German Stereotypes: The Dirndl, Humor And German Efficiency | Meet the Germans

How does the rest of the world see Germany? You're bound to find many different answers to that question, but there are a few stubborn stereotypes that always seem to come up. So how much truth is there behind them, and where did they even come from? That's what Rachel wants to find out in this week's Meet the Germans.

Rachel moved from the UK to Germany in 2016. As a relative newcomer she casts a fresh eye over German clichés and shares her experiences of settling into German life. Every two weeks she explores a new topic – from unusual bans to meaty cuisine or haunted castles. This week: Lederhosen and punctuality!

#MeettheGermans #RachelStewart04 #Stereotypes
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[dweuromaxx]

Which German stereotypes do you think need to be ditched for good? And are there any particular clichés about your own country that get on your nerves?

[JeanMichelTeBrake]

I've worked in tourism for many years in Copenhagen, Denmark. German tourists are usually the most friendly and kind... but they are a bit like "fish out of the water". They are very cautious and nervous about little things that's not clearly marked or signed. A usual catchphrase we often would get; "Is the tour also in German?", even though we have signs in German saying it is. One thing you can be sure of with German tourists is " there's no bad weather... only bad clothing"
The weather can change 20 times within a day, yet somehow a German tourist is always prepared and can flip their attire within seconds.

[mwtabikh]

"Das P in Deutsche Bahn steht für pünktlichkeit" was the best german joke i ever heard.

[worldwidecatvods]

"Well, whoever decided that forgot to tell the trains."

As a German who has to use those every day, I just burst out laughing at how accurate this is xD

[Vlasov]

German: We aren't pedantic!
Also German: Allow me to introduce you to our wide range of regional glassware.

[nerdbot]

Hey, we do want to break up with bureaucracy, it just takes time for the registry office to process the divorce papers

[ju.h_man]

German humor is so efficient, people start laughing before the joke has been told

[GunnarCreutz]

I live in Sweden. The Queen of Sweden is German. The Archbishop of the Swedish Lutheran Church is German. When growing up our closest neighbour was a German man named Ernst. From my childhood I remember him as an angry man, but as an adult I found out that Ernst is really funny with a really drastic humour! The mother of one of my best friends is German too. I have also studied the German language for five years in school, so I would say that there are no place left for stereotyping Germans. I find Germans in general to be quite similar to us Swedes.

[GummiPenner]

I was like: "Im not dry, mean old lady! .. but than i was "uh she called me smart, well i guess i forgive her" :)

[djamelhamdia]

I love the way Rachel Stewart speaks in German.

[lrheimpel]

My grandfather came to Mexico from Heilbronn, Germany in 1926. He WAS a German stereotype! My mom would invite him for dinner at 7pm. 6:55 pm grandpa would arrive. If dinner was not served by 7:15pm he would say auf wiedersehen and leave! He was also very serious. Worked very hard and very productively. Maybe it was a generational thing? Germans of my grandfather's time were really like that and the stereotype remained even as Germans evolved themselves in Germany. Great show, I love seeing all your videos Rachel!

[AuruGames]

"How many germans do you need to change a light bulb?" "One, we are efficent and don't have humor!"

[gideonwilliam]

My grandma in-law has enough food reserve in the basement to feed a village. She's almost 90, lives alone, but still keeps them "just in case"

[nicholassiminson]

I've lived in Germany for more than 30 Years and I fully agree with the conclusions in this "Clip". I live just outside Cuxhaven and have taken (or been granted) German Citizenship. This prevents my being sent back to the UK after "Brexit" ! I love it here 😍😍😍
I will be 77 in two Weeks.

[diezgp]

"That the German language sounds aggressive"
It almost feels like a threat when the guys says it.

[hiimain]

Germans 🇩🇪💞
Sending love from the Philippines 🇵🇭

[derorje]

I know he was trying to make a joke, but when Christoph Waltz was talking about Germany and the German language on Conan's show, I thought to myself, "You know the prejudices aren't true, you don't need to reinforce them. The Americans will probably believe you tell the truth."

[simonportlock]

I have served in Germany on two occasions; once for 3 years in my early 20's, and the second time for 18 months in my late 30's. I absolutely love the country. My regrets are, The first time I was there I never really left Sennelager/Paderborn, I never made any real attempt to learn the language after meeting an aggressive Dr in one of the local hospitals. Second time I served there, I was older and more mature, I did do some travelling, got to Berlin, Koln, etc, but the job I was doing was really restrictive so the opportunities weren't there like the first time round, I did learn a little of language and made a couple of German friends.

I have a 5 year old son and I am going to ensure that he learns a second language and he has the opportunity to travel. Once we can all travel again, I intend to visit regularly and with my son. In truth, I absolutely love the country.

[xaverio]

I live in Germany for 30 years now. Germany is a big Country and there are heavy differences between north and south east and west and even regionally there are some remarkable differences.
I like Germans. Germans are mostly polite and and have a deep sense for duty and me personally learned a lot of the German culture.
Speaking about stereotype is always wrong because it will be thrown all kind of people in the same jar. But, there are some traits that the most Germans shares: they tends to believe to know things better that others. Germans have humour but is a kind of sarcastic one, if you have the same one everything is fine. If you have an ironic one, well in this case it may be a problem. What I have learned in the time being here is to clearly and always manifest what your intentions are, if you want to tell a joke, say it before you tell it. And this is a very helpful habit for every situation, not only in Germany.

[memati]

I am from Saudi Arabia and i have german friends .. their sense of hospitality is quite spectacular, very generous, very polite and you truly enjoy conversations with … people usually roast germans for being racist, but that is not true at all .. they have very remarkable and honorable ethics that many nations lack 😃