... mein Gefühl ist eher, dass wir sehr sarkastisch sind, und viele andere Nationalitäten das gar nicht checken...

The only people who say Germans don't understand sarcasm are non-native speakers. Germans use sarcasm all the time but just like general jokes, non-native speakers don't get it. I have lived in this country since I was two, so I know. I'm going on 55 years of living here. Trust me, Germans understand sarcasm, they may, however, not understand sarcasm in another language, just as an English speaker might not understand German sarcasm.

Ein klassisches Beispiel für den nicht übersetztbaren Sprachwitz: Das ältere Ehepaar beim Frühstück. Sie berichtet: Liebling, als ich nach dem Aufstehen aus dem Fenster sah, graute der Morgen. Darauf er hinter der Zeitung: Dem, Liebling, dem.

Germans like sarcasm too - but its difficult to understand sarcasm in a foreign language (your husband in NZ and you in Germany)

Germans don’t think they’re better than everyone else - they are! And I speak as an Englishman, BUT I am a high functioning autistic and I thought I’d found my spiritual home, following the rules, telling the truth, inflexibility etc. etc.

Is this the moment to tell you that sarcasm is a huge part of German humour and therefore I know better than you. ;)

As you mentioned German humor is often based on what we call "Wortwitz" where you play with the language. But also popular is "trockener Humor" or even "schwarzer Humor" (deadpan humor or black humor). besides comedy, people also like cabaret as humorous style wich will foremost handle political humor. Sarcasm is seen in germany as mean irony or bitter gibe. Mockery or taunt are considered bad manners and so are not very suitable for humor though they also exist in german too. Lying is considered being a capital sin in germany (not meant in a religious way). We don't know the concept of lies being "sweet" or "little". If you lie to not offend someone its a distress (Notlüge) ! Honesty is a most valuable asset and is worth more than avoiding to offend someone. Because at the end of the day it is of little use for both the liar and the one who's been told the lie. And so for us it's just polite not to lie. If it's unflexible to have a straight time management so , yes, we're quite unflexible. Generally we reserve a given time for a given task/person and we see it as respect towards the other(s) to not let them wait for us. On the other hand we expect the same respect towards us because to wait is a waste of time where we could have been doing something else.

Germans don't use sarcasm as Humor ? Guess I am not German ^^.

Okay, Antoinette as a native older German I generally agree with your comment about our humor, but the point about sarcasm did not count for the whole of Germany. My wife is from Lower Saxony and I could assure you that sarcasm is very popular in North Germany while it is not such a bid deal in the south.

Being on time is not inflexible; it simply shows respect.

As an Easterner and Northerner I HAVE to weigh in here: 1. There are considerable differences between northern and southern sense of humour. In the north it's much more based on irony and sarcasm, it's darker. 2. You will not find many people in the East with that lecturing arrogance, bragging about their degrees and talking down to others etc. If someone does that here in our neck of the woods he/she's immediately suspected to be a "Wessi" and usually we're right about that. It's just not our way of treating each other and we consider it very rude and repellant.

Great video. I’ve learned so much about myself and how German I am (being half American/half German), ever since I’ve gotten married. My husband is from the Caribbean and we are on 11 years of marriage now, but man - those first few years where quite hard. But I LOVE being German 🙂 Ordnung muss sein!

So sarcasm like: My niece (she is as old as Emilia) started to sing a Helene Fischer (my sister hates her songs) song in the car. My sister: "There is an orphanage over there" Political cabaret is full with sarcasm. But I garee that not all people understand it and it it is more difficult for us to understand it in a foreign language and culture. German honesty: I just found Waldow. :-p

Germans in the south have a different mentality compared to northern Germans. So stereotypes usually don‘t refer to „all“ Germans 😁

I'm German and I speak sarcasm fluently. Not everybody understands sarcasm, no matter what language.

To be brutally honest: I like this video! But you have to be aware of the regional differences! Can be huge!

As a Brit, I can confirm Germans are in fact hilarious

Germans, Not sarcastic??? Ein Mann im Bus fragt: "Ist der Rock nicht etwas kurz?" "Solange mein P*nis nicht raushängt, nicht!" Zack, war Ruhe!

Could you make a video about the other way around? I have head a few stereotypes from NZ, and I would like two know if there right :) Much love from Hamburg

Not to be flexible and not to be punctual are two different things.

This video once again makes me feel very German. For instance when a co-worker (male or female) has had a haircut it's quite normal to say 'you need a better hairdresser'. Best wishes from the Netherlands!

I like that you say in Germany people are organised in regards to making plans etc. I personally find that here in NZ, kiwis are generally quite bad at making plans and will avoid it for some reason. There are so many times when I say to a kiwi " let's meet in 3 weeks" and they respond with " oh naahhhh we can see how it goes" or the classic " we'll play it by ear" 😅😅 I'm sure there's something to love and not love about every culture in the world. Good video Antoinette! Hope you are staying well and safe😊

Zum Humor: Deutsche mögen eher weniger den albernen Humor und grinsen nicht 'grundlos'. Das sieht zB für US-Amerikaner unfreundlich aus, da diese freundlichen Smalltalk gewohnt sind. Ich denke manchmal über überschäumend gutgelaunte Amerikaner: "Haben die Drogen genommen?" Zu den Besserwissern: Das sollte man nicht zu persönlich nehmen...das Richtige ist für alle gut und daher ist das Korregieren nicht immer böse oder erniedrigend gemeint.

In unserer Familie ist Sarkasmus der Humor. Sarkatischer Humor finde ich super 👍

I really like honesty. I used to live in English speaking countries and it took me some time to get the „beating around the bush being polite“ thing. It‘s easier to say what you mean

How many Germans does it take to change a light bulb? One.We are efficient and dont have humour.

I‘m an American, married to a German, currently stuck in Berlin because of Covid. I LOVE your commentary as I attempt to live here. So honest and fair! Thank you, and I’m glad you are over being ill ( not from Covid).

Yes please, do a part two! I am German and used to live in New Zealand (still a little homesick 😢). I love learning about your experience with our cultural differences. So familiar and jet so different.

About the flexibility: I think, you didn't really describe what you meant by "not flexible". If you find it inflexible to ask and wait for the positive answer, before coming over, then yes, we are not very flexible. But if you meant, that Germans would plan every little visit two weeks before, then no. We don't do that unless it's more than just a visit. Like, if you have to drive an hour to get there, you of course will plan ahead, otherwise the journey would be a waste of time and money. Or if you want to go to see a movie or eat out in a fancy restaurant, you need to plan days or weeks in advance. But if you just want to visit your friends in the same city, you can just ask, whether they have time to meet or not and if yes, then where they would like to meet.

The honesty is true, and In think its a good thing yes. But sometimes I wish some ppl could be more optimistic, like to say "es war ok" als das größtmögliche Kompliment. Ich finde wir machen zu wenig ehrliche Komplimente generell.

Hi Antoinette! I enjoyed this video and would like to see a part 2. I like structure, being punctual, being honest with people, and informing someone about something that's beneficial for them to know. Therefore, those stereotypes about Germans are not distasteful to me. Those, so called, stereotypes are aspects of my personality with one major difference. I do my best to temper or modify those qualities with basic love. For example, if I am asked for my opinion about a matter. Immediately, these wise words would come to mind: “There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword.” Therefore, I would think before answering the question to make sure my answer is honest, but not tactless or hurtful. Best wishes to you and your family!

From a German perspective I find it way worse when someone tells me I look great in clothing when I don‘t, allowing finger pointing or other people to laughing at me behind my back. I‘d much rather take an honst „No.“ to the clothing question and move on and look for something else. As for being on time: it depends on the occasion. E.g. When I am invited over for dinner for a certain time it would be very rude to be late for an extended period of time without a good excuse and letting the host know so everybody would wait for me, food would get cold etc. When there‘s a party starting at a certain time and a larger amount of people are invited, then being „late“ for an hour is not so much of an issue.

Honesty is not brutal. Lying into your face to avoid an argument is brutal.....i say. ;-)

I wish I'd be more flexible. I sometimes feel bad when immediately asking people via text messages whether they are coming or not as soon as they are just 5 min late 😅

Like her a lot - and it is honest and makes ne think about Germans and Germany.....

Thank you, Antoinette, for this video! Feels so good to hear somebody say that. The "know-it-better-thing" is true, I'm afraid. Extremely weird, when they correct one's English. What I disagree with is the sarcasm-thing, but anyway. Thank you!

Great video! I think every country has stereotypes, much depends on the region you come from. Although i am from Germany I never lived there long enough to get a sense of what you described. when I visited Germany, the relatives that i met seemed to have a mixture of what you described.

German: we had an appointment at 10 o‘clock. English: I‘m very sorry to be late. German: Thus we have now a disappointment.

Im german and I dont believe I know things better like other people. I know it.

Regarding honest answers: I think for us Germans it is important who is asking. If my wife asks: "Do you think I'm too fat". What do you think is the answer? No.1: (the German way) Some exercises would be helpfull! No.2: No my dear, you looking great. If your answer is No.1: you are dead. If it is No.2 you can continue your life. So we Germans are not always too honest. It must be a stereotype (sometimes). 😊😁

I agree with everything you said, except for the sarcasm part. I believe Germans are just as sarcastic as people from other countries (especially Germans who served or serve in the Bundeswehr, that's where you learn real sarcasm, lol)

Tbh im my experience sarcasm is typical german, but its linked to social class and intelligence. The smarter a person the more sarcastic. We also have a tendency to think of sarcastic people as smarter or try to look smart with sarcastic comments

"Do these pants make me look fat?" German honesty: not "yes!", but "no, not the pants make you look fat, but what you eat all day." But actually, one should ask back "are you asking for a compliment or an oppinion?" And as a man, when you get a question like this, do not even attempt a reply! you know you are screwed whatever you say....

You should check out a few instagram accounts making fun of German stereotypes like alman memes! It's really funny and very relatable (although quite exaggerated)! When you started talking about the German "correcting culture" and Germans calling out others I had to think about the "Anzeige ist raus!" Meme :D

Sehr interessantes und unterhaltsames Video! :)

Since the day I fully realized that I was an annoying know-it-all, I have really been trying my best to keep that aspect of my personality as much in check as possible. It sometimes makes me a little bit angry that others don't take any effort in mitigating their own attitudes and actions. But I am not always very successful, so I feel, I am not in the right place to complain.

As a German I must admit that a german habit is to correct others and to be a bit arrogant. Germans are the best car drivers, have the best beer, the best economic discipline... you'll find such attitudes in many topics... sigh.

I am Dutch but my Omi is German so I learn the language easier bij Omi then by school. Omi/Oma = grandma

One stereotype I know is that lederhosens is a German thing. It is not, It is a Bavarian thing. And being Bavarian will be like Welsh from English or even Texan from your standard American. Texans though proud of being American are prouder of being Texans. They have actually tried succeeding from the federal union a while back I think like in the early 2000s.

BTW any news how your sister is doing in NYC? Disregard my curiosity if it is too private.

wundervoll!! Ich liebe es so den Spiegel vorgehalten zu bekommen. Würde alles komplett unterschreiben

Yes, part 2, please👍👍😊

Lots of Germans here say sarcasm isn't used as much in the south, I am from the south of Germany (franconia) and I can assure you that it is used a lot here as well. In fact, I'd say it's one of the main ways we express our humor. I grew up with both languages (English+German) and I think I can see why English speakers will not pick up on German sarcasm and vise versa. It's used differently in each language, and its beyond difficult to actually pick up on sarcasm in a language that is not your native one. Emilia will have the big advantage of understanding and picking up on both types of sarcasms in both languages! :)

The honesty really depends on the person you're with. If you know that they a sensitive or insecure about a topic, you can also sugar code some thing. If you are really close to someone and you know that they can take criticism, you are honest which can help them to not disgrace themselves

flexible can be defined as unratable (offending) here. All you described is confirmed by me. That is the kernel of the ancient Germanic and Viking culture. One strong say: "Ein Mann, ein Wort!" "One mane, one true word!" We hate liars. Even if it is "Not telling the real story, to be just polite". For us (and the Netherlands and all Scandinavic countries) this would be cheating.

Regional humour. Ostfriesland. Very honest face, personal experiance, no smile whatsoever: "Yesterday I had my insurance agent visiting me. I signed a contract retroactive for five years on burglary and theft. It has quite resonable premiums, since the where no occurances up to now."

Keep them coming ! Take care.

Pünktlichkeit und Flexibilität sind zwei sehr unterschiedliche Dinge. Mit Pünktlichkeit drückt man auch Respekt für andere aus, in dem Sinn dass man nicht anderer Leute Zeit verschwenden will. Flexibilität bedeutet bei sich verändernden Rahmenbedingungen nicht an Plänen und Entscheidungen festzuhalten sondern mit Alternativen zu reagieren. Ich finde, dass das in Deutschland ganz gut klappt.

Thank you so much for sharing your opinion about negative German stereotypes. I would love to watch a part two of it. I think the German humour/sarcasm can also be seen in bars spread all over the country (depending on all the different dialects). For example jokes in general and songs they sing while drinking beer. In the South their jokes/songs would be completely different than in the North, the South or the East because they are part of games made with the German culture. For example there excist Bavarian songs, songs which come from Cologne, songs which come from the area around Berlin and songs whicj are popular near to the sea (North Sea, Baltic sea). Many songs are filled with dialects combined with a humour that can only be understand by somebody who knows the German culture in general or even somebody who lives in one part of Germany (or knows something about that part, can understand the dialect....).

My wife is german. And its true. i stand my ground they dont really get humor..and they always have negative thing to say when you habe positive thing in your mind.

I liked the relaxed pace in NZ though❤️ Germans tend to stress themselves out a lot

i think its more like we encounter sarcasm with sarcasm so they negate each other so it looks like were being strict and direct

1. Humo(u)r: Keep in mind that there are major differences within the English-speaking world itself. You should find that some of the output of our EU-fleeing friends over the channel actually is super popular in Germany (e.g. Mr. Bean - Monty Python, too). I have a feeling that you shouldn't have to be searching for very long before you come across someone with a wicked sense of humour in the UK, while the same in the 'States would be far more tedious. I believe this to be directly linked to the ratio of introverts to extraverts and general language proficiency levels. Speaking of subtleties, there's one thing I still can't wrap my head around even after more than a quarter century with the English language: Rhyming slang. _It really does me head in._ (Imagine that in a Phil Harding voice. Must've been too much Time Team for me lately.) 2. "Correcting culture": I'm not the biggest fan of rubbing people's mistakes under their nose myself (though I can get a bit grumpy when grudgingly disassembling entire cardboard boxes dumped in the shared paper bin), but when a random girl at a bus stop pointed out the sign saying that the stop wasn't in use that day I found that very sweet. (Among routine tunnel vision and my eyesight I have a bit of a tendency to miss things like that.) You know what I've found is the best way of winding people up when you're a notorious smartass? Actually knowing what you're saying. :D 3. Honesty: Now imagine being German and on the autistic spectrum to boot. The definition of a real chick magnet :D (Ask me how I know...) 4. Planning in advance: That's something I've noticed among my friends, too - funnily enough there seems to be precious little real-life difference between this approach and mine which tends to be far more spontaneous. I guess it helps if you have to take your vacation well in advance.

She's absolutely right about the German snobbery, and I'm saying that as a German myself

German and English are both related languages. Both are west germanic languages like Dutch, Frisian, Afrikaans and Yiddish.

Loving watching u ur views

Yes please Part two

punctuality, you should be prepaired, that a german can be there 10 to 20 minutes bevor the date, only to be not to late... Because, if we say let^s do "that" at 6pm, that means we start "that" at 6pm, not we meet us at 6pm....

Another great video Antoinette. There is really nothing I can contribute to this video. I try not to stereotype people or cultures.

I would be really interested in the Positive stereotypes of Germany.

A good friend moved to the US 14 years ago, he came back 2 years ago and he also came to my house without telling me. It's totally right that I didn't liked it so I told him call me next time and ask first 😅

Umfahren ist das Gegenteil von umfahren

What is the point in asking a question, if you can't expect an honest answer?

That punctually-thing just should be understood as not to stress the other. Many occasions where it really doesn´t matter (as for example to come really late to party which lasts long). No one should be stressed by waiting too long either by disturbing some preparation because of coming to early. Question of feeling for the certain situation, I guess. Not all of us have it, shure. PS: clear, that whenever something should start (lessons at school, concert, movie, wedding and funerals, ...), you would bother all the ones who managed to come in time. Those you would come late will gather tons of icecold views, even angry statements. Correct imo

I have a German pupil. He is a manager. I went to the appointment by bike and after greeting me he asked bluntly: "Why is your face so red?" :-D It's true that they are very honest and it can hurt sometimes but I prefer that to fake behaviour.

What I think we Germans can't deny is that we tend to take things seriously. That has a wonderful and a difficult side to it. But the fact that there are thousands of Germans watching these videos and "correcting" Antoinette on what they think is true or false is the perfect proof! :D At the same time, many use these videos to reflect on their positive and negative sides - sometimes (miraculously) even with self-irony. ;) That is the good side of German seriousness!

I think if you break it down to the core, many of the differences in the behaviour and customs of german people vs. people from english speaking countries (there are differences within those of course) stem from "emotion" vs. "rationality". In my opinion english speaking people and their culture generally tend to be guided more by emotion, while german people tend to be guided by rational motives a lot more. As a consequence for example New Zealanders might take the freedom to dawdle a little bit and be late meeting a friend if they feel like it and the friend might not mind because he's accustomed to the same way. While on the hand, germans appreciate organised structures and clearly laid out plans that are being fulfilled, because it is rational to get to your goal the best and quickest way you can and also they think it's rational to be respectful in not delaying the other person's plans, especially since the other way around you wouldn't him/her to delay your plans (categorical imperative). I think if you apply this to other difference or stereotypes, they and he ensuing "cultural misunderstandings" a lot of them start to make sense as to why they exist. Also I think that this different approach to things is even reflected in the use of the language. For example in the use of expressive verbs: In my experience english speakers use "I feel like" often, while there is no real equivalent in german that's being used frequently. German rather use "denken" (think) and synonyms of that a lot, which imply that some sort of interior (rational) thought process has been at the root of your statement rather than an emotion. Also I think that's one of the reasons for example why english speakers often perceive germans as a bit cold and efficient (too rational) while germans may see english speakers as overly-affectionate, erratic or even lazy (guided by emotion too much). But don't get me wrong, I am not saying that one way is better than the other. They both have their upsides and their downsides in my opinion. And as always it of course doesn't apply to every english speaker or german and there are varying degrees of that.

I got a laugh flash when I realized we Germans are seen as autists, it just fits so perfectly: Being brutally honest, speaking our mind even when it can be hurtful, having an urge to correct anyone and everyone, not understanding sarcasm, having a very complicated humor, talking down to people bc we think we are smarter... those are classical symptoms of autism 😂😂😂

You explained yourself, why foreign people think, Germans don't understand sarcasm. In the same way as foreign people have to really understand German language to get our sense of humor, it is hard for Germans to understand English sarcasm, simply because they don't speak English good enough. I see this very often in an English speaking forum, that I have to admit I don't get it jokes because I speak English, but not good enough to understand all the fine nuances. And yes, we Germans know everything better, at least, we think so.

I am German and say: good observation!

I completely agree with you! I have noticed that in Bavaria (where my mother lives) sarcasm often caused confusion in the other person's mind or led to questions like "Uh, what do you mean by that?" and here in Northwest Germany sarcasm is more common...but maybe that's just my imagination. But I myself also have a very dark, British sense of humour and have to be careful not to offend. An example: I showed my father the comedy "Litte Britain". I curled up laughing under the sofa and he got totally upset about it and found it just disgusting. And especially on holidays in other countries it is usually the Germans who know everything better and have to complain about every little thing...very embarrassing sometimes. The father of my friend is American and although he is in Germany for more than 35 years he speaks through the flower rather than saying something directly. And yes: We are a very non relaxed nation and often pedantic to the ridiculous.

As a German, I can say, that if you don't want to have my honest opinion, don't ask the question. Sometimes, when asked a question, I return "would you like my honest or polite opinion?" :-D

also ich mag sehr Ricky Gervais und Jerry Seinfeld. Finde, die kann man nur gut finden, wenn man deren Sarkasmus versteht.

I just want to ask you about an experience I had as a guest staying with a German host, in Stuttgart at the beginning of last year. I hope it is OK to post here(?) I am in my mid fifties and last year went with a group of uni students to a Sprachschule in Stuttgart. I know I‘m a lot older than other uni students but I wanted to learn German. The host I was assigned to was a widowed woman who was almost 70. When I heard this I thought it was good as I thought she would enjoy my company and we would chat or watch TV in the evenings. However this was not her idea. I was not allowed in the Wohnzimmer in the evenings with her and had to stay in my bedroom. If I wanted to talk to her, I had to knock on the Wohnzimmer door first and then I was allowed to talk to her for about 5 minutes. I found this to be so formal! Even worse, it felt like some master/ servant relationship! I also got into trouble for having too long showers. I thought I was quick, but she told me that in Germany to save money on water, you turn the water off after wetting yourself with water. Then you soap yourself, then you quickly turn the water on again to rinse the water off. I also got told off for having a shower after she had gone to bed. She came to the door ranting and raving, schreien und schimpfen, and told me to get out straight away! Needless to say it was not a positive time for me. In my mind I would describe some of her behaviours as emotionally immature. If a guest at my place did something like that to me, I wouldn‘t get angry straight away. I would wait to the next morning and have a word with the guest then. There are a lot of negative things I could say about Germans if I base my view of Germans on my experience of staying with her. Eg. they are rude, don‘t believe in equality and lack hospitality. My father came from Germany. He was born in Würzburg and grew up in a town called Haßfurt am Main. My father was an extremely hospitable person. Maybe I see things too much as an Australian. I almost certainly should have asked to be moved from this lady‘s place, but I was culture shocked and didn‘t know what to do. 🙁 On a positive note, I reconnected with some relatives in Bayerischen Wald and my experience with them was just the opposite to the lady I stayed with in Stuttgart. With them I felt like I couldn‘t do anything wrong! We were both just so excited to see each other again. 😃🎉

It is very difficult to get a straight yes or no answer from a Brit; there's always a diplomatic "well, yeesss, I suppose so, or then again, perhaps not...". I much prefer the brutal, straightforward but honest German way: NEIN!!" 😂

That punctuality thing is a way of showing respect to the other person by not wasting their time waiting for you =)

I love punctuality or even arriving early and I also like people that are direct....I watch some German subtitled shows and I figured out that the humor ,does not translate well. I wish I could think of an example to write. Be well. Be safe. Alviter Zane.

You should Do a video where You speak gernan, please. I like your Videos by the way.

Reading the comments about our humour, I just remember a quote (I remember where I got it from, I just forgot who originally said it) "Actually Germans enjoy a good laugh. Of course it always helps, if there's something to laugh about."

You are so brutally honest - how should we cope with that??? *grinst* A remark: Know-it-all, "Oberlehrer": These exist in other nations, too, but in different form. All those internet haters aren't Germans! A different, true example: An obese guy hiked on the difficult PCT as his last chance to change his life, vlogged about it and experienced some people actively seeking him in person only to try and force(!) him to give up on his "too dangerous" tour. They "knew it better" though he eventually succeeded on the trail.

thanks, it was interesting!

Sarcasm is more dividing than uniting. It has an element of aggression to it.

I liked this video so much weil dass richtig ist. I ' d like you to make one of common names in German and how to read them. I've seen someone here called "Lothar" and think it is a very beautiful name, reminds me of those movies with castles and kings. Can you tell us some names in German? I am from Brazil and for me, they are quite interesting.

Brutal honesty...... my paternal grandfather’s grandparents and Grampa’s oldest uncle came over from Karlsruhe to the U.S. in 1848. I can sugar coat for awhile, but if I am talked at too much about the same subject, it’s like my German heritage falls out of my mouth with something that is definitely not sugar coated.

Hi Antoinette, can You also make some videos in German language please, or is this channel only for English speaking guys ?

This is so true with the brutally honest part. I went to a party in Germany with my then boyfriend. A complete stranger came up to me and said "why are all Americans fat?" There was no hello. No I'm so and so. Who are you? Absolutely no normal social norms. I got her back by saying "why do all German women look like men?" She proudly said "we all dont look like men." I said "all Americans aren't fat. I'm American and I'm actually underweight."

Could you please give an example of "typical" German humor and one of "typical" New Zealand humour, because I don't have any idea what you are talking about? I mean, I know many German jokes of course, but I don't find most of them funny and I have the feeling, that most people don't find jokes that funny. But we all like to laugh and enjoy ourselves, so there must be some kind of humour other than jokes. Like situational humour. I think, Germans really enjoy that or even being told about a funny situation afterwards. Much more at least than being told a lame joke.

Honesty only scares people who aren‘t honest at all. And apparently I am not german, as I am always late to everything 🙈

I would disagree that Germans don't understand Sarcasm. On the contrary. A LOT of our humour is very sarcastic. German humour is a lot of plays with words, but also grammar. For example change one small word and turn it into meaning something completely different. But even more of our humour is very dry, sarcastic, ironic and even pretty dark. But i believe part of the confusion about sarcasm comes from us using it in normal conversation a lot. Mostly about stuff that were you to translate it literally would sound pretty positive, but if you get it you understand that its actually negative. Or the other way around.

Germans also often use sarcasm. But as you told about jokes Germans do usually cannot hear when native English speakers are sarkastic. And also in the other direction.