Things Germans Do Everyday, Considered FANCY in America

Sometimes one thing that is perfectly normal and everyday in one country, can be considered very fancy and high-class in another! Today we are talking about some German habits that you won't find in the US unless in very specific and formal settings! What are these culture shocks and differences between Germany and America?? Find out in this video when two Americans moved to Germany discovered these things in their everyday lives. If you are thinking about moving to Germany, this could help you avoid awkward social interactions in Germany! 😊

Filmed: Kaiserslautern / Ramstein, Germany - February 2021
#AmericansInGermany #German #MovingToGermany
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❤️Aubrey was a Speech-Language Pathologist, Donnie was a graphic designer, but we both had a dream to #travel the world and experience cultures. After three years of being married and dreaming about if something like this great adventure would be possible, we decided to quit the rat race and take on the world. We sold everything we had, quit our jobs, and took off! After 9 months of aimless and nonstop travel, we now get to fulfill our dreams of #LivingAbroad as #expats as we move to #Germany!

[singingsanja]

Saying "Sie" is not only distance, but first and foremost respect and politeness. ;-)

[Karuzo]

Normal for Germans but fancy for Americans:
Healthcare system and not to worry to die because you can't pay the doctor

[Parciwal_Gaming]

As a german student, it is almost a privilege when adults start talking to you formally because it shows that you are old enough to be considered "worthy". Childs and young teenagers are almost always called by their first name or talked down to even if that isn't the intend (in my opinion). When strangers start to talk formally to you, you know that you have matured quite a bit

[finn]

I am from Germany and I really like that we differ between "Du" and "Sie" and don't call strangers and older or respectable people by their first names. It shows respect for the others and keeps a certain distance if needed. And nowadays it's a sign if someone was risen right by their parents, at least from what I have experienced.

[sebra]

Fun fact: Plastic cups, that can be used only once, are banned in the whole EU 😉

[temakrug]

When I was young, I didn't like the "Sie" and "Du" in Germany, but now I really like it, cause it gives you personal space from strangers.

[sabinaciccone]

Well, avoiding trash and disposable utensils should be quite normal...doesn't have anything to do with being fancy, but having a conscious mind for the environment

[lisadurst]

I actually really like the fact that we can keep things formal. It kind of gives you the choice to tell people to stay away from you without having to tell them directly.

[wichardbeenken]

Disposable plastic tableware is forbidden in Germany from this year on.

[rizzo]

And guess where you can also find your Red plastic cups? In the ocean.

[linajurgensen]

I love being formal. Formality is deeply ingrained in the German language and culture and I much prefer it, because it shows respect to other people and keeps a distance between you and the person you’re talking to. I think France, Italy and Germany might be the most formal countries in Europe.
Talking to employees with first name seems very strange and way to personal to me.😅

[salt.]

for us, the formal Sie is used to show respect, and is prevalent specifically with children addressing adults. In schools, teachers will refer to students as Du and their first name, while students will use last names and Sie. Once the students in a class turn 18 it is common for the teachers to ask their classes if they want to be referred to formally as well, or if they want to drop formalities and refer to teachers by their first name as well

[tief]

What I (as a German) find fancy in the USA is the guy who packs your bags after you pay at the supermarket. That is fancy and at the same time somehow strange 😄

[fireworks]

To be honest, a store where the employees only go by their first names would feel like a store that is run by children to me.

[Blackjack]

Pro tip: you can always get free water at a restaurant, you just have to ask for tap water specifically. Some restaurants will even put a lemon wedge in it. And technically, theyre not allowed to deny you tab water. You just have to ask :)

[jamesjames]

The two of you together are a perfect combination. You complement each other's excellent communication skills. Your facial expressions, and smiles are charming, and warmly received. The information that you provide can make a huge difference in a well received blending of our cultures. I look forward to your next video. Thank you.

[katschaccc]

When we turned 16 our teachers asked us if it is okay if they still say "du" or is they have to start addressing us with "sie" it goes hand in hand with getting our personalaisweis.

[pfranzeldude]

Eating with cutlery isn't fancy, it's clean!

[mauribee]

I'm german and #1 me & my boyfriend have been drinking tap water for half a year now because one day we realised how ridiculous it is to buy water at the store, while having good quality tap water for (almost) free :D #2 I ALWAYS use the formal way of adressing people, the only exception are my family, friends and people i know well (like some of my colleagues at work). I live in a small town and i'm not even informal with my neighbors, because I don't know them. #3 I HATE eating with my hands!! :D I rellay enjoyed this video, I never considered all of these things as posh or fancy for americans or other nationalities.

[angl]

From what I know, when you go into a German restaurant and you order a bottle of water - you get asked what kind of water you want.
And when you are visiting friends, they will also ask you what kind of water you prefer.
At least this is how I experienced it.
That’s is what I hear/ get asked when I go to a restaurant in Germany oder over to a german friends house.