The “Good” Germans

I have been to Germany for an exchange. This is my experience of the German culture and people.

For Germans, I had an impression that they consider themselves a level above the others. They are generally rude and unfriendly. They would not talk to you and would not like if you would start talking. They are very much in their own business and mind much if anybody comes close to their domain.

But what I experienced in the three quarters of a year with them is entirely different…entirely opposite. Germans are very polite and helping in nature.

I had an impression that they are not helping but I have seen them stopping the tram for anybody whom they see running. They would do the most anyone can do to help you even in a very small matter. I was told they are kind of rude and don’t smile. But I have seen them always smiling whenever my eyes met their eyes. Always ‘Danke’ or ‘Danke Schön’ (Thank you!) is replied with ‘Bitte’ or ‘Bitte Schön’ (Not at all!) and ‘Entschuldigung’ (Excuse me!) with ‘Kein Problem’ (No problem!), both with smile. I found them very polite even during casual talks. I had an impression that they don’t talk much; they would sit in the tram or u-bahn or s-bahn and read their news paper or magazine. But I have seen them traveling with beer bottles and singing “We are the champions…” in really thick voice.

Another thing worth learning from the Germans is their self discipline. Most of the systems in Germany are open and one can cheat easily if he wants but still nobody cheats. Honesty prevails all over! They are very open to new things and accept good and bad things from others equally. I found them very interested in knowing about other cultures and languages. And I have seen them adopting some customs which they found good.

In short, Germans are really a good community, friendly, honest and caring. That is my experience, hope you have the similar experience…