To proof that there are always cliches and reasons to smile about each other. Guess mimzy is OK with.
Cliches & Stereotypes about German People
In the age of globalisation, I wonder how many people in Europe and around the world believe that the typical stereotypes about Germans are true?
Fact is that Germans are not the homogeneous society you might think it is. Many Germans identify themselves with the state they live in, and there are many differences in culture. For example, many Bavarians are proud Bavarians rather than proud Germans.
Certainly, a few clichés bear some truth. However, can the well-known stereotypes still be applied to more than 80 million people? Let's have a closer look! What is typical German?
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"Germans always wear Lederhosen" - That's not even true for Bavaria, the home of the Lederhosen. Lederhosen and Dirndl are a traditional dress (Tracht) of Bavaria. Other states have their tradional dresses as well. German people wear these Tracht at local festivals and events, sometimes. But usually not in everyday life.
"Germans live on sauerkraut and sausages" - Well, sauerkraut is a healthy food. Depending on how you cook it, it can be very tasty. I like it. However, apart from sauerkraut, we have much more typical German foods.
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Would you believe that many Germans love pizza, spaghetti and Asian dishes, too?
"Germans are always punctual, hard-working and don't have humour" - That was probably true in the 1950s and 60s. But the world has changed, and so have the Germans.
I don't know if there is such a thing like typical German humour. But rest assured, we have a sense of humour!
We Germans love Dinner for One, it is the most repeated TV program in Germany. So we must have humour
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Punctuality is not a negative attribute, as long as one doesn't get mad at people who are a few minutes late.
"Germans are unfriendly and impolite" - There is a degree of truth in this. Sometimes I think that as well, especially when I return from a holiday in a foreign country. Obviously, Germans have never learned to be patient standing in a queue, and to wait until people get out of the bus, before they jump in.
Another situation when German people might appear unfriendly is when they are asked for help from a foreigner in English, or any other language. Although English is taught at school, many people hesitate to speak English because they are not fluent in English. Especially older people don't have good English skills.
I could add a few other points about what I don't like about my fellow Germans. However, would this be representative?
On the positive side, visitors are offered great hospitality. German people won't smile all day. However, if they treat you friendly, you can be sure they mean it.
Anyways
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