Where does the German stereotype of rigidity, organization and efficiency come from?

Answer 1

I don't know exactly when it started, but it was very deeply ingrained into the national character by Frederick the Great (1712-1786), who was a visionary and a great administrator. At the time, this is what Prussia (the basis for the modern German state) needed to defeat their enemies which surrounded them on all sides. They were outnumbered, lacked the finances, and the resources of their enemies. To survive, they had to be all 3. Since it worked, it was retained and even refined upon. To say that these traits have always been there is probably true too, but never as much as then.

Answer 2

You know, I'm German and I always thought I'm easygoing, and wondered about the stereotype you mentioned. But when I started traveling and visiting other countries, I found the answer rather quickly. I just have to open my eyes anywhere in the world and I see inefficiency and disorganisation. Like traffic signs pointing in wrong directions or missing altogether. Tardiness. People who don't keep appointments or don't take them seriously. People starting to do anything without a proper plan. And so on. Really, I got a new view of myself. Must be in the genes or so.
Properly used, this German peculiarity could surely be helpful, but we always have to hold back a bit and not overvalue efficiency, compared to other human attributes.

Answer 3

It probably comes from the fact that the Nazi party- rigid, organized, and horrifically efficient- originated in Germany. But the important thing to remember here is that not all Germans were or are like that, and that there are non-Germans who have at least some of those traits.

Answer 4

Here's something for you... the stereotype is TRUE!!!! Yes, people stereotypes are not always wrong. They all hold truth.

Germanic people are very much like that. I know. I've been to Germany and I live in the Germanic part of Switzerland. I confirm this stereotype to be pretty much true of many Germanic people.

I am half Swiss (German) and organization and efficiency are very important parts of my life. I'm quite a perfectionist.

Answer 5

They are by nature clean and organized. Perhaps having institutions of higher learning, has helped. They were that way before Hitler came on the scene. Not all are rigid, in fact I found some are quite generous and helpful, of course not everyone fits the stereotype.

Answer 6

all varieties, think of approximately it, even in secular words with out pointing out the bible i can respond to this one there is an ole announcing that Adversity if the mummy of invention, conflict as an occasion is mostly a bad factor, yet seem on the advances we made n conflict, Medicnes and technologies, I imply extremely ? we might have on no account are turning out to be this far if it weren't for our being at each and every others throats ? as for illnesses? those rigidity us to think of, attempt and inspire us to conquer, reasons us to boost in awareness, retains us from being too complacent. From a Biblical Christian attitude ? i think of that the respond is two-fold. One, finally, no person is harmless. All have sinned and fallen wanting the understand of God (Rom. 3:23) and are via nature little ones of wrath (Eph. 2:3). there is none harmless. nonetheless it is biblically precise, it would not fulfill the question emotionally. Why do little little ones go through for issues they have not completed? i'd desire to renowned that i do no longer understand. finally, we would desire to have faith God who is conscious the initiating from the top and sees the grand photograph. he will have the main suitable be conscious and he would be vindicated. in end ? suffering is the effect of human sin. the international isn't the way that God created it and thanks to that, all are at risk of the end results of sin interior the international. Why does one individual go through and yet another would not? Why do catastrophes take place to 3 and to no longer others? it is because of the fact sin is interior the international. yet there'll come an afternoon while the Lord will return and cleanse this international of all sin and all suffering. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there'll be not extra demise, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be to any extent further discomfort: for the former issues are gave up the ghost," (Rev. 21:4).

Answer 7

Their military history. Primarily from Nazi regime but also from some of their previous ones.

In addition, West Germany and East Germany were both very efficient/effective within their respective blocks.

Lastly before world war two, Germany was well known for scientific descovery.

Answer 8

I do not know about the whole trio of qualities you mention, but I have visited Germany, (Berlin, Bonn, Hamburg) to perform piano recitals many times. One thing you must know is that Germans do not wear their emotions on their sleeves - they do not really say "hi, how do you do," or in their case, "Wie gehts?" to just any stranger. THIS does NOT mean they are rude. I lover the way they stay out of other peopes' business as well. Guten Abend mein Freund,

Answer 9

The German train system. Always on time ;)

Answer 10

the crappy weather there gives them a lot of time to be miserable and hang around bier-gartens and dream grandiose ideas.i think the racist and bigot component of some of their cultures past was from projecting on others,and now that they have allowed their area to be settled by turks and other groups they need to pack their white asses out of the area,maybe take over the arctic.that way they can drink themselves into a stupor and go roll around in the snow.