7 German curiosities: what I still have not gotten used to after 7 years in Germany (REAL STORY OF A FRIEND)

On January 13, 2018, I had my anniversary: ​​I now live 7 years in Germany or rather in Munich. Because before I had lived in Hamburg for 1.5 years, but this period  was always temporary for me and not with the idea of ​​"forever".

However, my first direct encounter with Germany was like a culture shock.

Although Polish and German culture are not so different! But everyday life revealed many surprises.

THUS I AFFIRM MY FRIEND WHO TELLS US HIS EXPERIENCE BELOW.

I have lived here for seven years and there are still things that I do not get used to. Although my husband is German and his whole family lives here, he surprises me over and over again about various curiosities.

1 - Touch on the table

When I saw this gesture for the first time, I did not know what was happening! Because I did not understand its meaning immediately ...
I think it was at a restaurant when I was having a drink with my friends. Someone arrived late at the restaurant and instead of shaking hands with everyone, he hit the table with his knuckles! I was so perplexed that for a few minutes I could not say anything,

what was that?

Even the "harmless" on the table playing as confirmation or as an alternative to the applause makes me a little nervous! Even after I've seen "hit the table" 100 times, I still feel totally confused, especially when I'm in the spotlight right now. I prefer to applaud or say something nice 🙂 It really is not my thing!

2 - "Rotthaler!"

I could hardly believe it when I first heard my husband talking on the phone with his parents. He  picked up the phone and, although he knew very well that his mom or dad  was calling, he introduced himself with his last name. WHAT ??? Is it still possible? You can see who's calling on the screen and that's why you can be a little more personal and friendly, right? But when I called my in-laws and they came in the same way, I already knew that's the way it is here. OMG!

Why do I ask? Because  I clearly separate my private and professional life: when I talk about  my Diensthandy, I always introduce myself with my last name. But when they call my mom or my friends, I ALWAYS say, "Hi, how are you?" Or "Hey, I'm glad to hear you again!", Anything else just can not go through your lips. Never never!

3 - Mrs. Rotthaler

The  point explains more a Polish curiosity and not German, but shows in  comparison, how many possible forms of communication can exist. The Polish language has many subtleties and nuances that reflect the mentality. Especially with the names there is a big difference for Germany.

Let me explain it with an example!

If you use the German language, simply use the first name. If it is victorious, only the surname is used. For example, Mrs. Joanna Kowalska is called Joanna (duzten) or Ms. Kowalska (siezen). In the Polish language, on the other hand, things are very different! Pani (wife) Joanna Kowalska is rarely used, only on highly official occasions. The friends who call Joanna Kowalska talk to Asia, Joasia, Aśka, Joaśka, Asieńka. We use many pet names! Who wins Joanna Kowalska, talks to Pani Asia or Pani Joanna. It is very rarely called pani Kowalska, mainly on official occasions.

This formula simply shows the ease with which it moves from official to informal in Poland. Maybe that's why it's hard for me to call my last name when I call. And I feel very well when someone from Poland talks to me with Pani Dominiko, it feels very familiar and at home 🙂

4 - Gentelmänner

When I'm in Poland, I really enjoy it: the attention of the men who give themselves to women. I mean a small gesture that is nice and polite, and for me it has nothing to do with emancipation. That is to say. If  a man offers me a seat on the bus, or lets me in the door, he helps me  put on my coat or takes off my glove or scarf from the floor if he  accidentally drops me. Believe me, in Poland, this has nothing to do with equality, is culturally anchored and only belongs to life. In Germany I can wait a long time for that gesture to occur, even my husband still has to learn it ...

5 - dialects

For every foreigner, German dialects are the ultimate challenge. What  I noticed immediately are different names for an interview, not only  depending on the state but also depending on the city and in the rural  area, even depending on the town. Just to name a few examples: Berliners, donuts, pancakes. Or carrots, carrots, carrots, rübli. Or roll, roll, Weckerl. Of course, there are also different pronunciations and dialects. This variety is beautiful and very rich, but brutally difficult for a non-native speaker! Then, please: have mercy on us! 😉

6 - My washing machine is in the basement

The first shock after coming to Munich: we do not have a washing machine at home! At  that time, my husband was looking for the apartment alone, since he was  still in Poland and only at the end told me that from now on I have to  plan, when we wash the clothes. Not only must you register on a calendar, you must also enter the basement! WHAAAATTTT? None of my Polish friends wanted me to believe it! For the first time wash your underwear and clothes in public and second plan when to wash! This is a challenge for the Polish mentality, which cost me some tears at the beginning of my stay. Meanwhile, I can say that I got used to it, but it does not seem comfortable to me.

7 - Bus drivers set the tone!

Who has the micro, has the power, you could say, if one lives in Germany! In Poland, bus drivers are silent and more like an anonymous companion every day. In Germany, especially in Munich, they have a lot to say! Sometimes traveling by public transport is a real adventure! The focus is often on parents and their children. "The  ticket machine is not there to play! If you want to play, go to the  playground!", "Please put the stroller where it belongs!", "Dear mom  dressed in red, please, do not block the back door! "Or" If you continue like this "enter slowly, then we passed our closing time on the tram and not at home! "-  these are just some of the prayers I heard here on the bus or on the  tram ... When my husband heard that I was so worried about the Munich  tram driver complained, he showed me on the Internet" A carriage of the line 8 "and suddenly I understood everything, namely, these grumbling  voices have a longer position in history and are more likely to be a  characteristic of Munich 😉

So here was the interview .. I thank my friend for her time and  collaboration, I do not label her because she does not have STEEMIT

I hope you like this experience ..

FOLLOW ME AND I FOLLOW YOU <3

WELCOME TO MY ALLOCATED WORLD WITHIN STEEMIT <3