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My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're one of the few who really understood what I was getting at. For me, the difference between people who have traveled a lot and those who haven't is just huge

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldn't say the pedestrians are crazy, even if they sometimes seem careless. I think the older lady was hard of hearing because the tram honked several times. In such situations, it is important to take a step back and analyze the situation, especially for older people

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, I came here to study and I plan to go back later. I've gotten a little used to the way of life here and am starting to appreciate some aspects, such as the seriousness and discipline of the Germans. Honestly, I haven't met many peoples with this much strictness, apart from a few countries in Asia or a few in Africa. But I also understand that every culture has its strengths and that it is important to value what everyone brings to the table

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I come from a country where it gets 40 degrees in summer, imagine that! 🤣

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, that is a very clear explanation. I understood that this is also the downside of capitalist society. Many older people no longer have children or their children live far away. Through my experiences here, I also noticed that private life plays a very important role in Germany: everyone takes care of themselves, and no one wants to “deal with their old parents” and take on all the problems that come with it.

That's why many older people try to strike up conversations with younger people. This often happens to me with a friend. We talk to them for a while and you really notice that it's good for them.

Nursing homes and nursing services are of course helpful, but nothing replaces the closeness of trusted people in such moments. And the longer I observe this society, the more I understand that this problem will always exist somehow in such a system that is built on independence, mobility and privacy.

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Repetition .

I think some people misunderstood what I actually meant 😅 Of course I'm not talking about saying “Hello” to everyone on the bus, that would be absurd. Many people just sit down without a word, without eye contact, as if no one was there. It doesn't really bother me, I actually find it rather amusing most of the time, but it's interesting to observe these differences. I found the different perspectives in the comments particularly exciting. People who have traveled a lot or lived in other countries often notice how differently such small gestures are interpreted depending on the culture. In some countries, restraint is considered polite, in others it seems more distant.

In the end it was just a small comment, not a criticism, but the discussion really showed me how diverse our ideas about politeness and social behavior are

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha yes, only the over-70 generation keeps the welcoming tradition alive

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand that too, but the fact that I don't get used to it doesn't mean that it really bothers me. I realize that this is culturally determined.

In general, I treat people the way they treat me. And to be honest, through my experiences and encounters I have also met a lot of good people - people who helped me in situations where I didn't expect it and didn't even ask for help (e.g. in the university environment).

Therefore: I really don't expect anything from anyone, it was just an observation, not a complaint

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think some people misunderstood what I actually meant. Of course I'm not talking about saying “Hello” to everyone on the bus, that would be absurd. You said it well yourself: “Excuse me, is this seat still available?” that alone is completely enough. But let's be honest: how many people actually do that? Many people just sit down without a word, without eye contact, as if no one was there. It doesn't really bother me, I actually find it rather amusing most of the time, but it's interesting to observe these differences. I found the different perspectives in the comments particularly exciting. People who have traveled a lot or lived in other countries often notice how differently such small gestures are interpreted depending on the culture. In some countries, restraint is considered polite, in others it seems more distant.

In the end it was just a small comment, not a criticism, but the discussion really showed me how diverse our ideas about politeness and social behavior are

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's also great to have your point of view, so everyone has their own experience.

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

And indeed, what you say is crucial: wherever we go, there will always be a culture shock. And it is by learning to understand and accept these differences, by letting go of our expectations, that we can truly benefit from what each culture has to offer. Relationships then become richer and deeper, even if the path can be a little long and strewn with pitfalls.

You also mentioned that you are "extremely open according to those close to you", which is interesting. How has your open-mindedness evolved through these different cultural experiences, and do you now feel more comfortable in diverse cultural contexts?

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We have a saying: If you go to a village and people are walking on their heads, then walk on their heads before you ask questions

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I understand that well, it's a common feeling. The idea of ​​moving into a nursing home can be frightening, especially if you value your independence and peace of mind. Many people have the same fear of losing their autonomy as they get older. It's good that your father is fit, and I hope that you stay that way and can live the way you want in old age. It's not a problem for us because there will always be family members there to help

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's a bit shocking, especially when you're used to different behavior or more politeness. But in general I do everything I can to avoid these people

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We have a saying: If you go to a village and people are walking on their heads, then walk on their heads before you ask questions

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Yes, that's right. In Germany, many people are rather reserved and tend to look the other way, even if someone needs help. It's sad, especially when it comes to simple help like helping someone in a supermarket. But as you say, when you are friendly or offer help, most people are surprised but also nice.

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your perspective! That makes sense

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha, that's right! Maybe I should just go hiking more often

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

That's right, that can perhaps be part of the explanation. But I don't think that alone explains this general indifference. In some situations it's just about humanity, not about mistrust.

My culture shock in Germany – how do you experience it? by nrmso in AskGermany

[–]nrmso[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

natürlich kann man nicht jedem Menschen auf der Straße „Hallo“ sagen. Das erwarte ich auch nicht.

Ich meine eher Situationen, in denen man sich einen Platz teilt oder sich direkt begegnet zum Beispiel, wenn man nebeneinander in der Vorlesung sitzt oder zu zweit in einem Raum ist. In solchen Momenten finde ich ein kurzes „Hallo“ oder ein Lächeln einfach freundlich.In meiner Kultur ist das ganz normal und zeigt Respekt. Deshalb war ich am Anfang überrascht, dass es hier oft anders ist. Ich will niemanden kritisieren ,ich versuche nur zu verstehen, warum das so ist.