Dear readers, 

I have decided to respond in one column to your questions that fall in the category of, shall we say, “Things I always wanted to know, but never dared ask”. So let's dare this time, shall we?

Is it true that Germans drink beer during working hours?
Careful here. Only in Bavaria is beer declared ‘nourishment’ and it is up to individual companies to decide whether to allow its consumption on their premises. I must say, I have seen it in some canteens and the joy this observation caused the local expatriate community!

Is it true that Germans have a preference for Shepard dogs?
Granted, you do see them, but did you forget about the Dachshund? And what about the extremely popular Jack Russell terrier?

Is it true that Germans have 30 days of paid holidays?
For the most part this is still true. Still? Yes, as unemployment has decided to stay, many new workers are more than willing to accept labour conditions that do not provide this luxury.

Is it true that Germans do not like Americans?
Nonsense. There maybe political differences and not much love lost for the Bush administration, but many Germans often don't differentiate. But when asked, they tend to speak their minds.

Is it true that Germans go to the car wash every week?
Well, many often see it as an extension of a person's lifestyle and personality. But they do not go as far as wearing white gloves on or donning special car shoes as I have been told happens in parts of Japan.

Is it true that Germans are not really that mobile?
In general, a German family has strong roots. The sacred place is called home.
This includes friends, relatives and the general feeling of belonging. Also, take into consideration the long and painful process of building a house, and I do not mean just the costs.  After surviving that ordeal, you want to stay put.

Is it true that Germans can be very direct?
Ja.

Is it true that Germans do not like children?
Who told you that??

Is it true that Germans clean the streets?
Like anywhere, people are not that keen on seeing rubbish strewn around their streets and towns.  Of course, in smaller villages you will find people sweeping the gutters and pavements on Saturday more often than in the bigger urban centres. Mind you, I think Switzerland is even cleaner.

Is it true that Germans never really get to know their neighbours?
It is entirely up to you; yes, you can live the anonymous life, still politely greeting one another. Others do visit and share parts of each others' life. Should you prefer the latter, then take the initiative and invite them over - you should find that it will result in a pleasant evening.

Is it true that Germans are overtly concerned about the environment?
Delete the word overtly. As for Germans, it is a normal thing to pay attention to nature and the environment. Indeed, the Germans say ‘We are the safekeepers for future generations. If we enjoyed the pleasures of swimming in a pond during our childhood years, imagine denying your child this experience because of pollution that we have caused’.

Send a question to
Hilly van Swol-Ulbrich
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Hilly van Swol-Ulbrich is managing partner of CONSULTus. Her website is WWW.Consultus.net. She reserves the right to decide which questions she considers relevant for her column. She will, however, not answer any questions dealing with tax or legal matters.

For more information about Hilly, read Across cultural barriers

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November 2004

[Copyright Expatica 2004]

Subject: Life in Germany, Relocation