We are far from the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, but Germany's fatality rate from the disease is at this point far below that of the United States and most other countries. Let's take a look at some possible reasons for this. (Also see our comparison chart for...
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The Baltic Sea and the German Riviera
Germany's Baltic Resorts and Attractions You've heard of the French Riviera, the Italian Riviera, and maybe even the Mayan Riviera of Mexico, but how about the German Riviera? Although Germany has no Mediterranean Sea coast it does have coasts on two seas: the North...
Smoking and Vaping in Germany
"Please fasten your seatbelts and light up your cigarettes." It comes as no surprise to those of us familiar with smoking in Germany to learn that it was a German who had the bizarre idea to found a luxury airline that would offer all-smoking flights – long after the...
Why Is There 230-Volt Power in Europe and 120 Volts in North America?
When It Comes to Voltage, It's All About the History – and the Money We take electric power for granted. That becomes painfully obvious when there's a power failure (Stromausfall). In total darkness, carrying a flashlight, we absentmindedly try to switch on the light....
How Generous Are the Germans?
Germany and Altruism Do YOU donate to causes or charitable organizations? How much did you donate last year? How often do you open your wallet to help a person, cause or an organization? Your answer to those questions depends at least in part on your nationality....
An ABC Cultural Manual for Germany (Part 1)
A Field Guide to Cultural Differences Between Germany and the USA We have written a lot about daily life and cultural comparisons between Germany and other places here at The German Way, but it's a vast topic. Just when you think you've covered it all or experienced...
Expaticus germanicus: An Expat Species Catalog
Which Type of Expat Are You? A few years ago former German Way blogger Geoff wrote about two types of expats: integrated and non-integrated. Those who adapt and blend in, and those who don't. And for the point he was making that was quite adequate. But in the meantime...
Teaching English in German-Speaking Europe
The Good News and the Bad News So you think you want to teach English in Germany (or Austria, Switzerland)... Well, you're certainly not the first American or Brit, etc. to come up with that idea. The good news: There is a demand for qualified native speakers of...
Berlin’s Identity Crisis
What's Wrong with Berlin? I have lived in Berlin. I have explored Berlin. Like most Berliners, I love Berlin. But it's more like a love/hate relationship. Berlin is a city that doesn't really know what it wants to be when it grows up. More than seven years after BER...
Is Bavaria the Texas of Germany? Comparing the Freistaat Bayern with the Lone Star State
Bavaria is the Texas of Germany. A valid comparison? Despite what many North Americans believe, any German will tell you that Bavaria is not "Germany." Lederhosen and dirndls are not even worn by everyone in Bavaria, much less by all Germans. On the other hand, many...
Two Songs, Two Flowers: “Edelweiss” and “Erika”
With Lyrics in German and English Both of these songs refer to a flower. But they are otherwise as different as night and day. One was written in English for an American musical production. The other was written in German as a military marching song. But both songs...
Donald Duck in German
Germany's More Erudite Donald Duck and "Donaldism" He still looks pretty good for an 88-year-old duck (as of 2022). The German Donald Duck lives in the town of Entenhausen (Duckburg) with his nephews Tick, Trick and Track (Huey, Dewey and Louie). His wealthy uncle...
Hidden Sights in Berlin: Schloss Tegel or Humboldt Palace
Alexander and Wilhelm von Humboldt and Their Home in Tegel Berlin is a vast metropolis that no one can ever fully explore, but it can be a lot of fun trying. I have spent a lot of time in the German capital, with many visits over several decades and even living there...
Mobile Apps for Watching German-Language TV and Movies
Why Mobile Video Apps? Whether you're living in German-speaking Europe or somewhere else in the world where it's not that easy to watch German-language television, these apps allow you to watch TV and movies that the locals watch. Even if you're in Germany, there are...
Flying Across the Atlantic for Less
Bargain Flights Between North America and Europe Whether you're an expat in Germany looking for a bargain flight for a visit to North America, or a tourist looking for a good deal on a flight to Europe, there are tricks and tactics you need to know in order to save...
Book Review: German Men Sit Down to Pee
...and Other Insights into German Culture German Men Sit Down to Pee and Other Insights into German Culture Authors: Niklas Frank and James Cave Editions: Paperback or Kindle HJ Publishing 152 pages (paperback) ISBN-10: 099548130X ISBN-13: 978-0995481305 In January...
Germany’s Bicycle Autobahns and the Battle Between Cyclists and Pedestrians
I don't think there's a German over the age of five or six who doesn't know how to ride a bike. Seeing an 80-year-old German lady zipping along on her bike is nothing unusual in Germany. I have witnessed rush hour in the small town of Burghausen, Bavaria, which means...
The “Feuerzangenbowle” Story: The Drink, the Song, the Novel, the Movies
Introduction Besides being a popular hot beverage that warms your body and soul in the chill of winter, Feuerzangenbowle, also known as Krambambuli, is featured at German Christmas markets, and has a long Germanic university student tradition that dates back to the...
Unhaunted Graves: Halloween, Reformation Day, and Totensonntag
"The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living." - Marcus Tulius Cicero (106-43 BC), Roman writer, politician and orator "Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them." - George Eliot NOTE: This post has been updated for 2022! Although...
Uber’s Very Bumpy Road in Germany
Ride-Hailing Services in Germany: From Allygator to Uber Is the Uber ride-hailing service available in Germany? The German answer to that question is jein – yes and no. Although Uber is completely banned in several European countries, it's not entirely missing in...
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