For someone that have lived in both countries...are many diference betwen germans and british?

Question

For someone that have lived in both countries...are many diference betwen germans and british?

Answer 1

The English are a lot easier going, for Germans things have to be just so.

Germans are very friendly to visiting tourists, but harder to become friends for life.

Give me a British housewife, doctor's receptionist, bus driver, plumber, etc any day, they might not be as fussy and on time as their German counterparts, but they come with a cuppa  and a smile, cracking a joke - you have to wait a long time to get this in Germany.

On the other hand the German health system is a lot better. One can choose to go to any specialist at any time, no long waiting lists or recommendations from your GP needed.

Apprenticeships are a lot stricter in Germany, to be self employed you have to be a master of the trade in question also to train youngsters.

The English school system is generally better, giving all kids (if they live in the right area and want to learn) the chance to get on at the comprehensive schools. In Germany your path is mapped out at the age of ten when you have to change from junior school to either Basic School, Secondary School, or Grammar School.

One could go on for hours to point out differences, however they are both Western Europeans and get on together well on the whole.

Good will prevails and all can be friends.

McGonagall

who is both British and German

Answer 2

I'm from Germany.  I have been to England but never lived there.  I'd say the British are a lot friendlier than the Germans, but I think both get a long pretty well.  The British also have this great sense of black humor, it's hilarious.  The Germans are not very much known for their comedians (they suck!)  Germans also tend to be much more private and reserved, but you will see that as soon as you gain trust from a German they make great and loyal friends.  They will stick with you through thick and thin.  Also what I noticed, British tend to be a little more dramatic in their conversations, you know, sometimes it seems like they make a big deal out of nothing.

That's pretty much all I can tell you.

Answer 3

As an Englishman living in Germany I broadly agree with rosbif (is he now living in France?).  Many things are very similar but there is much more bureaucracy.   Also in the UK when, for example, a road repair project is begun the imperative is to finish it very quickly.  In Germany it might take months with weeks when nothing happens, but when it is finished you can be sure that they have done a thorough job.  I agree about thought processes.  The Germans do tend to think along tram lines.  I have found them to be very friendly and kind - but don't expect everything all at once.  As a nation they are very sentimental too.

Answer 4

No, not that many. The following is a large generalisation, but you need large generalistaion to answer such a question! Brits tend to be more enterprising and flexible, Germans tend to be (a lot) more reliable and trustworthy. If you want out-of-the-box thinking, don't go to a German (you can spend hours banging your head against the wall wondering why people are so rigid...), but their systems do work, they know how long it will take and they will deliver. The Brits can be less frustrating like that, but then again they make up for it by being less up-front and honest.

The languages are very similar vocab-wise and the culture and mentality are not too far apart. With a little effort people from one country can live in the other with no problems.

I would disagree with McGonagall about the superiority of the English education system; give me the chance for brilliant pupils to shine over the right for everyone to be average any day!

And yes John b I'm now living in France but hoping to go back to Germany within a year or so.