Stereotypes about Germans in English. Myths about the Germans

How do Germans dress: The appearance of Germans for different occasions, do they like to dress brightly and make up in everyday life, for work and school...?

There are certain stereotypes about Germans and their appearance. However, those who have visited Germany and spent some time in this country understand that in fact this opinion is slightly far-fetched. Let's figure out what is a myth and what is true about the appearance of the inhabitants of Germany.

• Foreigners believe that German Frau do not pay much attention to their appearance, namely style and fashion. The most important thing for them is that their clothes are comfortable and comfortable. IN real life this statement is nothing more than a myth. German women are very careful about how they look. They simply pay attention to other parameters than, for example, Russians. So, it is important for them to dress accordingly, namely: clothing must correspond to factors such as season, time of day, event, age, social status, profession, etc. In Germany there is a clear division of things into day/evening. Moreover, if you come to a party in casual wear, people around you don’t focus on this as much as if you were in an evening dress during the day.
• Age category and place in society also play a huge role when choosing clothes. Here the rule is as follows: the older the German, the best clothes he must acquire for himself. As for social status, then everything here is also quite clear. For example, students and schoolchildren choose jeans, shirts or sweatshirts as the best option. They usually wear sneakers. Many people prefer to wear fashionable scarves.

It is worth noting that young people continue to wear branded sneakers even after graduation. educational institutions. However, it is important to understand that these shoes have a certain symbolic meaning. Converse and a backpack are distinguishing feature students, even if the person who put them on over 30.

• Their usual clothes are short shorts, colorful bright T-shirts or T-shirts, jeans, blazers with three-quarter sleeves. But skirts are not so popular among young German women. The older a girl gets, the more she strives to change her style.
• Generally speaking about style women's clothing in Germany, you can describe it like this: "standard set +". Most of the things in the wardrobe of a typical German woman are in a casual style, or a combination of casual and sports. If you need to go out, as they say, into people— basic wardrobe can be complemented with an interesting accessory. For special occasions, of course, a German woman’s wardrobe has a special section with evening dresses.

In Germany you will almost never meet a woman dressed vulgarly or provocatively. The cut of the clothes is generally strict, modest, the colors are neutral, not attracting too much attention. Perhaps in this country beige color popular as anywhere else. However, it is worth noting that the tone of clothing always “becomes” a young lady. For example, you rarely see flashy combinations of black and red on the street.

In a store, a typical German will pay attention, first of all, to two characteristics of a thing: its cost and its quality. Preference, of course, is given to things made from natural materials, even if an ordinary scarf made of natural silk will have a price tag with the inscription “70 euros”.

So, below we will give a list of things that are most popular in Germany. They can be found in the wardrobe of any German:

Scarf– every German, as a rule, has a whole collection of these accessories, differing in color, material, width, etc.;

Chinos– this wardrobe element is considered the most popular among German women;

Ballet shoes- shoes that German women prefer to wear due to their convenience.

Regarding the texture of clothes, – priority is given to wrinkled knitted fabrics. You can also recognize a German among foreigners by the layering of his clothing: jeans or leather trousers, a shirt, a sweater, a jacket - all this can be worn on a person at the same time.

• Next category – employees of offices, banking structures, etc. It reigns here business style. A German woman would never wear clothes made from knitwear to work in such an organization. The priority is fitted shirts and blouses, trousers, office-length skirts. No tight pants, turtlenecks, etc.! Exclusively business stylish combinations of things.

Native German women are characterized by light brown, straw-colored hair. If you meet a woman with such an incredibly beautiful natural color, know that her hair is natural! But this does not mean at all that German women do not use the services of hairdressers for coloring. Like true women, they also experiment with their appearance, but choose shades and colors that tend to be natural. Although you can also see women with multi-colored hair (pink, bright red, green...) on the streets of Germany...

For a resident of Germany, visiting beauty salons is a mandatory event, carried out with enviable regularity. However, they pay more attention to health procedures rather than decorative ones. German women will not get up an hour earlier than expected to style their hair or curl their hair. Therefore, makeup is extremely basic. Nail polish – neutral shades, without decorative elements- rhinestone, sparkle, etc. Perhaps for this reason, even at ceremonies, the appearance of a German woman often looks somewhat careless.

As for the figure , curvaceous figures are not typical for real German women. This is due to the characteristics of the nation, as well as the fact that the bulk of the German population plays sports. Cycling, jogging, exercising in sports clubs - this is to the liking of both women and men.

The most terrible enemy of German women is high heel shoes. And this is due not only to the stone sidewalks, which are simply impossible to navigate in heels, but also to the same issue of compliance. The woman who appeared in daytime wearing heels will most likely cause disapproving exclamations from others who will consider it vulgar. In order not to attract unnecessary glances, women and girls prefer to wear ballet shoes even on workplace, although with a strict skirt or classic trousers they don't really go together.

In companies and at parties representatives of the fair sex in Germany also look discreet, even casual: jeans, T-shirts, ballet shoes. Occasionally you can see a girl wearing high heels, but even this will look within the bounds of decency.

But looking at German men, you can’t Don't be surprised by their stylish appearance. We can safely say that representatives of the stronger sex in Germany look better than their companions. Elegant shirts, jackets, fashion trousers, a scarf is a must! By the way, shops and boutiques with men's clothing in German cities there are no less women than women.

Summarizing " stereotypes about Germans“, it should be noted that in Berlin - the capital of Germany and other major cities, the situation with fashion is a little different. Here the burghers are not afraid to look bold, bright and independent. But in smaller cities it’s the other way around...

Today I would like to introduce you better to modern Germans and dispel or confirm some stereotypes about them.

To eliminate misunderstandings during communication and quickly establish contact with residents of Germany, it is worth knowing and taking into account some distinctive features German mentality.

Firstly, the Germans are distinguished by their strong craving for truth and their quality is connected with this, such as straightforwardness . Some people consider this a disadvantage because honest and sincere answers can sometimes seem rude and even tactless. However, this only applies to communication between acquaintances. Nobody pays attention to strangers special attention and simply does not express truthful opinions. The Germans are generally famous for their tolerant attitude To strangers: they are calm about strange styles of clothing, other people’s lifestyles, habits, etc.

As for foreigners, Germany is trying in every possible way to create optimal conditions for them. This is due to the events of World War II and their feelings of guilt. For example, it has now become incorrect to use the word foreigner (Ausländer); it is being replaced by the phrase “ausländische Mitbürger” - foreign fellow citizens.

Everyone probably knows the German punctuality . If you look at big picture German society, then this is indeed so. Germans are punctual, and punctuality is important quality for a candidate when applying for a job. Although, of course, all this is not one hundred percent. For example, despite the fact that you should not be late for university, students often arrive at the wrong time, and trains and commuter trains are sometimes late.

Germans law-abiding , and their daily life is connected with bureaucracy . As soon as you arrive in Germany for a longer period of time, you begin to look for housing and work, you will begin to visit a variety of authorities and you will be faced with the need to fill out a lot of documents. In Germany there are almost 100 various types taxes that Germans diligently pay. They are law-abiding not only in finances, but also in public life. Despite the fact that Germans are beer lovers, they will not drive after drinking even a little.

Yes, and in the very Everyday life is felt Germans' passion for order . Everything is thought out and structured for them. For example, with regard to pruning greenery, it turns out that the height of the bushes is determined by law, and everyone must adhere to this. The bushes are all the same height. Also great attention The focus here is on ecology. There must be order, so there are containers for separating garbage everywhere, and everything around is clean. To my surprise, a lot of young people come out with various actions against garbage, nuclear power plants, and for preserving the nature of the environment.

I also heard opinions about the Germans as greedy people. Personally, I don't agree with this. I would correct and say that they rational and economical . They often think things through in advance, which can lead to the perception that they are greedy. All the Germans I know refute the point about their greed.

What is important for Germans in life?

I would say that they have 2 great values ​​in life - health and work. At the slightest ailment, they rush to the doctor and take sick leave, drink various medications, try new medications in the hope of being cured, although it may be just a mild illness. Many people switch to healthy image life and play sports. Work takes up a significant portion of time, including overtime, which is par for the course for Germans. Regarding work and study, here the Germans are very careful approach to the point, they get to the bottom of it the smallest details. For Russians, they may seem slow, but this is just their approach to work and study.

If anyone succumbs to emotional pressure, it’s not the Germans. Approximations are unacceptable here - only logical arguments, accurate economic calculations, conclusions should be as brief and specific as possible.

Also an important quality both at work, in school, and in the life of Germans is collectivism . For an employer, an important criterion is the ability of a future employee to work in a team.

You should never ignore subordination at work. Last name is accepted here, and also remember to add Herr or Frau (Mr. or Ms.), even if others call your colleague by his first name. Do not ignore the title of the person you are addressing (Prof, Dr).

Shaking hands with colleagues every day in the morning is still practiced. Not only men, but also women are greeted with a firm handshake. A firm handshake symbolizes strength of character, which is especially significant for older people.

Eye contact, especially when meeting people, is very important for Germans. By looking their interlocutor in the eyes, Germans demonstrate respect, trust and self-confidence.

Despite the fact that work takes a lot of time, and the Germans themselves like to talk about work, family is an important element of life. Germans clearly separate personal life from public life.

Germans value their own free time. They want to relax and leave all the work for this, so it is undesirable to make noise and disturb, otherwise the neighbors will simply call the police, as they can do for any other violations.

But it is not all that bad. Germans are people too, and if you treat them well and with respect, then they, in turn, will also treat you well. If you're planning a party this weekend, just let your neighbors know in advance.

In the process of learning a foreign language, many people, in addition to the usual questions that arise during this period about vocabulary, grammar, phonetics and other linguistic realities, have a question: what are they like, native speakers of the language I am studying? What is their mentality? What are the habits? And most importantly...How different are they from us?

Such questions began to interest me from the moment I consciously studied the German language, that is, when I firmly decided to connect my life with foreign languages. Already vaguely looming in my head psychological picture the average German: punctual, pedantic, restrained, correct, polite, tactful...and beer and sausages!:) That's how it is for some reason! And all this, of course, against the backdrop of the Brandenburg Gate accompanied by cheerful traditional German songs in the “jodeln” style.

Later, while teaching German students of one of the educational institutions, I asked them the same questions. And I realized that this is the picture that emerges for the majority.

So, imagine the picture: we, students who have just entered the first year of the faculty foreign languages, frozen in their chairs in the audience (to which a delegation of guests from Germany will be brought any minute), feverishly fiddling with notebooks with a list of already planned questions and the order of people asking them... There is only one driven hysterical thought in my head: “What if I ask. .and make a mistake?..Or will they not understand?” And here are our guests. Everything is quite easy and positive. During the conversation, the question was asked: “Welche russischen Wörter kennen Sie schon?” Looking at each other, our guests answer: “Hmm...Privet..Zdravstvujte.. Vodka.. Pivo...Odno Pivo.. Dva piva!..” So, on the list stereotypical qualities of the average German, put a tick in front of the “beer with sausages” column. Well, yes, Russians are not without this! :)

Next case. One of the Germans, climbing the stairs of the university, sees an ordinary Russian student. Well, how do students go to classes? In ordinary work clothes: a blouse with a low neckline, a short skirt, stiletto boots, a handbag, cosmetics... Well, really! Usually. The German culture shock. Every day in heels? In winter in a short skirt? After seeing several German women, we understood why... Comfortable clothes, comfortable shoes, minimal makeup (if any), a backpack. That is, there is also a tick in the “restraint and minimalism” column.

Let's move on. Germany. One of the cities of Lower Saxony. Item in the program for Russian exchange students visiting the country: “Shopping”. Delight. Anticipation. Small traditional shop in the old town. A nice woman comes out to the meeting with a smile: “Kann ich Ihnen helfen?” Shock and Awe. Shaking our heads negatively, we go out into the street... Yes, of course, we all understood what she asked us. Just what should I say in response? We don't often get asked if we can help you? And they smile right away? More likely, they will be rewarded with an incredulous look... And even more often, an irritable one: they say... they've come here, you know... Next... large shopping mall. A brilliant boutique with a huge selection. When choosing shoes, we couldn’t decide for a long time... Finally, we went to the checkout. The girl at the checkout, apparently observing our indecisive tossing and turning during the selection process for a long time, asks (to clarify whether everything suited us): “Haben Sie alles anprobiert?” ... My friend, frozen with an expression of an awkward smile, shoves me in the side... And still with the same smile, trying not to move her lips, she says: “What is she saying?..” Realizing what’s what, the girl smiles: “Alles klar !..” And, having packed his purchases, he says: “Tschüß! Schönen Tag noch!” Nodding, still with the same frozen smile, we hurry up for air.. So “polite, tactful” is also there. Personally, I can’t immediately remember in my lifetime a salesperson in a store who would wish me a good day... Although, it’s possible that I’m not stocking up there.

The next point is “neat, pedantic.” There's a definite tick here. One day, during breakfast, we noticed how a German sitting next to us at the table was devouring a sandwich, putting it on a plate and using a knife and fork! This is truly unprecedented! Although, once communicating with German youth on the topic of what character traits in our Russian understanding are “typisch deutsch”, we called the adjective “pedantisch”, the German guys widened their eyes and asked: “Was ist pedantisch?”

But all the stereotypical ideas about Germans were undoubtedly dispelled when we lived in German family and talked with our peers. They are also free from any prejudices and frameworks that we create in our heads, drawing in our imagination this or that stereotype of a particular nationality. A couple of cocktails, a cafe or a club... And now there is no longer a language barrier! There are no ideas about pedantry and excessive correctness! And we wouldn’t even allow ourselves much that the German guys allow. Let's say, if you are a girl and barely 18, would you risk smoking a cigarette or two with your own dad? Maybe yes...or maybe it’s still awkward. And for them it’s as easy as shelling pears. And with appearance there are not such strict limits. There's a heel and short skirts.. and tattoos, and piercings, and even green hair..

And then the question arises: where did they come from, these stereotypes? Maybe we're not so different after all? On the contrary, are they very similar? We just speak different languages and we live far from each other? And that is why it is easier to create a not entirely justified idea about others than to actually find out what they are like in reality?

These questions will probably remain unanswered. In the meantime, for us, Germany is still the Brandenburg Gate, beer and Tyrolean melodies, France is the Eiffel Tower, frog legs and wine, Great Britain is Big Ben, the Queen, tea drinking and oatmeal. After all, for some Europeans, Russia still remains a dark country, where brown bears walk the streets, and Russians are always presented with earflaps and a bottle of vodka. Such are they...stereotypes, often turning into prejudices!..

MYTH 1. All Germans are punctual

As they later explained to me, it is better to come to youth parties later, especially in large cities. Just don't be late for work if you work for a German company.

MYTH 2. All Germans are boring without a sense of humor

German humor is often quite sarcastic and drier than Russian. You just have to adapt to it. At the same time, there are practically no taboo topics. Don't be offended if someone makes fun of you. This is a common phenomenon among Germans - no one is going to insult you.

MYTH 3. All Germans are greedy

Although, perhaps, in practicality, the Russians will still give the Germans a head start. Will a German “survive” on a minimum benefit? Still, this nation is accustomed to a certain standard of living, while most of The population of our country has certainly become adept at saving money on a daily basis.

Be that as it may, Germans can also invite you to a restaurant and leave the waiter a generous tip. Although one can hardly expect a German to waste money. It’s just that in Germany it’s not customary to advertise your wealth, even if you have any. This is considered indecent. Therefore, almost all Germans who have visited Russia are amazed at the contrast between the poor and the rich and immediately begin to talk about our lack of a middle class. By the way, not only in Germany, but also in other European countries, they like to talk about “rich Russians” who come to Europe and buy luxurious Jewelry and expensive furs, making a month's turnover of many stores in a day.

MYTH 4. Germans are not a hospitable nation

Of course, our hospitality, as in the proverb “Everything that is in the oven, everything is on the table,” our desire to feed guests “from the belly” and at any cost to show ourselves as hospitable, and therefore good hosts, is completely uncharacteristic of the Germans. But this does not mean that they are not happy to have guests!

Simply by inviting guests, the Germans do not set the task of impressing everyone with the skill of baking buns or surpassing the number of dishes on the menu of the nearest restaurant. The main goal is communication! You can also reassure yourself with the thought that the less different foods on the table, the healthier your liver and thinner your waist.

MYTH 5. Germans are rude

On the other hand, Germans can appear rude due to their honesty and tendency to point out flaws or mistakes in others. Naturally, a remark about the terrible color of your dress is more likely to be perceived as rudeness and tactlessness than a statement of truth. But by making such a remark, the German honestly believes that he is helping you.

MYTH 6. Germans are always neat

MYTH 7. Germans do not feel guilty for the Holocaust

MYTH 8. Germans are people of “free morals”

And if you are well acquainted with German-made pornography, then this characterizes you rather than the Germans.

MYTH 9. All German women are scary and dress ugly

This is, of course, a matter of taste. If we compare the average Russian woman and a German woman, then our compatriot will definitely be more... elegant. Even if she only went out to the bakery or to throw out the trash. German women do not overuse cosmetics and jewelry; German fashion is more practical and everyday - it does not catch the eye. So, actually, it’s even surprising how it’s possible with such minimal investment in your appearance, german girls they still manage to look decent.

Instead of a conclusion

You can continue to count myths about the Germans, but does it make sense? Stereotypes are impossible without generalizations, and the more you generalize, the greater the likelihood of error. Instead of attaching another label, you can ask yourself: How similar am I to typical representative my nation? In the very center of Munich, we asked people what they think about German prejudices or stereotypes and asked the most interesting questions. Watch the new video!

Aigul Berkheeva, Deutsch-online team

Do you want to know what Germans think about Russians?
Do our traditions seem strange to them?
And what do we have in common with the German residents?
Read my article!

Of course, every nation has its own characteristics, its own culture, its own habits and its own traditions that distinguish them from others. We don't think about our oddities if we don't see them from the outside. Therefore, I invite you to look at yourself through the eyes of the Germans!

You can't understand Russia with your mind. Or what are we, Russians?

How much has already been said about the Russian mentality, which is incomprehensible to others. However, the Germans still have to directly contact the Russian-speaking population in Germany. For example, at work.

The Germans are used to smiling and being polite everywhere. They sometimes do not understand Russian rudeness and directness. No German can directly express what he thinks. But for us Russians, this is a common occurrence. Don't like the person? I won't smile at him! But when you get to know Russians better, it turns out that they are very open and friendly people.

Germans go to bars to relax and get drunk. Russians go there to dump all their burdens and talk to their friends. The Germans will never understand why they should discuss their problems or joys over a glass of beer, because there are specialists for this - psychologists.

Another feature that really surprises Germans about Russians is their waste of money. Russians who have extra money are used to living large. They rarely save for a rainy day. And decisions about major purchases can be made in an instant. The Germans will never succeed! They can’t understand why buy huge cottages if you can rent a house, why buy new equipment if you can wait and buy later with discounts, why buy 11 rings if you only have 10 fingers. Of course, I’m exaggerating about the rings, but Russian is wide the soul is familiar and understandable only to a Russian!

What should you not do in front of a Russian person?

You should never tell a Russian how bad the president is in Russia and criticize the conduct of his policies. Although “German Russians” live in Germany, their souls are in their homeland. They're here watching Russian television, go to Russian stores, speak Russian and visit Russian hairdressers.

You should also not speak badly about his relatives or friends in front of a Russian person. It is not customary for the Germans to be friends in the full sense of the word. They have many friends whose bones they periodically wash. They make friends where it suits them. And just as easily they part with them where it is unprofitable for them.

The Germans are surprised why Russians have so many names for those around them - just an acquaintance, a good acquaintance, just a friend, good friend, a close friend and “yes, this is Vasya the neighbor!” And to all of them different attitude. For example, Russians always have close friends from childhood, school or the army. For later life making close friends is simply impossible.

Stupid stereotypes!

The most common stereotype about Russians in Germany is that all Russians drink glasses of vodka with the words “Cheers to your health!” Imagine their surprise when you say that you are Russian, but you don’t drink vodka. There's probably a brain explosion going on in my head. Russia seems to the Germans (and not only them, by the way) as a snowy field with brown bears.

One day I accidentally overheard a conversation between Germans who were discussing Russia. They were sitting at lunch at work, and one German was telling the others that Russians eat from the same pan with wooden spoons. I haven't laughed so much in a long time! It’s unlikely that they would talk about it, knowing that I also have something to do with the Russians. For some reason they think that I am Polish.

The Germans consider Russians to be the best mathematicians, which goes without saying. After all, the Germans themselves will never strain their brains to do, for example, an annual tax return. After all, there are specialists for this! But Russians would rather save money, but they will calculate everything themselves, and you don’t have to be a great mathematician.

Strange habits of Russians!

Among the strange habits of Russians, several can be highlighted.
Firstly, collecting and storing all kinds of rubbish. Old skis, useless frying pans, pots with holes, pieces of linoleum after 10 years of repair, etc. Yes, Russians are used to filling the “keller” with unnecessary things that will still be useful. But still, I believe that modern Russian youth are spared from this. This is likely to be observed more among Russian older people, who have seen famine and food shortages in the past.

Secondly, addressing strangers as “man” or “woman”. "Hey man in gray coat! We don’t touch the goods with our hands!” For such treatment, which is common in the Russian hinterlands, the Germans would simply file a complaint for insult.

Thirdly, welcoming unexpected guests in the kitchen. Germans don’t understand how you can sit in the kitchen with a friend and drink wine while frying potatoes on the stove for dinner. Guests have come to you, you must drop everything and drink coffee with them in the hall. Better yet, assign them a “term” on another day! Ha ha!

Fourthly, lack of savings. Russians, according to the Germans, do not know how to save water, electricity, or money at all. Here I agree with them, they don’t know how. But! Why would I sit in the dark and hurt my eyes reading a book when I can just turn on the light!

A lot can be said about Russian habits and oddities, but that’s all for today.

P.S. I’ll tell you about Russian fashionistas through the eyes of Germans and how I conducted a little investigation among the Germans another time!

Sincerely, Tatyana Diehl, Bremen (Germany).