WORKING IN GERMANY: What the US can learn from German Work Culture

Between Jonathan and I, we have 12 years of collective work experience in Germany. And during that time, German work culture has taught us a lot about work values and the atmosphere of employment in Germany.... and how different it is from working in the United States. Some of these are monumental (like parental leave in Germany, work/life balance, and sick leave) and some of them are small nuances (like work habits and break time). But collectively, our experience of working in Germany has made us better employees and strengthened our relationships with our colleagues. Let's explore them together.
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👉Quick Jump to Your Favorite Topic:
00:00 Intro
01:51 German Work Culture
03:37 Cut the small talk, add in meaningful conversations
06:09 Always say Good Morning/Hello when walking into a German office
07:19 Make a Schedule/Plan & Stick to It
09:40 Do it right the first time, no matter how long it takes
11:55 Separate Work/Private Life & Value them Both
15:01 Work Hours are Regulated to Value Personal Time & Mental Health
16:12 Sick Leave is there for personal health & wellbeing of the entire office
18:26 German Parental Leave
21:04 Our Final Thoughts on German Work Culture
21:57 What do you think of German vs. American Work Culture?
22:24 Outro
Episode 19 | #lifeingermany and #workinGermany in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany | Filmed October 4, 2021
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Originally from the Midwest of the USA, we moved to the #blackforest in 2013 and quickly embraced #expatlife. As American expats living in #Germany, things weren't always easy, but we've grown to love our life in Germany. We started this #travelvlog​ to share our experiences with friends and family, and to help those who are interested in moving overseas! Whether you are interested in moving abroad, working abroad, studying abroad, raising a family abroad, or just want to #traveleurope, we're here to give you a first person look at what lies ahead. 😊🎥🌎

[@jackbauer7742]

Do not forget, this free time and workers rights are not government gifts bestowed upon the public. Those privileges exist thanks to unions fighting for them. Never take that for granted!

[@Faulpelz55]

That’s just partly correct. The former Reichskanzler Otto von Bismarck introduced the basis of today’s system. He introduced general health care, a pension system after you retired and a pension if you’re heavily injured during work and have to retire early. Also there were companies like Krupp who gave their employees a small house and free vouchers for Krupp‘s own supermarket to secure they get at least healthy basic food to stay healthy and productive. If you needed a time out, most big companies in the late 1800s had their own „Ferienheime“ - hotels with full service payed by the company to give you time to relax and fill up your battery. Yes, unions widened that system and fought for even better working conditions. But it first startet to get worse again, since more of the American way of handling employees was established in the 1970s and 1980s. Companies like Google and Amazon had a hard time in their German branches in the last 10 to 20 years.

[@ConstantinEckhardt]

So von Bismarck bestowed these privileged upon us out of good will? You should mention that he did reformes because he felt the public pressure. Unions, social democratic and communist partys where on the rise, and the public demanded change. Bismarck was just smart enough to give in on some of the demands to apeace the general public, mark more progessiv demands as extremism, consolidating the politcal mid and ban the social democratic party.

[@Faulpelz55]

@@ConstantinEckhardt It was not so much the pressure. It was more his way to lead the country. „Zuckerbrot und Peitsche“. He gave the public some „candy“ to be able to press more taxes and compromises out of the people.

[@susannasternberg5474]

And of course in the cold war there was a competition of the Systems. The social standards in east Germany where quite good (free medical care, free child care, schools and university education). So it had to be as good in Westgermany. And all these strong labor laws, and benefits are not ruining the Economy.

[@Shaquazam]

Being from Germany I have to say this discussion about details is very german. 😉

[@MyTubeSVp]

As a Belgian employer, I realize that my employees ARE my company. If I lose them, I lose my company. So I better treat them as such …

[@jacquelineverswalm1722]

That's it. On the point. Happy workers good functioning company...

[@pak3ton]

mmm wht about your customers :v?

[@ConstantinEckhardt]

@@pak3ton a company produces goods with it's workforce. No workforce nood goods, no goods no customer...

[@Mangela_Erkel]

You dont pay em well because you are rich, you are rich because you pay em well. A tiny difference.. But BTW .. need any empolyees? ;)

[@susannasternberg5474]

Unfortunately the „optimization virus“ went also viral in Germany.

[@BasicPlanet]

I have worked in the US and basicly all over the world in the last few years. I actually quit my job just to come "home" to Germany again. I have seen a lot but what is the greatest thing for me is the sense of social security. You are sick? No problem! You loose your job? Also taken care of! You are long term ill? Concentrate on your health not your job, the job WILL wait for you! I have been aroung in the world and honestly I just like to be back in Germany. It may sound a bit wrong, but we Germans might have the geatest country in the world wihtout knowing it.

[@myplan8166]

As you know, germans love to complain.

[@AndreasZeitzFehse]

@@myplan8166 It's a way to get things better. As long as nobody points out flaws, they won't be fixed anyway. Complaining itself doesn't help, but it helps to get a grasp on how many people actually think there is a need for improvement. After all we always seek for a perfect solution ;-)

[@myplan8166]

@@AndreasZeitzFehse if it goes rationally.

[@nickcox1408]

I was stationed in Germany during the war. Best years of my life. They treated us better than our own. I've tried defending german in the same light you have and nearly been attacked for saying bad things about 'murika. My mistake for trying to have an intelligent conversation with a bunch of people in a white trash conservative bar. Glad you made it back home

[@myplan8166]

@@AndreasZeitzFehse die stereotype vom perfektionistischen deutschen habe ich in 45 berufsjahren nur zu selten zu gesicht bekommen. Eher ist alles mit heisser nadel gestrickt. Aber ein überzogenes anspruchsdenken findest du allerorten.

[@OrangStefan]

As a German, I lived in Canada for 7 years, and when I got a job there I could not believe that in my first year at the job, I would have 0 (zero!) holidays. The system there is, you accumulate your holidays in your first year and after that year you can take them. You accumulate them depending on your presence at the job, If you are sick it lowers your holidays by percentage... By law, the minimum was 10 days per year. I got 15 days. After 3 years I got 5 days on top, so 20 days. But, then I changed jobs and again I started with 0 days in the first year. It was unreal, more capitalistic and doesn't strengthen rights of employees.

[@SoneaT]

I'm curious to know how you could work a year without any holidays? Bc we Germans are not used to this at all and I'm sure it would be difficult for me. 😉

[@pak3ton]

come to colombia we have almost every week a holiday. :v

[@jacquelineverswalm1722]

@@pak3ton Love Colombia too....beautiful country and beautiful people..

[@randfee]

zero holidays?.... I wouldn't have taken a job like that! feel sorry for you, even though canada is lovely, this is BS!

[@OrangStefan]

@@randfee it's the normal practice there, if you start a new job there. At least in Québec where I lived.

[@SebastianWeinberg]

If you tell a German, "Hey, let's do lunch sometime," they _will_ pull out their calendar and say something like "Sure, how does Thursday work for you? Why are you looking at me like that? _You_ are the one who suggested it." 😁

[@TypeAshton]

Another small thing I have noticed that is a cultural difference between the US and Germany is the significant use of small pocket calendars. I remember that my mom had one in the 90s for work, but it was large and not portable. So many of my colleagues and our nanny have used them and it took me by surprise.

[@hyenalaughingmatter8103]

You can speak for all Germans... they differ alot.

[@punxsu]

Whatelse? I mean you asked!?

[@johnmcgrath6192]

My mother from Ireland did exactly that. But then again her broother became a top notch engineer by apprenticing in Germany.IIn general when a time was set the question would be asked, "Is that European time or Irish time?" European time menat that 8 o'clock was o'clock, in Iris time 8 o'clock would be 8-1ii or even later.

[@oderblock]

no, that is switzerland.

[@briananderson8428]

How do you guys not have 1 million subscribers? This is a great channel. Thank you! In my last white collar job in the US, I worked a full 40-50 hours a week. No lunches ever. I realized after I burned out in only 8 months that I had taken exactly 1/2 day "vacation" in the total 8 months I worked there, not to mention that I was constantly waking up at 5AM or 6AM already thinking about the impending stress of the day. I'm thinking of trying to relocate to Germany by the end of 2024. I've had it with the US, and I have really enjoyed studying the German language. The US has some fantastic people, institutions, and cities, but it has almost no concept of the common good or taking care of one another. Everyone here is left to "pull themselves up by their bootstraps," and we have nothing like universal education or healthcare. It is largely a society in which the bottom 80% exist almost solely to serve the top 20%. A full 60% of Americans cannot afford even a $500 emergency.

[@julkaanka8283]

The sad part is that the top 1 to 20% don't see that making the world better for others actually is making the world better for them and their offspring. Cities become safer and nicer for everybody if everybody gets a roof, healthcare, basic hygene and some arrangement to get people into the workforce. With no hire and fire culture workers become more comitted - no matter if it is a white or blue collar job and that is a benefit for entrepreneurs and shareholders.

[@jacquelineverswalm1722]

The best place in the world to live and Work.I came 92 and I am still there.They gave me a great life and oportunities my country Spain did Not give me.Thank you Germany!I Love everything there!You are a great country.I Hope one day I can pay you Back!

[@arnodobler1096]

thx for your warm words it´s enough

[@alanpatarga7943]

Hi which city will you recommend to start a new life and work there where rent is cheap also? What about job contracts? they do permanents contratcts are they serious? Cheers from italy

[@jacquelineverswalm1722]

@@alanpatarga7943 yes, they do permanent job contracts and cheap areas to live are normally the bad ones. If you want to find a job it will be easier in the big cities. Don't go to east Germany stay better in west Germany. Every big city has cheap or expensive areas. Some firms give a place to life for little money to start. Later you can move to your own apartment.

[@alanpatarga7943]

@@jacquelineverswalm1722 thank you gracias amigo, but which town will you recommend I know that West part is richer especially baden wurttenberg so which city will you recommend? And after how much time do companies do permanent contracts?

[@jacquelineverswalm1722]

@@alanpatarga7943 that is very different.It depends in the company.I Like Hamburg but the Weather is very cold.In Frankfurt und Hessen the Weather is nicer...depends in what ist importante For you.

[@anotherrandomfella9429]

Very interesting. I work for an American company but I live in Germany and I just realized that a lot of frustration that I get from some things, has to do with this "doers vs thinkers" concept. I would love to slow down the machine and have meaningful purely theoretical projects where we cound decide or try to conceive a better path forward. This "go forward and we'll tweak it as we go" makes me often feel like I lack resources or I am generally being unprofessional. Mind you, I'm Colombian. Last thought and with respect: A lot of this "just do it" state of mind feels really connected to the imperative of quick and ever growing profit. Not that Germans don't like money but perhaps they are willing to hold their gold thirst a bit in the name of quality

[@agn855]

Yep, you're right. As American companies are often shareholders driven the focus is on the quarterly report, and so is their work ethic. Quick, and unfortunately dirty (qualitywise). And sorting out the crap you've created three months ago keeps you busy anyway. Mission accomplished. And bc the fluctuation of employees in the US is higher there's a "Nach mir die Sintflut!" /devil-may-care mentality too.

[@sathyasview4892]

Germans really understood about Human lives, why we are here and what we are going to achieve during our life journey, wow !! Fantastic culture and peace & meaningful approach. Love from india 🇮🇳💕

[@TypeAshton]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching. ❤️

[@Robert-cu9bm]

I don't think the Jews had the thought about them understanding human lives.

[@svenkropelinrieger1688]

For the "Thinking vs. Doing" is a rule of thump: 1 minute of good planning spares at least 3 minutes of doing.

[@a0flj0]

In my particular profession (programming), throughout the world, not just in Germany but all over the world, there's a saying/professional joke: weeks of coding can save you days of design. (For non-programmers, coding is when you actually create a program, design is when you just think about and decide how you'll do it.) Germans seem to have figured out that that's the case for most human activities.

[@svenkropelinrieger1688]

@@a0flj0 Hey, the best ideas there made, because the average human is lazy, erm energy efficient. 😉

[@daemonbyte]

@@a0flj0 I have that on a tshirt except it says planning instead of design :)

[@claudiaberger9639]

I am Austrian. I am entitled to 6 weeks annual leave. But because I like to work a lot, I still have remaining vacation from 2019. I recently received a reminder from our management with the instruction that the vacation is for relaxation and that I have to use the remaining vacation 2019 in 2021, as this remaining vacation expires after 3 years! Thank you company. I'll do it. I love our social system

[@TypeAshton]

That's so nice! When Jack was born, Jonathan's work kept telling him to "go home and rest. You are a new parent and that is more important". It was so nice to have his employer support us in that way and encourage him to take as much time as he needed. ❤️

[@thatguy8869]

Where I work in the US we get 10 days of vacation per year to start and 15/yr after 10 yrs. Many people in my company save vacation hours year to year, sometimes going back many years. But when a new year starts, all vacation hrs in excess of 160 are forfeited by the employee.

[@fluffyusa]

@@thatguy8869 I'm originally from NJ former Gi living in Germany. While serving in the Army we got 30 days vacation. I've been working on the German economy since 97' and get 30 days vacation time.

[@thatguy8869]

@@fluffyusa 👍😎 Good for you, and thanks for sharing.

[@Deus_Ubique]

@@TypeAshton to ask to go to vacation is often more to stay financial stable as company, rather then taking care of the employee. companies need to stock a reserve fund for every untaken vacation day and employee. this can stack up to a freaking lot of money for companies with hundrets or thousands of employees. as austrian who lived in germany for a few years and in the us for 5 years, i loved that my vacation days in AT are automatically transfered to the next year and i can stack it up for 3 years and don't need to take it in the actual year (if it's fine for the company). also i loved the mandatory 13th and 14th saralies a year.

[@ernestmccutcheon9576]

Another well made insightful video. I thought you would also mention that the average commute times are shorter, too. Being an American (still) living in Germany for over 40 years, it has been interesting observing the differences in American and German work cultures. I have enough interaction with my relatives and friends to comment on the differences. Germans work 8 hours a day, Americans spend 10+ hours „at work“. What Americans would call „Socialism“ or a „Nanny State“ has proven to be extremely efficient. Yes, taxes are higher, but so is the level of services provided There are also things like „Kurzarbeit“ which allows companies to retain their workers when there is an economic downturn, or pandemic, so that when the economy improves the workforce doesn‘t have to be rehired and retrained. One other point I think I saw in the comments was that most employees have an employment contract and have some level of Kündigungsschutz (Termination Protection), that greatly exceeds the amount of notice you get in America.

[@TypeAshton]

All great points. Although the pandemic was hard on many businesses, the employment (and unemployment) benefits really were in stark contrast to one another between the US and Germany. I also had many conversations with family members about this when many of them were laid off in the States.

[@w8stral]

There is a reason there are gargantuan corporations in Germany and few private businesses. Giant corporations can afford to hire employees and private businesses cannot. There is a reason start up companies happen far more frequently outside of Europe than in Europe.

[@ernestmccutcheon9576]

@@w8stral I beg to differ. Germany still has a very strong "Mittelstand" with many companies that are successful on the world market. Startups are being pushed everywhere in Europe. One of the main problems is not the market, but Germans are not know as being great risk takers and if your start up fails, you probably won't get another chance. The US tends to be a more tolerent of failure. I actually started a business and was able to hire and pay employees.

[@w8stral]

@@ernestmccutcheon9576 Well, beg to differ, here is reality: EU: ~500Million population = 23Million micro/small/medium businesses. USA: 330Million population = 32Million Micro/small/medium businesses. Per capita, there are 2X as many small businesses in USA verses EU. By and large due to employment laws where it is impossible to fire anyone in Europe thus killing small businesses

[@markusbahr5230]

@@w8stral classic cherry picking . Taking germany for its own there is only a 6% difference (83Mio population/3.6Mio SMEs)

[@UnknownArtists1]

9:40 I studied mechanical engineering and have a MSc in mechanical engineering. The reason we learn in university to think through a problem before we just go ahead and do it, is because it can be very, very expensive to fix bugs that occur late in production. That's why we get taught "think first, then do" during our studies at university. So its not because of perfection, it's about saving resources, time and money.

[@joseftrager1977]

When I hear this from both of you, I appreciated our system in Germany more again. As a German, I am sometimes dissatisfied with some things that we take for granted. It is not self-evident. You showed me that with your video. I am pleased that you are so enthusiastic about the German system. Enjoy time with your baby and stay healthy.

[@TypeAshton]

It's natural to be dissatisfied with things we use our whole lives, but we are happy to hear our perspective of both cultures has helped. I think understanding more cultures and systems helps all of us get better. Have a great holiday season.

[@jonaben5714]

Wo leben die, im Schwarzwald und arbeiten im IT oder Forschungsunternehmen. Alles sehr Typisch, lass die mal im Ruhrgebiet oder Berlin leben und fuer eine normale Firma arbeiten. Ist doch alles total Elfenbeinturmdenken

[@joseftrager1977]

@@jonaben5714 man kann den beiden nicht vorwerfen das sie in Deutschland gute Jobs bekommen haben. Die beiden haben sich auf die Hinterbeine gestellt und haben sich den Wohlstand verdient und sogar ihr Land dafür verlassen. Jeder in Berlin hat die gleichen Möglichkeiten. Man muss nur wollen. Unsere Gesellschaft wird zu faul und nutzt diese teilweise nicht. Da schadet es nicht wenn Konkurrenz für den Arbeitsmarkt aus dem Auland kommt und zeigt wie es geht. Dann muss man halt mal die Spielekonsole weglegen vom Sofa aufstehen und mehr als 40 Stunden die Woche arbeiten.

[@myplan8166]

@@joseftrager1977 nun, ich habe viele jahre zwischen 80 bis 100 und mehr stunden die woche gehabt. "Kann nicht sein!" Aber sicher, wenn du den techniker für showtourneen gibst. Es macht spass, aber du kommst nicht weiter. Es gibt viele berufe mit RICHTIG arbeit und es geht sehr häufig rau zu. Und es gibt berufliche bereiche, die einfach eine hohe rendite generieren, wo arbeitnehmer hofiert werden. Das sind auf jeden fall unterschiedliche welten.

[@jonaben5714]

@@joseftrager1977 Das werf ich Ihnen garnicht vor, die hatten eine gute Ausbildung aus den USA. Nur ihre Rosabrille bemerke ich. Und Ihres "jeder kann es schaffen" damit ist schon die USA gescheitert. Das gilt nicht es zaehlt Abstammung und Foerderung.

[@martinw.5291]

Wieder ein amüsantes Video, danke! Viele Deutsche wissen den Luxus, in dem wir leben, gar nicht zu schätzen - es ist schließlich selbstverständlich. Ich selbst habe meine Tochter 12 Monate betreut von montags bis freitags mittags und bin am Wochenende 50% meiner normalen Arbeitszeit arbeiten gegangen, zusammen mit dem Elterngeld waren das fast 100% Einkommen. Neben dem Geld viel wichtiger: Ich habe jetzt ein Papa-Kind🥰 Viele meckern über unsere hohen Steuern, aber gerade dafür benötigt der Staat eben auch viel Geld. Top Video jedenfalls, danke👍

[@Halli50]

I spent 2 years in a multinational setting in Africa in the early 1990's (doing war zone relief flights for the ICRC). Coming from one of the Nordic countries I am used to North-European custom of just bidding everyone "Good morning", and I found the English/French-speaker custom of a "How are you/Fine, and you" ritual a bit over the top, ESPECIALLY after coming down to breakfast one morning feeling really miserable due to having caught a head cold (yes, just south of the equator!) and being asked "How are you" by one of my American colleagues. Well, I actually told him how I was (miserable! - he ASKED, after all) and he was actually offended! Apparently he was just going through the motions of a ritual, he was not really concerned about my heath at all. Where I come from, we simply wish everyone a Good Morning, no response required. Seeing a friend or colleague appearing under the weather will, however, prompt a concerned and sincere "hey, you look a bit off, is there a problem?".

[@cathylee4234]

My mom is from Germany now I know why I am the way I am . It always annoyed me that people ask how your doing and don't genuinely want to know . And I never like the Idea of making small talk I like to get to the point . People are allway's saying to me they admire my ability to just be real .Now I know why thank you !

[@indiramichaelahealey5156]

I am from Germany and I used to live and work in the States as well. There is also a big difference in hiring and firing people. In Germany they seriously study your application and resume and interview you extensively, sometimes more than once, to make sure that you are the right one for the job because after your Probezeit they can't fire you unless you steel or act against the company's policy.

[@TypeAshton]

This is a GREAT point. Thanks so much for bringing it up. Worker protection is another big difference between the States and Germany. Although it is difficult to talk about at depth because workers rights vary from state to state in the US. But yes, thank you so much for calling attention to this point.

[@manub.3847]

And depending on whether the company has a works council (see Works Constitution Act), the works council also has to agree to hiring, transferring and dismissing employees.

[@HH-hd7nd]

Indira Michaela Healey That's not entirely correct - there's always reasons that allow an employer to fire people. Ein Arbeitgeber kann immer Kündigungen aus betrieblichen Gründen aussprechen. In diesem Fall sind allerdings Abfindungszahlungen üblich, wenn auch nicht gesetzlich vorgeschrieben. Außerdem muss man auch immer unterscheiden zwischen fristgerechten und fristlosen Kündigungen - in den USA gibt es diesen Unterschied nicht. Wovon du sprichst sind fristlose Kündigungen, für die in der Tat ein zwingender Grund bestehen muss. Kündigungen sind übrigens auch zustimmungspflichtig durch den Betriebsrat, falls einer vorhanden ist.

[@karlfahrt344]

@@HH-hd7nd You'll always need a reason to fire someone, and things like 'Betriebliche Gründe' have to be proven and stand in court. Though employers can always find and prove a reason to fire someone.

[@HH-hd7nd]

@@karlfahrt344 Agreed.

[@k.6148]

I grew up in Germany and working as a paramedic here. What I really love is that you can say whatever you want and after your job everything is fine. Ok it doesn't work anytime... But i love the fact that you know what other people thinking of you because they directly say it. If my students did something stupid, then i directly say it. "Don't do this again that was stupid. Please close the door when you go out. Thank you" After a conversation like that everything is fine again. And if my students aren't happy with me or with the company they can tell me that and we will see what we can change for them to get a better work situation. That is what i really love here.

[@krollpeter]

I went the other way around, left Germany to work elsewhere. The two biggest bummers for me were: 1. The Just-Do-It mentality vs. strategizing, and 2. The separation of private and work, or lack thereof. 1. I was shocked how often of my colleagues were happy with sloppy results. For many it is like ... once it looks like it's completed, they close that chapter. Even though there may be still a rat-tail of problem unsolved, or things being left that others had to do then, they do consider the work done once it looks fairly ok to outsiders. Making your boss think you did a good job counts more than actually doing a good job. 2. Besides of doing the company's work, it is not unusual also managing the house, family, partner, children or whatever from work. They hang hours at the phone and solve family problems. Another example is going together for lunch. There are groups, I should call them tribes. If you belong to them and participate, that can decide about your future in the company. Different tribes have different social rankings. Or the amount of drinking together. If you don't go along (most of the time), you will not be included in their circles work-wise as well. For us Germans, these things do not determine the value of a colleague. We want to be together with our real friends and families, that's priority. Two pills that were very hard to swallow for me. All the points mentioned are very well observed by you both!

[@Mangela_Erkel]

Yeah but many Problems come with the taxes. In the 70's you could be married, buy a house, raise a child and still go on Vacation twice a year with just one income im germany. But nowadays you can barely get a house with two full incomes on 40 hours a week. Everything is getting more expensive, the taxes go up and up but you arent earning more to compensate it. Its not that easy. I am allready thinking about leaving germany. Just remeber almost 40% of a standard income is lost on taxes without doing anything.

[@krollpeter]

@@Mangela_Erkel I highly doubt the majority of people could buy a house and go twice a year on vacation in the seventies. And that it was comparably easier buying a house was mostly because property prices were reasonable then, not tax reasons. Increasing prices of everything but real net incomes not, or even shrinking, is a phenomena of most developed countries. It has not much to do with increasing taxes, but more with capitalism. Look at the US, the gap was never as huge as today, yet statistically it's one of the richest nations. The same here in Singapore. Germany left the path of Soziale Marktwirtschaft partially. Soziale Marktwirtschaft was in the first 30 years of the BRD's existence the reason for economical growth for everyone. It is time that again something more will be done for the ordinary people, not only for the poorest and for the richest. The ordinary people are the families, the small and medium companies, that's the salt of the earth.

[@Mangela_Erkel]

@@krollpeter they could finance it for sure.

[@krollpeter]

@@Mangela_Erkel In other countries property ownership is much more a matter of investing. Germans usually buy a property primarily to live in it, not to accumulate more wealth. However, if they allow the prices to explode as it is currently, it will hit the ordinary people and the normal families most. The low income people get government subsidies to the rental fee, and the rich don't need to be concerned too much.

[@IgorRockt]

@@Mangela_Erkel Well, just to give you an idea: house prices here in Halifax have gone up insane amounts: "In Halifax, that means this June, the average house price sat at $436,400 - over $114,000 more than the average house price in the area last year." Are you sure you really want go somewhere else and that Germany is getting more expensive? PS: The inflation rate here in Nova Scotia was 5.2% over the last year (Canada average was 4.4%)... and Nova Scotia is the province with some of the highest income taxes here in Canada already, too. (But at least gas is cheap: Unleaded just Can$1.43 today - that's nearly exact 1 EUR with today's exchange range - only problem: I don't own a car, since I'm living in the city, and Halifax has somewhat decent public transport - which is something most other cities over here in North America don't have, btw).

[@filipieja6997]

I came from the South Pacific, worked, married and lived in Germany. What you both stated and explained is exactly what I went through. My work ethic and work-life has been transformed tremendously that I enjoy, value maintain which I give back to the company I work for.

[@LK-pc4sq]

you did the right thing!!!!

[@karlfahrt344]

Paid parental/maternity leave: The US is one of the very few countries without paid parental leave, others are Suriname, Papua New Guniea and seemingly a few island countries in the Pacific Ocean. Nothing more to say ... enjoyed the video, thanks.

[@TypeAshton]

We are glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching. ❤️

[@korneliacevasco9939]

True - and the richest country in the world - is not able do have a working healthcare system for all it’s citizens

[@RicassoST]

I’m happy that you like it here in Germany :) And I’m glad that you are here, enriching our culture and contribute with your knowledge to our society! Thanks for that!

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much. We are really happy to be here.

[@NaturalBornQuerdenker]

Schön gesagt! 😊👍

[@michaelgrabner8977]

I will just mention..making first a plan...is not just work culture it is the way of living We (I mean "german speakers" because actually I´m Austrian) often say even in our private life when we something don´t know instead of "Ich weiß es nicht" - "Ich habe keinen Plan" and that phrase can be used for everything which you don´t know or even understand like saying "Ich habe (wirklich) keinen Plan wovon du redest" meaning "I (really) don´t know what you are talking about/I didn´t get it at all" ....that deep is "the plan" in our life.

[@TypeAshton]

It's a beautiful way of approaching life events and challenges. Shifting your thoughts to "I don't know/have control over it" to "I haven't made a plan for how to control it/deal with it yet". Really a nice mindset.

[@MrBirmchen]

Hello Black Forest Family. As a German, I know all these advantages and i am glad that you have listed them again. Far too often we take them for granted. I had no idea that people in the US have such a hard work culture. You have taught me a lot about the USA in your videos and I would like to thank you for that.

[@anda013]

I think most things you guys talk about in the video applies to all EU countries. The EU’s Working Time Directive (2003/88/EC) requires EU Member States to guarantee those rights for all workers, a limit to weekly working hours, rest break after 6 hours of work and at least 4 weeks of paid annual leave per year!

[@FiveOClockTea]

Ooh, I didn't know that! Good to know though 😊

[@audrius483]

That's true! In Lithuania we have same social guarantees mentioned in video.

[@MBTaurus]

Yes it's true but it's still made in germany :-P . Have to say that, because other stupid nowerdays stuff, like efuels are also from us which ist stupid ^^ and the folk also don't want but a part of the smaler party of the goverment. Sadly our car industry still doesen't want to learn :'( Which not means that I find e-cars a good solution because if you use that for every stuff heating cars and so on then you are in need of 1 thing 1 technic and that's also never a good way at least not in germany, because that problem stucks then in our stupid system, after that like you said we think then it stucks again in the system and some day 1000 years later we understand oh maybe H2 Cars would have been better for us ^^.

[@qedejavu]

I'd say an important point is that when you're pregnant, the last 6 weeks before and the 8 weeks after, you are not allowed to work. (technically there is a possibility, but I think no German ever takes this) Also if the doctor finds something during the pregnancy which endangers the baby, he could send you to "Frühkarenz" which would also mean you are NOT allowed to work.

[@larssamsung3033]

Important to know: you still get paid.

[@Th0rodin]

What I would add to the point of "do it right the first time, no matter how long it takes" is that we (Germans) are desperately missing a good Fehlerkultur (error culture). Making mistakes at work is so shunned that people rather cover up mistakes or redirect blame than try to actually try and address and resolve those mistakes openly. This is a really big problem especially in healthcare.

[@markspencer4385]

having worked in Germany, China, Thailand, NZ, Russia, Ukraine. i can assure you that covering up mistakes or redirect blame has nothing to do with "do it right the first time". Maybe besides Thailand (and here just for the reason that they rally don't give a s..t ;-) ) I did not really see a difference, or it been even worse, and i do not want to blame any of the other countries to have a "do it right the first time" work culture. I absolutly agree that it is a real problem, but "do it right the first time" is not the cause

[@kainaatsingh1178]

For sure, one of the biggest cultural shocks. People are so afraid of making any mistakes and mistakes are not culturally accepted.

[@agn855]

Well, sort of. Germans are used to paying for things that are made right/correct. So are their expectations about your work ethics. No idea why someone should be fine to get an 80 % functioning product/service while paying 100 % of the price/salary? And no, there's no way that you're fine with "let's cut off that leg!", "Oops it's the wrong one." ... but hey we meanwhile became quite liberal when it comes to "Fehlerkultur". Next client, please!

[@Th0rodin]

@@agn855 I am not sure you get my point. That sort of thing is exactly what is prevented happening regularly when you approach mistakes openly and correct systems to account for possible mistakes...which we don't.

[@dschoas]

@@markspencer4385 I have the same experience. I worked in the northern Africas and Middle East. Especially Egypt was bad. They lied in your face to reject blame and responsibility. Falsificating documentation to cover faults was common, and understanding implication of such acts for safety and health didn't mean anything for them. Dirty minds in a dirty country.

[@DarkDodger]

I think the thing with greeting everyone first thing in the morning is part of the "work means work" culture. That means: If you're on the clock, you work. You don't check social media, you don't hold private conversations, or anything like that. You work. To aid that, when you come in in the morning, you go around, meet and greet everyone, maybe take a few minutes to catch up with people - and then you're ready to work uninterrupted.

[@robertopaulodasilva4471]

I love the German work culture, that’s why I’m Still here I’m usually like a bird I love to travel everywhere, I guess I’m in love with The black forest ICH BIN EIN FREIBURGER 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@TypeAshton]

Same! There's a reason why when Jonathan's original work contract expired after 2 years he said "put me on a permanent german contract or I'm finding a new job". He's been a permanent fixture here ever since! ❤️❤️

[@hape3862]

@@TypeAshton AFAIK it is illegal in Germany for employers to hold employees in short term work-contract-limbo longer than a certain time anyways.

[@willloveyoumore]

09:56 🤣😂

[@wandilismus8726]

@@hape3862 they can keep you either 2 years or 3 extensions on a fixed Term contract. Only a fixed Term Project would be an exclusion. For example if they get you for a certain Research Program and that has fixed terms itself than they can keep you for that Term even if it is over 2 years

[@brag0001]

@@wandilismus8726 That's the theory and the law, yes, but there are lots of ways around that. One wonders why they bother with these shenanigans though. You can simply lay off people when you no longer need them. It's not hire & fire like in the US, but it isn't impossible to get rid of employees either ...

[@CrownRider]

Same in the Netherlands. Maybe the Dutch are a little more direct and relaxed. Almost free healthcare and almost free education for the kids gives you peace of mind so you can focus on your job and enjoy friends and family.

[@pak3ton]

is not free when you get like 39% of the salary taxed lol

[@denysenielsen8115]

@@pak3ton True however you are not paying co pays and insurance premiums which would reduce you take home pay accordingly.

[@cecyliamaiden1973]

@@pak3ton when you pay insurance and co pay, you end up paying way more long term. Safety net is well worth the higher taxes

[@pak3ton]

@@cecyliamaiden1973 not here.

[@cecyliamaiden1973]

@@pak3ton yeah, you do since you’re also paying taxes on top of that. Clearly. American education failed you.

[@TheHornoxx]

I, a long time in the profession, still consider it as an every day privilege to be able to work under the circumstances which you have illustrated in this video very well. And, as rightly noted below, these rights were not guaranteed but painstakingly fought for over decades by previous generations. So it angers me down to my bones every time when today's people don't recognise and value these achievements.

[@erzsebetnilsson580]

When you expecting a child the last months is very tiering and NEED time off from the the work.... when you got a baby it is 3 times as more exhausted and need a time off... but more importantly for learn your own little baby as a new member is SO IMPORTANT... how ever most ( not all ) of the parents is longing back to work after about 6 -12 months after the baby were born... and that is where they become PRODUCTIVE and VERY MOTIVATED.

[@YezaOutcast]

its usually common curtesy to say "good morning" at work to everybody. there are still some people who dont do it and they usually are quite looked down at. especially when it happens from higher up in the food chain. it feels often like you're not worth it and i often get very angry when someone doesnt even respond to a good morning, or at least nods when otherwhise occupied. last time that happened i scolded a manager in front of the whole workforce for it. its such a small gesture that everyone can simply do and helps a lot in regards to work culture and mutual respect. you dont loose anything by saying a greeting and you might make someones day by letting this person feel recognized.

[@markussvoboda7220]

It's important to note that the 26 days off are calculated by work days per week. Usually people work 5 days a week, so 26 days off means in fact that you get a 5 week and 1 day leave per year. Usually Germans go on a "big" holiday of 2-3 weeks, mostly during summer, and go on 1 or 2 shorter ones at another time of the year - or just stay home like in their garden or in "Balkonien", i.e in "Balconia - Balcony-Country".

[@sircharlesmormont9300]

That sounds wonderful! I live in the U.S. where, as the Black Forest Family already mentioned, vacation days vary by a lot. In most of the jobs that I have held, we have counted our vacation time by the hour, not by the week. Some companies let you "roll over" or "bank" a certain number of hours. I did that so that I could go on a 7 day cruise. My company also lets you work some holidays and then use those days as "flex" holidays, provided that you take them by a certain date. Further, participation in certain wellness or incentive programs carries the chance of winning you 4 extra hours of vacation time. I did all of that: banked hours, worked holidays to get flex days, and won extra vacation hours by being named the employee of the quarter. I had around 98 hours saved up! Right now, I'm over here gloating because we just went on a big cruise and I still have around 60 hours left. I think my company's bank caps at about 6 weeks, or 240 hours, with most full time earners accruing about 80 hours over the course of a year. I think people try to keep about a week in the bank just in case something comes up and they need to take an unexpected day. For example, I recently took an unexpected day to attend a funeral. In the U.S., among those who are lucky enough to have vacation time (it is not mandatory, after all) and/or among those who have remained at the same company for long enough to build up vacation time, it is more common to take 2 or 3 Fridays or Mondays off during the year and go on a few "long weekend" trips, especially when you are in your late twenties and early thirties, when everyone you know is getting married. Then, you save a week or so for a "big" holiday once every 1-3 years. This assumes you don't change jobs. Remember, if you change jobs, the clock starts over. Another strategy is to take your vacation time strategically so that it coincides with holidays during which your business is closed or has reduced hours. Of course, that varies by field. Some workplaces (food, retail, healthcare, etc.) never close and actually have "blackout dates" around busy holidays, meaning that employees are not allowed to take their accrued vacation holidays during the holidays. They are also not allowed to take sick time. If they do get sick during that time, they are often laid off or fired for "other reasons" once the busy time subsides. I've definitely worked jobs like that before. I feel supremely privileged to work in a position that offers holidays, flex days, the ability to bank hours, and the opportunity to win extra hours - and all without blackout dates! I'd also like to point out that I am not a junior or part-time employee. I have a Master's degree. I think this is why there is a stereotype that Americans aren't interested in traveling. It isn't that we don't want to see and experience other cultures; it is that it takes us literal YEARS to accrue the necessary vacation time, all while holding our breath and hoping we don't get laid off or get a new job and re-start the clock. Then, when we do get somewhere, we're operating on a crunched timetable and still fielding work calls! If you can stay within the U.S. or North America, then you limit your travel time and get more time actually experiencing the destination. I travel when I can, but even traveling outside of the U.S. once per decade is a pretty big luxury for most Americans.

[@chkoha6462]

It's always interesting to see how someone from abroad thinks about these topics.We take a lot of that for granted...liked and subscribed:)

[@TypeAshton]

So glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you so much for following along on our adventures. ❤️

[@nordwestbeiwest1899]

What I love about the German work culture is that it is efficient and fast. I noticed that a German craftsman in 8 hours first thinks about it and then acts something different in the United States, because there you start and come to your problems in the course of the work and then solve them with errors, which in turn then correctly with more time ends where the German has long since finished work. It also bothered me that there was a lot of private talk about work, which also cost a lot of time. In the eyes of a German craftsman, this is unprofessional because it focuses on his work and nothing else. As you have already mentioned in your report and I confirm this with my opinion. Keep up the good work because I like your videos.

[@TypeAshton]

There are a lot of nuances, both big and small that have been quite eye opening to learn since moving and working in Germany. Thanks so much as always for the nice perspective and feedback on the video. We are so glad you enjoyed it. Cheers!

[@maltimoto]

I am German software dev and I work 3 days in my homeoffice and 2 days in the Office. My boss is a very nice guy. He gives me only the objective and how I reach it is up to me. I work 8 hours a day and have a very good work-life-balance. Employer pays 50% of my public transport ticket and I have 30 days vacation and some restaurant vouchers per month.

[@simonegerald3163]

Hi ich bin die Simone, I'm new to you're Chanel and I just love you guy's. I'm from Germany but lived in there US since 2008 .... wanted to tell you that as you guy's get older your "Urlaubstage" will increase !! L.G. Simone

[@toniderdon]

I appreciate all the effort you put into those videos, all the different camera angles when you kind of show your day, that must be a lot of work. Not only the boring hold a camera and walk around VLOG style, but lots of different perspectives, almost like in a movie :D really good video as always on your channel

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much. We really enjoy the filming and editing process. Is a fun, creative outlet.

[@erineilise]

I like that Germany has regulations on hours worked per day and week. I imagine that makes a person much more efficient with their time since they can't just add hours to their week. In America, I feel like the "always working" mentality means that we're sprinkling work into our personal lives, but also sprinkling personal activities into our work lives. Running errands during lunch, paying bills on the clock, scrolling through social media waiting for a meeting to start takes away from our dedication to work as well as remaining present for meaningful connections with coworkers. Really enjoyed this video.

[@TypeAshton]

This is the PERFECT way of putting it. It really does feel like everything just gets blurred together after a while. Where work ends and personal time begins gets harder and harder to discern. Thank you so much for this. ❤️ Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@swanpride]

Honestly, I don't see the point anyway...currently I work fulltime and I know that the last one or two hours of the day are the least productive because the concentration is simply down. If I would stay longer, my work wouldn't exactly get better or faster. But taking a proper break, I can start fresh the next morning and get a LOT done.

[@heinzhaupthaar5590]

@@Luvulong Not by everyone though and it seems to be changing rather rapidly with the younger generations. But yeah, that's what thorough indoctrination can accomplish - people fiercely fighting against their own interests.

[@suze6083]

Well, sorry to crash the party, but the work hour regulation is a nice theory…it absolutely depends on what sector you are working in. I happen to have 10-12h shifts (movie industry). And it’s absolutely normal to stay in offices up to an hour longer per day. Your overtime will be counted which you can take off at some point, however not always and also not in every company. I have seen contracts which stated that they expect you to be willing to work 1 extra hour per day if needed f.ex. In general it’s true, though…yes 8h is normal, but normal is an exception for the majority I know:) and my friends and family work in all kinds of industries.

[@burkanov]

I lead a team of 15 in a German company. It is actually prohibited to work more than 8 hours a day. If someone needs more it is either my fault as manager (wrong estimations) or people get somehow distracted by the work. I don't care if someone works less. I don't need time of my teammates I need results of the good work. To ensure the results of a high quality I ensure people are happy and focused. To ensure our growth, we automate things and constantly improve skills. This might be not a race tempo, but a very steady and secure approach. Investors like it, so everyone is happy.

[@ralfweissenborn734]

6:10 "Guten Morgen" sagt der Bauer, wenn er in die Stadt kommt. ("Good morning" the farmer says when he comes into town). In rural areas it is common for everyone to greet everyone, regardless of whether they know each other personally or not. Not only in offices and doctors' offices, but also when shopping or on the street.

[@pkorobase]

Thank you for this video. I hope you still like it here in Europe and Germany. As others already said, many people here take much of it for granted. But even if it is a federal law, or a european regulation, it is not a law of nature, and could be changed, and is sometimes broken. As a member of a workers council and union, i have seen diverging opinions (mostly between employers and employees) on special cases again and again, and heard of many in other companies. As a rule of thumb, the smaller the companies are, the more likely they tend to violate working time laws. There are of course strong working courts (Arbeitsgerichte) here, and union usually dont hesitate to sue violators, but it takes time and courage. But it usually a big help to have a workers council in any company. If any reader works in germany in a company with at least 5 employees - do found a workers council, its your lawful right to do so, and hindering is a criminal offence. Gather two collegues, and then post a public notice to the other workers to meet and start electing a workers council.

[@murti1565]

^The baby's smile while splashing water in the pool just melted my heart

[@TypeAshton]

Ours too. He's our favorite little guy. ❤️

[@M4tti87]

I feel like especially if you have a cold or the flu that it will definitely last longer if you have to stress and work at the same time adn even if its companies that require you to do home office then. I think just staying home and therefore recover faster is better for the employer than dragging an illness for weeks because your body cant really focus on healing.

[@TypeAshton]

I think so too, and this is a great point. ❤️

[@jennyh4025]

And don’t forget about infecting your colleagues when you go into work.

[@sandra.helianthus]

And your body actually might take damage from not being thoroughly healed. No one wins on that: not you, not your company, not the state, they all pay for accumulated illnesses later on.

[@surlespasdondine]

What monsters require people to work through flu? 😱sick leave is sick leave.

[@M4tti87]

@@TypeAshton I also knwo that there are companies in the US that take care of that all. It is jsut not mendatory for the companies

[@HalfEye79]

I live and work in Bremen. Normally, we have 30 days for vacation. But as I'm a bit disabled, I got 35 days for vacation. 5 days extra! And I hadn't even asked for it, because I saw that as ridiculous for me. But I took them with a smile. Nice to have. And in the matter of sick-leave: In the last 10 years of me, I was on a sick-leave only three times. (One time is, because two of my wisdom teeth were removed.)

[@sausagefruit7690]

Interesting to know Americans perspective on Germany, there are really a lot Americans who talks about their experience in Germany on KZbin and you guys are really nice to listen to. Subbed. Greetings from Frankfurt, State of Hesse.

[@TypeAshton]

I am really glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for subscribing. ❤️ Cheers from the Black Forest!

[@individous2833]

That video is SO great, I love it! Much love to you both and your child. Have a great time my dears. ❤️

[@ganimagalaktika5720]

Thanks for your clear, detailed run down of work culture. Very appreciated!

[@TypeAshton]

We are so glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching!

[@oarabala]

Great video, very useful information! Thank you

[@justhappy8892]

I accidentally came across your video and want to tell you that you two are a very sympathetic couple! :-) Through your video I have been clearly shown, in what a beautiful country I live. Things, that I took for granted, I now see in a much more appreciative light!! Thank you both for this!I wish you all the best (you three!) stay healthy - and continue to have a great time here in Germany! I hope you will stay here! :-) Best regards from Heidelberg. :-)

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much for such a nice comment. We are really happy you enjoyed the video. Heidelberg is a BEAUTIFUL city ❤️ Cheers from the (southern from you) Black Forest!

[@justhappy8892]

@@TypeAshton ❤ :-)

[@raidri_conchobair]

I love your videos. You go so deep into detail, it's amazing.

[@TypeAshton]

I am glad you enjoy them ❤️ Cheers from the Black Forest!

[@hiddenXtreasure01]

I read that the leading countries like Germany when it comes to work life anyway, focus on work during work hours so heavily, to accommodate getting work done, since they have more leave days, and don’t really work in their private time which is smart. Other countries that does this even have less work hours in a week because they’re so efficient during work.

[@L00pTroop]

So I broke my leg completely during a bad skiing accident while I was at the end of my phd thesis. So I can't even describe how much it helps to know, that you don't have to care about your job or how to pay the bills and your flat etc. I got fully payed for the 6 weeks you mentioned in your video and about ~68% of my net income for about another ~4 months (it is ~70% but you have to pay some extra taxes in the following year unfortunately this it's a bit less but anyway a very nice and social service!). And ofc I didn't lose my job or anything like this, I even got an extra co-payment from my company to close the gap of not getting payed full for a time period and returned with a statement "nice to have you back, happy you're doing better and hope you recovered well". And I could start to finish my phd thesis 3/4 year later. So for me, that is one of the best things in Germany. The complete work live balance is pretty good in Germany imho. How you get treated while being sick, not working more than 10hr a day, not care about work in your private time or holiday. Yeah I think workin in Germany is pretty good 😃 (But ofc I know this doesn't work as good in every company in Germany. Tbh I've heard about some really bad working conditions in some jobs, that's sad because I wish everyone would be treated as well as I was!!!)

[@TypeAshton]

Good health is never guaranteed and I have also found it so nice to know that if I need to stay home and rest/recover, I can do so with full support. I'm so glad you had such a positive experience as well during your Ph.D. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and watching the video. ❤️

[@Buddha-bei-die-Fische]

Most enjoyable to listen to your experiences! Well done!

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you! ❤️❤️ We really appreciate all of your support.

[@katharinar.4463]

I think the sick days are not only important so you don’t get other colleges sick as well. It also benefits the company, because when you’re sick, you can’t bring your 100%, so if you take one or two days off and come back fit again, you only lost two days. But if you need to work sick, you probably need more days to recover, because your body can’t rest. So then you would have more days on which you wouldn’t bring your normal work standard. That can be a bigger loss for the company then just taking a couple of sick days.

[@berese5826]

I can vividly imagine how puzzled your family must be, when you express doubts that USA may be "the greatest nation on earth". US politicians use to repeat this Statement in order to question the "patriotism" of any alternative political proposal. The truth is: there is no "greatest nation" - neither Germany nor anywhere else - but unlike European countries, Americans lack immediate neighbors to compare themselves realistically, and domestic media are of little help for thinking outside the box.

[@TypeAshton]

I do think our geography plays a big role in the prevalence of this sentiment. Our country so is large, a startling number never leave. There's a really interesting article by Forbes, but the jist is that "Eleven percent of survey respondents have never traveled outside of the state where they were born; Over half of those surveyed (54 percent) say they’ve visited 10 states or fewer; As many as 13 percent say they have never flown in an airplane; Forty percent of those questioned said they’ve never left the country". We are firm believers that leaving your comfort zone and traveling abroad makes you a more empathetic and critical. When you live in a bubble, anything foreign is cateorized as "otherness" and often met with fear.

[@berese5826]

Europeans are like an urban person who is always comparing him- or herself to others and is permanently dissatisfied - despite being actually ok!... Where USA is like a village beauty who does not have much to compare against and is therefore cluelessly satisfied...

[@HS-wp5vb]

I once heard that Canada borders the US, but most Americans consider it a hunting resort rather than another country. Many US problems could be solved by just looking north. Besides, also Germans rarely look left or right, at least not for good examples. We could learn something in terms of agility from the Baltic states, in terms of family friendliness from the Netherlands and in terms of stopping to complain about literally everything from the UK.But we only look to Italy and France as bad examples of what happens when you stop reforming.

[@HS-wp5vb]

@@TypeAshton The same goes for the US media. When I visited the US even 30 years ago, the US evening news would feature "The World In a Minute" out of a 30 minutes programme. That I found startling. Whilst you can find the best experts for even the remotest issue somewhere in the US, it is equally true that on average, Americans are probably the most ignorant and most oblivious of all as regards the world that surrends them. And that I think has to do with the US' unique geography. Just for the fun of it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpvYaYivnp2Mmac and kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYPLYq2Oe7B2ldE. (Not that Germans would find much else outside Europe.)

[@ohauss]

@@HS-wp5vb Well, already more than 30 years ago, at school in Germany, we were talking about the US governmental system as an alternative model how countries can govern themselves. We spent a whole lot of time talking about the Warren Supreme Court and its importance for individual rights in the US. Now how many Americans do you think know who Jacques Delors is, one of the most influential and consequential Presidents of the European Commission and stunningly, closing in on 100 years of age, still alive.

[@slapshot1701]

i love when you say elternzeit. my sons are now 12 and 17 and we had a good time with kids and a lot of work parallel

[@cesbi]

The do-ers vs thinkers was really interesting. It explains quite a lot about why we are soooo slow sometimes... Also the Hello/ good morning. I never knew that. Thank you for pointing these out!

[@TypeAshton]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you so much for watching and for the kind comment. ❤️

[@disissid06]

Totally agreed, We moved from India, thus the structure is different from USA however, on the same lines. It is less about private life and family, thus I could totally relate to this!! Good stuff

[@peterkovacs8445]

I love the book from Erin Meyers: The Culture map. It tries to show differences in work culture around the globe from a sience perspective. And she has done a wonderfull work with nice examples and nice little tips that one can try to avoid some pitfalls. At least it did help me to understand indian work culture much better after I quited a job where I was bridging off shore teams into german project. Doing this right has been a major challenge for me.

[@Commentator541]

Wow your videos are really of high quality. I love the topics covered. Can’t believe I was so prejudiced when youtube suggested your channel.

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you! We're so glad you enjoy our content. ❤️❤️❤️

[@DerHoschi]

Great to see "the dude" in context! Best Movie ever made... I like your stuff. Greetings from NRW!

[@folkehoffmann1198]

What I like about German work culture is that I don't have to work for weeks and weeks without ever having a day of. When I was in the U.S. as an exchange student my host mother had to leave the house at 6 a.m. pretty much 7 days a week and she usually did not finish work until like 9 p.m. or later. She took breaks to pick up my host sister and me from high school and my host brother from elementary school but that was pretty much it and that's how it was on weekends as well.

[@TypeAshton]

It really is disheartening to see how overworked so many are. During my first job out of college at an architecture firm my boss called me into his office and said he was disappointed that I was "always the first person to leave" at the end of the work day (which was at 5:15pm.). I explained that I was always the first in the office at 7:15 am, regularly worked through my lunch hour, and clocked in more than 9 hours a day. But he said he questioned my "dedication" to the job because it looked like I was happy to leave. Needless to say, I quit after about 9 months.

[@folkehoffmann1198]

@@TypeAshton Yeah. At first my host mother worked a lot for the job that she had and in addition to that she had to take a second job to make ends meet. She was a single mom and me and her two younger kids to feed.

[@danielw.2442]

The splitted timeline was such a great highlight. Pretty solid and neat work... another video that was just fun to watch. 👍 btw. the 'designer' bike @ 07:00 was looking lit !

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much! I had a lot of fun editing this one and am really glad that you liked it. 😊😊😊

[@vinodpund1574]

Really appreciate your helpful information

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you! We're glad you enjoyed it! ❤️ cheers from the Black Forest!

[@shashankkasar1]

Very Informative!

[@Opa_Andre]

Recently became aware of your channel and really love it. Be it the topic itself you were choosing and going through, putting your own ideas into it as well as the amount of research you are investing to make it a very useful resource - not only for immigrants but Germans as well. So while mainly watching your YT videos I also found more interesting, more deep diving information on your website. Kudos - very professional and well done. One specific topic where you were talking gave me a smile. It was about the Americans way "do it - and adjust while on the go" versus the German way "think about it, plan it, then do it" to make it perfect right from start". While I usually prefer our - the German way, it sometimes can also become a pain in the a... Was just thinking about the so called and famous German bureaucracy. 😂

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much for the nice compliment. We try to make our videos and blog posts as informative as possible (while still being a fun experience to watch and read). It really makes it all feel worthwhile when we read comments like yours. Thank you. ❤️

[@hr3178]

Well, at least the German bureaucracy - as painful as it might be - works. Here in Brazil things are generally almost as bureaucratic as in Germany, but it not always works as it is supposed to. However, I have to say, I think in terms of eGovernment, Brazil is already ahead of Germany (I might not be 100% up to date there though) and due to the pandemic, some processes that before required a visit at the public offices during work hours now can be done online. But I agree, in some points Germany could adopt a certain "just do it" philosophy without jeopardizing the quality of the end result. You don not need to go 100%, sometimes lighten up some 10% already makes things so much easier. The last 1-2% of "perfection" are usually the most time consuming ones.

[@killermoehre]

In Germany, when you become sick during vacation, you actually get the vacation time back. Because getting well is another kind of rest than relaxing during vacation. Oh, and your employer has to make sure that you take your vacation; by law. They are responsible for your well-being as an employee.

[@TypeAshton]

Really such a nice program. ❤️❤️❤️

[@moingenaumoin3468]

@@TypeAshton Yes, this is possible because in Germany, people are better educated and germans are smarter and they think more! and the society will not allow themselves to be suppressed by greedy inhuman companies. That´s why we have our laws and constitution.

[@brag0001]

@@moingenaumoin3468 nonsense, it's possible because the BRD was sitting right next to the GDR and had to demonstrate that capitalism was superior to socialism. Almost all of the policies this video touched were instituted while the BRD had to compete with the GDR on an ideological level ... Germany being well educated and thus approving of policy XYZ is just nonsense. Just look at the amount of morons buying all sorts of conspiracy theories we have. Or how many so called educated people believe in homeopathy ...

[@moingenaumoin3468]

@@brag0001 Firstly compared to the usa, germans are much more and better educated. In Germany for being a police officer you need a training about 3 years. In the usa, your traning ends in 3 months. This is so stupid. That´s why so many people get shot and the police is very incompetent. Secondly what you´re writing is nonsens. The GDR ( DDR) were not socialists they were communists. Nowdays Germany has a capitalistic but mostly socialistic system compared to the USA where there system is radical capitalistic and don´t care about human values and freedom. They just care about freedom for companies but not about freedom for the citizens and sociaty. That´s the difference! .

[@berndbrakemeier1418]

@@brag0001 oh wie peinlich! Mehr als oft im Leben ist es besser man hält einfach den Mund. Oder bist Du nur ein Russen-Troll und ich verschwende gerade Zeit?

[@brunomagri7]

Congrats for the video and for the channel. I am happy to see this channel while you are still small on KZbin. You have a HUGE potencial to grow here. Great content! Well made. Blessings to you

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much. We started this journey back in May and it has been such a huge learning experience along the way. We really appreciate you watching our video and for the kind compliment. ❤️

[@brunomagri7]

@@TypeAshton You're welcome! Keep the good work 💪 Germany is one of my fav countries. I have family and friends in The US (Amazing Country) but I really like the culture and environment in Germany. Could you please make some content about PhD in Germany? Thanks a lot.

[@TypeAshton]

@@brunomagri7 Yes! I do have plans to make more in the future. I am coming up on submitting my final dissertation to the examination office so I think I will mark that milestone with another video about PhD's in Germany. Have you watched the other two videos I have made on scholarships and "the 5 things..." ?

[@brunomagri7]

@@TypeAshton oh that's really cool! I finished my Master thesis last December and it was a great relief! It is a time to celebrate! I did watch the 5 tips you gave and I think they are very helpful specially the one we cannot do free-lance jobs during sponsorship time. I think it would be amazing if you could explain also how to get a sponsorship in Germany. I know they have DAAD, Humboldt and some other kind of sponsorship if I am right but it would be great to hear ur family experience in this process. Thank you for all.

[@brunomagri7]

@@TypeAshton I've just found your video about the scholarships. Wow that's amazing. You have covered a lot of good topics. The best video about the topic in Germany. Thanks! As suggestion it would be nice to hear about the living costs in Germany in different cities. Specially in county areas. That would be nice. :)

[@BarbaraManor]

Black Forest Family - I enjoyed your video! Very well done! :-)

[@hape3862]

Additional to all your points should be mentioned "Arbeitslosenversicherung" and "Hartz IV": When losing your job you don't fall into a hole without money and health care like in the U.S. You get 70% of your last income for a year with health insurance continued and after that you get social welfare at the level of the "Existenzminimum" (existence minimum), which means 446 € per person per month in your household plus rent and heating costs and health care included - ad infinitum, if necessary.

[@TypeAshton]

Absolutely. I think in a future video it would be worth diving deeper into the social security nets that Germany sets up. Even though I've read the standard Pflegeversicherung is not totally comprehensive, it is still something that the US lacks. Medicare's coverage does not usually cover long-term nursing home costs and the cost of nursing homes are substantial.

[@kennichdendenn]

@@TypeAshton just to elaborate: long term nursing is the area of the "Pflegeversicherung", a seperate mandatory insurance.

[@stephenmcnamara8318]

You do understand that most states in the US has unemployment insurance and/or welfare benefits that often exceed the German by a lot. The 70% tops put at aroubd 2500/mobth - similar to states like California, Massachusetts etc the 1 yr is max irrespecrive current rate of emplpyment. The typical US UI is 26 weeks, but in times of high unemployment will be expanded up to 2yrs - which Germany does not. If you actually fall to extended unemployment in the US you most lkleöy qualify for medicaid, being close to free healthcare - with varying limits but all higher than Hartz iv levels

[@hape3862]

@@stephenmcnamara8318 This makes no sense. 1. Hartz IV is the money you get for living. 2. Health care has nothing to do with Hartz IV other than it is paid for by Hartz IV. Even when you were privately insured, they will pay for that as well. 3. From the perspective of the jobless person nothing changes in terms of health care, everything is free with no caps, deductibles, co-payments or all this other nonsense you have in America. 4. The first year of unemployment does NOT top at a certain figure, it is 70% of whatever you earned in your last job. It is a real insurance, no governmental welfare, and you have paid into it when you were employed - so you are entitled to get your full 70% for a year. Welfare (Hartz IV) comes after that first year, if you are still unemployed. 5. I've never heard from anyone but you that American welfare or benefits would come even close to German standards, let alone exceeding them "by a lot". Do you have any evidence to support this claim?

[@manub.3847]

@@TypeAshton To elaborate on the whole thing: ALG I (unemployment benefit I) is calculated from the last net income and depends on the age (12-24 months) -> is paid for 2 years from the age of 58. Hartz IV (or ALG II) are social benefits that are paid if you cannot find a job or cannot work for special reasons (own illness / long-term care of a relative) However, if you are able to work, you are obliged to take the training courses offered by the job center and to apply for and accept vacancies that match (or are similar) to your professional qualifications. (don't forget that you have to disclose your own financial situation) Long-term care insurance: the benefits paid depend on the classified care level (0-5) -> and the costs for a care home are very high. Means that the person in need of care usually only has pocket money and the pension, benefits from long-term care insurance + any necessary additional payments have to be made from their own assets or their own children. Addition to long-term illness and return to work: Usually there is a "reintegration time" -> the employee only works according to a plan of the doctor / health insurance company -> depending on the illness, the working time can start with 3 hours a day and slowly increase to the usual 8 hours over up to 2-3 months increased.

[@sutefanii_channn]

Y’all are making me want to move to Germany even more than I already did 😩

[@TypeAshton]

Come on over! ❤️☺️

[@Panzerknacker77]

You are very welcome! Kindest regards from Coburg (Bavaria)

[@derpapito1391]

Riding your bike in the morning next to the Dreisam already makes the day nicer 👍

[@TypeAshton]

agreed!

[@TheLeonthalee]

So cool to get to see your perspective on things :) having lived in Freiburg for almost 20 years, I can say you also picked one of the really liveable citys as well! The people have a reputation for being very open and friendly, it's a relatively young city due to the many students and we have the most sun hours in the year usually in Germany!

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you so much! We really love living in Freiburg and you are spot on: we have found that this community is so welcoming. We are so glad that you enjoyed the video. ❤️ Cheers from the Black Forest!

[@franzfred7511]

​@@TypeAshton Maybe this Information will scare you..... but Freiburg is only the gate to the black forest.... There is a reason why its called Freiburg im Breisgau and not Freiburg im Schwarzwald :)😂

[@Morrostone]

Overall there is only on thing to learn: Money isn´t the most important thing on this planet. greets - peace and love

[@StephanEngine7878]

Right. Money isn't the most important thing on this planet. It's all the things you can buy with it!

[@TheMntnG]

Blasphemy!

[@hyenalaughingmatter8103]

@@StephanEngine7878 Money is just paper made from Trees. Ask Rothschild if you need some he will print it for you.. Mental Helath is more important than bloody man made money from the elites ;)

[@StephanEngine7878]

@@hyenalaughingmatter8103 No, this is wrong or at least misleading imho. Bank notes are paper made from trees. You may like or dislike capitalism or a free market economy, but regardless of your personal opinions on that, money is a universally accepted exchange medium. You can buy food with money if you are hungry, you can buy stocks, real estate, clothes, a computer or smartphone you are typing your comments on or almost anything else. Of course I agree, that being healthy is even more important than having money, because if you are (terminally) sick, you wont be able to enjoy your life, no matter how much money you have. But that is trivial. And there is actually a correlation, between having enough money and being healthy. Besides that, money is the most important thing, because despite what people say, you can actually buy happiness and joy with money. You dont even have to ask a poor african or asian, who is starving to death. Having (enough or a lot of) money means freedom and opportunities, and that is true, whether you like it or not. Having no or a very small amount of money makes ones life miserable as many studies show (I would even argue, that such studies are not really necessary, because that fact is obvious). We could argue for many hours how much money is enough (there also do exist studies on that question), but maybe we could agree that starving to death or dying because one has to drink dirty water, isnt much fun. So maybe, but just maybe, you wanna reconsider, what you just wrote?

[@tangomike1306]

@@StephanEngine7878 try to buy some extra Time to see your Child grow or to support your Parents if the get sick.

[@hkao6350]

Hi guys, nice video, great job! I really enjoyed it. A short comment as a German: our bosses had a hard time sometimes to understand that a company benefits from all these extras as well. A freshly recreated worker is much more efficient than an exhausted one, reduced error prone and much more. The overall outcome will be positive. From time to time, some bosses have to be reminded on that 😉 On the other hand, the mindset in Germany changed over the years. When I was young (59 years now) , coworkers looked irritated at you, if you dare to leave early on Friday afternoon - even if you were far beyond the regular work-time. Nowadays everyone thinks you honestly earned and deserved an early leave. Which is, of course, preferable...

[@TypeAshton]

Hi there! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. It is really interesting to learn how work culture norms shift over the years. And I totally agree, a well supported employee is a better employee overall. Thanks again and we are glad to hear you enjoyed the videos ❤️ Cheers!

[@strafrag1]

It's too bad most American companies are just based on greed and money. Yes, profit is important but definitly not all.

[@CorineDonfack]

Awesome editing at the beginning

[@SouthPhillyPT]

Absolutely love your video! I learned a lot. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Someday, I’d love to live and work in Germany. Vielen Dank und viel Glück.

[@TypeAshton]

Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it. Let us know if you have any questions when you're ready to make the move! ❤️ Cheers from the Black Forest!

[@SouthPhillyPT]

@@TypeAshton Pre-Covid, I was planning to visit Freiburg on a solo trip starting from Basel working my way up towards Saarbrücken and Mainz. I’m waiting for Covid to get better but it looks like it’s going to take awhile. Thanks again! I’m looking forward to watching your vids and what an adorable family!

[@eniko7698]

This video was such fun to watch. Still, as an Austrian, I admire your work ethics and appreciation for these differences! We are spoilt to a certain extend, and are sometimes not willing to put in an extra effort.

[@songho7488]

It's not that they respect off days in Germany it's legally mandated in german labour law (Arbeitsrecht). The US had a strong labour union back in the 70's after they "weakened" those everything went south which coinincidentally came around the same time nixon lifted the gold standard. Since then profit is everything in the US and a worker is just a machine you can replace.

[@bauluemmel]

Ich habe euren Kanal vor ca. einer Woche entdeckt. Eure Beträge sind großartig und ich versuche all eure Videos anzuschauen. (Wenn ich die Zeit habe) Weiter so 🖖

[@de00001]

There are numerous contributions on the subject of culture comparison US vs. Germany. I particularly like your appealing video cuts that stand out from the crowd. Thanks!

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you! We've had a lot of fun learning how to edit/ create videos and are glad you enjoy the end result!

[@JO-ez4ds]

I’m mind blown by what you discussed. I am an American. Sadly, US politicize a lot of issues to avoid resolution and frustrate people I appreciate and grateful for your insights.

[@TypeAshton]

Thanks! I'm really glad to hear that you enjoyed the video. We have found it to be really interesting to have the perspective of living in Germany and looking back on what our experience was like in the States. Thanks for watching! ❤️ Cheers from the Black Forest!

[@jack_da_niels]

As a german I can agree mostly to all of your points. There is only one which I would phrase a little different. It's not that we don't talk about private stuff at work. My experience is that in mails (like you mentioned) a phonecall or meeting you should talk about the topic. However if you are waiting in the meeting 2-3 minutes before everyone has joined there is definitly room for small talk or similar - so if you meet in person (virtually) that is totally fine, while if you are only communicating in written form via mail it's not usual. Also if you work in the office, at least my experience is that we also talk about private stuff when you are currently not busy. The written summary of a meeting is helpful in the situations you mentioned, it also helps me when I have multiple topics and maybe the next meeting for one topic is 4 weeks later, to get a short info about what was the latest progress/agreement. In addition if you are on vacation it helps you when you come back to pick up what happened in the meantime or if you weren't able to attend a meeting to get a short summary. So these meeting minutes which can be read in 2-3 minutes are totally helpful. I love the US as a country to travel to and I also could imagine to live there but I never would like to work there. If you are not "lucky" to work for a company which offers you health care, days off and other benefits which are just given by law in Germany - I think you treated like s+++ (my opinion). You mentioned the sick days but another example is, why do people dependant on the tip you give at a restaurant - why can't there be a salary which allows them to cover their living...there are many more examples, that's just one. Also what you mentioned after giving birth...when a woman in Germany would go to work the next day or week - first everyone would be questioning if she is mentally ok and they would send her home directly. In general in my opinion I think the work-life balance and work-life relationship can be described as more human and balanced.

[@AleaumeAnders]

Completely agree. on that point. This "chit-chat" is so important, that we even have added it as part of the schedule in our company, since the start of the pandemic. Thus while our twice weekly general video call officially starts at 9.45 (and that means 45, not 47, yep german punctuality), people are allowed and expected to join at 9.30 already. And woe to those that want to start talking about business early: those 2x15 minutes are for talking about family, gardening, soccer and so so. Yep, paid time. Which isn't contradicting with your own (correct) statement that small talk is limited during work hours. My boss just understood, that he had to specifically facilitate our incredible company culture during this time, where many people are working from home, or have intentionally separated office times. Yes, valueing workers as humans, and taking the human aspect into consideration IS an important and efficient business factor.

[@martinhaschka8611]

Love the Birkenstock sandals

[@spirwes64]

Ihr habt alles perfekt gesagt. Da gibt es nichts hinzuzufügen. Danke!

[@frankamueller801]

I just discovered your channel the other day and I love it. :-) I just wanted to say: Germans also chat during work at the desk or in the "coffee kitchen" (Kaffeeküche) and are not super-concentrated all day. When someone comes back from vacation, he/she tells all about it, of course. And on Monday morning, my colleagues always discuss the soccer results in detail. Depending on the job, of course you also work overtime when the deadline is approaching and are not forced to shut your computer down. I'm always shocked to hear that there are so few vacation days in the US. A while back, my employer was bought out by a global company and that's when I first experienced being asked to donate vacation days. This is really absolutely unheard of in Germany! (There are even extra vacation days if you get married, have a child or move). In another video (lebenUSA) Bill talked about employees having little loyalty and immediately starting somewhere else if the conditions / the money there are better. Is that true? In movies, I also always find it very strange when people get fired and then immediately pack their box of office stuff. I assume this is real and not a cliché? In Germany, you work until the last agreed day and make a proper handover.

[@TypeAshton]

We are so glad you enjoyed the videos we have made ❤️ So in my experience, most employees in the United States work "at will." This means that they can fire you at any time, for any reason, unless of course if that reason is illegal. Often times it is in the employers "best interest" to just let the person go as soon as they have made the decision to fire them. That way, they don't have an opportunity to take company files or proprietary information with them out the door. However, if they do fire you, they may still pay you for 2 weeks or until the next pay check to help make the termination not quite as harsh (although it arguably still quite harsh). It really depends on your industry and the kind of contract you have.

[@stephanclemens2348]

@@TypeAshton Ooookay...that explains why you always see the guys getting escorted out by the security in the US, not even allowing them to say goodbye to their colleagues. I always wondered why they do that. I think it only helps to potentially escalate an already bad situation.

[@hartmutfeige548]

@@stephanclemens2348 Sounds a little bit as §1 in the companys handbook is: treat your employees like criminals.

[@Uhrenfreund.]

FHello both of you. Very interesting how you see what is normal for us. 😊 I would like to say something about vacation! I have 31 days of vacation. Normally, as far as I know, you have 30 days. After my apprenticeship, which I was able to shorten by half a year due to good grades, my employer gave me an additional day of vacation as motivation. This could never be taken away from me again. German "customary rights"! So today, after 20 years, I still have one more day of vacation than my colleagues. ❤️ 😁😁 🙋♂️ Wish you a good time! 👍

[@TypeAshton]

Hi there! Thanks so much for watching the video. And.... Wow! That's amazing! 30 days of vacation sounds like... well... a real treat. ❤️

[@BjoernVT]

Thanks for this great video!

[@TypeAshton]

So glad you enjoyed it! ❤️

[@BjoernVT]

@@TypeAshton your experience reflects in many aspects my own from my pre Covid relatively frequent visits to the US. I think that both cultures have their advantages in every day life. I worked most of my career for the German subsidiaries of different American companies in the semiconductor business. In general we managed to combine the two worlds pretty effectively in my opinion (i.e. my workphone stays usually on till late after work, as we would loose too much time from the different time zones if more feedback is required from the US). I think it might be worthwhile to one day make a video myself, talking about the experiences from my travelling around the world as a Field Service Engineer and the different cultures one gets connected with this way.

[@TypeAshton]

That would be a really interesting video to watch! If you make it, please be sure to let us know so we can give it a watch. We wold love to see the perspective from your industry.

[@raggiezockt]

Grüße aus Ihringen , sehr interessant es Mal aus so einer Sicht zu sehen

[@TypeAshton]

Hi! Toll, jemanden aus einer nahe gelegenen Stadt zu treffen. Vielen Dank für das Anschauen des Videos. Wir freuen uns sehr, dass es Ihnen gefallen hat. Liebe Grüße aus dem Schwarzwald!

[@viktorpenner]

I might be very lucky as I am working for Schwab Brokerage and (for American standards) they are very generous giving us all the major holidays off paid fully as well as Bank holidays paid. Being German and having moved to the States, I was shocked at what my friends were sharing about their PTO days and sick days etc. Having a company that gives me Sick paid hours per pay check which are not your PTO (and I get PTO from the start and can accumulate up to 5 weeks per year and it'll roll over) I think I hit a bit of a jack pot in America and it doesn't feel much different from working in Germany. My company's culture is also very honoring and respectful of my time, at the same time flexible for quick changes in my personal life. So far - I feel like the work culture is not much different in my personal experience. Thank you for all the videos as I am learning about my own home country more and more

[@EsmaTabak55]

Saying hello/good morning when entering an indoor space, acknowledging a human being, stranger or not, is crucial in any EU country and is considered very rude if you don't. I remember experiencing this in the US for the first time and people looking at me as if I was crazy and not saying anything back...There is something called Le BonTon meaning etiquette/good manners. US skipped that class.

[@jacquelineverswalm1722]

They Skipped many Others.....

[@markspencer4385]

i would not say that. For me that is just a cultural difference and that is it. i lived and worked in 6 different countries over the years (just considering were i was staying over a year) i have learned to accept differences in culture and not to consider them rude although most of the time i did not understood them. But have to admit i resisted most of the times to adopt them

[@jacquelineverswalm1722]

@@markspencer4385 it's a question of manners and education.It doesnt matter where you come from...

[@markspencer4385]

@@jacquelineverswalm1722 I was several times in the US, for work and holidays, in general i cannot judge amaricans as rude or unfriendly. actually it is kind of the opposite, if i had some question or needed some help with something, i did not really had a problem to get it. I did not visit all countries of Europe so i can't say if all europeans behave the same in that matter (saying hello or good morning entering an indoor space) As you put it so nicely, it is also a question of education. If you not educated to do that (because that is not the habbit where you are living) you cannot call it rude or having bad manners. For me is not understandable to call someone rude or say they have bad manners just because they do not have the same custom as you have, that is all.

[@jacquelineverswalm1722]

@@markspencer4385 Lots of people are born and raised without education and manners but they observe and learn and improve...it's a question of what Kind of Person you are...you can improve and educate yourself...but Some will never

[@pascalmuller1752]

I adore both of your positive attitude... really refreshing, well made, nice and enjoyable Content! You are (in my opninion) just perfectly balanced between facts and your own impressions/opinion. And Jonathan made my day every single time he shows up :P. What a nice Husband/Guy. i would love to have a chat with him. Even if he ates the crepe :D I wish you all the best and a new year that can only be better as the last ones!

[@TypeAshton]

Thank you for the nice comment! We hope you have a great New Year.

[@maudeboggins9834]

When we arrived here from Athens, Greece, I was impressed by the sea of bicycles with kids going to school. It was bicycles galore. Our boys were 9 & we bought them bikes too. I had never owned a bicycle & also got one. I ran errands on it, cycled to the gym on it. OMG such a contrast from both London & Athens. If I was to cycle in either Athens or London it would be a kamikaze mission. Athens is definitely bicycle unfriendly. Being driven to school by car was the norm for our boys.

[@FFM0594]

When calculating the cost of US health care vs German, you should factor in the holiday/ sick day rulings and the fact you still get paid in Germany.

[@ashleebussey2873]

I love your videos, im hoping one day i can look into moving to germany but its so daunting, i have a few video suggestions for you that could really help me out: Tips for learning german, or how fluent you need to be before moving, what is public transport like (particularly in freiburg), what you need to do in order to move to germany (paperwork, visas etc) and maybe a more in depth look at socialising.

[@hape3862]

Learning German: start today! The sooner you start the sooner you feel ready to make the move. There are plenty of resources online, also for free, like "Easy German": kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5mboWNupt-cfZI How fluent? Most Germans (especially younger generations) speak English, so don't worry, you'll get by with English alone at first, but knowing German makes your life here easier. Public transport is almost perfect. You can get from every little village to any other point in Europe by public transport for a reasonable price. Sometimes in rural areas busses or trains may be not so frequent as desired but with a bit of planing / flexibility there is always a way to get your journey started. You might have to change from bus to metro or to train or have to change trains on your way, but it is well organized and most if not all connections can be planned and booked online (this applies to all of Europe). For example: You can book a ticket from Hamburg in the north of Germany on the coast all the way to the very south of Germany and up to the top of our highest mountain (the "Zugspitze") by train! Yes, there is a rack railroad going up to the top of a 10,000 feet mountain! Another example: There is an "Interrail Ticket" with which you can explore the whole continent of Europe by train within a certain period (you choose). With this ticket you can use ANY public transport in Europe whenever and as often as you want without any extra costs. This is a good way for tourists to explore Europe at one's own pace and on routes of choice.

[@TypeAshton]

Thats awesome. Thank you so much for watching and the great video ideas. We would love to approach these topics in some upcoming videos. However, in the meantime we have written blog posts on these subjects as well (especially concerning different kinds of visas/work permits). If you're interested you should check it out. I hope it can be a good resource for you and in the meantime, feel free to reach out with any questions. Cheers! ❤️

[@AprilMalady1]

Just a tip: kzbin.info She has a few "german language" videos on pronounciation, grammar and stuff and I think she is really good at explaining.

[@conan7422]

Don't be afraid to learn German and to make mistakes. You will get all the help and no one will judge you. just try and use the opportunity to speak German to germans instead of English as often you can do.

[@amoamareamabo]

So glad i saw this because I'm a US national about to start a job in Germany soon! I really like the tip about sending notes after a meeting.

[@m8ss1]

In Germany there´s a saying: "Dienst ist Dienst - und Schnaps ist Schnaps!" Meaning: If there´s work to do: Do it - regardless of your personal settings. If you´re celebrating all night long: Ok -as long as you´re able to do your work properly. During your break and after work there´s time for individual settings. We use to drink a beer and have a chat before returning home. By the way: When I was really down and had huge problems my colleagues (and my bosses) pushed me through and helped me in any way they could. You yourself, your work and your family - that´s the triangle you have to figure out.

[@Rainerjgs]

Vielen herzlichen Dank, liebe Blackies, daß Ihr unseren ewig unzufriedenen und nörgelnden Arbeitern und Angestellten endlich einmal die Augen öffnet, wofür sie eigentlich alles froh und dankbar sein können, im Vergleich zu allen anderen Ländern dieser Welt!