What do you think about Germany...?

Question

...and the German people? I am from Germany and I would like to find out what people in other countries think about us.
Thanks for all answers!

@Briar Rose: Viel Glück ;)

Answer 1

I'm originally from Germany as well, but have lived in So. Cal for 25 years. When I first moved here and people found out where I came from I would most often be called a Nazi and get the Nazi Salute.....and I was only 11 years old! It's true! People were shockingly ignorant and only knew one thing, one side of Germany, and conveniently seemed to ignore some of the reather unflattering US history (we all know what I'm talking about...no need to re-hash). For calling itself a "melting" pot, I found the US very intolerant, narrow minded and ignorant. In fact a sixth grade teacher informed me that German is the language of war -funny, I thought it was the language of science and technology....and don't forget....this is California!...In the 80's!!!! Not the mid-west in the 50's! Kids are taught very little about foreign countries and at the same time are taught, literally, that the US is the greatest country in the world....and this this is where the "free" people live (whatever that means....funny, I never felt less free to express my opinions).

I've noticed a bit of a change, though, over the last several years, and especially since the World Cup, and to some degree the Pope and the World Youth day. More and more people are telling me that they have either been to Germany and loved it, are planning a trip to Germany, or really really want to go some time soon. The attitudes towards Germans are chaninging. In fact, I saw some interviews on TV during the WM and americans were actually saying that in a way they felt like they hadn't been taught the truth about Germany and Germans. One guy was really upset to find out that the Superbowl in fact is NOT the world's most watched sporting event. He, a lifelong football fan, admitted that the Superbowl was nothing in comparison to what he was experiencing in Germany. So, I think that although Americans always liked germans once they got to know them and the country (rather than relying on the propaganda....americans don't get to travel as much as the average european, after all)....the stereotypes and perceptions are changing on a broader scope even among people who have never been to Germany and/or have had little exposure to the culture.

So, to wrap it up, Americans like Germany more than ever. And hey, a major European economy with a woman at the helm! What's not to like?

Answer 2

I admire the entire solutions given. However, whether or not you're a football phanatic or simply the informal fan, you must say that no person this is giving the Netherlands a shot. I don't desire to learn an excessive amount of into the language however pronouncing that Brazil has an simpler street than Argentina or Germany is up to now out. Let me carry to the foreground the FIFA ratings. Argentina is ranked seventh at the same time Germany is sixth. Brazil is 1st to no person shock at the same time the Netherlands is 4th. What is so sudden is that each person thinks Brazil is simply going to stomp proper over the Netherlands. Really? It is in that vein that I wish the Netherlands defeat the Brazilians. No one respects the truth that the Dutch have had a one hundred% list in all in their World Cup Qualifying, Group Stage, and Round of sixteen. I will say that their competition is discreet however you are not able to conveniently push aside an unbeaten streak of 23 fits. Plus, for those who seem extensive on the squad, Netherlands boast practically a reflect picture of Brazil. The handiest factor that you just would say separate the 2 squads is a good renown keeper in Julio Caesar and a extra strongly perceived again line. It will absolutely be an intriguing sport. As to the query, I say Netherlands vs Argentina within the last. Spain has a danger however I will wait and spot what the outcome of the quarterfinals among Argentina-Germany and Paraguay-Spain to deliver a extra correct perception into the matchup.

Answer 3

I'm from Canada and I think Germany is pretty cool. I like the fact that stuff is built of quality there, and that most people know how to actually drive and follow traffic laws. All the most efficient machines seems to come out of there to. The only thing I don't really think is so great is your language, specifically nouns. You need more words lol.
Take Überschallgeschwindigkeitsflugzeug for example, wouldn't it be easier to just invent a new word for the device, rather than cramming a whole definition into a "word"?

Also, I don't think Neuter, Masculin, and Feminin is all that necessary, but then again, this is coming from an English speaker.

Answer 4

Germany is special to me, because of my Oma. My whole life, I heard that Germany is beautiful, clean and wonderful.

I took the chance to study aboard in Heidelberg, which I'm still doing and will return back to the States next month. I feel sad that I have to leave this wonderful country.

Anyways, Heidelberg is absolutely beautiful and... romantic!
I can see why this city has huge influx of tourists. The delicious food, nice and friendly Germans, exciting museums, the castle, lovely architecture and an international atmosphere makes me want to say:

Ich hab' mein Herz in Heidelberg verloren!

I love Germany so much that I'm going to try my best to get a master degree here. I have already found three schools that I will apply to. Wish me luck!

Answer 5

Well I have never been to GERMANY but I am a quarter German, I take great interest in anything that is German. I am from the USA and would like to speak the language and maybe some day go to Germany,

Answer 6

I live in Germany fro 7 ys. and got married to a German. I live in the south west and people are really open and friendly here. I like the climate, got easily used to the food (I am Italian) and never felt unwelcome.
As my husband was still living in the north I had a feeling people were less open there, rather introverted.
besides this: Germany was up to my prejudice in terms of organisation and efficiency and cities are nice (more green area and less polluted than Italian ones). Also I do not like a lot driving, but traffic here is less wild than in Italy ;-)

Answer 7

i am a UK resident and over recent years have aquired an interest in all things german, from the language to the general attitude, i think i could have an admiration for the german people, so i'm planning to go there either next year or the following year, i'd like to learn at least some of the language before i go.

Answer 8

i love it!
even though im just a teenager, ive been there a lot and to be honest, i loved every minute of it lol the people were so nice, i was scared at first because i didnt speak german AT ALL (except words like "no" or "thank you" lol) but after a couple days, i was in the shopping centers on my own because most cashiers spoke english and i memorized the place lol everything is so clean and pretty there.. AND my family lived a couple blocks down from H&M!!

Answer 9

I haven't been to Germany since 1993, but I still remember it clearly. The people were very friendly--most wanted to practice speaking English with me, even though I went there to practice what little German I knew! The area in Germany is beautiful--I went to Roethenberg, Bensheim, Frankfort, and Heidelberg. I wish I could go back there again, but I just can't afford it at this time.

P.S. MOST of us Americans realize that Nazi Germany and present-day Germany are two different things. . . those that know anything about modern politics, anyways.

Answer 10

I would LOVE to go to germany!! From what we've seen it looks alot like Pennsylvania (which i guess is why there is ALOT of germans here!!) both me and my husband are from german heritages. It is definetly at the top of our list of places to visit!!! Just need to learn some german first because i don't wanna be a rude tourist who expects everyone to speak english!!!