miserable life because of German culture. And when they took this culture to foreign places, they made life miserable for others. So it's an unimaginative and uninspiring culture. It creates robots and fools who do not have the courage to say or do differently than what is the norm.

[@TatianaBalashova]

Fun video Marina, thank you ))

[@Breadfan14]

The two germans I happened to get to know were absolute bat shit crazy hahaha we spent some quality time together!! But then again they were visiting my country for a short time! Cheers my friends from BR ❤

[@gwendolynpenelope]

Can you please do a video on Germans from Berlin vs from other German cities? They’re so different! Moving from Toronto to Berlin next week because met a Berlin boy doing a working holiday here :)

[@leendertjanw7540]

I'm from the Netherlands and we do tend to have a bit of an inferiority complex towards our big neighbour. But I can honestly say that Germans are great: I've met so many of them who are friendly, funny, respectful, caring, open. Dutch tend to be way more in your face than Germans, in my experience.

[@asmirann3636]

Inferiority complex is probably because Netherlands was occupied by Germany for a while. But otherwise Netherlands is a country greater than Germany in all respect.

[@jeanjacqueslundi3502]

I'm portuguese and I feel the dutch are definately more in your face than germans. In fact, germany is the perfect example of a similar (compared to other european countries) culture I always use as contrast, to show dutch people how they come across lol :D

[@pyromaniac3098]

🥹🇩🇪🤝🇳🇱

[@pngvnskn]

I'm Russian and the biggest sterotype about Germans I personally grew up with is that they make great cars and their produce is generally of supreme quality! :) When I was a kid, I remember seeing those commercials on TV advertising some medicine, or vehicle or vacuum cleaner and then it'll say "German quality" and that's how you know it's good. Das ist Thomas lol!

[@nigratruo]

yeah, but that is no longer true: Mercedes Benz still gets bought for that myth, but they have had an endless series of recalls and massive product flaws and problems. The problem: The company management is still coasting from the reputation from the 1960'ies, which are no longer true, more and more german cars can now be massive money pits, they are expensive to fix (supposedly because the parts are such high quality, which is BS because they break too often for that)

[@SRBOMBONICA86]

​@@nigratruoSPOT ON

[@osagiee.guobadia-secondytc4624]

Nice for the Germans to tell us about their stereotypes on this video, Marina. : ) My favorite video in this video is Katrina, who is so beautiful as herself.

[@ehmcke]

Fand das ganz gut!

[@DatingBeyondBorders]

Happy Thursday everyone! Do you like the German culture? What is your favorite thing about Germans? 🇩🇪

[@tobiojo6469]

I like the German culture and I’m thinking about visiting Germany in my lifetime.

[@tobiojo6469]

My Favorite Thing about Germans is that they are awesome, friendly and welcoming to everyone.

[@tobiojo6469]

Germans are cool people and they have a great sense of humor.❤😊

[@jerrybartlett273]

Gorgeous German ladies

[@osagiee.guobadia-secondytc4624]

I like how they speak their language and the people. : )

[@eugenedavis6792]

I was stationed in Heilbronn, Germany /Wharton Barracks back in the mid to late 89's and went bac kso many times until I had 2 Knee Replacements and major Oral Surgery...and I recently retired from the USPS 7 1/2 weeks ago and I plan to go back this year '24 and it since I've was station there and visited so many times I call Germany my second Country, I speak a little, understand a little and read much in German in which I like to brush it up with new friends there.

[@MikeyRamone91]

I'm currently talking and getting to know a lovely German woman. These stereotypes are somehow precisely describing her day-in-the-life. She's very direct, she knows what she wants and she says what she means, she's very on time. If she shows me she cares then she does. Totally no bullshit here.

[@nsr-ints]

"We are always on time." Deutsche Bahn: 😂🤣😂 "Was bedeutet pünktlich?"

[@user-fe3vy6gt7v]

3:26 public transport is efficient in Germany like "DB"?😂

[@Eragon2679]

He probably meant the local public transport (like trams, busses, for a city or a municipalty) rather than DB.

[@adele3900]

I am french, i've studied german in school and i think it's a pretty language and it sounds cute (can't speak it at all tho lol)

[@vittalg5033]

Could you do a video on how to date italian women or a guide to date italian women

[@marknieuweboer8099]

The funniest movie I have ever seen is Fassbinder's Lola. It's also very, very German.

[@MayurHill]

4:38 Oops.

[@kineko7823]

I think Germans are direct EXCEPT their emotions. Like they said: Saying I love you is a huge thing.

[@ozzo870]

Love for the German People! Greetings from the Philippines :))

[@karolinaruszczyk200]

German language is beautiful ( I love speaking German) and the gramma is super easy. Try to learn Polish - good luck! 😉 (I am native speaker and teach Polish as a foreign language).

[@TubeRJF]

I've known many Germans over the years. Some of them fit the stereotypes associated with German culture but many did not. I found them diverse. Some were incredibly funny and outgoing others were quiet and reserved. Most all of them were friendly and kind

[@raistraw8629]

"I love you" has a very strong meaning in Germany. Normally, you only say that to the few very special people in your life. We have other words and expressions to express appreciation for others.

[@_MC529]

Germans aren't cheap, but they're not eager to spend their money either. At least on themselves. You'd never cheap out on a gift for example. But definitely the biggest stereotype of them all is the language. Germany isn't the country of "thinkers and poets" for nothing. Though you *_can_* pronounce terms quite harshly, you wouldn't if the context for it is not given. German poetry, literature and music is a staple in the world for me personally, the most romantic language. The language is by far the best thing about this country imo.

[@lissandrafreljord7913]

I'd say being cheap is if you are trying to freeload off someone.

[@_MC529]

@@lissandrafreljord7913 Exactly. And that would be considered very rude in Germany

[@henningbartels6245]

I do think, Germans are afraid of loans and debts. Therefore they rather spend money frugally. In German the word for "debt" is the same as "guilt". This adds to the attitude and it also goes along with the German fear for uncertainty (of the future) - therefore the love for planning.

[@satines6045]

Im from Montenegro so for me Germans are amazing.

[@youdj_app]

As a french man who lived in Germany for 2 years, I can tell you this is all true. Life over there is taken very seriously, not fun :D

[@asmirann3636]

Its not fun for many Germans as well. But they can't do anything about it. Following the norm is the German way. No one questions or stand out, everyone quietly does what they are told to. Anyone who tries to oppose is pushed out of the system. So Germans simply stay quiet and obedient.

[@Julia-ui5lw]

1. Maybe I'm lucky, but my german colleagues have sence of humor. 2. Didn't notice that germans are direct. We always have small talks at work, though I'm less interested in it. 3. I would say Germany is opposite to "organized". Public transport is always late, queues everywhere and everything is super slow and no efficiency. Sometimes as a foreigner I have a feeling it's done on purpose :D By the way germans are also not so punctual as I expected. I usually the only one staring at 10:59 at the clock and pressing the button "start the meeting", germans come 11:00, 11:02 :D Didn't see difference betweem punctuality in germans and Baltics or Scandinavia. 4. Don't feel like germans are more closed than north europeans. Of course if you compare with spanish they are :) But in general I'm not a german and I believe it takes 10 years for good communication to say that somebody is my friend. No way it can happen in few months :D 5. My german colleagues few times offered to pay for my lunch, so I wouldn't consider them "cheap with money". Just like everybody else except south nations :) 6. Didn't see germans with socks and sandals yet. 7. German language is harsh mostly on TV or debates, but at least in my region it's surprisingly soft :)

[@sonh788]

Raw pork? Food poison entered the chat

[@elisabettazuppardi1469]

As an Italian I think that if I lived with the Germans I would go crazy or become depressed

[@_MC529]

Why tho??

[@lissandrafreljord7913]

@@_MC529 Two very different cultures and mentalities. Italians are more about being more relaxed, enjoying life, enjoying their meals, wearing nicely, and being close to their families. German society is oriented in responsibilities, punctuality, order, law-abiding, political correctness, efficiency, that it is too rigid for Italian lifestyle. And it is hard to make small talk with strangers. The more depressing weather and northern sea doesn't help either. Plus the food too.

[@_MC529]

@@lissandrafreljord7913 it's quite different, that's true. But I'm tired of hearing that living in Italy is objectively "better" than in Germany.

[@lissandrafreljord7913]

@@_MC529 For the youth and young adults, who need a job and stable salary, plus reliable government service, Germany is the place to be. That's why it is the number one immigrant destination in Europe. Plus a more dynamic and international environment. But for retirement, Italy is great. Old people are respected and revered, plus the Mediterranean weather, diet, social life, surrounded close to children and family is just better for aging and living a longer life.

[@_MC529]

@@lissandrafreljord7913 I fully agree👍🏻 Wish Germany would improve life for the elderly.

[@IoT_]

0:38 Deutsche Bahn pffff: „Liebe Fahrgäste, dieser Zug hat 5 Minuten Verspätung. Der Grund dafür sind vorausfahrende Züge, die ebenfalls Verspätung haben."

[@DieBlutigeLynn]

As a German I don't agree with 1 and 2, but I agree with 3. I don't think German people are very direct (there are people who are plain rude by talking behind your back instead of to your face) and I think German people have humor (a lot of people have a lot of humor, it depends on the kind of people), but to my feeling it is usual that people live by the rules in Germany. 4 I don't necessarily agree with, it depends really on the region of Germany. In some regions it is common to talk to and be friendly to people you don't know, and it also depends on rural vs. urban areas and on the individual: some individuals are more confident to chat with everyone while others don't have a lot of confidence and therefore don't often talk to people they don't know. 5 I agree, I think that German people are often cheap in daily grocery shopping for example. 6 is something German people themselves make fun of, I'm not sure why, I don't know if this is actually a stereotype outside of Germany. 7 I definitely disagree with, German is not a harsh language. It is a very literary language as there is a lot of classic German literature.

[@nigratruo]

If you think Germans have a good sense of humor, please name 20 German comedians that are successful. This is not a problem in many cultures that love humor, but you will find it pretty hard to do.

[@DieBlutigeLynn]

@@nigratruo Why? There are plenty of comedians successful and known in Germany. You must not know German culture then. Just google them. Why should I do that work for you? You don't know me or what I find hard to do and I don't know you. That's a ridiculous statement. The most successful German movies are comedy movies, btw. Also, I'm talking from my experience. Please don't try to invalidate my experience, just because yours may be different. Since you know which one is mine, which humorous culture are you from?

[@nigratruo]

@@DieBlutigeLynn Give a list of 20 or 30, and you will fail (I don't mean local unknown Kabaretisten, but comedians that tour all around Germany) The USA has a lot more than that, the UK also. These are countries with a good humor culture. German Humor is not something that anybody mentions around the world as especially good comedy. Your problem is that you don't even know what a big sense of humor is.

[@DieBlutigeLynn]

@@nigratruo Wow, you're not funny, just rude. Don't talk to me.

[@DieBlutigeLynn]

@@nigratruo You're not funny at all. And want to tell other people they are not funny? Why do you write to me, a stranger, and tell me what "my problem" is? You don't know me, stop acting as if you do. You want people on the internet to do your research for you.

[@MUSICREELS2023]

I like Leon 🥰

[@Vapevlogs420]

I’m mixed with German but I love to say “I love you” to people😁

[@raistraw8629]

"I love you" has a very strong meaning in Germany. Normally, you only say that to the few very special people in your life. We have other words and expressions to express appreciation for others.

[@ralkrey9526]

Sebastian Vettel has one of the greatest sense of humor so???

[@SloMo2723]

I lived in Germany for about 5 years and I found the Germans to have a great sense of humor. I also found them to be direct and honest in their feelings on matters. I love the German people! When I first got to Germany and got into my apartment I was known as the young American guy. I had many of my neighbors who went out of their way to make me feel welcome in their village. I had a very difficult time coming back to America after living there. If I could have stayed there, I would have.

[@mexicanbeautyqueen7988]

Katarina is drop dead gorgeous

[@didierbaudot]

German people do have humor but everything has a place and a time in germany for everything and everyone. So humor when going out in the weekend is ok but making jokes in a waiting room from a dentist is not ok 😂😂

[@nigratruo]

The funny bit is when you tell a German that they don't have a sense of humor, they deny it, get upset at you, CONFIRMING the very thing. I'm originally German and I laughed, because IT IS TRUE! So you can immediately spot the Germans that do have a sense of humor, because they laugh about this joke, because it is kinda true, you notice that by all the indignant Germans that claim that "this is nor funny, nor true!" But jokes are funny because every joke has a kernel of truth to it. You have to be able to look in a mirror and laugh about yourself, to NOT TAKE YOURSELF SO INCREDIBLY SERIOUS.

[@oravesasson]

Robin Williams once remarked on why there is no humor in Germany- Did you ever think its because you killed all the funny people?

[@caroskaffee3052]

well they had great fun while doing so

[@_MC529]

Germans are more hard to get to know, compared to North America, but once you know them, they are a friend for life. A bit like in Sweden, but not as difficult.

[@KatGlos]

German here, I've spent half of my life abroad and I think that most stereotypes about Germans are actually so true.

[@gulliverthegullible6667]

I have spent maybe a third of my life abroad and have to say get quite annoyed with people feeding me all those stereotypes.

[@KatGlos]

@@gulliverthegullible6667 Yeah I also find it annoying when other people have these stereotypes of Germans :D I always defend Germans then, we have a lot of good qualities as well.

[@familyandfriends3519]

Well maybe the Nazis ones

[@KatGlos]

@@familyandfriends3519 ummmm... yes you're right about that fortunately haha

[@rodrigosantosvaleriano1859]

For the first stereotype, first two cast members to ask say it all.

[@ignacioc.delacruz1042]

Just listening to these stereotypes I feel I need to get an Ancestry or 23andMe test because I think I might be German.

[@michaelbfree2run883]

they don't tip, and most American and Canadian servers don't like waiting on them, in North America, they are called cheapskates by many people, and for good reason (even if loaded). HELLO!

[@jjsc4396]

The word you're looking for is "frugal" not cheap. Frugal means seeking optimal value for money.

[@anastasia10017]

omg I once had a temp job as a receptionist for a german company. At 12.30pm a german woman would come and relieve me for an hour. When I returned from lunch at 1.29pm and got off the elevator , I would see her already standing up by the desk with her handbag in her hand looking at her watch. I dont think she ever spoke more than 10 words to me. it was awful.

[@guneskoc8089]

@4:25 I lived in Germany for 4 years and Deutsche Bahn is pretty much always late :D

[@ismaelkleber778]

Probably they left long time ago. German trains are awful, they are always late . Besides, German airports are not well organised. Out of that, Germany is organised.

[@katarinask139]

I'm from Slovakia and my neighbour got a job in a factory in Germany. For context, most of our factories here are German so he already worked at one before and he was used to certain things. When he came to Germany, he had nothing to do after one hour, he had 7 more hours left to do nothing...Germans worked slowly and put everything back where they got it from. In Slovakia, when you work slowly, you get fired. You must be faster than the shift before. So yes, Germans are quite slow

[@linag4078]

I agree with you, slowly and sleepy at work, not motivated. The plain things take weeks to be done.

[@Tamwyn107]

4:49 a example of a very dry, german humor

[@espadasensei]

I knew German women and French women. I'm not generalizing of course, the first less talk more action, which I appreciate, the second a lot of blabla but no action. 🍀 I love n respect the German timber.

[@lissandrafreljord7913]

That sums up their role in the EU. France is the talker, Germany is the doer.

[@espadasensei]

@@lissandrafreljord7913 True Story 🍀

[@grandmaster5443]

Very good looking he said hahahahaha

[@theenglishcoyote5104]

I'm british i have 3.5% german ancestory and i love the german sense of humour, a bit tight at times but good chat.

[@nopenope2951]

I have a coworker from Germany and she’s far from cold. She’s not cheery or bubbly, but not cold.

[@thehibernatingone]

So my personality is German.

[@ImNotaRussianBot]

As a Russian-American who has German cousins (their mom is my mom's sister), so German-Russians. Anyways, I never thought German was a rough and crude language because I was exposed to it. I only heard that stereotype in American media. I mean, Russian has the same stereotype. Except, if you have any old harpy scream in whatever language, it sounds crude and rude. Russian is a beautiful language, but Americans only get that super basic Soviet crap.

[@BiglerSakura]

How would you translate into English the old poetic Russian stereotype about the Germans: "Сумрачный тевтонский гений" ?

[@henningbartels6245]

@@BiglerSakura gloomy? - interesting Russian stereotype.... the German stereotype of Russians is, that they are melancholic.

[@BiglerSakura]

@@henningbartels6245 Melancholic - how nice :) I'd agree, at least partially. As for the "gloomy" - it's not that plain. Of course, it's a legit direct translation picked from a dictionary. However, in the original it's a multi-layer poetic allusion. Such as, the author chose to use the same root as in the Russian translation of the "Götterdämmerung" ("Twilight of the Gods"), so it's something like "twilighty" :) "dusky", or if translated back to German, "dämmerig"? So lots of meanings are implied, like "serious", "solemn", "majestic", "destiny-changing", "apocalyptic" etc. but not necessarily dark or sad.

[@henningbartels6245]

@@BiglerSakuraas for our idea of the "melancholy of Russians" it is not necessarily sad and dark either, rather like the opposite of euphoric Americans and enjoying somewhat "weltschmerz".

[@gabrielcunha2260]

In Brazil we also think German and Russian languages are rough, it's not just an American thing

[@prakgm5959]

Wow even avg Germans are very intelligent and straightforward

[@jjsc4396]

Complete Myth. If in Germany, with Germans, speaking German, they are just as funny as most other places. Their humour is SLIGHTLY different overall, a bit darker sometimes compared to the US, or say Australia, and LOTS of wordplay. The stereotype comes from when they are with non-German speakers. ESPECIALLY native English speakers. Germans are taught that if you don't speak English perfectly - don't. So they're quite hesitant. That comes across in their patterns of English speech, and trying very hard to make sure they don't miss any wordplay - which tends to focus on the words rather than an overall joke (or missing wordplay altogether.) Bottom line is the stereotype of one borne mostly of how they act OUTSIDE Germany, as within it, they're pretty darned funny and casual most of the time.

[@Zero-ef2cr]

3:26 Public Transport and organised? DB grüßt dich

[@oldfrittenfett1276]

you've got to understand that there is not one german culture. There are many. I'm from the north and our humor is more like the english humor, dark, dry, delivered with a straight face, whereas the southerners don't understand our sense of humor because they have more the Laurel and Hardy type, in your face, laughing while telling the joke, more laughing when the punchline is delivered, what we northerners don't think is funny because it lacks wit.

[@howardcheung8304]

Their English are so good😅

[@tdog652041]

Unlike here in the USA Europeans most often speak more than one language.

[@yuyuinny369]

@@tdog652041 lol not most just the educated ones , plus people all around the World speak more than 1 language

[@tdog652041]

@@yuyuinny369 that’s what I said.

[@thepsychic736]

i would not say lack of humor, obeying laws, coldness that describe the Germans, but a bit self righteous and stubbord😂😂

[@fabb4i2]

5:59 Omg ja

[@fabb4i2]

4:48 Haha, I love her. 🤣

[@gabyazzi3600]

today it's actually aug 3 2023

[@fabb4i2]

2:00 And that's probably #1 thing why Swiss and Austrian people hate them.

[@questionmark3219]

I think it's mainly because of the way German is spoken in these countries. Austrians and Swiss people talk slower with a melodic way of pronouncing the words and having a more sophisticated sounding accent. German from Germany is just straight to the point.

[@grandmaster5443]

COLD AND UNFRIENDLY FOR SURE.

[@fabb4i2]

5:37 Oh god

[@mewtwo506]

I thought Katarina was Serbian. 🧐

[@SRBOMBONICA86]

She is born in Germany and probably mixed

[@Rick16.7]

I love German people very educated and responsible and love the personalities and perspectives despite the fact if they’re very serious whatnot but love and respect from this latino-American 🇺🇸

[@familyandfriends3519]

Trump is of German decent

[@henningbartels6245]

@@familyandfriends3519 he is born an raised in the USA, hence he is US American. Otherwise he would not have bee able to become president of the USA.

[@toomuchinformation]

​@@henningbartels6245They said he was of German descent, which is true. He is also of Scottish descent as well.

[@fabb4i2]

0:38 Deutsche Bahn says hi

[@IoT_]

😂„Liebe Fahrgäste, dieser Zug hat 5 Minuten Verspätung. Der Grund dafür sind vorausfahrende Züge, die ebenfalls Verspätung haben.

[@Draft3r]

Stuttgart 😂lol cheap 😅

[@gerhardma4687]

I like to follow American night shows and comedians and I always find that North Americans laugh so loudly at points that only elicit a weary smile from me. Anglo-American humour is really completely different. We Germans like intelligent wordplay, profound humour and sometimes even flat jokes. But if we add up the hours a German laughs in a year and compare this with the English or Americans, we will certainly not find any great differences.

[@SRBOMBONICA86]

British humor is also overated ,Brits laugh too much at ridiculous things

[@fabb4i2]

8:21 100 % true And yes, I'm a German native speaker.

[@cogitoergosum9129]

Kommt drauf an aus welcher Region du kommst :D

[@cedriczwiebel4873]

Honestly, everyone says French is the most romantic language, and while I appreciate the language, I actually found it to have "harsher" sounds than German. For example the French R and such. I think German got a bad rep from Hitler speeches (who even had an Austrian accent) and all the idiotic WW2 movies the Americans made, featuring Germans speaking in the most eccentric way possible.

[@ar3728]

Sarcasm and irony not necessary represent humor. If no one find it funny even not the one who told the joke, than it's not comedy nor humor.

[@Pewtah]

Oh yeah, and we Germans don't like smalltalks. Ok, since in Germany there are many humorists, comedians, parodists, etc. I do not comprehend what the reason of the "no humor" stereotype is. Maybe we have another type of humor, as each country has its kind of humor, but why "no humor"? Why this image?

[@Lioness-of-Italy]

The blonde girl on the right… is amazing.. 🌹…I love you 😜

[@martinwilliams9776]

Too many of them smoke.Which is frankly never truly interesting. Also very unhealthy.Which is rather obvious.

[@lesgibson969]

One of the biggest stereotypes about Germans is they are cold and unfriendly. Well, my experience with Germans was exactly the opposite. All of them were really friendly and positive toward me.

[@niconicoo5661]

Bs they are cold as f

[@macroxela]

Germans are genuinely friendly and positive but only after you've invested enough time in getting to know them. They're not superficial like Americans.

[@amiquigonzales7917]

@@macroxela It's not being superficial, it's being polite, good-mannered. And probably you are white and not coloured like some of us.

[@macroxela]

@@amiquigonzales7917 if you're referring to Americans in general, yes, they're superficial compared to Germans and most Europeans. And I'm saying this as a non-white American. Way to go with your assumptions.

[@alexsulonen]

Yes, I have actually the same experiences!

[@anujkumarshukla3881]

Germans can be ultra cold people can be sometimes very very dark me living here 5th year here super extrovert having two German exs b/c they both were super exposed to South Asian culture. Could participate in this survey its absolute waste of time to persuade Germans... I sadly ended disappointed everytime

[@keade5273]

This was a fun video. Learned a lot! Thanks!!

[@shahearnest5320]

I like the Germans they are very straight to the point and have insanely dry humour but as I am British I appreciate that. Germans are very hard working.

[@david_ritzmann]

Leon saying the public transport is organized made me chuckle. He must have been abroad for quite some time because no real German would actually say that Deutsche Bahn works :D

[@darkwowpg]

It cant work. It is german. It must be late.

[@_MC529]

Compared to other places (except for Japan), it is quite punctual

[@darkwowpg]

@@_MC529 I have been to other European countries and i never had to wait so long as in Germany.

[@_MC529]

@@darkwowpg the infrastructure density is immense, but Benelux reigns supreme

[@kinda_secret]

Wenn fast alles zuverlässig ist in Deutschland aber NICHT die Deutsche Bahn 😁

[@ojs5988]

Josephine keeps bringing Heidi Klum to my mind I, don't know why. The "I love you" comments they made brought up an embarrassing memory from when I told a German man I loved him after a year of being on and off and he just awkwardly smiled.

[@amiquigonzales7917]

A Latino would have kissed you passionately trying to say "Mi amor" at the same time, while hugging you very tight.

[@nisreen8064]

🤣the public transportation is never on time in Germany and its horrible, DB is the worst, always late they don't reimburse unless its late more than 2 hours and half of the ticket

[@FBAagent]

I love you Germans!

[@JB0712]

Is not just in Italy. If I see someone wearing socks with flip flops,then this person might be British or German😂

[@fabb4i2]

0:56 🤣🤣

[@indrajukame]

The thing about American vs. German humor... I prefer German comedians, I find American humor to be often flat and tasteless. But I do listen to several American comedians, only they are not born in the USA or they are born there but their parents aren't. They can make a good program about stereotypes, differences in ethnicities etc. Those American Americans are mostly not funny at all, which is different with the German comedians- there are a lot of funny comedians with both German and non-German background.

[@arturorochoa9359]

The german stereotype is Sennheiser.

[@Camilodigiorgi]

Efficient and all but lots of them would live in Italy or Spain if they had the chance.