5 Random 'German' Things...Common in Germany!

Why are these 'German Things'??? We want to discuss some topics that are very common in Germany and are new to Deana who is from the USA. Phil is from Germany and we wanted to get his German feedback on these topics. We would also like to get your thoughts and opinions as well!

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:10 - German Thing #1
02:31 - German Thing #2
04:27 - German Thing #3
06:21 - German Thing #4
08:06 - Do you include photos on your resume?
08:16 - German Thing #5
10:26 - Your thoughts?

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DEANA AND PHIL STUFF ►

DEANA’S STUFF ►

PHIL’S STUFF ►

[j.a.]

I really learned to appreciate "Sie" in professional settings. Having that bit of professional distance with clients is soooo nice. I think people are more respectful if they are forced to use Sie.
Regarding the photo, here in Austria that is basicly a requirement on your CV as well. Not necessarily a photo taken by a photographer, but definitely a nice one.
And scarf are just amazing when it's cold, I guess they just want you to enjoy a nice warm comfy scarf as well :)
I also like that we pay ourselves on birthdays so you never feel pressured to pay more than you can afford and if you plan it yourself ot is also less likely that people will forget about your birthday.
I think the Germans in movies used to be really insulting, jzst remember the bad guys in like the older James Bond movies, they were either Russian or German. It feels like for a while every villain was either Russian or German, on any Hollywood movie. Feels a bit like propaganda.

[saratemp]

I heard we in US stopped including photos on resumes during the civil rights times in the 1960's, to prevent racism in hiring.

[DanVibesTV]

As far as I know (old) English also had a formal and an informal version (You and Thou). Somewhere in the 17th or 18th century "Thou" was ditched and only the formal "You" remained

[pascalnitsche]

Actually there are formal and informal versions of “you” in English too but usage has gone out of fashion and only the polite version is still commonly in use. For those wondering: the informal version is “thou”.

[LollyandPop]

My mother is German and I was born in Germany but raised in the U.S. my mother used to call us, her children, “you Americans!” I usually am not offended by how Germans are depicted in film, but sometimes it does get old.

I have used a photo on my résumé and I think it helps!

I am a new subscriber and really enjoy watching you two. On to 100, 000 subscribers!

[rickgarms]

As "No Longer Amused" mentioned, (except for careers that require head shots ie: modeling, film, advertising) in the USA, including a glossy photo of yourself could open up the possibility for discrimination/bias before a selection process really began. With just a resume indicating skills and experience only, the hiring/lending/renting party reviews your strengths and/or appearance. Thanks for the vlogs guys.

[elis]

I'm from the Czech Republic originally and we have the exact same thing as "du" / "Sie" and it works exactly the same way and yes, I would be offended if somebody a lot younger than me called me "du" ... it's almost like an insult.

[Tristan_Anderwelt]

Hello you two. I'm from Germany and here are my answers.
1. I have of course also learned to distinguish between SIE and DU. It always depends on the person and the situation. Friends of my children or customers (I'm a postman) are welcome to say DU. That doesn't bother me at all. But if there are people I don't really know and who I don't like or don't like, I clearly deny them the right to say YOU.
2. I don't know that as extreme. Yes, my mother always said that and was worried we might get sick. But only when it was really cold.
3. I'm definitely with Phil. I feel the same way with surprise parties. But it is normal for me to spend one on my birthday, at least on important birthdays.
When I invite people over to me, it is also common in my generation (1970) that I then pay. But I'm a big fan of B.Y.O .. So everyone has what they like and doesn't need to bring any presents;)
4. Of course, a photo belongs in an application for a job. At least that's how I learned that. But I agree that this may give more attractive people greater opportunities.
For me personally, it would also be okay if they are without a photo. During the interview you can also get an idea of ​​the person and get to know them and not turn them off before you know them. Much more people would get a fair chance.
5. I never really bothered how Germans are sometimes portrayed in Hollywood. I have way too much sense of humor not to even laugh at it.
What bothers me more are YouTube videos about trying German food in which only dishes from Bavaria can be seen. I recently had a case like this and felt it boil inside me.
So fact is stereotypes still exist ;)

[renescharton]

Why there is a formal version of 'you':
It is about relationships. Being ' per Du' with somebody in German means to have some kind of close relationship with them. With all the expectations that belong there.
Keeping it 'per Sie' gives both sides the opportunity to be friendly and compassionate without giving up personal space that you might not want the other one to enter. It keeps a professional distance without anyone feeling embarrassed or disappointed.
It is a beautiful thing. It is all about managing expectations.

[tschehahh]

Hi, I am 53 yo „old white man“ (and German) and do not feel offended by „Du“. Even in my Company „Sie“ is very uncommon, but that might be because we are an IT Provider where „Du“ is common. We were once the IT division from Siemens, where „Sie“ still is a thing, so we said: We are not from Siemens, we are Dumens!! 😀😂

[Elke_KB]

Canada here! I had to also learn french in school, so the formal/informal never phased me. It's just the way the english language evolved. If you say Excuse me, in english you're more likely to add sir or ma'am to the end.
My mom was always telling us to wear our scarves, now I'm always telling my kids to wear a scarf. I don't like tight turtlenecks either, but you can wear the scarf loosely. It keeps the cold air from blowing on your neck and going down the back of your coat. Plus if it's not too cold you can leave your coat open and the scarf gives you just the right amount of warmth needed.
If my dad's birthday was on a Monday, we would not have the "party" until the following weekend, never before his actual birthday. That was verboten.
The german stereotypes is they represented as evil or stupid and everything focusses on Bavaria, Berlin or the war. But, I notice american shows play on stereotypes from other countries too.

[Adalbert]

„Sie“ provides a nice distance to strangers, kind of like your personal space you do not want to be invaded by Hinz und Kunz. If a complete stranger approached me and addressed me using „du“ I‘d feel disrespected as if someone touched me without my permission. Of course everything depends on the context. Children and foreigner get a special discount in that regard. 😉 I have worked for companies where „Sie“ was common and for those where only „du“ was used. I prefer the latter, but I do not mind the other either.
And I think it is very common in languages to have different forms of addressing people based in their age, status and relationship they have with you. Germany with its two forms (like French or Polish) is pretty easy, in Silesian (a Polish southern dialect) there are three and I believe some asian languages can do even better.

[vickyburton]

I think it is wonderful to have an informal call formal version! It shows so much respect.

[monikadeinbeck]

I like to use "Du" with people I know personally, like colleagues. However, some companies seem to think they sound cool and modern if they say "Du" to everyone. This makes me angry. I don't want to be called by my first name or adressed "Du" by amazon employees or insurance company officials.

[Kattleyah]

1. I am from Germany but live in England for 7 years now, and now I totally started hating the "Sie". If I go back I will never fall back on that again and just call everyone "Du" :P
2. Hate scars, never really wore one much, definitely not as soon as it gets a little colder
3. I had a surprise party when I was 13 or 14, so my parents paid for it lol, my friends just organised it. I hate surprise parties personally. Never really heard about one when I was older though, so I think they do happen, just not super common?
4. In England it is actually "forbidden" to include a picture in your CV due to discrimination. And I have learnt to also prefer this way.
5. Nah, never get offended by any of this, couldnt care less

[nolongeramused]

In the US including a headshot on a job application is likely going to run afoul of EEOC rules.

[wienohtria]

I am from Hong Kong and we do not put photos on CVs. Because employers are looking for your abilities but not for beauty queens/ kings. It was a culture shock for me when I moved to Vienna (similar culture to Germany).

[without]

I'm from Slovenia and we also use 'du' and 'Sie', and some people do get offended, if you use 'du' to early. And we also use these fancy shoots on or CVs - it's not mandatory, but you have better chances if you do.
Same with 'wear a scarf' and 'pay on your birthday' points - maybe it's an Europe thing? 🤔

[kristofferholst]

Yeah, but you have the formal Sir and mam when addressing strangers, someone older or just wanna come of as being polite and respectful.

[martinjunghofer]

Regarding "you": If someone I do not know addresses me with "Du", it depends on whether the situation is more friendly or more aggressive; if she is friendly, I may be a little surprised, but usually accept it; if she is aggressive, I defend myself against it by asking: "Have we already eaten a sack of salt together?" This used to be a common threshold in northern Germany to offer the "you"!

Regarding "invite": I have the impression that "einladen" and "invite" contain two completely different things, at least in Germany and America. "Einladen" in Germany always means - unless you expressly exclude it - that the person inviting pays, regardless of where you are, at home, in a restaurant or wherever. "Invite" in America - that's how I experienced it there - means that you ask the other person to meet you and do something together - nothing more! This is more confusing for Germans in America than the other way around, because not having to pay anything is more pleasant than having to pay when you expected otherwise!