American Living in Germany | My Experience, Likes, Dislikes, and More! 

Hey everyone! Check out my video where I introduce myself: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qh6s_JCDgbk.html Also, if you watched this whole video - thank you so much! I was very nervous, which resulted in me rambling for almost an hour. 😅 Edit: No more swivel chairs - I promise! 😅🤦‍♀️

Hi, welcome to germany! When you talked about the food diversity you are missing i would like to explain: in most countries the "foreign" restaurants start to cater the immigrants living there. It was a way to make a living if you want to start a business because you had a loyal customer base (often the immigrats were men, until they were able to bring their family and they loved meals like at home , ordering in their language). In the us the wave of european immigrants was mostly in the 19. century and first half if 20. Century. Their food is now "solid american traditional food". Later chinese, mexican, indian and japanese immigrants came and brought their food. Thats the american food diversity. In germany these "waves" were different. It was french protestants (Hugenotten) centuries ago for example, some traditional dishes have their origin there (Böfflamott = Boeuf a la mode), in the 20. century we had the first "Gastarbeiter " from Italy, they brought italian restaurants, than the turkish Gastarbeiter came and the Döner was invented. The Chinese came, but mostly from different regions than the Chinese in the US, so the food in german chinese restaurants is different than in the US. There are very few mexican immigrants, so mexican restaurants are more a livestyle to cater young people than real mexican Restaurants. I learned that good authetic italian food apart from pizza chains is expensive in the us, while i can get it at every corner in germany. We have diversity, but another kind.

Not much food variety? I have restaurants for Italian, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Slavic (general eastern European cuisine), Spanish, French, American, African and more, just within 20 km of my place... and no I am not living in a big city - or a city at all. I mean, of course, you don't get (good) Mexican food here. We don't have many Mexican immigrants in Germany. But we do have many other immigrants, who brought their cuisine with them. The "breweries" you mentioned very much exist in Germany as well - they probably originate here as well, not sure - they are called "Brauhaus". They are way more common in the south though...

I was an exchange student in Kentucky for a year in 1995. As a former East German, I spoke English very poorly because we were forced to have Russian as our first foreign language. When I was in the US, I understood almost nothing at first. But since no one spoke German to me, I was forced to learn English. It actually happened pretty quickly until I understood almost everything. Old people were sometimes a problem because they mumbled so much, but eventually that worked too. Yes, speaking and understanding are two different things. You usually understand more than you can speak yourself at the beginning, because you just don't always think of the right words in the foreign language right away. But eventually it will work. I would therefore recommend that you speak as little English as possible in Germany, even if many here want to speak English with you politely. In addition, the phonetic in German is often different, especially in relation to American English. So the phonetics would be the second point that you should definitely learn. This not only helps in understanding, but also in your own pronunciation. So, for example, how letter combinations in a word, like "ei, ai, eu, äu, ch, sch", are pronounced. Greetings from Kiel, Germany.

Hi there and welcome to Germany! Let me just say thank you for coming around on Germany and allowing that to happen by keeping an open mind. I loved your video and especially the parts where you said that you used to be a certain way but now that you have lived here for almost a year you have come to understand and enjoy the differences. Looking forward to seeing more of your content!

Hallo Jackie! I’m so happy to hear you are continuing to adjust to Germany. We miss you too but if you are happy then that means you made the correct decision. Keep up the good work and stay positive. I’m very proud of you!

Ich habe selten so ein schönes Statement über Deutschland gehört. Ich war zu Tränen gerührt. Jetzt bin ich auch wieder ein bisschen stolz auf Deutschland. Danke. MfG

The German likes his own privacy and (usually) accepts the privacy of other people. This applies both in private and in business, e.g. in shops or restaurants. Especially in the latter, the waiter approaches to receive and take the order, but then usually does not disturb the social gathering of the guests, except perhaps to clear up, which can be combined with a question as to whether everything was ok. Instead, the waitress regularly scans the dining room to take signs as requests from the guests. This can be direct eye contact and a nod, or a hand raise whereupon the waitress comes to the table to take another order, your question about the bill, etc. Germans consider it downright impolite to be roughly and unnecessarily interrupted in their privacy or in a private conversation. These include, for example, pushy salespeople. Please don't take this as "rude", because in an "emergency" - here simply asking strangers for directions or the time is enough, especially if it's something more urgent - the immediate helpfulness of the Germans usually turns on . However, one should not overdo it after this and appear intrusive. All in all, however, the saying applies: „Wie man in den Wald ruft, so schallt es heraus.“, Literally, "As you call into the forest, so it echoes out." (As the question, so the answer. /As one calls into the canyon, so it echoes back.) So if you ask very friendly, you will usually be helped in a friendly way.

It´s really wonderful watching your video. Regarding places being more silent i think more and more people can not handle "silence" so they always "create" noise. But once you come to enjoy silence or the sounds of the nature (singing birds, wind playing with the leaves and alike) you will learn how good it is four your soul. Regarding Air conditioning, i would be sick all year if i come sweating into a room way to cold. There is a place which i avoid in the summer because they are insane, they put the ac so high it has a difference to the outside of 12 or more degrees and i am not talking fahrenheit here. Its like being hit in the face with a hammer when you enter that store

Hi Jackie, I just got this video recommended so I watched it. First things first: ❤-ly Welcome in Germany. You were covering so many topics in this video that I'm unable to answer all of them as otherwise I'd have to write a whole book. As you obviously just started your RU-vid Journey and it still seems to be uncomfortunable for you as an introvert, I just want to say: Be proud of yourself of doing those little first steps. It's definitely not easy but in the end it will help you finding and going your way. Regarding your sometimes "frustration" about your current situation, don't be scared. It's normal. There are several stages every expat, immigrant or however you want to call it is going through. Its common to go through the "4 phases" which are Honeymoon stage / Frustration or Rage stage / Understanding stage and Integration stage. You probably are somewhere between the second and third stage in this regard. I just want to encourage you to keep your positiv spirit. It may take some time but I'm pretty sure you will make your way. Maybe you can do another video about yourself, where (area, state or next bigger city) are you living and what are you interested in, in regards of your jobsearch (profession) or your hobbies? What would you like to do, what are you exited about, what would you dream of in your future? Knowing something about, one could give you specific advises or recommendations in order to make you more feel "arrived at home". As a first start, while searching for a job, take your time and maybe look for attending a language class at your next VHS (Volkshochschule) which is a nonprofit adult and continuing education institution. On one hand, language skills is key and on the other one it might be a way to become known to other people in the same situation to find some acquaintances or even friends.

You can find local breweries in Germany too. Karlsruhe: Vogelbräu Ulm: Barfüsser Kressbronn: Max und Moritz (... and those are just the few ones where I've been to already) Often the bigger breweries operate one or more particular brewery pub/restaurants for example Rothaus (in the Black Forest) and Meckatzer (in Meckatz in the west of Allgäu).

👋Hi there, I'm a new subscriber here. I have to say, I really enjoyed watching your wee video & I've learnt a lot regarding your new German experiences & learning more about German culture, etc;. I think you did very well & it sounds as though you're getting used to life in Germany, being surrounded by all things German & it's not so bad really, having to live life in a new & refreshing way. They say, change is good.😊 I'm a part German lassie & I've done much research regarding Germany, but to date, have never visited Germany. I'm sure some day I will. I'm learning German on/off, as I work full time & also study numerous other languages, so time's of the essence, but I know with language learning, consistency & no excuses is key! lol I think there's great truth to this, as I'm currently learning numerous languages & whilst I'm doing great, I remember all I've thus far learnt much better, when I practice daily. In ref to food, I do love German food & their sausages, potato dishes, roast pork/crackling & apple, schweinshaxe, sauerkraut, cakes, breads, beers, ciders, ales, schnapps, kirsch, etc;. If you don't mind me adding, it would be awesome to see you doing some vlogs visiting varying German regions, experiencing those regions & talking a bit about it. I'm very aware, that there are many beautiful regions around Germany, that are well worth a visit. Thanks for sharing with we curious viewers & I wish you well with your new life in Germany.

I can understand you. Hope you can live and build youre comfort zone

Hi Jackie, I can feel with you, as my wife and me have taken over a sponsorship for a student couple from abroad living here since 2 years. I think the key is the language. They have been on special trainings and are fluent now in German and that makes the difference. The second thing is travelling. You may buy the 49 Euro ticket. I live in Hamburg and in the city it is not quite at all. Its vibrating. For you nearby there is Cologne and Düsseldorf. There can be an amazing nightlife.

Everywhere you go people do the things they do for a (mostly: good) reason - it's just that as a foreigner you are not accustomed to that, and you might not like it. And that makes traveling to and staying in other places soooo interesting - so much to see and learn ! Hope you get to like the "German Way" even more over time, it is nice to have you.

😂 you're so cute. Love your "Brötchen"-story the most. Greetings from Berlin 👋

ice coffee you can sometimes find in the ice cream shops that sells icecream and have seating outsides

About the brewery topic. We have that in Germany, too. Try search for a Meierei. Those produce normally their own beer and it's more of a restaurant type of place often with a big outdoor space.

Great Video! Please make shorter videos in the future but more of them

You see, this is the migration we need and that I like to see. Europeans returning back to Europe just warms my heart. So much potential in the world for brothers and sister in the 5th, 6th ,7th or 8th generation returning to where their ancestors lived. The will to assimilate is very high. And what do we get? People who move here and already have built up parallel societies, where whole towns are occupied by people who will never be a part of Germany, that are welcoming them with open arms. They will never have ambitions to learn German, they will never have ambitions to understand the German culture, to learn about our history and to integrate themselves into the rest of Germany and to live amongst Germans. They will always be part of their parallel society.

For the iced-coffee, go to an "Eiskaffee" maybe even an italian one. They won't be serving you a Starbucks iced coffee, but maybe you will like theirs even more. For your sweet creamer, look out for "Milchmädchen". It comes usually in a tube, don't know if this is served in the US like that, but it's a sweet thick cream intended to be used for coffee.

Hi. No, not langweilig at all, your video. I actually enjoyed it so much, it made me write a comment, which I do not do very often. I've watched a lot of those reaction/culture shock videos and most of them are... sort of... click baiting stuff like, ohhh everything's closed on Sundays bla bla and ohh, the brezels and the beer are SO good. You appear to be a genuine person and I like that. You got me when you said you like Brötchen with Fleischsalat and Zwiebelmett!! Great taste! If you happen to enjoy Croissants and Körnerbrötchen I'd recommend to look out for Kürbiskerncroissants or Kürbiskernfranzbrötchen. If a Croissant and a Körnerbrötchen had a child, that would be like it. Welcome to Germany.

By the way, Action is a Dutch company. You'll note the difference when you compare the German "Sonderposten" chains with each other. The likes of Thomas Philipps, Zimmermann, Postenbörse and so on have a very similar assortment that often seems to come from the same manufacturers. Action has its own line of tools, for instance, also relatively much in the line of drawing and painting (not walls), or when it comes to small electronic gadgets that you otherwise only find online for a reasonable price, for instance, HDMI cables or certain adaptors. Unfortunately, the broken supply chains of the past few years have had their impact on the variety. But the most important assets you will find in the candy section. Toblerone for a very good price, and above all, Wilhelmina Pepermunt, Dutch peppermint. 🙂

Hi Jackie, here in Germany there is a lot of foreign cuisine everywhere, Italian, Chinese Balkan, French cuisine for example.. Schnitzel is available in many restaurants but also many other dishes.

besides you being very cute already i could hug you for hours how you say "brötchen" 💜 so cute

Aldi stores are converted to a new layout one by one. Then they add a self-checkout section. And I don't like that, too... :-) But you usually don't wait very long at Aldi anyway.

Welcome to Germany, only wanted to mention, if you are searching "the mexican restaurant" wont find any because there aren't many mexican people it's just not a large foreign ethnicity to get a pool of good restaurants. If you go for an italian, chinese, thai, greek, japanese restaurant you'll find some places. Or some Döner Kebap, hope I didn't forget any.

The self check out thing is because it takes jobs away from people who need them, and sometimes they are not practical either

@12:59 Action is a Dutch discount store. 😉 @14:59 I prefer plastic bags. Ikea bags are the best, extremely rugged and big.

Just a hint for learning any foreign language, that actually helped me back in the day, to get more accustomed to English. Try to make it a fun experience, and try to make it native. The way to do this, is comics (or 'graphic novels', if you like that term better). The point is, that with the help of the visual cues in the pictures, it is much easier to understand, what is going on _without needing to grab a dictionary._ You just guess the meaning, and keep on reading. It accelerates the path to _thinking in German,_ instead of simultaneous translating back and forth in your head - because that is the most challenging and tiering part of it. And you can do it everywhere - sitting on your blanket on the beach during vacation, during your commute in public transport, or a couple of minutes before going to sleep.

Try Greek cuisine, Italian cuisine, Taiwanese cuisine, Chinese cuisine and Turkish cuisine, they are surely available in your area as well. I'm also looking for great Mexican cuisine and interesting fast food, I was very spoiled in the years in Berlin, but back in my home in Hessen, I have to admit it's more difficult to find this and that.

You are right, there is nothing similar to American coffee creamer here. But there is a chance to get stuff getting close to it. There are internet shops selling "Kaffee Sirup" to flavourize coffee. I have never been to the states so I haven't experienced how coffee creamer may taste. But I guess if you put some of the "Kaffee Sirup" and some cream into your cup you might get a very close result. Examples you might want to google for "Kaffee Sirup" are brands like - Monin (which btw. will also be available in most grocery stores like Rewe and Edeka, and they offer not only flavours like vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, white chocolat etc which you may like with your coffee but also fruity sirups and sirups for coctails) - Kylies Cuppa Barista Sirup (they also sell ingredients for a selfmade bubble tea!)

Respect. I've watched a lot of AIG videos. Most of them come down to the topic of respect. Respect for the individual and for the society at the same time. Respect for worker's rights. Respect for kids and the elderly. The US is about egoism. A completely different concept. For the breweries you have to look out for the good ones. They are out there. Just make sure you have a driver to get you there and back.

I don't know if you are interested in dancing. But that is one way to make acquaintances and friends. I think of Square Dance Clubs. They are all over Germany. And don't think they are frequented by older people only. Many I knew of had American service guys and other expats in them. And a lot of Germans too. That would be an environment where you can have fun and also meet people. For me it was a good way to learn to listen to English and also to dance. Which was a favorite pasttime for me: music and sports (kind of). And since the dancing is not so acrobatic as in ballroom dancing everybody can join and have fun.

Of course there is something like the us breweries here in germany ,since hundreds of years, at least in the south western part where i live. We call it Brauhaus.

hi,great video. is it true, that mayonaise taste different in the States?

In my region (the west of Germany) every second restaurant is greek or turkish or italian or chinese and so on. I think you will find some of these in your region, too.

Wine, orange juice, coffee and soft drinks are incredibly expensive in the restaurant. But the energy, lease, food and personnel costs are now so high that this is to cover these rising costs. If restaurants made their food more expensive instead, far fewer people would go to the restaurant, so they make the drinks expensive.

Hey ❤ willkommen in Germany. Nice to hear some positive things about live here. Many of my fellow germans complain a lot. About kids walking alone: Kidnapping kids, i think, is also very low in the states...but i ask my myself why there is not the saying of america Angst...but german Angst exists.

I understand that some, with the German languge, having been studying for some years, still understanding more than being comfortable speaking. I still am in the U.S., so don't get as much practice

Have you thought about getting a Uni/college degree?Some universities still offer free German classes for their foreign students. Most Unis offer even a few English taught degrees nowadays or degrees partly taught in English. Since the semester fee is somewhere around 300-350 € you can easily quit once you find a job.

Hello jackie, you are right, it is very hard to watch your video in full. But it also fascinated me. The whole time I was thinking, where does she live? I guess in the country, or in a small town. Some things I could understand. But much not. One after the other. There are big regional differences in Germany. In all areas. Language (dialects), way of life, cultural etc. of course many things are different like in the USA. And that is also good. Until the 70s, Germany tried to adopt the American way of life. But then they realized that this is a mistake. We are not the USA. This is not meant in a negative way. For example, you miss big shopping centers. Meanwhile, there are everywhere in Germany. In the cities, mostly in the immediate vicinity of the cities. And that is a catastrophy. Because these centers ensure that the small retailers in the cities no longer make any sales and go bankrupt. There are cities where the whole city center is deserted. Only closed shops. Then the rest dies, cultural institutions, for example. My tip, look for a place that still has an intact town center. Best when market day is. Take your time, visit the market, buy fresh things. Walk past the stores. Drink a coffee. Enjoy it extensively. Even if - you're right - the service leaves something to be desired. Talk to people and they will usually be very friendly. Go to a real baker who still bakes his own bread. You will throw the 2 plastic bag buns" into the garbage can (they are only good if you can't shop on holidays). In Germany there are about 3600 different types of bread (www.brotinstitut.de/brotkultur/brote-in-der-uebersicht/) and about 1500 types of sausage (www.wurstland.de/wurstland-deutschland/). There are many regional subtleties. Best quality in small, regional stores. Not at ALDI, lidl, kaufland. They are mostly cheaper, but not as good in quality. Make a few weekend trips (short vacation) with your husband to other areas and look around. In large and medium-sized cities you can usually find any kind of restaurants, any quality and price. On the subject of learning a language, I would give you the following tip. You can only learn a language by speaking it. The easiest way to do this is to join a sports club (volunteer fire department, shooting club, theater group, etc.), or whatever interests you. It is also good to read the local newspaper every day. Translation software next to it (my favorite: "deepl". Google and consorts are crap. You will see, within a short time you are there. And in a few weeks maybe the first clip in German? And please stop the constant comparisons with the USA. Be happy when you visit there and otherwise live here. So, that was it for now. I hope I could help you a little. 😎🎶☯☮

I think the channel "Not Just Bikes" could be interesting for you. It's from a Canadian living in Amsterdam and comparing infrastructure and how and why it is the way it is. Especially look for the term "stroad" which is a very (North) American concept. Also, he has videos about children and traffic, for instance about how in the US and in Canada, it's often even illegal to let children below 10 or 12 use the bus on their own, or leave younger children play out alone in the backyard, which is mind blowing for Europeans. He also has a funny and informative video about why the Dutch don't drive cars into buildings and Americans do. ;-)

not sure why most Americans compliment German food. I'm a Vegetarian and there is very little in German cuisine that I actually like. On the other hand, I've had great meals in the US (NY, NC; TX) in fact I've had better pretzels in Austin than all these years living in Germany. in Austin they would serve it with some dips, whereas in Germany the highlight is butter on your pretzel... the only thing I would object to food in the US is that there is excessive amount of sugar in food that normally contains some sugar and there is sugar in food that normally does not contain sugar Fingers crossed on your job application.

There are plenty of breweries or brewery restaurants in Germany. Cologne, Dusseldorf, Franconia are particularly famous for it.

About food & beer. You live in the wrong part of Germany. In bavaria, you have a lot of small Restaurants/locations who are brewing their own beer! (unfortunately some have been died due to covid quarantine). Also restaurant variety. We have several different Restaurants nearby. Italian, Greek, Mexican(a good one), Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and of curse German. Also Ice coffee is a major thing here in Germany during summer. You get it in every cafe/ ice cream parlor. But sometime you have to ask for it, because its not on the normal menu.

I'm not sure how to explain the societal difference between the US and Germany, but I'll give it a go. In Germany, it tends to be a "society focused" culture while in the US it is all about "individual freedoms." The US was founded on the principle that individuals have rights and that individuals will band together to form society, and government based on common foundational principles (e.g., life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness). Germany is a much older culture that is more focused on the societal good rather than individual rights. Not that individuals don't have rights in Germany, but the emphasis is different in the two countries. (I believe this to be a difference between the US and many other countries.) I don't think one culture is better than the other, they're just different.

The average waiting time «an der Kasse» is short over seven minutes. And self checkout means less people employed. So I don't use it.

It's very normal, i.e., OK. If I were an American living in Germany, I would probably feel exactly the same. I'm not American, and I don't live in Germany, but believe me it would be the case. Quite normal.

4:30 The language - just give it time. As long as you improve - even if it takes time - everything is on track and you'll reach the goal of being fluent in German eventually.

29:26 we also have that

regarding kids riding their bikes. Traffic gets weirder more and more that even i as an adult don´t feel save riding a bike and those "bikelanes" often are a bad joke

May be Berlitz is a Job idea, as they only take foringers to teach a language. Ore giving corses at the Volkshochschule.

It's nice not to be assaulted by the staff as soon as you enter a store. The exuberant friendliness is not found in Germany. People are stingy with it, even though friendliness is free. If I'm looking for something specific, I want to be able to speak to someone on the sales staff who can help me.

You seem to live in Bavaria or the South haha that is the number 1 place where all the restaurants have the same food. If you live in Berlin or even Munich, Stuttgart, Hamburg etc you will find all kinds of food

there is a German law that requires anyone to give you water if you ask, tap water. Maybe im confusing it with the Netherlands... Some places just need you to insist

The thing you say about food... hmmm there is any kind of food you can get. Maybe not so much mexican, but italian, turkish, chinese etc.

If scientists say there is nothing on this planet can get close to the speed of light.....they never seen a second line opening up at a german supermarket...even the humble old lady accelerates faster then a dragster to get a good spot in the new line... the other thing is opening cat food:)

Hello Jackie, I don't know where you live in Germany, but most Germans speak English, often English very well. Why don't you watch other expat videos: Lauren for example and yes, language is important. I advise you to learn German and once you can do that enough you will make a lot more friends. The reason for your frustration is not Germany, but you. You alone. You just have to do something too. Stephen

The weather is a turn off for me.

When you want ice cold drinks then you have to say it with your order

Germans loves to have cash in the pocket. It means a kind of freedom. On one hand the people are more of how much they spent their money. When you pay per card mostly you buy mostly more than you need. On the other hand to pay cash it's not registered for what you have spent your money and where. The most Germans don't want to have only digital money, we like to have it physically in our hands

Dort where Do you live in Germany. Herr in my place in the country I finde Sushi, Italien, French, Greek, Japanese, Thai, Vietnam, Korean, Polish, Russian, African, Chinese, and Mexican Restaurants around 20 km fromm my home. And about breweries de habe ober 400 bei mir big breweries and a lot of inhouse breweries

Where do you live ?!? Indian, chinese, vietnamese, italian, greek restaurants are staples in Germany. I don't even mention «Döner» !

5:03 I always find it strange when Americans always have to reassure everybody that they "still love their home" when they are talking about another country, or god forbid, enjoying it. It's like a disclaimer required by the Committee on Un-American Activities. I've heard these apologies from almost every American expat, be it colleagues or simply people in such videos. It wears off with time when people get that hyper-patriotism out of their heads. It's like with people who come out of a religious sect. It goes in phases. And freedom is only fully acquired when they dare to openly criticise things *without* a preamble like this. I've never heard it from anybody else, not Brits, not French, not Italians, who all tend to be rather critical of their countries despite a thoroughly patriotic attitude. And I'm pretty sure I will never hear it from a German. No offense meant, just an observation. Welcome to Germany! Take care!

Yeah the german Sundays are a blessing. As a child I always looked in envy to the USA where everything felt like open 24/7. But now that I'm older I love to know, there is at least one day in the week, where there is nothing I have to do. Btw, love your videos, wish you all the best. Edit: Regarding the creamer, I'm not a coffee Person, so I can only guess, did you tried "Milchmädchen" it's sugared condense milk but it doesn't come with vanilla flavors etc. tho as far as i know.

You should go to a Waldkindergarten, watching 4 year olds hacking wood with a bowie knife and making fire.

Where in the US doo you com from - city, village? to the people - depends where you are. I com origin from Münster, wher the people are more reserved but reliable when you broke the ice and have them as friend despide those from cologne where it is ok to interfere a chat from others but evereything more superficial

Shop Personal...since 20 years or longer there is a Lack of staff ( Personal) Reason maybe Internet competition and maybe the better payment than ;in Germany compared to US. ? Normal Shop Personal are full included in social and healthcare and so on...and the Compagnie trying to save money.. Hans

Hi Girl...first of all...good having you here 😊 That said..i think you do not have to point out(in the beginning of your video) that you love the usa also that you live here. You do not betray anybody. When your channel has more followers it could be that some us-americans come at you and question you. Well, you made a very good decision being here. My hubby is from Ohio and he is here since 14 years and likes it😂

A lot of this makes me wonder where you live in Germany, maybe a village or a small town?

Hi, welcome to Germany. Similar story here, only I moved from rural UK to big city Germany around 35 years go. I'm German now. Anyway... if you're introverted, then the reverse culture shock of re-entering the Anglosphere will be _a lot harder_ than the culture shock you're experiencing now. IME it takes around a year for emotional memories of home to fade, and another year or so to assimilate so far that the famous German reticence as well as the German obsession with privacy and comfort zone feel normal whereas Anglo-Saxon friendliness feels too close and weird, and a bit overbearing. Also watching everything you say so you couldn't possibly offend anyone is exhausting. And keeping conversation light and fluffy and undemanding, though to be fair I was never good at that. I still love the UK and everything, but it takes a while to reacclimatize. Thankfully, I have very patient friends back in the UK. A/C is complicated. We don't have it because: It's expensive to install and run. The outside unit is ugly and loud. The air tastes awful - at least in most places where there is A/C, like in public buildings. Many people complain of dry throat and sore eyes from A/C. So we prefer to sweat. And yes, it can get really hot here - early summer is regularly hotter here than on the Mediterranean. However, the situation could change as the current govt is trying very hard and with moderate success to get people interested in heat pumps, which do both hot and cold. Germans are culturally cautious and conservative (that comfort zone), but accessible to argument - eventually. Once things start to change, it quickly picks up and things can change alarmingly quickly. If you want water from the tap, you have to ask specifically for _Leitungswasser_ (mains water). They have to give it to you by law. I don't know that many places that are awkward about it.

Why do German drivers drive safer? A German driving license now costs €3,000. In contrast to the states in the USA, it is also a real driving license with driving lessons only after a written test. You have to have taken a few compulsory lessons in theory first! Who then wants to lose their driving license? What idiot goes to Starbucks to drink coffee when Germany has the best bakeries? Huh? Action is a Dutch company! For example, where do you pay cash during self-checkout? Do you know why you can't find so many different restaurants in your area? Because everyone can cook at home! Do you know why we don't like ice cubes in our drinks? Because there is fraud on the volume of liquid to drink then you pay for!

Regarding the aversion to self-service checkout at the grocery store: I avoid it because I don't like the idea of technologies that exist only to make savings at the expense of employees. Not sure if this motivation aplies to anybody else, but that's how I see it. I guess for older customers there might be also some kind of technology barrier. However, there seems to be a higher acceptance among younger customers (roundabout the age group of 16-30). That's what I at least noticed here in my city of Dortmund (600.000 inhabitants). When it comes to the choice of restaurants there is a huge difference between rural areas and bigger cities. In rural areas it is more common to find traditional german food only, maybe the occasional Döner or asian food place. In bigger cities you'll definitely have a bigger diversity of restaurants, I just checked online and there a three mexican restaurants here in Dortmund. Probably even more in cities like Munich, Frankfurt, Köln, Hamburg and Berlin. But as I just saw, @wendyw.2778 made also a very good point, why mexican food here is indeed more a lifestyle thing 😄 Breweries like you described do exist - they make their own brand of beer, which is exclusively served only in this particular locality, often combined with a restaurant/beer garden. Brauhäuser or Hausbrauereien these places are called, some are very old, sometimes going back several hundred years ago and ususally serve very traditional dishes. Most famous example of this kind of Brauhaus is the Hofbräuhaus in Munich. If you have a Kaufland in your area look for _Milchmädchen gezuckerte Kondensmilch_ that's sweetened canned condensed milk, sometimes also comes in a tube - this is probably exactly the sweet coffee creamer you're looking for. 😉 Unfortuntaley it's from Nestlé 😱

I always wonder about the American view, which is completely self-centered. The main thing is that I'm fine, I feel comfortable and everything is available to me without limits. The fact that nature does not allow it to be so wasteful with its resources is completely ignored. Energy is a commodity that cannot be used indefinitely and without harmful side effects. The air conditioning at home may be pleasant - but just because you don't want to sweat consumes an unnecessary amount of energy that could have been used more sensibly elsewhere. Why do selfish? The multitude of people do not have these luxury problems because they do not have unlimited access to them in the first place. This makes it important for us to be mindful of it. And the few hot days are bearable. In Africa or in the deserts of the world, people live in much harsher conditions. You should always keep this in mind when you feel self-pity again. As far as food is concerned, Germans are more careful not to use artificial things. So why eat tons of unhealthy and too sweet stuff that will make you sick in the long run? The natural taste of the food is something that you don't have to hide under a thick layer of unhealthy sugar. If you eat consciously, you get more out of life. More enjoyment and more fun as well as more positive energy, because the body does not get sick and sluggish from it.

Well in order to get confident in speaking German you have to speak in German...there is no other way. So it is actually very counterproductive when you and your husband are communicating with each other in English...just saying....actually he is only improving his English while living in Germany.....that sounds funny, doesn´t it and shouldn´t it be the other way around? You are married to "the language source" so take advantage of it and start to communicate with your husband in German.... at least at home in your for you both "private space" at least for some trivial conversations per day during breakfast, lunch, dinner or when ever, or by playing "role games" by simulating daily life situations like for instance going shopping where you are the customer and he is the salesman or what ever...in order to get practice and a routine and as consequence confidence (by the way in Germany most of the time you have to approach the salesman because he is basically just giving you - the private space - to look around in the shop with no rush = basically he lets you "window shopping" but in the shop - and when you need help you have to ask for it because the general mindset is = you are an adult capeable to speak up in order to articulate what you want and not a kid anymore who needs guidance when entering a shop ..which is then for him the sign that you are actually interested to buy something and then he will provide an expert service = "German efficiency in every condition of Life" = avoiding wasting his time for just a window shopper....just an explaining sidenote).....it will be fun for you both and coincidentally you will learn a lot and that way quicker than anyone who has to take German classes in order to learn German....just an idea.

You'll get your iced cofe at a Eisdiele

Grocery shopping in Germany Another cash register gets opened: Germans turn into Vandals 🤣🤣🤣 However, there's another rule: I'm always stuck in the slowest queue. I walk to the faster one. Mysteriously it turns into the slower one. Woman, no cart, just a small bag, one item in her hand asks if she could skip in before me. I'm in good mood and want to be polite, so, yes. She starts unpacking her bag. Me: how does she get so many items out of that small bag ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

22:32 no, get your ass to the bakery and get fresh Brötchen :D

I'd say all Americans that only think about themselves and are not willing to contribute to the greater good by uttering sentences like: "Why should I pay for the lesser fortunate?" "Not my problem!" and such. Well, if their house is on fire, they can take a bucket and try to extinguish the flames themselves and if they have an accident they can tow the car with a buddy's truck and if they get sick, they can take some medicine they made themselves. All of the mentioned cases are things you profit from, because you pay taxes. So, if you are unwilling to contribute you should be punished.

"don't fix what isn't broken" - we have a word for this: verschlimmbessern 😂

Imagin you know the stor and what you want and always someone aproaches bothering you. Fells like junk mail.

Walmart failed in Germany so bad 😂

Channels which might help you with there experience: The Black Forest family Hayley Alexis

This is a potentially interesting video, however after 5 minutes of watching your seat being moved from side to side, I’d had enough. Try using a fixed chair next time. Sorry to be negative but someone has to say it.

If Americans had a functioning safety net, they also had the luxury to look out for each other. If you constantly have to fear that somebody could take something from you and it would ruin your life you better get a gun. Here, the safety net will take care of that.

In welchem Kaff lebt denn ihr - keine Eiswürfel, nur Schnitzel.

Hi Jackie nice to meet you Are you engaged?

well, if you say driving here is "Save" then i dont wanna make any trips to another place. I feel the streets become more and more occupied by the morons who do anything besides having their focus on driving

Welcome to Germany 🥂🍷🍻

I live in NYC. I have never been to Germany. I have only encountered German tourists. I have found the Germans to be very rude. Very cold. I have no desire to live there. Americans are much more freindly.

Hier wird wieder fleißig, fleißig nur auf Englisch kommuniziert! Ja, ich weiß, Jackie kann noch kaum Deutsch, aber so wird das auch nichts!

Wie oft ich das erlebe! Wieso spricht dein Ehemann Englisch mit dir??? Das wird dir Null helfen! Die Muttersprache meines Ehepartners ist auch Englisch, aber ich habe am Anfang immer alles erst auf Deutsch und dann auf Englisch gesagt und viel erklärt. Er hat super Deutsch gelernt und er wollte auch unbedingt fließend Deutsch sprechen können! Für Erfolgserlebnisse sorgen, d.h. vor allem anschauliche, sich selbst erklärende Sätze, die man täglich anwendet, immer auf Deutsch sagen! Deutsche Videos schauen. Die kann man Pausieren und wenn nötig satzweise wiederholt anschauen! Außerdem Kurse besuchen. Sonst wird das nichts!

I am sorry for you, seeing that you mostly got the most boring choices. Every restaurant has its menu hanging outside or on the website. If i really want a Schnitzel , i have to search a while, as traditional german menus getting more and more rare. But if you always visit those, then the menus are like that. And , those Schnitzelrestaurants with multiple variations of that ( disgusting) are the most low level places and do not represent german gastronomy, just repeating a stigma. By the way you find nearly every foreign cuisine here, except mexican. That is a country or cuisine, neighboring only to your country, but has nearly no connections to germans, maybe its the only or nearest foreign for you. You cannot expect , having the same neighbors here; sorry for you.

My wife loves the self-checkout registers, I hate them! 17:05 There is a saying among IT professionals! "Never change a running system!" I think we Germans like this! BTW: You really should watch some videos from George Carlin! 😜

I understand that you are nervous, but please stop swinging with your chair: it's extremely distracting. "Everything" is closed on Sundays: shops are not everything. Why (for Americans) is coffee=Starbucks ? Anyway your final conclusions are very wise.