Why do the Germans always seek perfection?

Question

Any scientifical / sociological explanation?

Cultural habits?

Answer 1

It is just an obsession to seek a higher level of accomplishment. This sort of thing can backfire. The German Luger, the 9mm service pistol that saw wide use in WW2, was so finely machined that it had a serious tendency to jam in the field if subjected to dirt. Other weapons much more loosely fit did not have this problem. So in some cases perfect does not always mean better. We should keep this in mind in our normal lives as well.

Answer 2

well, they don't!
i guess the premise on which you question is based is somewhat flawed. I know many very very flakey germans who don't givea damn about perfection. so you're pretty unlikely to find a scientific or sociological answer.

the question should perhaps have been put - why is there a perception that germans always seek perfection?
and the answer i'd give is that people, not having met many people from germany, buy into a lazy stereotype.

And by the way, i'm not german, i'm irish and nope, i don't always drink guinness and start a singsong before looking for someone's crock of gold. Nor am i a terrorist hell-bent on bombing the UK.

Don't believe the hype!

looking at some of the above posts i think this whole issue is tied up in fascism... someone mentioned the german army (like the army of ANY country isn't well-drilled) and A E N mentioned the luger. again lazy generalising, There was nothing exclusively german about the nazis- as evidenced by the growth of fascism across europe and indeed the us.

Answer 3

I think thats a little stereotyping every one seeks perfection not just Germans.

Answer 4

A little bit of stereotyping, don't you think?

Why does the army seek perfection?

Answer 5

Why ask why?