Culture Café: Germany

How well do you think you know Germany, its culture and history? Are Germans really that punctual and strict as stereotypes let us to believe? What to do and what to see when you found yourself in this country? We know all the answers to all of these questions thanks to the insights provided for us by our German students at our last Culture Café.

Germany is the country of a great minds, just look at the list of very smart and important people with German origins. Albert Einstein, Martin Luther, Friedrich Nietzsche, Ludwig van Beethoven and many more historical figures without whose contribution we can't imagine the world. Do you like to always have on you a bottle of hot tea during cold winter nights? Say thanks to Reinhold Burger, who made thermoses as we know them today. Adidas will help you to stay comfortable during your daily physical exercise. German cars are there for millions of people to reach their destination. And, of course, no sane person can imagine their life without delicious German chocolate.
But what about all those stereotypes about Germany? Well, our presenters had share with the audience what true German is. Check the list below to determine how much of a German you are:

- You tend to complain about the weather all the time;

- You go to Mallorca and understand everything, because the Spanish island is Germanized;

- You got a driving license for your bike in primary school;

- You separate your trash into more than five different bins;

- “Being on time” means 15 minutes earlier to you;

- You don't like any other chocolate rather than the German kinds;

- 300 types of bread aren’t enough for you;

- You argue over the gender of Nutella

Imagine the person with all these qualities going on a date. We have witnessed just that – with our students putting up a play to demonstrate how to go on a date the German way. Main insights: don't ever be late (even for two minutes), don't assume what the person wants to eat and share the bill.

Trying to figure out what to do in Germany? We've got you covered. Do you like art and great architecture? Visit one of the museums of the capital Berlin which is also a #1 vegan city in the world. Hamburg’s nightlife offers any partygoer a place to have fun. München is the best place to go for shopping. And don’t forget to visit this beautiful city during the famous Oktoberfest – just remember to take care of your accommodations well in advance. For another big celebration but of a different kind come to Cologne in November (at 11:11 on 11/11 to be precise), and witness Kölner Karneval which officially opens the carnival season, also known as «the fifth season» in Germany.
 
Of course, we couldn't leave Culture Café without talking about German food and beer. Each region of the country has its own unique cuisine, so don’t forget to have a meal or two at the local pubs and cafes while you are traveling through the country. Otherwise you are risking missing out on so much delicious stuff, such as Thüringer Klöße from Thuringia or Berliner from Berlin. We can’t express how thankful we are for our students who shared all of this knowledge with us. And we can’t convey the amazing atmosphere of the evening through the article, for that join us on our next Culture Cafés.

Text: Evgenia Senkina