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What do the Germans think of the British!?
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- Published on May 29, 2023 veröffentlicht
- So the return of of the question The most asked question you guys asked about each-other on Instagram was for me to return to Germany and ask what the Germans think of the us British people. Yet again you German didn’t disapoint with the amount of people who actually came over.
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yourtruebrit
yourtruebrit
#germany #england #british #germans #street
Well, first of all I really love the brits.
Visited the UK a dozen times and never had any issues with anybody. And it is true, we have a lot in common I mean A LOT 😅 I like the food despite so many people think it‘s horrible and I love the banter between our countrys. But you only can enjoy it really if you get the humor and I think that the Germans in general are funnier than their reputation. The only thing that bothers me a bit is „the war thing“. Don‘t get me wrong, you can mention the war I personally don‘t care at all. In fact on the contrary I like to discuss about it because i'm a bit of a history nerd 😁 But the thing is, in britain it is like a religion and everyone is taking pride out of it as if they had experienced it themselves. Even if they are at a very young age and when it comes to football for example, that's where the ugly face shows itself. But the problem is: The Germans don‘t really give a thing about it, it‘s all very one-sided and if you sing „ten german bombers“ or stuff like that: Nobody is offended 🤷🏻♂️ So that‘s a thing I don‘t like and can‘t really understand but besides that I love the brits 🥰
Thanks for your lovely comment!. We love the Germans too! :D
@yourtruebrit Thank you mate. If you ever going to visit Nuremberg let me know 😊
@Beglubbt TV I will be soon, Nuremberg is a very expensive city the food was so expensive :D
@yourtruebrit It depends on where you eat 😅 you really need to try „Drei im Weggla“ and „Schäufala“ 😏
@yourtruebrit Nuremberg surely isn't more expensive than Munich though?
Being British I have nothing but pure respect for German people…despite our “slight disagreements” over the years people here really do admire the German people 🇬🇧❤️
im British and i totally agree. i love the German people.
I’m British and I agree.
the shell magnet
The Germans are a fine people, no doubt about it. Determined and driven, it's in their nature.
Not to forget, we are the same people of course.
@Silver Surfer Spot on mate 👍
I have no problems with Germans at all…. It’s the French I can’t stand! Lol 😂😂😂 just kidding!
Some of these lads could pass for English. their English is spot on almost without an accent
yeah the lad with the glasses especially, would’ve took me a while to realise he wasn’t British if I didn’t know already
Spot on!!!
Better English than 90% of Brits
@GlitchNectar Better assessor of most sausage rolls too 🙄
English and German are essentially the same race.
I am Prussian, from Vienna. I honestly love the English countryside, pubs, humor, breakfast, football, music and Lord of the Rings. Peace and joy to 2023
and to you too
"Prussian from Vienna"???????
I am equally confused. I am a Londoner, born and bred in Dublin.
@and ? Prussia or Königsberg no longer exists, but if his family fled from there 1945, he may still identify with his roots.
It's simple: he is a German/Prussian living in Austria 👏
I served in Germany, in HM forces, for nearly 10 years off and on. I found our German cousins polite and courteous, and great company when socialising. I often worked along side German servicemen who were professional in all respects. 🇩🇪🇬🇧👍
Very similar career, I enjoyed my tours and as a pads bratt grew up in Celle & Lippstadt. Germans are very polite and generous. Myself and my wife enjoy visiting Germany for the wonderful food and traditions (Octoberfest) being one!
Me too, I served in an infantry regiment in Berlin in the 1980s and again as a bricky in the 1990s all over western Germany!
I love the Germans ... you can have a good old drink and laugh with them!
🇬🇧🇩🇪
Yeah, ditto. I was born in Wegberg and spent ten years (on and off) growing up out there, as an Army brat. We lived all over Munster, Detmold, Soltau and Lubbecke, so got a feel for how different it was in the various regions. Had a great time, including working two summers in a German meat factory before I went off to join the RN. My boss there had been on the Russian Front and used to challenge me to see how long we could stand the fast freezer without a parka...he always won! 😅
You are always welcome here in your second Anglo Saxon homeland.....we are family....🤗
They really are the stereotype about them is so wrong.
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Instagram
Val J Smith ii
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Their English is absolutely amazing! As a Brit I've got nothing but respect for the Germans. Beautiful country and they've built themselves a really impressive society.
Danke, You guys are pretty cool also 🤜🤛
@K Ranson i agree i've never met a german i didn't like.
Germany and Netherlands are best for English speakers. Very heavily industrialised with impressive car plants and offices near Frankfurt, the airport is masterclass there. I visited it recently and the infectious culture is everywhere.
Um... only Germans who speak English were shown, of course! :D
I have always considered the Brits, the Germans and the Dutch to be brothers - we might not always see eye to eye but we have a lot in common.
Well, we largely come from these peoples in Germany, the Anglo Saxons.
What, mistrust of the French? 😛
@zenzombie72 😆😆😆😆i lol'd
@zenzombie72 thats just good sense
"...Brits, the Germans and the Dutch to be brothers." and the Flemish, perhaps even more so.
There is a saying in Germany that shows that Germans value the English culture and way of life very highly. When someone misbehaves, you say, "That's not the fine English way." This means that good English behavior is a role model for Germans.
As a German, I would say the "fine English way" is more like making fun of British/English stereotypes. I don't know if you read Harry Potter, but Neville's grandmother Mrs. Longbottom is the perfect example for this stereotype. So we usually use this saying rather sarcastic.
Yeah and then there is the "French exit" if you leave friends or a party without saying goodbye or like anything. 😂
@Jeremias Bailer damn, do you know where that comes from?
@Jeremias Bailer Calling it "doing a Polish/Polak(Poland)" here with the same meaning though.
To the question asked below I guess its more banter than a literal "official" saying
@Jeremias Bailer leaving initially of figurativly via the french balcony maybe?
The thing I love most about the Germans is that they still learn British English and not American English. Nothing could touch my heart more ❤
Dear Chris Lyne, British English is the ONLY TRUE and ORIGINAL English Language . To me ( I am German and I studied Brit. English and other languages and their history at university ) American English is a mere, relatively young DIALECT of British English...not a separate Language ...and this American Dialect certainly lacks the sophistication in pronunciation and usage when compared to THE ORIGINAL ;)
@Chrystal108 Reading 40% of English comes from Old English, which started as the language of the Anglo-Saxons, so Germans. Of course the other 40% is Norman French, then Latin and a few other nations that we 'borrowed' for a few centuries. I think the sentence structure ect is still Germanic though, i know English is still classed as a Germanic language.
Just put it this way, we're closer cousins than Britain and America are.
Try visiting Frankfurt; in regions where the US was the occupying force, think you'll find more American accents among the locals than British.
@Archie Woosung ..your are stating sth obvious... ;) People ( everywhere) tend to imitate what is around them...that also goes for US American accents in places like Frankfurt... that still doesn't make US English a separate LANGUAGE ;) nevertheless, dear Archie Woosung...I love your playlists on your channel ; wonderful and heartwarming ;)
@Chrystal108 Reading I was simply responding to the claim that Germans learn British English rather than American
Been to Germany many times in my life. Worked with many German Seamen when I was in the Royal Navy, and have met many Germans individually down the decades. I can think of absolutely nothing bad to say about them, all good people.
How did you find your time in the Royal Navy?
@miles 177 some of the best years of my life, great travel, great meeting people from different navies / countries, healthy lifestyle, great mates. Could be very long hours and occasionally hazardous (Falklands era was a bit hairy :-) ). Gave me a lot of self confidence.
@C Wood I turned up to join the Navy at HMS Raleigh 44 years ago last week. We're organising a reunion in October. It will be strange to see a bunch of 16 and 17 year olds who are now 60 and 61 !!! Made some great mates. Had some great times and as you say, 1 in 2 watchkeeping was a lot of work - European Working Time Directive wouldn't allow an 84 hour working week these days 🙂 I was also in the South Atlantic in '82. I remember the good times, but also remember some bad times too. All in all it was a great foundation for life.
terrible sense of humour though
@phutureproof, my husband visited Germany regularly for work meetings over a period of at least 2 years. He says there was constant laughter and joking.
Am a British man i have no trouble saying how much i love the Germans
It's called brotherhood
I have a great fascination for the United Kingdom. From my point of view, both countries are very similar. Both are rich and deeply conservative nations with a very long and complex shared European and global history, a similar language - both West Germanic - a great passion for football, and an obsession with beer and alcohol in general. I lived in Canterbury for six months on an Erasmus exchange. I didn't find it difficult to adapt to the culture at all. Northern European culture is key here - of course, the Netherlands or Scandinavia are also very similar to Germany, and yes, Austria and Switzerland are even more similar to Germany. But I have been able to identify a more significant difference with Southern Europe, even though there are of course similarities there as well ;) Sure, there are still differences with the UK: the biggest one for me is: the UK is an island and Germany is not, even though we have access to parts of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. I heard a quote where someone said: You are sea people and we are forest people ;) I find this one very accurate because it leaves its mark on the culture. Greetings from Berlin, you really are a great guy, keep up the good work!
I am glad you didn't find it difficult to adapt to the culture :)
I once heard that there are less forests in Britain because they needed all the wood to build their countless ships in the past centuries as a nation of sailors before vessels were made of iron or steel. But I don't know if that's true.
Agree with the ubove.
@Marmotte it's true.
I'm British and really enjoyed this and was pleasantly surprised. There are aspects of Brits abroad that I am generally ashamed of but it's nice to hear some honest views from younger Germans. Would love to go to Germany some day.
You should. I've been there often and only have positive things to say about it.
I done a Rhine Cruise and would say it's the best way to see the country. From lovely villages, to major cities and the odd fairytale castle thrown in, it was a great experience. Whatever you choose just go, you won't regret it, you will find something you love guarenteed.
Lol u should see Germans abroad 😂
Honestly.. you should go! I have been to quite a few cities and towns.. The rural parts looked stunning but I havent spent enough time to remark on it. it is one of my favourite countries in Europe. And the people are brilliant!
@Larkinhawk they can see us on the sunbeds next to the pool, standing there all sad that they didn't think of putting their towels out early!
Thanks for all the kind comments Germany, nothing but respect for you guys - from your british neighbour! :)
The Germans are fantastic. Everyone I have met have had a great sense of humour and a good outlook on life. Everyone should have a crazy German in their lives.
I spent almost one year in London for an internship and shared the flat with a welsh mate. I have to say that there are a few subtle differences, what I had to adjust the most to is what is appropriate to talk about in a casual setting. The borderlines are drawn closely but then again have some dangerously distant areas. Brits are very relaxed on the grittiest humor even on work, and talking about the weekends pup desasters, but actual personal subjects like health and sexuality must be communicated in the most careful way. In Germany it’s the complete opposite, black humor or irony, and tales from night outs might get you a puzzled look and discomfortable silence, whereas Germans never shy away discussing their health record or relationship like being at the doctors.
Thank you for this. .. my sport team (german guys) talk about exam results more than the adventures from a night out. As a brit I couldn't understand but now I do.
Very true!!!
Hence German toilet bowls!
The Germans are very similar to us, Brits. When I went there I loved the place and the people. The drink and the food were really good apart from the lack of vegetables. I only saw a carrot once, and someone else ate it.
Bugs bunny had it
You saw a carrot?! Where!!!? How?!?!?! 😂
They have a thousand ways to do cabbage, absolutely delicious slaws and salads
@Steve Carter lool not sure if you’re being sarcastic
As a Brit having visited Germany many times absolutely brilliant people /food/culture everything about the country is spot on
It's good to see Brits and Germans getting along. There is far too little of this going on. Please more.
It’s actually really interesting that during WW1, (and to a lesser extent WW2), a lot of Germans thought we shouldn’t be fighting each other, but actually fighting together against the French.
I worked in Braunschweig and one day all the people in the office asked me if milk men were a real a thing or just a wind up. They thought it was so funny that there are people delivering milk on an electric milk float before everyone gets up. They were absolutely delighted when I said it’s true and thought it was crazy
I served in West Germany in the British Army in the 1970's for over 3 years, and I loved it and will never forget that. There are so many similarities between Germany and the UK. We are more alike with Germans, than with any other nation in the world IMHO.
We are very alike with Ireland
Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada 👀
My Grandad served in the British Army in West Germany on and off from the late 1950s - 70s. My Nanna is German. My mum was born there and lived in Germany until she was 16. She doesn't think of herself as German though as she says there's no difference between German and England!
I'm English and have been to Germany several times and loved it every time. I think the Germans and the Brits have quite a lot in common. One difference that struck me on my first visit back in 1981 when I was 19 years old, I was in a railway carriage by myself so I took off my shoes and put my feet up on the seat opposite to sleep. After a while an old woman walking past, slid the carriage door open and began shouting at me in German and gesticulating at my feet. Even thought I didn't understand the language, I knew she was saying something like "GET YOUR FEET OFF THE SEAT. HOW DARE YOU BE SO DISRESPECTFUL. SOMEBODY ELSE HAS TO SIT ON THAT", so I immediately put my feet down and away she went. I thought to myself, 'that wouldn't happen in the UK'. Someone of her age might worry that she would be met with disrespect and even abuse in return ... but I wished that the UK was a little more like Germany for that. There should be more respect in our society. I never put my feet on another seat in Germany, the UK or anywhere else. Good for her.
As the daughter of a german mother who was born in germany but grew up in england, it`s true that germans are often very outspoken and will have no hesitation in making their views known, many brits have been chastised for not waiting for the red light at the traffic lights even when there is no traffic on the road !!
This is done for the benefit of any child/ren who could be watching and might try that themselves when alone !! And woe betide anyone who dares to walk on a cycle path, in Germany cycle paths are strictly for cyclists and pedestrians stay on the pavements, they do not cross bounderies, unlike many english !!
I'm English as well, whereabouts you from? 😃
I'm in Kent right between Dartford/Bexleyheath!
+ please tell me when you been to Germany. You have at least been to the Theme Parks: Phantasialand/Europa Park?
@mikey p I live in Cheltenham. I went to visit various friends in Hanover, Bonn & Wurzburg in 1981. Then I visited Berlin with my work three times + a long weekend with my wife between 2003 and 2008. I've never been to any theme parks. I went to the wedding of my friend's uncle in 1981 and was made to feel VERY welcome. The party was fantastic with that drinking song "Ein Prosit, Ein Prosit der gemütlichkeit ..." about every 30 minutes so everyone was getting pretty well oiled and having a great time. Also, do you remember "The Birdie Song"? Well, I'd never heard it before, so assumed it was some German folk song with it's dance that I joined in with. I laughed my head off when I got back to the UK and found out it was just some novelty song that managed to get into the charts.
@Nikos Solomou Ah so Gloucestershire bloke then, I do hope you mean you never been to any theme parks in Germany and not in general?? lol
Never been Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, Alton Towers, Legoland Windsor( or what it was before that Windsor Safari Park)??? etc
Nice so you been to a few different parts of Germany, one of my fav parts is Munich!
Ah yes the drinking song: drinking song "Ein Prosit, Ein Prosit der gemütlichkeit lol
Do I remember the Birdie Song. Come on it is in pop culture + still plays on radio, in TV documentaries, Films, Series, Family Parties etc!
Was only played on a repeated of Top of the Pops on BBC Four a month ago as well 🐤😂
You been to any parts of Kent?
My wife and I , have visited Germany many times . We have always felt welcomed and Like it very much . We have been amazed at how alike we are , Infact we spoke together about it and said why did we go to war with these people because they are our people .We think alike we act the same .Love the Germans Love Germany
@DezRav668 Here you go again. Your new nickname is 'thrush'.
Unfortunatetly Hitler destroyed all good relashionships that the Germans had in the past. Only now after 75 years after the war people can see, that Germans are normal people like others. They are suprisely very kind. This people suffered too much with the war. All country were destroyed and mor than 14 million Germans expelled from theier homeland in East of the coutry: Pomerania,Silesia and East Prussia. Greetings from Brazil
The Germans also destroyed the Herero people of Namibia between 1904 and 1908. Go and look that one up it’s a particularly unpleasant act of barbarism. And no there isn’t anything the British Empire ever did that was as bad as that no matter what the Irish and Indians would have you believe.
@Jason Allen
Sounds like 'someone has read a book'. Well done. Have a pat on the head, a lie down and then read some more books. Therein lie the secrets of balanced opinion.
@ cottam no need for the patronising tone
I always found Germans more like kindred spirits to us Brits, very much on the same wavelength. I met many when at University and a few while I lived in Spain and they became great friends. I am not an 'English Exceptionalist', I learnt Spanish, even had a Spanish girlfriend and befriended lots of nationalities but the Germans (and Dutch and Scandis) all seemed 'closer' in personality (it is probably due to their good level of English) - all thoroughly decent people. I even think they have a wickedly dry sense of humour. Yes, their (lack of) humour stereotype is very unfair!
Wow, not only is their English good, but many of them had really good English accents! Very impressive.
These videos make me proud to be European. We have so much in common across our continent and our differences are the creases that make us interesting
I'm British and spent 15 years driving trucks all over Europe, I love Germany, it's a beautiful country, love the food too! I found, especially in the south and Bavaria they are not so keen on us. One thing that does separate us though and probably the rest of the world is our piss taking and sarcasm! Nobody does it like us! Sometimes it's cruel beyond belief, makes me so proud to be British
Are you *sure* ?
I thought it was the Bavarians who invented the Oktoberfest Chicken Song & Dance?
And for that matter the Alpine one where they amble around in a circle kicking each other up the arse!
*Both stand PROUDLY amongst History's greatest pisstakes* .
@Bab Boon Nah that's slapstick, we are trained from a young age to take the piss with witty sarcasm it's ingrained in us.
@LMAO parkes Nope.
Its *definitely a pisstake* -
Damned cunning Bavarians have got the world doing it 😜
Bavaria - I Salute you!
I love GB.
Im personally quite attached to it in a strong way, even though Ive never been there. I have a few very good friends in Scotland and talking to them kinda made my english sound scottish. As a few people in the video said, the different, exciting people are just great and when I think of Britian compared to Germany, I always have to think of GB being more peaceful than Germany somehow.
As a Brit i love Germany and the German people, they are friendly, the company i work for often has Germany workers come over here to carry out some work and they are so friendly, i will be meeting up with them in December when i go to Munich :)
That was great talking about us lying in the sun getting baked!! From my experience on holiday, Germans are world champions in that sport😂
Every time I have been to say Turkey, but other countries to, you can never find a sunbed, the Germans beat us to it. I'm sure they get up at 5am, sneak to the poolside, drop there towels on the sun beds to mark there territory, then go back to bed.
@Megan J Perry I’ve experienced this on holiday in Spain several times. My dad always tried to beat the Germans to the best sun beds but never succeeded 🤣
It's a fair point but a distinction between the 'beach Britons' and the 'museum Britons' (or the British who holiday in Spain and Greece compared to the Britons who take vacations in France and Italy) needs to be drawn.
@Marie Falmouth Sorry to hear that you have an inferior complex when visiting Paris.
@Burnaard NUFC You misunderstand, it's (mostly) a class thing because that's often enough how these sorts of things work in Britain.
Can I say to all the lovely German people you speak English so very well
You found quite a few people who speak excellent English in Ulm! I'm pretty surprised about that since the south of Germany usually tends to have a much thicker accent compared to other parts of the country which makes some people wary of actually having a conversation in English like that.
The guy who said he's been to the UK twice had a bit of a midlandsy accent.
Alot of major companies based in Ulm like my employer whose main language is English so not a suprise
I think he has a Brighton German accent never heard of it before :D
What second language do you speak? Just for interest.
It's because us south germans have to learn how to speak german without accent for school and business while we keep it among friends and family. Not all are able to drop their accent and few are able to drop it perfectly but I think it's because we have to make the effort to do so we might be more able to reduce the accent in foreign languages. Just an idea the opposite could still be the case though since north german accents resemble english more in sound.
I was several times in the UK, from Faslane in Scotland to Plymouth in England and quite a bit inbetween. It was always a pleasure being there. Of course, I noticed some differences, but in comparison to the similiarities, they are miniscule. Most noticeable to me where three things:
1. getting in touch with brits is much easier than with germans, but staying in touch is much harder.
2. the british obsession with class ... can't get my head around that.
3. british humour is dryer, punchline based (I'm looking at you, Jimmy Carr), relies much more on a quick witted brain (yes, Lee Mack springs to mind) and more self-deprecating, but the Germans are better at being really silly or goofy
My love of the indian cuisine was birthed in Plymouth. After kicked out of the pub at 10p.m., I consoled myself by buying everything on the menu from a indian take-a-way. Like so many children, it was conceived drunk. Nevertheless, I loved it and this experience made me learn how to cook proper indian currys. I owe you, Plymouth!
The one thing, brits do better then any other country: panel shows. From HIGNY to the Big Fat Quiz of the year (and everything inbetween) ... just ... wow!
Not sure about the 'class' thing - I've never actually known anyone who ever mentions class and I wouldn't know which class I'm supposed to fit into. Also, getting in touch and staying in touch ... I think I might be an exception to the rule. I met an exchange student from just outside Bonn on Chesil Beach (Portland ... yes, I suspect you might also be a Matelot). That was in 1980 and we're still in touch via email, at least once a month. Indian food is arguably the best British food ;-) and I have a great affinity for the Germans.
Judging by your 'locations' I guess you were a 'Matrose'. I used to be in the RN and spent some time at FOST in Devonport. If you were in the German Navy you will know what that means! The Bundesmarine had a permanent detachment there. They were all excellent blokes (apart from their CO who was a bit miserable most of the time). Notably all of them were over six foot tall and had blonde hair which, in our view, went very well with the uniforms! The Germans had exactly the same sense of humour as us which usually entailed mercilessly taking the mick out of each others navies and naval traditions. Lots of German sailors had what we called 'comedy beards' and of course LONG HAIR!! They thought our action snacks were totally unimaginative - always mince! We thought theirs inedible - pickled fish, pickled cabbage!! And of course we had one major thing in common - the ability to drink each other under the table. Prost!
@Rover Boat I participated four times at FOST :) best exercise ever. I was a submariner at the time and we were the sparring partner for the ASW training all the time. Most important lesson I learned there: the british navy is by far the best on the whole. Their asw units sometimes almost caught us. And that is really, really something. We had to be on our toes 24/7 when training with the RN. Not so much, if it were other NATO units. I've served on U-20 (the one that "sunk" the USS Enterprise). The second most important lesson: don't drink with the brits on their turf.
One observation, I found quite interessting, was, that we were outdrunk by the brits up until 22:00. But, if drinking longer, we outclassed them. So, in drinking terms: the brits are sprinters, due to the closing time of the pubs, were as the krauts are long-distance runners - steady drinkers from dusk til dawn.
Another observation: there is british humour, german humour, french humour, but most noticeably: there is a sailor's humour. And it's quite different from all the other froms. Except the british humour, becaue it fathers the sailors humour due to the fact that quite literally every navy on this planet is a copy cat of the british navy. Uniforms, ship types, tactics, large parts of the vocabulary and last but not least: the humour. Taking the piss out of each other all day and all night.
I wasn't a matrose (which would be an able rank in the RN), but a petty officer. the lowest rank on a submarine, though. Well, and yes, I'm blond and 6'2'', love pickled fish (but not the cabbage). The long hair is long gone or changed places respectively.
@zapoth Ahh the U-20. She was there when I was at FOST. She looked really sleek, especially when compared with our subs with all their missing sonar tiles.
@Rover Boat U-20 was a good sub. The class 206 was especially build for shallow waters (i.e. baltics). Quiet, very hard to detect, but not very persistentt: food and water would only last for 4 weeks. That was the main weakness. Well, that and snorkeling. Not so quiet and stealthy when you fire up two diesels. The british nukes on the other hand could go on for months.
Did you know, that german subs had an underwater speaker? And that you could play music (for the fishies)? Well, it was for the underwater telephone, but we used it sometimes for musical inspiration of the asw units above. The keep up their spirit, when desperately looking for a german sub, that supposed to be there ... somewhere ... close ... aparently. :D
There are a lot of similarities between Britain and Germany.
One major difference, though - imagine the same experiment taking place in the UK.....in German.
It's impressive that the interviewees not only master English so well, but with traces of regional accents, or in one case, hardly an accent (even German) at all.
Indeed, try doing these interviews in German in St Albans or Grimsby.. 🙄
Having the modern day Lingua Franca as your native language is a disincentive to learning second and third languages.
Why do Brits learn other languages?
1. They got lucky because their school had a good languages department.
2. They already have a parent who speaks a foreign language.
3. They live and work abroad, where it's more practical on using the local language.
4. They marry (or want to marry) a person who has a different mother tongue.
5. They are retired and 'always fancied' learning French or something else.
Same with pretty much all countries that don’t speak English natively
@Marie Falmouth Because:
a) It's polite to.
b) You get an enormous amount of respect from the people in the country you visit.
c) Away from tourist areas many people don't speak English. For example, in the Basque country away from the coast, I found people spoke Basque, Catalan, Castillian Spanish, Galician, French - but not English.
d) You get more of a feel for the culture.
e) Its fun.
f) Why not?
Agree so impressive
I love the UK, I have family there and spend almost every vacation there when I was a kid.
British food is great imo, I never liked that mint sauce or those dry af peas tho, but British Breakfast is just awesome.
I like to think of the British and the German as cousins.
Well i never had the pleasure of meeting any of you brits in person, but as a musician i´ll have to fanboy for a moment; Queen, the beatles, the sex pistols, Massive attack, the prodigy, i mean come on! Awesome doesn´t even begin to describe what i feel for british culture, really. Those songs are connected to some of my best moments ever. Ricky Gervais? That dude is soo funny to me, and afterlife was one of my favorite things in life for a little while, insightful too. Alan watts, Shelley, Tolkien, Orwell, Dahl, Dickens; i feel i owe these persons more than words can say. Speakers corner in london, fantastic idea! That´s what i have to say about brits without ever meeting one actually. Tally ho lads and gals!
Great video, I've been to Germany many times and really like it as a country - great to hear what these people think, but wow was I blown away by how flawless their English was, absolutely stunning!
Germany is a beautiful country and the people are lovely. I really enjoyed it when I visited.
The first words I heard from Henning Wein were "You British say we Germans have no sense of humour. We don't find that very funny"
(huge laugh) He was definitely in.
According to some of my relatives who fled Germany for their lives to Britain, there are quite a few differences they noticed, having lived in both countries. However the love of beer and football is indeed something they have in common.
You can tell how much us Brits like someone by how much we make fun of each other, it's like being brothers
Many people in England often see themselves as English followed by German due to the Anglo Saxon ancestry, especially out of the city where tradition/culture is held onto unlike London. I love Germany, the people, food, tradition, architecture, art…
This is such a lie 😂
Although true, we are Anglo-Saxon, that does not mean I am German
I worked in Berlin for four years in the 90’s, It was an awesome place, everyone wanted to try out their English and had to problem being corrected. It would always end up me speaking German and them speaking English and correcting each other. I four year holiday.
I served in Berlin late 1980s and agree. I loved the place and liked the people. The trains ran on time and the streets were clean, bratwurst on every street corner and coffee to die for. They can keep their gassy beer.
We here in 'Dutchland' are always very happy when the Brits and Germans get along..... for pratical reasons I admit ;-)
nothing better than a party with germans :D
Just let us pass freely next time
Wha?
Aren't the English actually German?
@charlie the unicorn Yes and no
@charlie the unicorn Well, we largely come from these peoples in Germany, the Anglo Saxons. It's the only country that the English really could call "mother country". Our language is largely of German roots also.
I served in Germany in the RAF for many years. Incredible country, incredible people. I wish I could have stayed.
Lots of love for Germans and Germany 🇩🇪 I used to speak German pretty well as a kid but couldn't understand a word the lady said without subtitles. It makes me wonder how long it would take to relearn the language?
I have been to Germany a few times and German people are really friendly, they look at us as cousins. My son lived in Munich for a year and loved his time there.
As a people we're very much alike.
I’m half English half German. Every time I go there, there are small and big elements that remind me of England. People’s mannerisms, the general feeling of common sense and looking at the bigger picture. I’m talking about the people and not the politicians of course, but that’s not to be taken for granted. Going to Italy or France feels far more different. There is a homely atmosphere throughout Germany and I’ve heard Germans say the same when they come to the UK. Rural parts of England like where I live in the New Forest, vs parts of Bavaria for example look absolutely identical.
Totally agree always feel right at home in Germany and certainly find that I get along with German people extremely well.
That’s how I feel in the Netherlands
I think the U.K. and Germany have an almost sibling relationship, very lovingly aggressive to each other…Germany is the country I think I could relate to the most 🇬🇧🇩🇪
I'm proud to be both 🇬🇧 & 🇩🇪
I'm amazed how good many of those guys spoke English, the accent was almost perfect with some of them.
I like what I know about Germany and can't wait to visit there. It's a tragedy that we fought two world wars when we have so much in common.
As a brit, I'm learning German right now, it's such a cool country and I love the people!
As a brit my respect has gone 📈 much more positive than I was expecting as most nations aren't very nice about us 😂
The British are more eccentric and creative and Germans are better at making things work. Just compare the windows: sashs look great but are drafty guillotines. German windows are less pretty but sturdier, practical and open two ways. There should be a lot more collaboration: British creative design underpinned by German engineering => world beating results!
Fully agree! 🎯
No offense, but if we could choose then italian, scandinavian or even french design are far superior. There are only a few beautiful designs like old for example
@Hirschkuh without engineering there will be no design. Good design follows the function. If both fit together, we call it a classic.
Both have good histories of inventing things and advancing society. Just because you are German doesn't make you a better engineer or just because you are British doesn't make you more witty etc.
Its a good point. In the UK we talk of "German efficiency". Germans know how to streamline tasks and make systems work really good.
It's embarrassing for me knowing how fluent so many of these Germans are in English, yet so many people I know can barely string a coherent sentence together. Respect to them all for learning our language and putting some of us to shame.
You have a great laugh! Even at quarter past three in the morning, it's infectious! I don't want to wake the house up but you're making me laugh out loud! I love Germans. We are so alike - in the bad ways as well as the good ways! 😁😁 Your interviewees were really positive even when they were being (deservedly!) critical! :) Fielen Dank!
Brits always think germans are stereotipical rule followers,which is not totally wrong,but there are many unwritten social rules in britain ,they really want to be followed,too.the rules are just different.
Intense queuing shocked me and I thought they were more German than we Germans
Britons
I think in the UK it's more focused on being polite whereas in Germany it's more focused on orderliness. So for example British people wouldn't care if someone crossed the red when there was a red light if there were no cars around, but they'd get very angry if someone cut in front of a queue.
@jdg basically. If you speed at night on an empty road and some folk saw you they'd probably just nod and understand here. Meanwhile in Germany it'd break their mind that someone can actively break a law.
I mean all the Germans who I have met in the UK who have left Germany state the beaurocractic rule following as one of the reasons they are glad to have left.
My friend went to Germany and really liked it, he said the only bad thing is that it's difficult to learn German because German people are extremely keen to practice their English lol.
I really like visiting Germany, had some lovely holidays there. Got on really well with the German people, everyone we met was really friendly. My hubby was in the forces so he spent a lot of time in Germany doing the navigation and radar on the air fields.
I to think we are very similar and have a lot in common.
Always enjoy visiting Germany.
Great Britain has, apart from a couple of occasions, had a very good relationship with Germany - many of us have old links to the Saxon settlers, our language was once much the same, but has separated over the centuries. Very interesting video 👍
It's great to hear these guys speaking flawless English but also speaking it with British accents. When you think about how much language software is created in America, I often worry that the British/Australian/New Zealand accents will be seen as incorrect English or even become rare.
My partner plays online games a lot and has made good friends with two German people .. me and him are scousers and its always funny hearing them get confused about our accents and how we pronounce things. We have to remind them that we dont all sound like we are from London here as that seems to be the default that most people outside of the UK go to when they think of accents. All i can say is the Germans are incredibly friendly and so funny when it comes to banter. We hope to travel and visit Germany one day as well as other places outside of the UK. I love seeing the love shared between us its so refreshing.
I'm over 80 and I'm so pleased that our attitude about Germany has changed so much and for the better, in my life time ! And yes I think that young German, has got a English accent and can pass as a Brit !
@Farmer Dave don’t insult an elder
Respect to the Germans for their excellent language skills. Funny to hear their British regional accents coming through!
I've never been to Germany but I love their honesty. I think that both countries are like long lost cousins.
I've never encountered dishonesty from Germany,French or the UK, from the business side, which is very important. I have been doing business with Germany for a long time
Always liked Germany. Clean. polite. Straight to the point. No messing. Great food and beer. Beautiful country. Well worth a visit. Learn some German and make an effort - it goes a long way.
I think we share a lot in common due to a temperate climate, it’s a shame that we’ve been at war a couple of times. I’m glad to have spoken to a few Germans, they seem to appreciate our coastline and Scotland/Wales/Ireland a lot.
"Tut mir leid für meine Haare. Ich muss Brüste (breasts) finden." Had to laugh so hard! It's only a small difference but it changes so much! What you meant: Bürste (brush), and what you said: Brüste (breasts). xD
I love those little mistakes all of us make in a foreign languages! :D loved the rest of the video too!
Oh gott!, I can never say brush! :D
Nothing but respect for the Germans 🍻🤝
I read an interesting point a few years ago that the body language between the Brits and Germans was almost indistinguishable, and the English and German languages sound so similar to people who can't speak either they can't tell which is which.
I love this video!😅
And also a lot of love for Germany from a Brit🇬🇧❤🇩🇪
Well, we largely come from these peoples in Germany, the Anglo Saxons. It's the only country that the English really could call "mother country". Our language is largely of German roots also.
@lïßêrå†ïðñthe English can call the British isles that too. The native Britons didn’t just spawn there, they also came from continental Europe
@Dylan Murphy Great Britain which is the people of ish populate British isles. But we are a different peoples within the Kingdoms with different origin
On the few times I've visited Germany , I've found them straight talking and honest people. They don't have the falseness (smiling and saying hi all the time) that Americans have. Most of all I think they respect us as we do them for their achievements.
It's so apparent why we fought them twice , we are so similar
We are much more similar than what most realise, and they DO have a sense of humour! 👍🏻
I've been to Germany a couple of times. I found locals very friendly and helpful , and have a good sense of humour
Very positive about the brits, made me feel good. Thanks Germany
Did you need that in your life did you
@Lee Gilray it’s good to see something positive in the world
@Stuart validation seeking is not positive, it's the opposite. Positivity is a strength that's backed up in joy
I lived in Germany for 15 years, left last year for Spain. The German people are amazing and so much like us Brits, it's just a little harder to get into their friend circles, but once in you're in. P.s they do have their own version of Greggs. Backwerk and they sell sausage rolls too Geflügelrolle, which I absolutely miss. In fact I miss Germany more than I thought I would, it was home.
I think it's very important, to show people from different countries and cultures, what there similarities AND differences are, to explain and clarify prejudices and views of each other!
The way you do it, is really interesting and funny, so thank you so much for that. I think your channel is underrated and with me, you've got a new German subscriber! 😊
Ah thank you yeah no these people are amazing! ;)
Been to Gernany 3 or 4 times and its very refreshing. I admire the architecture, and houses, the markplatz (marketplace square) the beer, the currywurst, the soccer, the people are reasonably friendly, and the language, which can be challenging.
I worked in west and east germany as a bricklayer,I found most germans are pretty straight talking and dependable.My old Grandfather who was at the 'somme' used to say,if the germans and british got together,they would be invincible. Unfortunately our present government has behaved like greedy car salesmen that can't be trusted,but,after working there,I'm glad that the people in the street are untouched by their behaviour.I am English, but,my two favorite peoples are German and Southern Irish.
Really enjoyed watching this, very good! I’ve met a few German people in London and have always really liked them. Their grasp of the English language is brilliant. Danke ❤
The Germans are like our long lost cousins.
Our two countries could achieve great things together,if we worked at it.
Amazing how some of those guys speak english so well they actually sound english. Very impressive. Respect
some even have accents from the language tutors :D
They sound American to me, except for one guy.
I'd love to travel to Germamy. The people, food, culture, and history is amazing. Beautiful language as well.
I found it hard to believe some of the people were German as the accents were amazing, especially the tall guy.
So refreshing to here other peoples have a fairly a accurate view of us, along with the friendly banter!
Usually its all “we had rotten teeth, talk like the queen and a cockney mixed together, and only cook food using the boiling technique”
The humour difference is my favourite. I'm a brit but worked in germany for a while and made a joke about brit stereotypes (particularly about knives and london depsitr being a northener). I had to explain that I don't actually carry a knife on me after about two weeks when a german friend asked a bit concerned if I actually carry a knife and had stabbed people. I stopped getting looked at like I was a psycho once I'd cleared up it was dry deadpan humour and not being serious 😅
As a Brit. I Worked in Germany on and off in many cities as an engineer for the past ten years and the people are fantastic. I would happily move there if given the opportunity always felt welcome and respected.
Love my German brothers and sisters. A great nation and looking forward to going back.
The reality is the Brit’s and Germans are two sides of the same coin, the only real difference is the Germans are serious by nature and the Brits not so, before the 20th century we were allies, though this was mostly with Prussia as Germany did not become a nation until 1871.
As a Prussian at heart, I still consider you allies.
Spent a huge amount of time in Germany as a pad brat (British army kid) and then many years later as a serving soldier myself, not to mention all the other visits for leisure. Simply great people, generous, engaging, helpful and very funny, don’t believe the stereotypes. I’d say there are many similarities in our cultures but still with enough differences to have plenty of discussion. Great people and a great country.
The Germans are a GREAT nation, they have many fine qualities, they are industrious, hard working, disciplined, well educated, and they produce some of the finest engineers in the world. The German's RESPECT engineers like no other nation. The British and Germans share many similar traits- we are genetic cousins after all. They are also the toughest people we have ever crossed swords with. Many of them also speak impeccable English! ^^^^ RESPECT to Germany from Blighty! :)
"Don't mention the war!", to cite John Cleese or Basil Fawlty; my probably weirdest (or most sympathetical?) experience as a German was in Norwich in 1999: I was in a church close to Norwich Market, just appreciating its beauty, when an older English guy came to me, who was a kind of churchwarden. He showed me around, and finally said to me: "Do you know what I like most about the Führer? That he bombed our church, so that all the old dark stained glass was broken, which was replaced by clear glass; so we have a bright church today!"
Was this British humour? Or was he just pulling my leg? I never found out, but I thought it was amazing to hear someone of the older generation talk about the war in such a way!
It's a joke, we have similar jokes where we give thanks to the luftwaffe for bombing our cities so we could rebuild them better.
Amazingly good English spoken here! We’ve had our differences but good people the Germans. We could learn a lot from them.
Worked in Germany for a while, got to say I love the Germans. They have a similar humour and they like a beer or two and are always polite, shame our history was tarnished by a few Idiots but hopefully that makes us closer now.
When I think about the British 3 things come to mind. The humour, like understatement, which I love. I think it is hilarious. The drinking culture or rather the lack thereof from a German perspective. Like too much binge, too little relaxation. And then I remember some strange food I had in England.
What strange food was it :D! ?
@yourtruebrit my main thing about british food is that you cant escape cream and mayonnaise no matter how hard you try. Its everywhere! May be a scottish thing though🤷♂️
@yourtruebrit I remember some flaky pastry with meat or beans or so. It was a strange combination to me. :D I really dont know what it was. It was a long time ago.
@Verbal Ästhet sounds like one of our sausage rolls
@Hairy Marmite sounds like a Greggs sausage bean & cheese melt - something that is less than the sum of its parts :D
Love this, Always taken aback by similarities amongst northern European nations. A lot of common ancestry. Been to Germany once loved it will definitely be going again.
Having known many Germans, this is so fun to watch. We are the same....but the Germans are so much better at speaking our language as we are theirs
.....sorry Germany....we must do better...but we probably won't. Love you lots ❤️
I love Germany, the culture I've visited the country, the people were very welcoming, and i've even tried to learn the language. I have been known to support the German national football team but only when they're not playing England of course.