One of my friends who studied abroad in Germany put the whole "Germany =/= Bavaria" thing this way: Going to Berlin and expecting to see people day-to-day wearing lederhosen and drinking big tankards of beer is like going to NYC and expecting to see people in cowboy hats and boots doing cool lasso tricks

The only trouble I had in Germany was at the Mineralbad in Stuttgart. I am an older woman and have agility issues with my hands and I was having trouble inserting a ticket to go through the turnstile. The man behind me got upset and I hear the famous, "HALLO!!!". I turned around and politely asked if he could perhaps help me, while showing him my hands. His face turned red, put the ticket in the machine for me and then apologized. I have been all over Germany since then and have had nothing but kindness shown to me when asking for help.

Years ago I did the backpacking thing all over Europe and the Balkans. Germany and Austria were the only countries where people would literally see me with my backpack and walk up to me and say things like "Are you ok? Do you need a place to stay? How are you enjoying your trip?" Seems like amost every one of them had backpacked somewhere in the world before, and were literally genuinely trying to help. It was a big, big, BIG sigh of relief after leaving Italy, which I found to be quite the opposite.

I am German and I am so grateful how respectful you present this. Thanks for that. Great stuff👍👍🙏

I am German, I am always impressed Wolter, how good you capture the German behavior and thinking without getting into stereotypes. Well done!

Getting yelled at in German by a shop lady for touching the nectarines was one of the scariest experiences in my life.

I think I’m really going to LOVE visiting Germany! Everything you said that angers them angers me. I love punctuality, recycling and NOT sharing my food.

Bavaria is the Texas of Germany.

Germans are not cheap because they don't tip... American businesses are cheap because they don't pay proper salaries 🤣

I was a foreign exchange student from the US when I was 16 and I was housed in Bavaria. I have never felt more comfortable and welcomed, the people were so friendly and helped me with my German, and were so patient and wonderful. I hope to make it back to Germany one day, it is fantastic!!

The only time you can get away with being late in Germany is when you're using Deutsche Bahn. 😂

Germany: I order my food I order my beer I drive my speed (within the rules) I come in time, so I can expect everyone in time sounds good to a finn, we have similar rules I must visit, I want to drink beer and see castles, churches and museums

As a German, I was taught that waiters in North America don't earn as much and need the tips, like the tips are expected and part of their income, whereas in Germany waiters earn more and a tip is always voluntary or polite and not expected as part of their income. As for sharing food at a restaurant with others, thank you for this explanation. I once was in a restaurant in Canada with a few people from all over the world, the plates were put on the table and everyone took whatever they wanted. I was greatly confused and overwhelmed, didn't know what I am supposed to eat or what was expected from me, and I also thought we should have agreed upon sharing the bill before ordering so much food. I'm not greedy, but I didn't have overflowing financial resources at the time and would have liked to know how much I would be supposed to pay in the end. I should have asked and shared my uncertainties, but for whatever reason I wasn't able to. So thanks again, this explanation helped.

As a German, I can say that you absolutely nailed us (at least my parents and grandparents) and I loved the way you explained everything with examples. Dankeschön! And have fun in Germany. :)

My wife and I lived in Flörsheim, near Frankfurt for a couple of years and absolutely loved it. We've lived in Belgium, the Philippines, Panama, all over the U.S. and now Alaska. And we've subscribed to the old saying, "when in Rome, act like the Romans". and it works pretty well.

Another important thing: Don't be too loud in restaurants and on public transportation. Some American tourists behave as if they were the only people in the restaurant or on the bus. Of course this doesn't mean that you must be silent, but just keep the volume of your voices normal. Another thing is: Don't let your children run around and climb on chairs and tables in restaurants. In the USA, this kind of behavior is tolerated, in Germany, it really can be a problem for other guests.

Most of these also apply in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway, in this sort of "Germanic influence-sphere" in Europe. There's also a pretty on-point satirical examination of the general mindset called "The Law of Jante" from a book by a Danish-Norwegian Author, Aksel Sandemose. To people from the outside these might seem like some oppressive social rules, but in reality they're all things people take great pride in. If you're punctual, direct but polite, and obey public rules, you're like the perfect citizen in any of these "Germanic influence-sphere" states.

Great Video as always, Mark! I'm an American living in Germany the last 6 years and I'm with you on all points. Keep the great content coming, man.

The "don't be late" part is extremely important in case you have a job interview in Germany (native German here, born and grew up in Germany before moving to the US). When you get an invitation letter/notice for a job interview or a round of interviews starting at 10am (10 Uhr!), then be there at latest 9:45. You may have to get your visitor badge and escorted to the interview room etc. Offen they offer you water and coffee. But be IN THE ROOM at 10.If using public transit, take a connection earlier. When arriving by car know where you can park and do not try to save ten Euros for the parking garage to drive tens of minutes to find a free spot. No one will accept that excuse. Good employers will reimburse you all those fees for your application in Germany, included the parking ticket of the garage next to the employer's office.

Browse to your heart's content at the grocery store, but 1) stay outta people's way and 2) FOCUS when you get to the checkout line. No idle chatter, no gawking at the impulse-buy items, no small talk with the cashier. If they talk to you, it's to ask a question or convey important information. Watch what the (local) person ahead of you does, and do that. Put your stuff on the conveyor belt efficiently, have your bags ready, and be ready to bag everything quickly. German cashiers take pride in scanning things at warp speed, and both staff and shoppers expect everyone to do their part to keep things moving efficiently.

You described my Dad perfectly. He is 2nd generation Canadian with German heritage. It's amazing how German he still is.

As a german this video made me upset

I never noticed the food sharing stuff, we always said' moechtes du ein stueck probieren? never a problem!

My wife and I just returned from three weeks driving through northern Germany. We set the navigation systen to avoid A-bahns (mostly). We were treated like guests by everyone we met. Without exception, every encounter was great. I spent my covid confinement studying German…every day. I practiced and listened and really worked at pronunciation. While there I spoke German at every opportunity. While some Germans recognized that I was not a native speaker, many continued the conversation in German and even helped me along. As you said, we did not cross the street without the permission of the ampelman and did drive fast but always to the right on the A-bahn and in general followed German rules of polite. While this was not my first time in Germany, it was my best!

Reading this I see why we Swedes feel so at home in Germany! Maybe we jay-walk more often but as a whole it’s the same. We often go to Germany and try to melt in, say Mojn, Guten Tag or Grüss Gott depending on where we are. But, and a BIG but for Americans, you are too often so very loud and many times we have been in a packed restaurant where all other guests are having a quiet conversation with their friends while an American group can be heard all over the premises!

I'm from the UK and have lived in Germany for 26 years and you are SO spot on here. You had me nodding again and again (particularly as I have taken on all these traits myself!). When my Dad comes and suggests we all share food, both my German wife and I (and particularly our son!) will give the evils. You just don't. Full stop. The "Hallo" is something I always listen out for when I'm unsure whether I've picked up all my groceries or change....fear of God moment, invariably. Well done on this video! (First saw your video on Toronto...where my wife currently is now!) Love your style, honest, down to earth and respectful.

As an American if I was visiting Germany and heard someone make a joke about Nazis,etc. I would be upset and insulted. It's history no one should take lightly. Even today, anywhere. Thank you for your content I truly enjoy watching. You have great enthusiasm and passion.

100% on point! Your observations is soooo true. As a German, I was laughing so hard „Hallooooooooooo“ 😂

Great video. I've been living in Germany for six years now and I agree on all points. One thing I would add to all the stuff you said is to be prepared to pay and pack your stuff in the supermarket. Germans hate it when they have to queue even one more second than necessary, because somebody has to look for his/her wallet or his/her grocery bags.

As a German, i confirm all of this. I have many American friends. We have adapted to each other by approaching each other. I don't get angry if they show up later than I would and they accept that I communicate more directly.😀 Sharing food is fine with me, but yeah, many Germans don't like it. 06:32 Regarding tips: There is a huge difference between conditions in the US and Germany. In the US, tips are part of the salary, which is why the basic salary is incredibly low (which I think is terrible). In Germany they get a collectively agreed minimum salary of 12 EUR/hour. Of course, the tip is then much lower! It is not part of the salary, but an extra reward for good service.

It‘s so funny how good you described us Germans 😂😂 I loved the „Hallo???!“ part, it’s so true bc I just recognized I do that myself 😭

I‘m absolutely not upset. Germans often see things easy if there is some kind of communication in advance before coming too late or making some stupid joke with a special historical background. Thank you for understanding us Sauerkrauts so well and best wishes from Potsdam!

As a European, I enjoy Wolters World because it tells me a lot about American culture. Though I do get a crick in the neck with all those "heads up"!

in Germany we don't tip as much because waiters actually earn an acceptable wage at their job, they don't rely on tipping as much.

I grew up in the USA and my mom worked for a German company and the higher-ups would come to the place to make sure everything was running smoothly. To me those German business people were somewhat soft spoken and often serious, but a nice reserved humor. Definitely punctual. It left a positive impression on me, plus I figured Germans are probably a little more outgoing with friends and family.

As an Italian, I also get really upset when someone crosses streets on the red light, or outside of the designated crossings. But the problem is I am in Italy, not in Germany... which leads me to being always upset.

Having grown up in Minnesota from the 60's through present day, in combination with living in an area dominated by German ancestry, I can tell you most of what you mentioned was also very prevalent here as well. Great video and insight.

The Bavarian alps, the most beautiful place I have ever been.

"Be an example for the children." I love it.

I observed that also in other europeans. Direct types. Tell them your plans. Tell them what you think and feel. They dont like hiding or being indirect. As an Asian, I like it. My culture teaches us to talk in subtle ways. And being direct, solves problem easier.

I guess the tipping thing is a bit unfortunate. In Germany, waiters get a certain wage, so the tip is very much optional. Most Germans don't realize when visiting other countries that the tip is an expected part of the waiters payment.

Letting neighbors know about parties and get togethers is also done in France. It's basic politeness because you'll probably make some noise and people might not like it. If you've put a notice saying "we'll have a little get together and might make some noise, we apologize in advance for any inconveniences" then people know and they're not likely to call the police, which might happen otherwise if you're too noisy. Also tipping is a culture thing specific to each country. In France there is no tip. People are paid in all jobs, and in some restaurants waiters take pride in their knowledge of food and wine and some have special schooling. I know at least one restaurant where we were almost throuwn out because one of our friends was insistently trying to tip, and the waiter got really annoyed. It's not in every restaurant, but some people really get offended. I know in the US it's practically (socially) mandatory to tip because waiters don't get paid otherwise. Which blows my mind! I call that slavery... But anyway, you can't expect people from other countries to know your tipping rules. I had visited the US 3 times before i found out waiters didn't get paid outside of tips. On none of those trips did i ever tip anybody. I hate it, find it demeaning to the recepient and don't at all feel comfortable doing it. But now i do it in the US because OMG you people don't pay your waiters!!!

I once went over a red traffic light in front of a kid cause i wanted to catch my train and i felt like i had committed a murder for three straight days and that's how strict we feel about that

I was stationed in Germany in 81-82, and my first meal in a German restaurant was a Wurst sampler, recommended by the server. It came with pomme frits, and a roll. I sliced the roll in half, placed a nice section of a wurst on the roll, slathered it with mustard, and began eating it like a sandwich. The entire restaurant was full of people groaning and saying Hallo, very loudly. I didn't know any better. Many people came by and patted me on the back and welcomed me to Germany as they left. Lesson learned

Im not big on these german rules but...i agree about the "one plus" rule. It frustrates me when it happens if i invite someone, and they bring someone else.

I can't abide with people who are constantly late. Its as if your time doesn't matter to them.

I'm Canadian but grew up in Germany as an 'army brat'. I actually went to my first McDonald's in Freiburg. Being able to order a beer with a big mac was pretty unique to Canadians.

Oh my goodness, Im American and my grandmother is German. I've never been. But I'm absolutely cracking up, because he is describing me in this video. I didn't realize that I must have been raised with German vibes. . I go on a RANT when people don't recycle correctly, i'm twenty minutes early for any appointment because I'm terrified of being late, and my mother used to freak out if we jaywalked. Although, I don't take people's seats on the train, and I love to drink my big gulp, which is very American.

Again…amazing research, amazing knowledge, amazing video! We love you Wolters World! ❤️🥳🥳

It is absolutely o.k. to not agree with me. But show me why! I always like to learn something new. "Just because" is not an educational answer!

Nicely done. Important things to know for new tourists.

This made me smile alot, nicely put and greetings from Hamburg.

Honestly, based on this I think I’d enjoy Germany very much!

I'm from Wisconsin, USA and being late is also looked down upon here. I also like to be organized and be well informed before I make a decision or form an opinion-- sounds like I'd fit in in Germany, haha!

The best thing I like about Germany is that I can just act and behave like my American self when I visit and do business there. I don't have to worry about my manners and customs, and humor. Let me preface this by saying I am very much a New Yorker, lived in Europe for 15 years (in London) but did business all over Europe (consulting) and spent much time in Germany, and have some working knowledge of German. It is easy. In every other county in Europe -- even the UK -- I had to worry about what I said, how to behave, and most importantly, what NOT to say. Germans don't care. As long as I show up on time for meetings (New Yorkers are also very punctual), and enjoy good German food and music, all is good.

Excellent video. This is the most accurate and respectful primer on this topic that I have seen. Gut gemacht!

I lived at a Gasthaus while stationed at Ramstein AFB back in 1986-88. My landlady was very nice and she always invited me to all their family functions as I was single at the time. I even helped with the Oktoberfest crowds by waiting on tables (long benches actually),and serving food and drinks during my off work time. The only time a ever saw anyone get upset was when someone got drunk. It’s OK to drink, just don’t get drunk. Have to say, living at that Gasthaus was what made my tour a wonderful experience. Prost

About the driving thing... It is common habbit in many countries in Europe. And for example in my country (Slovakia) there is also decree that allows you to use the left lane on the highway ONLY for passing by the cars... not for driving in it constantly. (of course if you are not in traffic jam... in that case it is no problem)

awesome video as always! you really saved us some time in belem with your lisbon video by the way 😊

Sounds like my type of country and culture to visit. I’m planning a trip for next year. Thanks for the information.

The loud Hallo! Yes, I have experienced that many times. I think it starts in school as I see teachers use it with children. And after 3 years living in Germany, I am starting to say it too...

Couple little things that took me a year or two to "get" - 1. A limp handshake ... they will re-grab your hand, and give it a firm shake, cuz you're being a dishrag. 2. And the other thing - when you clink glasses and say "Prosit" you look into their eyes. Not making eye contact is almost an insult. They're not stupid about it, but they will gently prompt you.

That's a nice informative video. For further explanation on German traffic rules on the Autobahn. We have a "Rechtsfahrgebot" , which means that you have to drive as far right as possible (under the given street layout etc.) and while you are allowed to choose your traffic lane in the cities, on the Autobahn, you can only use the middle and or left lane to overtake cars that are significantly slower than yourself in the boundaries of the speed limit. Also whoever is already on your left to overtake (as long as it's legal of course) have the right of passage. So if you decide to overtake and you obstruct someone who was legally overtaking you, even if he was quite the distance away, you just took their right of passage and would if it comes to a traffic accident, be completelely responsible. Now you will probably see Germans drive faster than the speed limit or overtake you with an unreasonable speed. Sadly that's common on the Autobahn, but don't take them as an example for how it's done, when they are doing this, they either don't realize that they are breaking the law or they don't care.

The tone of that "Hallo!" strikes fear into my heart even 5 years after I studied abroad in Austria LOL

I live in a small town in Denmark, where many Germans come in the summer, and it's always so nice that Germans actually follow the rules when driving, and is much friendlier than Danes.

It is incredible how accurate your impression of germans is, i feel very well pictured

Wolter is a person I'd never get annoyed about even if he talks all day.😊

On the party topic: you can often bring people with you. Really depends on the type of party. Let's say a student "WG Party" you can bring people with you or at least if you ask people will most likely say yes. If it is a more private party (a smaller birthday party) if you ask if you can a +1, they most likely also say yes - they just need to know in advance.

I love Germany and I love my German friends. I already knew a fair bit about Germany before I first went there so I was prepared for some of the supposed eccentricities. I actually think I like how things work in Germany better than in my own country! As for things Germans find amusing about other countries? When my friends were visiting Scotland from Hamburg I took them to a local chinese restaurant. Obviously Chinese food varies wherever you go, and many restaurants here serve a sweet and sour chicken with a sauce that's very red or even a little pink in colour. My German friends found this hysterical as sweet and sour sauce where they are is always brown, so they were shrieking with laughter and pointing at it so much the owner came over to check everything was okay! They were very apologetic but kept bursting out randomly laughing for the rest of the meal!

I lived in Cologne for 5 years and my mortally was it’s their country their rules.. I have nothing but love for Germany & Germans I miss living there a lot 😢

Thanks for this great guide!

Mexican here who has been living in Germany for 6 years. I think the tipping issue is more due to Germans having a different tipping system than to them being frugal. Here waiters are paid above minimum wage and they don't make most of their earnings from tips, unlike many countries like US and Canada. So most Germans only tip rounding up to the next euro in bills lower than 20€, and up to 10% when the bill is higher than 20€. At least that's what I've seen in my experience.

As a German I must say that's spot on. Well observed and presented. 👍 However, especially in the bigger cities the people with a German cultural background are meanwhile the minority, so you might experience also completely different reactions.

Probably one of the most accurate videos on german culture I’ve seen but i still have a few corrections/additions 5. it’s important to disagree on certain things with people but it’s just as important to explain why you disagree with them so they can adjust their opinion based on that 10. I don’t know if this is just different for me and the people I know but no is is going to be secretively mad or annoyed for feeling obligated to share their food, alot actually ask right away if someone else wants to try something they’re eating (but it is very important to ask because they will be pissed if you don’t and just grab their food) 14. certain references to the third Reich are actually illegal and will get you in trouble e.g. drawing the swastika (§86 Absatz 4 StGB) or doing the hitler salute (§86a and §130) (there are however exeptions when it comes to talking about the topic in an educational context)

Just noticed your channel for the first time 10 minutes ago. I just love your presentation and your positive body language. Thank you. Vielen Dank.

I appreciate your reflection assessment. You are on spot! Greetings from a polyglot U.S. American in Germany (Munich) for a few decades.

I have had german friends texting me telling me that they will be 9 or 17 minutes late. That is amazing. You have got to love that!

Very good job there. I enjoyed watching it. By the way, even if the picture under the "3. Assume everyone is from Bavaria" text is technically Bavaria (Rothenburg ob der Tauber to be exact), you might (only slightly and with cheek in tongue) annoy people there by telling them they are Bavarian. Rothenburg is in middle Franconia (Mittelfranken) and some Franconians (large part of northern Bavaria divided in Middle Franconia (Nuremberg area), Upper Franconia Bayreuth area) and Lower Franconia (Würzburg area)) don't enjoy being mixed up with the real Bavarians. 😆 Our food is different and in Lower Franconia wine is at least as important as beer. Where invitations are concerned. People knowing each other usually invite both partners from the start. When they don't know that a partner exists they also might answer "yes" when asked about the second person coming. And where the tipping is concerned. In Germany witers and waitresses get wages for their work. So something like a "service cgarge" or however that is called in the US for example does not exist. If we tip we give something extra for good service (or not so much because the service was only so so) but it seldom exceeds 10 percent. If the tips are a lrge percentage of your wages (as in some other countries), I increase that amount if I know it but not everybody knows everywhere. Sharing food: that is also a question of people's background (and to some degree their age). My in laws did not like it at all. My wife and I don't mind at all and if we say yes, we do not think "I wanted to say no." Asking first however is extremely important. Driving: using the right most possible lane is written in our driving laws. As is the ban of passing on the right on Autobahns (unless there is heavy congestion and the right lane isn't more than 30% faster than the left one). So if someone is blocking the left most lane, the others are not allowed to go around him on the right. So the two most hated people on the Autobahn are 1. the ones with their radiator practically inside of your trunk to force you to change lanes and 2. the ones not leaving the left lanes when they finished passing.

I am German an your points and descriptions are so accurate and well explained - very good work! 👍🏻

What upsets Germans against individuals as well is when you are being fake /put on. As he said - you can be honest to Germans - dont act like you like someone if you dont. Just be yourself.

I dated a lovely man from Frankfurt and once whilst out shopping he did not hesitate to call out for the store Mgr and instructed (not ask) them to put another cashier on duty to make the check out line move faster 😅 I also irritated him by rinsing my plates as he wanted to test his new dish washers efficiency to deep clean - he was precise but also so sweet, generous and fun loving. I loved my time in Germany esp the saunas! Years later I learned I have German relatives from Hesse on my mother's side so no wonder I felt so at home there!

IMO ghosting isn't cool anywhere.

OMG! The Indiana Driver line had me rolling. Great video

Great video. There's some really good advice that also applies to Austria (where I live).

Oh the plus one rule is serious. Don't bring uninvited friends and as a sidenote don't invite yourself. Both are highly frowned upon and will make people angry.

I spent a few years in Germany and really didn’t want to come back to the UK. Until I broke my back in 2020 I went back annually. The only problem I’ve ever had is what we Brits call queuing. Beautiful country and miss my friends and family.

Thank you for the tips!

Schönes Video, hat mich zum Lachen gebracht!

I have a number of friends in Germany and have been visiting them there regularly for a long time, some for over 40 years. All of what you said in your video, I encountered in my early visits. Now, as they know me well and I know them well, they don't happen, except for "hallooooooo"! In the case of my Hamburg friends it is always "Aber Halloooooooo!" if I do something or say something that grates against their lifestyle. I'm used to it. Es tut mir leid (I'm sorry) is always a good get out phrase.

That crossing the road thing really caught me out the first time I was in Germany! Even though there was literally no traffic, I was stunned that German people still stood waiting patiently at the 'red man', and as you describe Wolter, I was even more amazed when they tutted and physically stopped me when I was about the cross on the red! A really quick and powerful cultural lesson.

Loved your show

Haha this video was so funny:D I really like how you present your insights. I appreciate a lot of real knowledge in your videos!

How did I miss this video??????? Excellent video as always my friend!!! You are 100 percent on the money here with your facts :).I remember as a nine-year-old kid my friends and I were making a lot of noise outside and an old lady poured a bucket of water on me, lol.BTW, I upset a German once when I was filming a KZfaq video in Berlin and he thought that I was filming him, which I wasn't. :)

Food sharing (after asking) is totally fine for me, and most people I know. But the rest is very (embaressingly) accurate, Mark! :) Very well done!

Really cool video wolter, greetings from germany love ❤

I m German and the most important on your list are the laws on driving (get info before you drive here) and the ghosting thing. You risk steep fines if you block the left lane. About "ghosting": if you are the kind of west coast or big city person who likes to gather several options for your night, at least send everybody a text the evening before that you ll be joining them or if you have to pass on this.

A few years ago on transiting through Frankfurt Airport, an airport security strike was called just as I deplaned. Although my connecting gate was right next to the one I'd deplaned from, I was directed to immigration and then told it would take 5 hours to get back to my departure gate. The whole terminal was in utter chaos. Good to see that the Germans can screw up just like the rest of us. My smug feeling of Schadenfreudewas my only consolation!

As a Swede, with Danish/German ancestors - I was raised & educated with more or less these "German rules". Respect others time by being on time! Say what you mean or mean what you say (or as they say in Finland: Perkele!!!) Otherwise, be yourself and come as you are.

Cant wait to see where you teleport to next, professor! 👍

Simply crossing a road is actually fine, without a light it's your very own responsibility to check. Just don't cross at red lights.