Xenophobe´s Guide to the Germans
I have recently finished the book “Xenophobe´s Guide to the Germans”. Thanks to my colleague to give it as a gift. Including funny aspects, behaviours, characteristics of Germans from a German perspective. I highlighted 5 statements that I found quite interesting and would like to share with you.
- All Wessies (former West Germans) know that all Ossies (former East Germans) are idle and complaining. All Ossies know that all Wessies are cynical and deceitful.
- No phrase warms the heart of a German like ´alles in Ordnung´, meaning everything is all right, everything is as it should be. The categorical imperative which no German escapes is ´Ordnung muss sein´ - Order must be.
- German society as a whole is not well disposed towards children. In public your dog will usually get a warmer welcome than your offspring.
- One reason German beer is of such high quality is the German Beer Purity Regulation, laid down in 1516 and unaltered since, which states that only water, hops, malt andyeast may go into beer.
- Occasional after-hours jollies have to be put up with, but mixing socially with your workmates is fairly uncommon. Office “do´s” are pretty formal events.
Please notice that all these comments belong to the writers of the book, who are two Germans living in Great Britain. You can purchase the book here, if you want.
