Ich würde es mal so sagen: Es gibt in Deutschland viele Familien, die von Euch lernen können. An die Umwelt denken, naturverbunden sein, neugierig sein, das Leben genießen, ..., all das macht Ihr wirklich toll. Ich finde vor allem Eure Lebensfreude beeindruckend. Ich freue mich, dass Ihr Euch in Deutschland wohl fühlt. Wir leben alle nur auf einem einzigen Planeten, eine zweite Erde haben wir nicht. Nicht die Unterschiede zwischen den Ländern sind wichtig, sondern die Gemeinsamkeiten, damit wir noch eine lebenswerte Zukunft haben.
Ich finde euch super sympathisch, persönlich finde ich es toll das ihr euch Gedanken macht und die ein oder andere Sache übernimmt. Gruß aus dem Norden Mario
In my opinion, at the moment, when foreigners start to wash and to separate their trash and bring it periodically to the "Wertstoffhof" 😄, these "foreigners" are totally Germanized 👍. So guys, welcome as "Germans" in Germany !
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Wenn man bedenkt wie das Umweltbewusstsein in den USA ist ist Ihr Umweltbewußtsein ein Quantensprung. Sogar manche deutsche sind nicht so vorbildlich ;)
You don't have to adopt German habits to be "German." Embrace what works for you and pass on meaningful american characteristics to us. Anyone who follows the general rules for living together, regardless of nationality, is welcome.
Looks pretty Germanized to me! I’m Austrian but culturally it’s pretty similar and I’d say you’re definitely more German than I am 😂 I’m glad to see you’re feeling so at home in Germany now ☺️
@@NenadTrajkovic I thought, everybody thinks we’re special because of our past. Glad, when we are looked at as normal Europeans, which I sometimes miss/Ed.
As someone who has been to your house and spent time with you, I can say with confidence: Do you really need to ask that question!? 🤣I have met native Germans who don't tick as many boxes as you when it comes to being German. 😉 As long as you don't go too far on the stereotypes and still be yourself, you can be as German as you want without losing your American heritage (oh gosh, big word). Just combine the best of both worlds. 😉 Have a nice vacation on the beach. 😊
I've only skimmed through these comments but didn't read anyone mentioning that for lüften you have to open the windows wide, not just kippen. 😁 In one of my old apartments we used to get sent reminders from the Hausverwaltung every year or two. I always wanted to reply that since I'm Irish, I know more about dealing with damp than any German ever will. 🤣🤣🤣 Ooh, also, I'd recommend buying apple juice and making proper Apfelschorle instead of buying the premixed stuff. It's so much nicer when you make it fresh and everyone can habe exactly the proportions they like best. It's coming up to apple harvest soon, too.
You can also gho one step further with the Apfelschorle and make your own applejuice. Collect apples from your own apple tree or abandoned allay apples laying in the grass and mix this with tap water or sparkling, just the way you want.
Wenn man immer in Deutschland lebt, merkt man oftmals nicht, daß das Leben hier anders ist als anderswo. Das merkt man erst, wenn man im Ausland gelebt hat. Ich war durch meine Familie auch lange in Frankreich, und es ist dort ganz anders, obwohl es das Nachbarland ist. Deutsch zu leben, finde ich geht nur in Deutschland. Das macht Ihr hervorragend, Sara, Kevin, 4 Kinder, 1 Katze, 1 Hamster. Es wird dadurch unsereinem erst bewußt, was wir als selbstverständlich ansehen. Was mir besonders angenehm auffällt ist, daß Ihr hier nur Deutsch sprecht. Das wäre für die meisten, die zum Leben und Arbeiten nach Deutschland gekommen sind, sehr wichtig, weil durch die Sprache erst die Seele dieses Landes erschlossen wird.
About the duvets: I never could live with only one for me and my partner. It's not only the fighting but also that people often don't have the same feelings about temperatures. I like it cold and even in winter I sleep with a summer duvet when the room is only 15 degrees celsius. In summer I usually cuddle my duvet instead of covering me with it. Also I like featherbeds but many people like more modern duvets made of other materials. I also turn around my duvet several times each night to have the cooler side on my body. I think anyone who would try to share a duvet with me would go crazy. Can't wait to hear how it turns out for you to have two now.
Viele große Familien haben nochmal eine extra Gefriertruhe oder einen Gefrierschrank im Keller oder Haushaltsraum. Das lohnt sich auf jeden Fall um zum Beispiel bei Sonderangeboten gleich mehr zu kaufen oder im Herbst um Obst und Gemüse einzufrieren. Und ihr solltet euch auf jeden Fall einen Wäschetrockner kaufen. Im Winter alles im Haus zu trocknen ist nicht energieeffizient weil man sehr viel lüften muss um Schimmel zu vermeiden.
Tatsächlich sind Wäschetrockner ziemliche Energieschlucker und wirklich nicht energieeffizient! 🙈🙃 Gerade mit den aktuellen Preisen und mit Rücksicht auf die Umwelt sollte man definitiv keinen Trockner benutzen! Oder auf jeden Fall nicht immer, für alles. Großfamilienwäsche ist schon ganz schön viel Arbeit und in den Alpen kann man im Winter wirklich nicht draußen trocknen. Man sollte allerdings generell immer Stoßlüften (Heizung aus, Türen mit Türstopper aufhalten und mehrere Fenster für so 5 Minuten auf & ein bisschen Durchzug ist gewünscht aber natürlich nicht während Sturmböen) um Sauerstoffgehalt und Feuchtigkeit zu regeln. Gefriertruhen sind schon ein toller Luxus, 😋🍨 vorallem wenn man vorkocht oder gerne selber Marmelade macht oder generell einmacht, zum Beispiel auch mit eigener Ernte und auch im Winter frische Zutaten, außerhalb der Session benutzen möchte. Hier gibt es große Unterschiede in der Energieeffizienz in neueren Geräten also ist ein bisschen recherchieren echt lohnenswert!
Ganz meine Meinung! 👍 Obwohl wir keine Großfamilie mehr sind, haben wir einen separaten Kühlschrank mit Froster. Und einen Wäschetrockner habe ich auch und bin sehr froh darüber, auch, wenn ich ihn nicht ständig benutze. Insbesondere für Biberbettwäsche und Handtücher. 😉
Selbst als Single Haushalt habe ich ein Gefrierschrank. Obwohl ich auch damit aufgewachsen bin, in einer Familie mit 8 Personen, einen kleinen Kühlschrank mit Mini Einfach zu haben. Allerdings habe ich keinen Geschirrspüler das mach ich der Menge wegen mit der Hand 🙂. Ich mag Eure Videos
@@emilwandel Das hängt von der Wohnsituation ab. Mietwohnungen ohne Balkon machen es schwer Wäsche draussen zu trocknen, und dann braucht man genügend Platz für die Wäscheständer innen. Wenn die Wohnung auch das nicht bietet, kommt man kaum um einen Trockner herum. Und bei 5 Tagen Nebel am Stück bekommt Wäsche draussen eher Stockflecken als trocken zu werden. Natürlich stimme ich zu, wenn man die Gelegenheit hat, sollte man auf Trockner verzichten. (ich habe keinen).
Wenn es im Winter draußen richtig kalt ist und man regelmäßig stoßlüftet, hat man in der Wohnung sehr schnell ein Problem mit zu trockener Raumluft! Mit einem Hygrometer kann man die rel. Luftfeuchte gut im Auge behalten. Wir haben das Problem, dass die Luft sehr schnel deutlichl unter 40%rel. Feuchte hat. Ideal sind 40-50%rel. Luftfeuchte. Wenn dann die Wäsche über Nacht in der Wohnung trocknet, steigt die Luftfeuchte dann temporär auf ca. 45%, fällt danach aber auch wieder schnell ab.. Mehr nicht. Wie gesagt, richtig Lüften und die Luftfeuchte im Auge behalten. Kein großes Ding und man braucht auch im Winter keinen Trockner.
I love all of your videos. Seriously, you are so positive and kind and eloquent and funny and everything you say or do is infused with passion. Your American passion coupled with your enthusiam for German traditions and things is the best thing on RU-vid for me. The fact that you do all of that and still want to do and learn more about Germany is out of this world incredible. I'm not always a fan of my country, but you make Germany seem like a great place and everytime I watch your videos I feel happy. Thank you for being such a great family! Viele Grüße von der Nordseeküste.
You guys have done an excellent job at adapting to a new culture. I think you are already used to integrate into another life style by having been to France and Sweden. It is so much joy to watch as you report your day-to-day adventures and discoveries!
Dear McFalls, I (as a German) think that for you as a family you should just take the best of both worlds. In my opinion, you don't discard your origins and socialization after 18 months in another country, but it's okay to adopt ways of life that are practical for your own family to see. Dear Sarah, dear Kevin, therefore you should not ask yourselves the question whether you are Germanized or not. Just enjoy life, whether in the States or in Germany!🙂 I take this opportunity to thank you for your wonderful and life-affirming videos, which bring me much joy! 💗💐🙂
Definitely more German than me, and I'm a native. ;) One thing though: I wonder how many other Germans were getting more and more uncomfortable between 11:23 and 11:55 and started shouting "Zumachen! Zumachen!" ;)
Hello, my dears, You are a great family, lovely and smart. You don't have to be "Germanized" at all, because that would mean that you would also pick up the bad habits of the Germans. You have chosen what you think is practical here, makes sense and what makes life here pleasant for you. If you lived in France, then perhaps things would be different that are common there. I sometimes have tears in my eyes when I hear how lovingly you talk about my homeland. You open my eyes to the fact that Germany is far better than I (and many Germans) perceive it to be. You used to live in France and Scandinavia - now you live in Germany. So I think you're not "Germanized" but Europeanized and that's much better, because it means that you can choose the best for you from the many cultures in Europe. Greetings from northern Germany and have a nice Sunday Ralph 😊🥨🍺
Become as Germanized as you feel comfortable with and stay as American as you like 🙂 From my point of view, you are obviously very American, as you are so open, positive and optimistic to everything new - that's clearly not typical German and you should just keep that. Whatever, you are welcome :-)
Robert, you hit the nail on the head big time. I am a French educated Lebanese, who studied German for 10 years, who worked at 2 German companies in the USA and who has been living in the USA (North Carolina) for 37 years. When people ask me what's the best thing about the USA, I answer with 4 words: the can do attitude. They look at me as if to say whaaaaaat? Of course they expect a much "fancier" answer. Thanks to Sarah and Kevin and the 4 kids, the cat and the hamster for all the awesome videos 😂
Wenn Germanized bedeutet, dass ihr euch super eingelebt hat, euch wohlfühlt und gern bei, und mit uns lebt, dann finde ich das toll. Ihr seid so eine süsse Familie, und durch eure Videos bin ich dann auch ein wenig Americanized. Liebe Grüße aus Schleswig-Holstein 👍🥰
Actually, I think it’s very American how much effort you have made to fit in. I absolutely admire you for it, because I think it’s marvellous for your children, both for them to really experience the culture here and for them not to be too different to their new friends. Hope you‘re having a lovely Summer! Xxx
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I know- I went back and forth in my head about it, but I thought it was more American than German. Now I’m wondering how British people are about fitting in.
Ja danke, tut nicht mehr weh. Meine rechte Schulter ist noch immer das Problem. Ich habe ja, nach dem MRT eine Cortisonspritze in den Arm bekommen. Die hat aber noch nicht so richtig gewirkt, reicht vielleicht noch nicht. Und ich habe jetzt Krankengymnastik für den Arm. Hoffen wir mal das Beste. Ach: und wir haben wahrscheinlich eine neue Wohnung! Sieht jedenfalls gut aus! Jetzt muss ich nur noch hoffen, dass ich bald wieder auf RU-vid vernünftig schreiben kann. Es nervt!! Manchmal geht es und manchmal nicht. 😑
I don't know whether or not you guys are Germanized. I don't like the word anyway. You seem very happy in your home and feel welcomed and "angekommen". And I guess, when you're happy you wove things and habits into your life and own it eventually because it feels more and more natural to you. And that's great, I think. I love your channel!
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Ich mag das Wort Germanized auch nicht. Bei dem Wort "Germanized" muss ich immer an das Wort germanisiert denken was im 2. wk oft benutzt wurde.
I am 60 and born in Germany but I think you are in some parts more Germanized than I!! I love to see your Video's and to see how you all enjoy your time in Germany 🙏👍
Tolle Video. My wife and I are dutch and we moves to Germany, 14 years ago, to East Frisia, near the town of Leer. Yes, very recognizable what you learned. It is good living here, the neighbourhood is very friendly since we were welcomed in our house with a willkommensbogen. Good living here. Bless you, guys.
Hi Mc Falls, I‘m aged 68, and I grew up in a family of 8, and we did‘nt have a family car before our father was 50 years old. We had bicycles instead , and our father taught us to maintain them. There were just a very few times, when we took a Bicycle to a mechanic. Until now I still enjoy riding my bikes. When I get to my friends in my local bike shop, I‘m amazed how many parents take their kids‘ bikes and theirs into the shop for simple and easy to do maintenance, willing to wait up to 8 days for the repairs. I recommend to get your kids into the simple bike mechanics: adjusting the saddle, the bar, fixing a flat, changing an inner tube, lubricating the chain, checking the tire pressure and the lights.
LOVE Poland. Just came home from Rzeszow, helping Ukrainians learn English and move on, or find a life, waiting to return. My dad helped bring 700 horses to Poland to Gdansk right after WWII. Those efforts became HEIFER INTERNATIONAL. I LOVED Gdansk and seeing how modernization has helped. Best airports and trains and buses I have enjoyed in a long time ! And those BOLT scooters !
Ein Video auf deutsch 🤗 Müsli, mit dem Fahrrad zur Schule, wandern, Mülltrennen, Spätzle und gesundes, regionales Gemüse... Ihr seid richtig wie ihr seid! 😇👋👍
Hello you lovely family of six....!!! Yes you adopted to the German culture very well. So far I see the perfect combination of both worlds: you take the good from the German lifestyle and top it with your friendly positive American attitude. Keep spreading so much joy!!!!
I really like the German map made of wood. I don't think using tools and items custom in Germany makes someone germanized, not the clothing you need for the weather conditions nor the windows, recycle bins or the refrigerator. But changing your eating and drinking habits or the leisure habits make you germanized. It's really nice to see how much your kids advanced in German in just one year, they should be really comfortable now living in Germany but might have a culture shock when you visit the U.S. Keep the good American traits like optimism and openess, adapt to the positive German habits and culture but avoid the negatives like complaining about god and everything. Since you lived in France and Sweden you should include other European cultures too and instead becoming germanized turn into an European (with American heritage). When your kids are getting older they may regard Germany not as big enough and probably may study, work or live in another European country. We share a lot as European citizens and should regard ourselves mainly as Europeans, maybe not to the same extend as U.S. Americans regard their nationality, but close to it.
most german dryers are heat pump dryers, where the air circulates inside the dryer, when you use a condensation dryer the hot air will be blown in the room or aou need a exhaust. So without a exhaust pipe only a Heat Pump Dryer would make sense for you.
Love this! You guys have done great! Just a couple of "are you Germanized" questions based on the year I lived in Germany! Love 1) If you have a dryer for "Grosse Waesche", what on earth will you talk about during Kaffee Klatsch with coworkers or neighbours?? This was THE topic of conversation when I lived there (How much? How dirty? How heavy? How long to wash? How long to dry? How much work it was? ) It was the small talk equivalent of our Canadian obsession with talking about the weather! 2) Here is a test....when you brew a pot of coffee and make a little too much are you willing to just leave it to be reheated or tossed out? OR do you continually divide amongst the coffee the drinkers present because it is just not possible for the pot not to be emptied and have any go to waste. I loved my time in Germany and was constantly in wonder at the very little things that defined whether or not I was Germanized. I empty my coffee pot to this day!!!
You can call it Germanized or you can just say you are adopting all the things that make sense to your own unique lifestyle in the surroundings you live. I think one doesn't need to be Germanized or Americanized (or whatever nationality), as long as the lifestyle you practice serves your needs. Of course, since you are living in Germany, adopting habits that are German and that surround you can be called Germanized. But that doesn't mean you are loosing any of your own culture, you are simply adding something to it. And I call that smart. And it seems to suit you, you seem happy and proud of the things that you do now to be even more active and lead a more sustainable and eco-friendly life. As long as you like it and you don't feel you have to twist yourself into doing something that feels forced and unnatural, then I think you are fine 🙂 Call it being Germanized or call it having adapted or smart or anything. The main thing is: you feel good about it. Have a great vacation!
In german we say: Über den eigenen Tellerrand hinausschauen, erweitert den Horizont. Look further than the edge of your plate, might extend your horizon. (oder so ähnlich) I like the experience you brought to germany. When we all are able to learn from each other, the world will be a better place.
I think that you have basically always been a kind of European in your attitude and have adopted to the new circumstances and habits very fast. I wish that a lot more families like you came to Germany and stayed like you did. You are very much welcome!
About "Windfang": It is perfect when a door (often one of those that are almost glass only) separates it from the rest of the hallway. With that door being shut you will avoid some open window or door in your house banging when you open your frontdoor.
Your thought about "Windfang", Kevin, is the right direction ......it literally means wind catcher. But you are not standing in your Windfang but in your Flur (or Diele in some parts of Germany), wich is "hallway" in English. Not every house has a Windfang, because it means the part outside the house, protecting the entrance door from wind and rain....... I guess it is called a vestibule in English. So, some houses do have a Windfang, some don't. But every German house has a hallway :) And yes, I think you're germanized in the sense of using our culture to widen your horizon and adapt whatever you regard as nice and/or useful. And you show us with each and every of your videos how charming this mix of "American Positivity" and "German habits" can appear!
Ich denke, egal wo man lebt wird diese neue Kultur irgendwie auf einen übergehen weil man täglich mit diesen Lebensweisen konfrontiert ist und automatisch annimmt, was erforderlich ist und was einem gefällt. Würde mir in Amerika sicher nicht anders gehen. Ich finde es toll, dass ihr so umweltbewusst seid, ein großes Lob hierfür! Da kann ich mir als Deutscher noch ein Beispiel nehmen. Ihr seid wirklich sehr sympathische Menschen und ich schaue eure Videos auf RU-vid immer sehr gerne! LG aus Baden-Württemberg
@@tasminoben686 🤣🤣Grüße zurück in den Norden! Bodensee hatte auch Rekordniedrigstand, aber den Boden siehst natürlich nur am Ufer. Und die 4 Millionen können weiter das Wasser aus dem See trinken. Prost Ben!
Auf jeden Fall ist es schön, dass ihr hier seid und dass ihr eure Nettigkeit teilt. Eure Videos sind wirklich immer eine schöne Bereicherung. Es würde mich sehr freuen, wenn ihr, auch wenn ihr eingedeutscht seid, nicht aufhört, Videos von euch zu drehen und sie zu veröffentlichen. Natürlich ist es immer eine gute Sache, sich in dem Land, in dem man lebt, zu integrieren. Dazu gehört vor allem, die Sprache des Landes (bzw. den Dialekt der Region) zu sprechen. Bezüglich unserer Lebensgewohnheiten sollten wir daran denken, dass wir alle auf demselben Planeten leben; das Land ist hierbei unerheblich. Vorrangig sollten wir uns also bemühen, mit unseren Gewohnheiten der Erde so wenig Schaden wie möglich zuzufügen. Hierbei gebt ihr in vielfacher Hinsicht ein gutes Beispiel. Vielen Dank dafür! Liebe Grüße an euch alle Stefan
You guys are such a nice family and we are so blessed to have you here. ❤️ You are well educated and open minded and that‘s just perfect. 👍 Let me leave one idea for your Apfelschorle and sparkling water. I recommend to buy it in glass bottles, because they are even more recycable than plastic and the taste is so so so much better. I know they are heavier but it is also much healthier to drink out of glass instead out of plastic. And for your kids you could buy „sigg trinkflaschen“. They are years long reusable, they keep the temparture of the drink (hot and cold) and they are healthy. It‘s a swiss product. And they are perfect for your outdoor activities.
You’re both very adaptable, and seem happily so. Is all of Germany as bike-friendly as your town? I wish America was. Safe, off-road bike paths promote a much healthier lifestyle. Your embracing of the German lifestyle shows a respect and love for the country and its people. Your children are growing up to be citizens of the world. How lovely!
A very nice video as always! I also love your big or a small travel videos! And I noticed one thing: There are washing machines with a dryer included ("Waschtrockner" instead of "Waschmaschine"). But they fit only half the amount of clothing when you also want to dry it, not just wash it. It's like 8kg for washing only and 4kg (half of 8) for washing and drying. But since you have a washing machine now, your idea was right to go for an additional dryer. That gives you more capacity to wash and dry your clothes. You are 6 people after all, you said it ;-) When your washing machine dies at some point (it will, unfortunately after some years), you can still decide to go for a combined washer and dryer ("Waschtrockner") as a replacement for your washing machine, they are not so much more expensive, I think. But for now, for the next years (as many as possible), keep your washing machine of course and if you want, go for an additional dryer. It looks like you have the space for it. And yes, you are very germanized if you miss the German bread abroad ;-) (I'm from Austria and I feel the same, I miss the bread abroad ;-) But I know that many people really like the american bread and don't like any other bread. Well, that's good, people have different tastes, that makes the world interesting... Have fun!
You’re such a lovely family and I always look forward to your next episode! And if I may add - Sarah, you look stunning in this blouse. Compliments your hair color wonderfully :) Greetings from Hessen👋🏻
Oh and you got a picture of the Burg Eltz next to your map, it's such a wonderful lovely castle, lying in the middle of a forest, like in the fairytales. We've been there and it's just awesome. You can also take a guided tour through the castle which was very interesting. It's a bit far away from you, I guess, it's in the Eifel near the river Mosel. But its worth a visit. :) I watch your videos a lot and I Love them. You and your family are doing just great.
I can see that you guys are seriously interested in foreign cultures, and it's touching how you are celebrating your new life in Bavaria. It's the loveliest compliment anyone could pay our country. ❤ You are such delightful people and yes you are getting 'Germanized' - or should I say 'Bavarianized'? 😂
The "Windfang" keeps the wind from blowing directly into your living space - theoretically, at least. As for being "Germanized": There are many good habits you can pick up, when you live in a place, where the people are conscious of sharing a limited space that must be preserved (Whether the people are German or not is irrelevant). You are doing a great job of adapting to the surrounding culture!
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I took a screen shot of that and was going to send that to you. Yeah, sometimes it is really hilarious, so I always turn it on when watching your videos.
I'm glad have discovered your channel, thanks to Kirsten & Joerg! So interesting to hear your perspectives on European life. I wish I was younger and able to have an adventure like yours.
Love your videos! You also fulfilled the overall stereotype of being very organised (everything in boxes, everything has its place,…) - have you started labelling things yet? 😂. Love how you present everything in such a light hearted way. A „My Merry Messy Life“ video for Sunday breakfast has become a well loved routine 😁
Just be yourself, you guys are really cool and you can combine the best of both worlds for the best of your family. If you have found a good way for you to live your life, that's perfect. You guys are so lovely and open minded, you like to go into the new culture that you are living now and that's so helpful. Thanks for your video, have a nice time on vacation.🍻🍀
Haven't you already been at least "europeised" before you came to Germany? You once said that you had been this "crazy" family who did things different than the other Americans? So in some places, things, situations you might feel more "home" in Germany than in the US? In some aspects you are more German than I am - for instance the German decoration ;-)
One advantage living in a foreign country is that you can pick and choose. It seems that you adopted a lot of good things... I would call that positively germanized. I love your videos.
Dryers are a great deal more environmentally friendly than you might think, provided you don't use them on hot summer days when a good old fashioned washing line does the trick. Drying racks in your living area consume a lot of energy due to the evaporation process. This energy has to come from somewhere and this source is thermal energy --> your room temperature goes down by a few degrees and your heating system, which is usually set to a specific temperature, makes up for it by heating more. Plus, the humid air in the room needs to be let out to avoid moldy walls (you already mentioned "lüften"), which is then followed by more excessive heating and, particularly in the colder months, creates an even higher energy bill than an energy-efficient modern dryer would.
Ich finde es toll, wie unbedarft ihr an alles rangeht und mit welcher Freude, bleibt so und macht weiter und ja mit 4 Kindern braucht man unbedingt einen Trockner, gerade im Winter. Habt deshalb kein schlechtes Gewissen. ✋
Ich schaue Eure Videos gern, weil ich lerne das Dinge die für mich selbstverständlich sind in anderen Ländern nicht zum Alltag gehören. Das ist definitiv eine neue Erfahrung. Es ist glaube nicht wichtig vollkommen deutsch zu sein, sondern das gute an jener Kultur zu sehen und offen für neues zu bleiben. Daher wünsche ich mir, dass ihr uns in guter Erinnerung behaltet. Liebe Grüße aus Brandenburg
Hallo Sara, hallo Kevin, Ich schreibe Euch ganz bewußt in deutsch. Ihr wollt ja noch besser werden. Ich finde Euch wirklich suuuper sympathisch !!!!! Ihr seid so herrlich lebendig und erfrischend in Eurer Art, wie Ihr die Dinge beschreibt und darstellt. Das Ihr alle sehr schnell eingedeutscht sein werdet, da sehe ich überhaupt keine Probleme. Ich war 2 x in Amerika. Natürlich kann man dort auch ein tolles Leben führen. Dorthin auswandern würde ich aber nicht. Heimat ist eben Heimat. Passt gut auf Euch auf, leider ist " Corona " immer noch Bestandteil unseres Lebens. Ich wohne in Göttingen,eine mittelgroße Stadt in Niedersachsen, da ist man mit dem 🚗 Auto schnell an der Nord-oder Ostsee. Ganz liebe Grüße und einmal knuddeln Herzlichst Monika Love and greetings from Göttingen 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Oh goodness. What does makes you so special and enjoyable is that you are not really 'Germanized' , but that you are embracing the culture of your host country to the fullest, and are enthusiastically sharing it. I learned soo much about my German (Austrian) culture because you are not Germanized (hope that makes sense). I am now expecting a nice picture of Kevin wearing a classic (ultra kitschy) Lederhosen outfit ('come on Kevin, you can do it!), holding a Bierstein, and you Sarah , dressed in a stylish Bavarian dirndl playing the harp. Thank you for your wonderful broadcasts and sharing your focus on the culture of your host country.
I was about to write something like "you are very cosmopolitan", because your adaptation of German things is admirable, but that alone ... But then I saw your fridge! I mean, not only the content, but the size! Oh yes, you are clearly germanized, congratulations! ;-) But I am glad that you also still are open-minded the cosmopolitans. Thanks for another very entertaining video!
I loved to see the picture you had on your wall in your pantry cause that picture was also in my Grandparents house and my Grandfather had a strong connection to Germany and imported Pfaff sewing machines to Iceland.
It does not matter if you are German or American, the only thing that matter is that you are a friendly family. And it seems that you have adapted very well an d I hope that you will have many happy years in Germany.
👋again from Knoxville TN. As countries connect more than ever, it seems that we adopt and share “hacks” and ideals from around the world which is such a good thing. I remember pants that zip off into shorts being around in the 80’s here and of course Americans didn’t always have clothes dryers and large appliances. We are so spoiled! I also think many of us have a desire to go back to the eco friendly and healthy basic lifestyle. I think you all are doing great as you pursue your dreams! Your children are blessed! Thanks for sharing your inspirations!
Perhaps the greatest thing you are doing is your service as 'ambassadors and diplomats' representing us as reasonable, charitable, and intelligent when we are at our best. More Americans would be served by getting passports, seeing all the different ways there are to live. This would improve and enlarge our perspective, perhaps slowing us down and encouraging a more thoughtful way of life. I just returned from Ukraine and Poland and can't wait to go return. BTW, our last name is IMMEL , similar to HIMMEL. Privat ! to your new guest. My daughter just visited Hamburg and LOVED Germany. I do, too.
Congratulations. Now you are officially germanized. About the refrigerator: For a family of six the german standard refrigerators are definitely too small. We are five persons and got an Samsung side by side refrigerator three years ago and we have a small additional freezer in our basement. And we also have a condenser dryer which we only use in winter time. As you can see....everything's allright. Greetings from Fintel in Lower Saxony. Philippe
I think you are 55% Germanized 👍👍👍 But for the next 5%……..Nobody buys a Kondenstrockner !! You habe to buy a Wärmepumpentrockner !! It saves 60% Energy !
8:52 I have never in my life been in a German house with a cuckoo clock - these things are more like Americans/Japanese/Chinese think of Germany. The one you bought in the Black Forest may have a note somewhere saying "Made in China".
Hahaha no, it’s truly made in the Black Forest! I did my research before I bought it. It’s hand-made and sooo gorgeous. But yeah, I can see how that’s more of an American or Japanese thing.
Clearly germanized! You guys got a lot of practical habits while living in Germany! Love your way of Bavarian lifestyle. Greatings from Northern Germany!
Yes, definitely you are! Great Job guys!!!👏 Just one suggestion, not only for the environment to not have/buy plastic bottles with sparkling water. When your water (every German tapwater should be) is good enough use a Soda stream. So you also don't have to carry heavy bottles and carry empty bottles back to the store. But anyways: Go for it🎉
And as to the dryer I recommend Miele to be bought at a small shop. At the big retailers they have less quality interior parts. Get a used one on the internet.
I am from Germany. My first language and German and by second language is English from school. I had no French but Latin.... it was very difficult for me. Also moment I'm studying at university and I started my courieren classes along side my normal courses one year go. This semester, so after one and a half years, I am about to finish A1 as well. In new language can take a lot of time and don't be so hard on yourself. You are doing great
"Germanized"? I think before you can clarify that, it's important to know what is "German" or what defines "being German" in the first place? Is it a lifestyle, a feeling, the culture, the environment, the people? I think it's more that you adapt to a culture that you live in. And if you live in Germany, you take on the things that are essentially necessary, common or advantageous in order to live comfortably and not to become or be "German". "Being German" in particular is misunderstood by many who claim to be "German". Because the ideas that are sometimes spread have nothing to do with being "German" per se, more or more with an ideology. What you show in your great video is what happens to others when they live in a foreign country. A mix of behaviors from the culture you grew up in and in which you currently live. And that's by no means bad, just sometimes stressful, as I can say from my own experience. Especially for those who have not experienced this or who cannot understand the change that you are going through because of your life situation, because they are stuck in their culture. In any case, I'm happy for you that you're happy to be here and wish you all the best on your way and there's nothing wrong with adopting "German" ways of behaving.
The most important matter is language, not material goods. What language you use talking to each other? Is it at least mixed with German words? Do you spend your Freizeit, the Feierabend, das Wochenende, only among you as a couple or you meet German friends? Do you practise any German custom, visit regional events? If very few, you are still Americans. Do you read German books, magazines? Do you have a close relation towards the region or city where you live? Do you know historic German leaders besides Hitler, the last Kaiser and Adenauer? Basic events of German and Germanic history?
you are breath taking germans. I like you. You learn the language, go to work, send your children to school or kindergarten and don't need the social office, like many other foreigner.
Loved the fun and light hearted video. And yes, you are completely germanized ;-) And I agree, what I love most about living in different cultures is that I can pick all the best habits and products and build my own culture of being an international hybrid.
Even when you have a dryer, you can still dry whatever you can on the rack. My mom only uses her dryer for sheets, towels and bath mats in winter. But I don't own a dryer and have a very small flat. When it's winter, but no preciptation (sp?), I still sometimes put my Wäscheständer outside. It takes longer to dry, but because of the air current and the cold temperature it doesn't get "spakig" (North German for musty) like it would inside.
Ihr seid mit Sicherheit deutscher als manche Deutsche, ihr habt euch in dieser kurzen Zeit schon fast perfekt eingelebt. Ich denke dass die Kinder dabei eine große Rolle spielen, wenn sich die Kinder wohlfühlen dann fühlt ihr euch auch wohl. Eine sehr sympathische Familie!!! 😍. Keep on going 👍 (old Bavarian here)
Since I worked and lived in Northern Ireland, I have both, separate duvets each 220 x 150 as well as one super size of GB with 220 x 270. Both are not really a problem for 2 - but 2 individuell duvets are a little bit more comfort for each of us.
deuter backpacks: They're really great. I have a big one for hiking and a small one for shopping. The reason why I bought my first deuter backpack was that it didn't have a huge company logo on it like several of the big brands do. Hell, I pay money for that, so I don't want to be a walking billboard. Clocks: I'm German, but I'd never buy a clock that ticks again in my life. I'm so glad that everything in my home is digital and SILENT. And as to the hearts and welcome signs: I really find them kitschy. House shoes, however, are a good invention, as outdoor shoes can get a bit uncomfortable after wearing them for a while.
As you obviously do care about the protection of the environment I would like to share a tip with you: instead of buying sparkling water and Apfelschorle in plastic bottles you might consider to acquire a SodaStream (or comparable) device with glass bottles. I use mine every day to produce Sprudelwasser. You can mix the water with apple juice to produce your own home made McFall branded Apfelschorle 🙂. Or mix it with whatever you like. And if you still need to buy water (for preparing tea, coffee or the like) please consider to buy it in Pfandflaschen.
You adapted Germany pretty well and are loving it. Of course you are Americans and will stay Americans, but that is nog a bad thing. As an international family, we always taught the kids to take the best from all. Good luck!
When you have flowers in your frontyard and not an abundance of pickup trucks, you are germanized. When your house is bigger than your garage, you are no longer in the USA. When your kids get to school on their own, you have left American fear for them behind. When you feel it is a natural thing to walk shorter or medium distances and expect a sidewalk to be there, you are European. It is those daily things that make the difference.
