As an austrian I have to clarify something: proper "Wiener Schnitzel" is made out of veal (Kalbsschnitzel). Veal usually being more expensive causes most of the restaurants to offer the cheapest meat, pork. And please to not drown your Schnitzel in sauce. Just have some Erdäpfelsalat on the side. Or some Bratkartoffel. But on the other side, food and tastes are subjective: eat what you like however you like to. Enjoy!
wanted to comment that as well. actually pork schnitzel should be legally advertised as "Schnitzel Wiener Art" (Schnitzel Vienna style), but most restaurant don't obey the law here unfortunately. Sorry Marcus for what we Piefkes do to your great dish.
Hallo Marcus, danke für Deinen Kommentar! Ich bin zwar aus dem Westen aber viel herum gekommen in Europa. Ich finde den Unterscheid zwischen Wienerschnitzel, und Huhn/Pute- oder Schweinsschnitzel "nach wiener Art! wichtig, denn nur Wiener ist Wiener! Freundliche Grüße aus Tir3ol.
And on another note, schnitzel isn't a German dish. It's a French dish that spread to Italy...from Italy to Austria and the Austrians introduced it to Germany.
Another very important rule about the Autobahn: NEVER pass another car on the right side. This is prohibited in Germany. You always have to pass on the left and then immediatly go back to the center or right lane, depending on your speed. Always use indicators when you change lanes. And PLEASE don't use the Autobahn as a race track, that's very dangerous for yourself and for other people. The higher speed on the highway is "paid for" with adherence to the rules and responsible driving. When you drive on the Autobahn, you really have to concentrate on the driving. It's not like in the US where you just drive for hundreds miles in a straight line at sluggish 100 km/h (or even less) and are able to eat something etc.
Also, driving in Germany in general: we have the "right before left"-rule. If you are at a cross road and there are no lights ir signs to indicate the right of way, the person coming from your right side always goes first.
Yeah, i would like to add that even if you are allowed to drive as fast as you want, when the Autobahn is to crowded, you should hold back and drive at a reasonable speed. Most people don't drive faster than 140, and LKWs drive 80-90. You always need to consider the high speed diffrence. Especially when a "Elefantenrennen" (elephant race, LKWs overtaking each other) is occuring.
" NEVER pass another car on the right side" I dont agree with the word "never" here, you can pass on the right if there is a traffic jam on both lanes or only on the left lane when the speed drops below 60 km/h. Quite a few moments where more and more people got into the left lane and they had to drasticly lower their speed even though the right lane was free for a few hundred meters.
This^^^ Also, there's a kind of vague rule about your maximum speed: Only drive as fast as your abilities let you. If you crash with 200kph, manage to survive and it's being found that you didn't cause the crash, you still can be held partially accountable if the court thinks that your speed was above what your abilities would allow you. You can ofc appeal these rulings, but good luck doing so after you're back home vacation from wherever you are... Also: no overtaking on the right side. Good luck getting your drivers licence back.
The first time I went to Germany I saw, as soon as I got off the plane, trash receptacles with separate bins for recyclables (divided into paper and glass), compostables, and trash. I wanted to high five everyone in sight and congratulate Germany on being awesome. I wish Americans could learn to care this much 💚
yeah. thanks for mentioning that Johanna. I had 2 trips to Texas to meet with Friends and Family. been from galveston to Austin,Houstin,Dallas avery big city and sourroundings. I never in my Life seen for example Couches in rivers or so much trash in general. it made me haertbroken cause i wanted to travel there and stay there in my younger age. since then i have gotten the feelings americans dont care about theyre nature or waters
@@andrealt9261 It's a constant struggle for those of us who do care. I remember being struck by the absence of garbage on the roadsides throughout Germany, because in the US it's so normal I hardly notice it. When I do, of course it infuriates me. I just don't understand it! Many conservative Americans seem to think that protecting the environment and stewarding the economy are mutually exclusive, but of course they haven't considered Germany, which is excelling at both. I'm not sure if you traveled elsewhere in the US, but states like Oregon and California, while not perfect, have more considered environmental initiatives and more general awareness and concern than places like Texas and the whole southeast. Heaven help us.
Visiting St. Louis this year, I was shocked to see a garbage system with two openings: Landfill and Recycling. I love that they were honest about the landfill part, but what kind of recycling do they mean? Maybe someone sorts it all by hand later?
Maybe you should prepare US folks for the fact that there is indeed an Autobahnpolizei. And they are not driving the usual blue and white vehicles, they have 'civilian' cars, usually strongly motorized ones like Porsches, Mercedes, BMWs or Audis. And when you fool around on the Autobahn, they'll follow you for a while, record your behaviour and measure your speed. Then they will set their car in front of yours, flash a "Follow me" sign and guide you to the next "Rastplatz". Anyone should know that when that happens, a serious conversation, followed by a painfully high fine will ensue.
I love how Nalf always is like: "The public Transportation in Germany is great" Meanwhile german TH-camrs:"Warum das Deutsche Bahnsystem so schlecht ist" Translated: Why the German Trainsystem is that bad
before privatisation, it was absolutely excellent, after that, it became worse, but compared to other countries (especially the US), it's still phenomenal :)
@@huawafabe I have to disagree on that one, the train system sucked before it was privatised as well but I feel like since other providers for transportation other that DB have popped up in recent years the service has actually improved. At least in some areas. Extremely rural areas that had their rail lines shut down because maintaining them for a dozen passengers a day just wasn't financially feasible still lack access to public transportation.
You really are a phenomenal ambassador for our country! Thanks for reminding us how fortunate we are to live here - puts all the moaning and complaints into perspective :)
Germany is a wonderful country with wonderful people who care about their homeland. I love going there. Was just in Frankfurt area. 4th time in 60 days
You gotta love this. Some Dude is making a guide for germany. 90% of the viewers will be german and watch to see if there is something to improve. 🤣 This video and the comments is just germany in a nutshell. And of course we watch to see if we knew everything or if there is something new to learn about the country we live in. 😂 You gotta love this country once you understood how it works. 🤩 Props to you nalf, Döner, Bakery, Barbecue, Beer and Beergarden. Are basically the pillars my life is built on.
Me, 51 year old German, hm I Watch this. Lets See, if he gets it 😂 He does. Proud. You are one of us, you just don’t Know yet. You are Germanized and Will Never Get rid of us.
The one specific thing - ONE - I would be adamant about adding: Please don't just visit the south. So so so many people, especially Americans, seem to favor the South, probably because the occupation zone was in the South, but cultures within Germany are incredibly distinct from one another and it's doing the country a disservice to say you've visited and know German culture now, but only toured the South. There are incredible places all over the country that are 100 % worth visiting and, depending on personal tastes, more than places in the South even. And I feel like people watching this channel probably know this.. but just in case people from outside the Nalf community do use this as a guide. That being said, thanks for the guide, I enjoyed watching it a lot and think it's a very good one!
Agreed. There really seems to be a south-centric bias towards Germany. I hardly ever see videos praising or even mentioning northern german features. Eastern Germany outside of say Berlin or maybe Dresden doesn't seem to exist in the average american tourist's mind. There's so much to visit in north Germany, lots of castles (not on hills/mountain, but still), the wadden sea on the north sea coast, the literally thousand lakes in Mecklenburg-Westpomerania, the island of Rügen with it's beautiful landscape (chalk rocks etc) and the Störtebeker Festival etc pp., lots of cities with rich history and a distinctly different food culture and architectural style than the south. I would love to watch more videos on this part of Germany.
Great video! Just a few clarifications (I'm German...): 7:51: the sign says all previous restrictions are canceled - if there were no previous restrictions, you're still good to go even without the sign. Wiener Schnitzel has to be made of veal; otherwise, it's Schnitzel Wiener Art (schnitzel Vienna style) or something to that effect. Kölsch is an ale kind of beer, upper fermentation, but fermented at a comparatively low temperature. Not many Germans outside the Cologne area appreciate it. If you do not want a refill, place the coaster on top of your glass.
I feel like Rouladen dont get enough love for what they are. In case you havent had Rouladen so far. I would recommend. Not the Kohlrouladen, which is also great, but i mean the classic beef rouladen. I might be biased, but i still wanted to suggest it.
As a German I felt caught with some of your descriptions. I actually do get out my planner if I meet someone and we decide to go for a coffee together and most of the time the coffee date does actually take place. Also that people get close to you in the supermarket is true, but they would not push you aside or be rude in the way you described it, at least not in Bavaria. That never happened to me in all me 35 years of living here.
Great tips 👍 but 😊 Currywurst ist not a simply a Wurst and Ketschup. Most Currywurstbuden take great pride in creating their own sauce, which , yes, is Tomato based but slow cooked with a lot of spices. Just saying 😄
It is a Since for itself to create a good sauce ;) But in reality, the easier way for some not that good working guys is, to use ketchup and curry powder ;) Once you have tasted both, you can smell the difference. But please, do not thing, even if some guys in Germany are saying so, the the Currywurst from VW is that good. it is, but not that good that someone needs to travel to Germany ;) I think, if visitors are in the area around Wolfsburg at the time from may to june, aspargus with potatos and Schnitzel will also be a better descision ;)
One of the most important rule on the Autobahn is: NEVER NEVER NEVER pass another car on the right side. The only exception to this would be traffic jams.
There is a law, that you are allowed to pass a car on the right if it is going maximum 60kmh, the you are allowed with a slightly higher speed (max. 20kmh more)
Your intensity when talking about German baked goods is entertaining. That said, I used to work for a company in Ann Arbor, MI, that uses lye to make pretzels the traditional way. It's not illegal to use it in the USA, and it does make delicious pretzels.
True, my german friends worked for Mercedes in Tuscaloosa,AL for 2 years and missed the baked goods very much. But they managed to buy lye and made their own pretzels at home!
Yeah, this makes me laugh so much. As an Austrian, with a fairly negative view on German baked goods, his high praise is just funny to me. He seems to only love the Laugen-stuff, when there are so many other good things, wholewheat Krustenbrot, Sonnenbrot with sunflower seeds, Nussbrot, with walnuts...
@@thirstwithoutborders995 Austrians really have a fairly negative view on German baked goods? Would never have thought. Also I the question "why" comes into my mind, when for me it is clear that the variety in German is much higher than in Austria.
For the food I would always recommend local dishes. Spätzle and Butterbrezn are more common in southern germany. If you visit nothern germany you maybe would have less problems with the personal bubble. Even if I am from munich and love my region germany is not only the alps and the black forest.
Black Forrest Family and others recently made lovely lovely lovely videos in the North where you can see some of the food the North has to offer. Und jetzt hab' ich Hunger.
"If you visit nothern germany you maybe would have less problems with the personal bubble" But then please skip the middle, at least the western part. I originated from Nordrhein-Westfalen and the people were shocked how I could move to Baden-Württemberg because the people are "sooo uptight". Want to say.. in NRW, your personal bubble is even much smaller but then it expands very much again if you approach the coast.
12:48 slight correction here "Wiener Schnitzel" is exclusively made from veal. If its not veal its not Wiener schnitzel but it might be "Wiener Art" ~ Vienner Style.
You are right, but even in Austria or Vienna if you order a Wiener Schnitzel it is 99 out of 100 pork. Veal is far too expensive and you find it rarely on the menu. I am Austrian and I know that for sure.
@@herb6677 I am Bavarian and here if it is "Wiener Schnitzel" on the Menu then it is veal. People will complain if its not. "Wiener Art" on the other hand might be anything.
One tip for if you want to have some small talk with a German: Do it somewhere where you can be reasonably sure they WANT to be, like in a cafe or park, or in a beer garden. Don't expect much small talk in the grocery store unless you already know each other, because going to the grocery store is just a chore that needs to be done and we'd prefer to get it over with.
I never go shopping or buying stuff with my parents or even sister. 😆 I don't want to look around about thinks, where I can do something else or do something at home. Otherwise, when I go to an shop they always want to speeding me up and that everyone hates. So yea, I would only speak with friends or when someone had an small question. Nothing more!
Yea I kinda hate going to the store in us especially with people like my mom she talks way to much. And look around to much. I'm the type to go in and get what I needed and go. Where as people in my family will be in there for hours sometimes.
@@tictacmoe6227 Yep, my Mum is the same here in Australia, it's also a woman thing, they see shopping differently to men and are more chatty with the staff.
@@iggyblitz8739 I'm a woman and I hate shopping. I like to get everything quickly and leave. And supermarkets make me depressed. But I agree, many more women indeed like shopping more than men do. Unless men are in their hobby stores. I like to spend some extra time checking out new gadgets and technology stuff without buying them, on the other hand. In contrast, shopping for shoes would be like the worst shopping I could ever do, so I just wear shoes until they tear apart completely LMAO. All this rant, just to say people are different...
About bakeries: Just to deepen the information about bread, cakes and bakeries. In Germany there are two types of bakeries. The first, normal bakery specializes mainly in at least ten different types of bread and buns per store but also simple pastries. Here you will find, for example, the "Berliner", "Rosinenschnecken", marzipan croissants, simple cakes such as "Bienenstich" and strawberry or other fruit cakes you can see in this vid. These are run by a master baker. However, there are also "Konditoreien" which are specialized pastry shops that have special education for cakes, tarts and other fine confectionery. They can also sell bread and buns/rolls, but this is more of a side business here. These shops are managed by a master confectioner. Here you will find the best high quality cakes, tarts based on their training. Are these the best cakes in the world? A matter of opinion, there are very good tarts, cakes and sweets in Austria, France and also Italy, but the latter are often very sweet. This countries also have the profession of master confectioner and overall, there has been an intensive exchange of craftsmanship between these countries for decades. Konditoreien or pastry shops also often have a fine café attached just to enjoy the delicacies on the spot. Just the right place for "Kaffee und Kuchen" (coffee and cake), the German way of "tea time". ;) German bread - a world cultural heritage? In order to counteract the eradication of the German bread variety, the national UNESCO Commission included the German bread culture in the nationwide register of intangible cultural heritage in 2014 and thus declared it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is now protected, like e.g. yoga from India, the Argentine tango, the Pinisi boat building in Indonesia or the French food culture. There is no longer any EU guideline that can prevent the ingredients in German types of bread from being regulated, thereby allowing numerous different types to wither away into a uniform bread. The Bread Register is a unique archive of its kind. It is a recorded inventory of the entire variety of German bread. Today (as of 09/2019) 3,183 different types of bread are listed and thus officially recognized as bread specialties. Every artisan baker who is a member of a bakers' guild can enter all of their bread types and bread-baking miracles online in this bread register.
Hi Nalf! I am German and absolutely loved your videos. I actually agree with a lot of things you say about Germany. You really seem to understand us. But if it comes to Germans not being very open to strangers I have to say that it depends on the area. If you ever get to the Ruhr Area you'd be surprised how open people are. You happen to wait for a bus and people would start talking to you as if they've been knowing you for years. Abd: They even have a much stronger bluntness which even puzzles other Germans. Keep up your video presentations please! Stay healthy and take care!
As a German I also love my personal bubble and I hate it when people come to close. Especially in these Covid times. There are some situations where it is not avoidable and ok if like someone sneaks it front of me to get something out of the shelf I’m standing in front of at the store. But I hate it when people get so close while stand in line that I can feel their breath in my neck.
I live in Japan and whenever I visit Germany I put like 6 kilos of flour mix into my laptop bag on the way back home, because even the cheap supermarket mixes done in a breadmaker are better than 99% of the (darker) bread you get here in Japan - and lye pretzels I've seen only three times in 16 years!
Great tips, especially for an American visiting. I am an American service member that has lived in Germany and am actually on holiday visiting now. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend today’s Unicorn game and took a few seconds to say hello to your girlfriend, brother, and cousin in the stands. I told them that my family and I very much enjoy your channel, as it reminds us of the pleasures that we experienced living abroad. Thanks for what you do, and I hope that me stopping to let them know that I was a fan of yours wasn’t too awkward for them, especially since a couple of them were just visiting. Also, great game, as the Unicorns dominated the Razorbacks today. I wish for quick recoveries for you and your brother, as well as Cody, who had to leave today’s game early. Thanks again for the great content on the channel and inspiring my family and I to attend the game.
You have re-ignited my desire to learn German and move my family there. Keep the vlogs coming sir I appreciate it. Your energy and passion truly come through the screen.
If you wonder what life looks like for a family in Germany check out My Merry Messy Life and thr Black Forrest Family. Very informative and truly amazing videos.
Check out the TH-cam channel of the McFalls, who relocated to Germany in February 2021. „My messy Merry Life“ They have tons of videos of their experiences while settling down, finding a house/home, the process of registration and resident permit, schools for their four children and trips they took so far. A really great channel, even for me being a German. They have a very informative video about their decision making when finally choosing Germany and why. Of course, as a family it is a much bigger decision than for a single person like Nalf. Anyhow, all the Americans running their video channels of their new lives in Germany is fascinating for us Germans, to see our country through their eyes. It seems a lot of Americans discover Germany as a chance for a new, positive direction in their lives. And when you finalise your move: be sure that you keep an open mind. Europe is different, so many cultures and languages in a small area, but somehow very much alike! Looking forward to your videos about YOUR German adventure! Welcome!
Hi, I am German and I always say Excuse me when I am in the supermarket and I want something where somebody is standing at the moment. This is how I was raised by my parents, but not everybody is doing that. I live in a small village in Southern Bavaria and the next "city" is 8 kilometre away with about 13800 residents.
I've moved to Southern Bavaria not long ago myself (originally from Canada) and I have to say I really agree with him on this one! I don't think I have once heard anyone say "excuse me" or "sorry" at the grocery store for bumping into me or brushing against me to grab something from the aisle I'm in. I had found this strange and told my husband (who is Bavarian), and his response was that it's just not the norm to say sorry/excuse me here as much as it is in Canada! So now I've just learned not to take it personally! :)
@@RK-gz3yn I am very sorry that you are experiencing this in my country, because I really like living here and I would like people from other countries to feel comfortable here.
NALF in you ever run for German Chancellor I will vote for you. You are a great ambassador of German Culture and lifestyle. But you have to give Northern Germany a second chance. Good to have you here. 🇺🇲🇩🇪👍🍀🎈👋
@Germans telling you what to do regarding "the right thing" and "order": as a German I would say it very much depends on the region. All the examples NALF is giving here sound crass and unfamiliar to me but I heard them quite often from people living in the South, especially Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, sometimes Saxony and Thuringia, too. In general there's a pretty big mentality divide between the North and the South and also between East and West. So NALF tipps considering day to day behaviour are very valid but not universally applicable. The friendship thing, for example, is true throughout Germany, though! Hard shell, soft core. :-) And if you're a friend, count on us!
Thank you for your unbelievable friendly describing of the germans way of living. I see always the little smile around your eyes, that you know that you are speaking like a high professional diplomat! I love it to hear your kind words and to see the very hidden ironical smile. Great job!!!
My husband did his MBA and had an American professor, who was like, "Oh, we should be doing this joint project with my home university in the US, come up with a concept and send it to me..." Having had experience with the "flakiness" of Americans, a lot of the German and Austrian students were like "Uh huh", and the professor laughed and said he really means it. His first interaction of the kind was, that he invited German students and was shocked when they wrote to him with fixed plans months later. So now he knows... if you don't want them to come, don't invite them. (Ironically, the project didn't go anywhere... Flakiness reaffirmed. lol)
This is outstanding! I learned so much of this during my wonderful three years in Bavaria (1970-1973), but wish this information had proceeded our time in Germany. Thank you for your informative posts❣️
In Austria or Switzerland they can even seize your car and put it to auction or what else. The tickets are way higher than in Germany. But German Police can make you regret it as well, even seize the vehicle.... And they wear guns, but it's different to the US. But please, stick to the law.
Hereby, I grant you with a special honor: If you were my waiter, I would allow you to pour my Hefeweizen. Here in northern Germany, where Hefeweizen isn't that popular, too many waiters will unsually screw up the pouring, resulting in the whole glass filled with nothing but froth. Also, they don't know how to get the yeast residue from the bottom of the bottle. So, great job showing how it is actually done right 👍(even though you ended up a bit too caution on the froth side, but imo thats a minor issue)
I love that you reference Feli! I did my internship in Germany, in the Swabish area, so I also love that you mention it. Kuperzell-Bauersbach! A place where there was no public phone, but certainly was a cigarette machine. My German friend called it, Eine Platz wo der Fuchs guten nacht sagt zu die Haese! A place where the Fox says good night to the Hare. It was a wonderful experience. People might also want to watch videos from 'Easy German' - they are a lot of fun.
You left this German here a bit teary eyed. In making a traverl's guide, you even more so made such a beautiful hommage to my country and people. When you live in a place for your whole life, you tend to get blind to the positive things, and as it seems there are plenty I need to experience for myself as well. And even as a Ruhrpottkind: Yeah man! Spätzle!! Dreams are made of these! (Especially Käsespätzle, paired with Maultaschen. Mhhh!)
...about the speed limit.. in France you have 130 / 110 km/h on the Autobahn (Autoroute)...in Spain you have 120 K's on the Autovia and Autopista ...and you better respect it...for it can be very expensive....😁👍
Hey Nick, regarding the Autobahn tip, after about 20 years in Germany found out that when you pass an exit on the Autobahn, all speed limits and restrictions are off. The explanation is, that people entering the Autobahn at that point need to know what the valid restrictions are. So if they aren‘t repeated, they‘re gone! Yes Switzerland is very expensive, but the French are also quite strict and expensive. A couple of weeks ago I dropped by Schwäbisch Hall. It is as nice as it looks in you videos!
No, thats not correct, speed limits and restriction can only be liftet by a sign. If you are on the Autobahn, pass a speed limit sign and then a exit without the speed limit repeated, the speed limits is still activ for you, but not for one who enters the Autobahn at that point (but only if he dont know there is a speed limit on that section). Its kind of a greyzone/loop hole, and the police usually dont do speed controlls on that section, because they have to prove that you did pass the sign, on the other hand, the comunal wannabe sheriffs prefer such sections, because its a easy money grab and you have to prove that you didnt pass the sign, a good lawyer can easy turn down the ticket, but most people just pay. They also do "nice" things with communal Blitzer like 70....70....70 50 Blitzer 70...70.
@@wolf310ii To be germanly precise: you both are sort of correct and sort of wrong. The speed limit is lifted not after passing an exit, but after passing an _on-ramp_ ! Usually there's an on-ramp directly after every exit so that still kind of works except in weird circumstances. But the general rule is: every restriction that's not repeated after an "Einmündung" (which also includes cross-roads as well as on-ramps) is lifted.
I saw that Döner is taking a hold in the US: th-cam.com/video/gd8SJCpgAN4/w-d-xo.html Perhaps Oregon is likely to pick it up as being a little similar to Colorado?
Being German means that 1 hour after uploading your video you already have hundreds of comments of us Germans correcting your imprecise statements so that you probably have to re-record it 😂😂
concerning being blunt - for me it is a form of being polite and friendly. It shows that you are on good terms with the other person, that you can be open and speak your mind. I only sugarcoat things when I am talking to my boss or to people I do not know that well.
11:00 Any location that sells drinks is forced by law to offer a non-alcoholic alternative that is cheaper than the cheapest alcoholic drink. And since Softdrinks are more expensive this alternative is usually a non-carbonated water (“stilles Wasser”).
I lived 7 years in western Oregon and now Idaho after growing up in Germany (my Family is from Hall). You can make your own german bread super easy. We use a cast iron pan with lid. Key is to keep the moisture in and just bake it open for 10ish minutes at the end to get it crispy. My wife makes Bauernbrot 3 times a week (we’re 5) and it tastes just like from the Bakery. Lye is easy to get. You can even order it from Amazon. You buy the powder or pellets, mix it with water (the correct concentration is super important to be safe!!) Almost all “german style” Prezel I purchased in the US seem to use sugar in the dough. One of the best ones is from the german bakery downtown Portland but even this one has a hint of sugary taste that shouldn’t be there….
A few additional tips: - get a good pair of shoes, European cities are made for people and that means a lot of walking, even with good public transportation - be prepared to pay in cash and get a small coin purse for all the change you'll be collecting - Summer can be very hot in Germany and AC is uncommon, so it's a good idea to bring some short pants and t-shirts - and a rain coat, because it's also a time when thunderstorms can happen - the nine Euro ticket is for short-distance public transportation only - you can't use it for long-distance transportation like the IC or ICE trains - beer gardens... it's fine to bring your kids with you if you're travelling with a family
Nice job Nick. Your vids are very well done. My wife and I have been to Germany twice and loved it both times. So many things to see and do. The latest trip we worked on my ancestry. We really loved taking down my roots. Our only regret came on our first trip, we drove past a small town festival going on. We didn't stop to see the doings. We should have. I do brush up on my German before we go. The local do like it when someone does try to speak their language. Can't wait to come back. Don and Joanne
2:56 "Vielen Dank" actually is Thank you very much :) "Dankeschön" rather translates as "thank you" whereas "Danke" is the short form of this, just like "thanks"
Great video! I would add that cash is king in Germany and that credit cards aren't universally accepted. Also, change is needed to use many public toilets. From a traveling around perspective, pack light and use the smallest suitcase possible. It will make a huge difference getting on and off trains, walking cobblestone streets, and storing it in your small hotel room.
I really enjoy your videos I'm from Germany and it is very interesting and funny to hear what Americans think about our country and culture Looking forward to binge your content
Perfect topic only a few days before my trip to SH! I will make sure to keep all your advice in mind! ☺️ An extra 💖 for pointing out that the Wiener Schnitzel comes from my hometown, Vienna! Actually it’s originally veal, but as you correctly stated it can be made with pork, chicken or turkey. Looking forward to exploring the German vibes soon!
I find Spätzle too mushy and wet with Schnitzel, Pommes just seem perfect. But I guess done the right way Spätzle might be fine, because a sauce could fit to both, and I bet I had them already like that sometimes, maybe even once in Wien. (Pommes of course, to those who don't understand, refer to "Pommes de Terre" or "pommes" from Terra, from planet earth.)
@Nalf ... Even in German culture it is rude to bump into someone without saying "oh... I'm sorry", or to invade someone's space, and reach over to grab something out of a shelf from right behind, without saying.. Excuse me... I would like to grab something from here real quick (smile at them)... or a simple "...dürfte ich mal bitte dahin?... Danke! 🙂... which gives the other person the chance to step aside....and then after you did, you'd say thank you. 🙂 This is how I grew up with ... I pay attention to other people, which includes to hold a door open for the person behind me, and so on... even as a woman. But unfortunately there are too many without manners. 😕 Space in a German supermarket is limited also, because they aren't as big as Americans, plus people are more stressed out, because grocery shopping here IS STRESS!! 😅 That is a different reason why the bubble is a bit smaller over here.
With restaurants I think you missed two vital points: first, in germany you aren't expected to hurry up and can eat as slowly as you want to and hang out for hours, and secondly, when paying, the waiter will stay with you and either expect cash or get the machine for card payment, but they won't leave you like in the US (always confuses me a lot in the US and I don't know what to do, give me the bill and then just leaves...)
But they spy on you vigorously! You are supposed to put money at the bill, with a large tip. And as soon as you've done so. They race by and snatch it away! US restaurant manners are a totally different culture than anything seen in Europe. Only high class ones usually copy French ways in guest treatment.
Also, the tipping. I was outraged that in the US you are obliged to tip! I always considered that to be something reserved as an act of thankfulness for great service, not for paying the waiter their salary which is the duty of their employer 🤨
Also you don't usually have to wait to be seated by somebody, you just walk in and sit down where you want unless there is a 'Reserviert' sign on that table.
The butter pretzels are something else. I just tried them for the first time in Augsburg, and now I get it. I ate 3 of them. Last night I dreamt I was trying to find one where I live in NRW. The bakery person didn't know what I was talking about. It's true, they don't exist here.
I'm happy for you that you're getting a visit from family /friends.👍and thank you we love you too😊 PS. You forgot to mention that if a second cash register opens at the grocery store, a civil war will happen in the store 😂
Hi Nick, Greetings from Vantucky, WA. I'm really enjoying your videos. I would add one caveat for Americans driving the unlimited speed sections of the Autobahn. Moving from the right lane to the left is no trivial matter. When in the right lane and wanting to move to the left lane to pass, make double sure the left lane is clear a l-o-n-g way back before changing lanes. It's hard to judge in your mirror how fast a vehicle is approaching you. It might be a Porsche doing 225 kph (140 mph) while you feel you're really scooting along, but at a mere 145 kph (90 mph). Scary - been there. DH
Another (very) common street food is Bratwurst ("fried sausage"). It usually comes in a breadroll, so you can eat it right away. Ketchup is always available, but I would advise you to try it with mustard (that's the traditional way).
Yes, as a German I can agree in general with it. The social distance becomes even much closer, if you go to eastern Europe - Poland for example. Germans in Poland will feel like Americans in Germany.
Here's my tip if you are visiting the Radisson Blu in Belin and have a room over looking the courtyard - remember, if you sleep naked or are coming out of the shower, do not throw open the curtains - there are times when they use a scuba diver to clean the interior of the massive aquarium in the courtyard and they can be exactly on your level, regardless of the floor you are on - believe me - I did it!! LOL
Germany is sooo much more than Bavaria, the alps and the Black Forest. You'll find a difference in architecture from North to South, and each region is precious. For example the Baltic sea, or the North sea and its islands is stunning, but there is so much more in between to explore. 🙂 Best is to buy a travel guide sorted by German States. Then you'd find less touristy recommendations, or simply google a State. ☺️
Schwäbisch Hall is a very, very nice City! 🥰 Always good for a daytrip. (I live near to Nuremberg). Before Corona we watched the wonderful musical Jesus Christ Superstar and enjoyed some hours at the Würth-Museum. Perhaps you should tell people about the letters at the doors of toilets in restaurants. I remember a very funny situation (I worked as a student as a waitress in an italian restaurant), when an american guest asked for the toilet. He came back in two seconds and asked: D or H?
Usually a „Wiener Schnitzel“ is made out of calf, but when it's pork, it's called „Schnitzel Wiener Art“ (kinda „Schnitzel vienna style“ instead of „vienna schnitzel“
8:42 Furthermore, it is a rule to always drive on the right lane and only use the middle lane or left lane to pass slower cars. Passing on the right is forbidden and if the police sees you passing someone on their right you will get pulled over!
My hometown has a City Fest every summer and for a small town of about 40K, it is PACKED! People from all over the region flock there. There are many beer and wine stalls, food stalls, beer garden set ups and entertainment throughout the downtown area, it is amazing! If you ever come to the Palatinate or Saar region, you MUST try the Schwenkbraten, a regional specialty. It is so delicious. Too bad, I don't live there anymore.
No no no, most Germans speak only a little bit english, wich means communicating without problems in english, speaking very good english means speaking perfectly fluent without an akzent. Just go in the next "Fußgängerzone" and ask 100 Germans if they speak english, most will answer "a little bit" and still would be able to discuss the meaning of life with you in english
Hi Nalf! Okay i'm Austrian, despite we tend to differ considerably in some more or less important things, we can't deny some roots, Austrians and Germans share. Thank you for your information to the other side of the "Pond". And thanks for your really entertaining way to present things. This video was a blast to watch, thumbs up, feel yourself @home in Europe, and stay safe! From innsbruck Austria, a place definitely worth a visit too, at some point in time! Sincerely Günter "Gue" Arnold
I´m German, exactly from Augsburg/Bavaria. It´s really interesting to watch that from your perspective and a little funny ... even if you are right with most of your tips. (I was pulled over by the police (Polizei) and once by the customs (Zoll) but it happens much lesser times than gettimg "blitzed"^^)
Something to bear in mind (although it might be different since Brexit) is that if you drive in UK you get 3 endorsement points on your licence each time you get caught by a speed camera. This means if you drive to work at the same speed each day for a week you could have enough points to lose your licence.
3:21 Important do not use the term restroom when referring to a toilet. Some not so experienced AE speaker could mix that up easily with a kimd of relaxing room and will send you wherever. In a resto there are usually signs like "WC" or "Toilette"
Little clarification: The Autobahn has no speed limit by default. If there is no speed limit posted, you can go any speed you like... within reason. The sign shown in the video is used to undo previously posted speed limits and go back to the default. It is not required for the unlimited speed if there was no posted limit to start with. It should be noted that driving excessively fast can be considered reckless driving and is still illegal. You have to drive at a speed appropriate for the conditions, your car, and you skill level. If you get into an accident and you were going faster than 130 km/h, chances are high you will be found at least partially responsible. 130 km/h is the suggested speed on our motorways. It's not a limit, but you will almost automatically share a higher responsibility for any accidents if you exceed it.
Schnitzel WITH Spätzle sounds disgusting for me, being Austrian. Schnitzel is best with Kartoffelsalat, French fries or Bratkartoffel. Spätzle is perfect either with melted cheese (Käsespätzle) plus a fair heep of fried onion or when there is no cheese you want simple green salad with them. Austrians are also disgusted when Germans put sauces over the Schnitzel. Döner is not the healthiest thing? I guess it is one of the most healthy food you can get in Germany. It is just the white bread, which gets filled, that is not that healthy, but a Schnitzel or Spätzle or a Bratwurst are much less healthy than a Döner for sure. I will tour Germany and the Netherlands this year with my family and I’m really looking forward to it. We will visit places that are of historical interest, like the (rest of the) Brücke von Remagen, Osnabrück (Westfälischer Friede) Weimar and the Wartburg.
My Brazilian friend once said "The problem with you Germans is - when we invite you, you really come visit."😉
Yes, we do! This is serious business😂😂
Wtf i just now realized that the invitation i got from my south American friend might have not been a serious one. I feel hurt :(
@@liad0x Yes, there is the joke that you just should visit them when they invite you at least 3 times.😉
If it's for free, why not 😂
OMG, so they’re not serious about a first-time-invitation? 😅🥺
As an austrian I have to clarify something: proper "Wiener Schnitzel" is made out of veal (Kalbsschnitzel). Veal usually being more expensive causes most of the restaurants to offer the cheapest meat, pork. And please to not drown your Schnitzel in sauce. Just have some Erdäpfelsalat on the side. Or some Bratkartoffel. But on the other side, food and tastes are subjective: eat what you like however you like to. Enjoy!
wanted to comment that as well. actually pork schnitzel should be legally advertised as "Schnitzel Wiener Art" (Schnitzel Vienna style), but most restaurant don't obey the law here unfortunately. Sorry Marcus for what we Piefkes do to your great dish.
Hallo Marcus, danke für Deinen Kommentar! Ich bin zwar aus dem Westen aber viel herum gekommen in Europa. Ich finde den Unterscheid zwischen Wienerschnitzel, und Huhn/Pute- oder Schweinsschnitzel "nach wiener Art! wichtig, denn nur Wiener ist Wiener! Freundliche Grüße aus Tir3ol.
And on another note, schnitzel isn't a German dish. It's a French dish that spread to Italy...from Italy to Austria and the Austrians introduced it to Germany.
Another very important rule about the Autobahn: NEVER pass another car on the right side. This is prohibited in Germany. You always have to pass on the left and then immediatly go back to the center or right lane, depending on your speed. Always use indicators when you change lanes. And PLEASE don't use the Autobahn as a race track, that's very dangerous for yourself and for other people. The higher speed on the highway is "paid for" with adherence to the rules and responsible driving. When you drive on the Autobahn, you really have to concentrate on the driving. It's not like in the US where you just drive for hundreds miles in a straight line at sluggish 100 km/h (or even less) and are able to eat something etc.
Also, driving in Germany in general: we have the "right before left"-rule. If you are at a cross road and there are no lights ir signs to indicate the right of way, the person coming from your right side always goes first.
Ok, but I would never eat food whilst driving at 100km an hour, I have done it at 60km..
Yeah, i would like to add that even if you are allowed to drive as fast as you want, when the Autobahn is to crowded, you should hold back and drive at a reasonable speed. Most people don't drive faster than 140, and LKWs drive 80-90. You always need to consider the high speed diffrence. Especially when a "Elefantenrennen" (elephant race, LKWs overtaking each other) is occuring.
" NEVER pass another car on the right side" I dont agree with the word "never" here, you can pass on the right if there is a traffic jam on both lanes or only on the left lane when the speed drops below 60 km/h. Quite a few moments where more and more people got into the left lane and they had to drasticly lower their speed even though the right lane was free for a few hundred meters.
This^^^
Also, there's a kind of vague rule about your maximum speed: Only drive as fast as your abilities let you. If you crash with 200kph, manage to survive and it's being found that you didn't cause the crash, you still can be held partially accountable if the court thinks that your speed was above what your abilities would allow you. You can ofc appeal these rulings, but good luck doing so after you're back home vacation from wherever you are...
Also: no overtaking on the right side. Good luck getting your drivers licence back.
The first time I went to Germany I saw, as soon as I got off the plane, trash receptacles with separate bins for recyclables (divided into paper and glass), compostables, and trash. I wanted to high five everyone in sight and congratulate Germany on being awesome. I wish Americans could learn to care this much 💚
yeah. thanks for mentioning that Johanna. I had 2 trips to Texas to meet with Friends and Family. been from galveston to Austin,Houstin,Dallas avery big city and sourroundings. I never in my Life seen for example Couches in rivers or so much trash in general. it made me haertbroken cause i wanted to travel there and stay there in my younger age. since then i have gotten the feelings americans dont care about theyre nature or waters
@@andrealt9261 It's a constant struggle for those of us who do care. I remember being struck by the absence of garbage on the roadsides throughout Germany, because in the US it's so normal I hardly notice it. When I do, of course it infuriates me. I just don't understand it! Many conservative Americans seem to think that protecting the environment and stewarding the economy are mutually exclusive, but of course they haven't considered Germany, which is excelling at both. I'm not sure if you traveled elsewhere in the US, but states like Oregon and California, while not perfect, have more considered environmental initiatives and more general awareness and concern than places like Texas and the whole southeast. Heaven help us.
@@sadiedavenport just saw what John Oliver had to say about water and water rights in the US. Holy sh!t.
Visiting St. Louis this year, I was shocked to see a garbage system with two openings: Landfill and Recycling. I love that they were honest about the landfill part, but what kind of recycling do they mean? Maybe someone sorts it all by hand later?
@@sisuguillam5109 I haven't watched it yet. But I'm sure it's going to be stressful
As a German I love to watch videos of people appreciating the little things of my country haha
It helps to keep one's perspective and not take things for granted all that easily, doesn't it?
me too. I always thought the world hates Germany but to hear them enjoy and appreciate the little things that are so familiar to me is really great
Maybe you should prepare US folks for the fact that there is indeed an Autobahnpolizei. And they are not driving the usual blue and white vehicles, they have 'civilian' cars, usually strongly motorized ones like Porsches, Mercedes, BMWs or Audis. And when you fool around on the Autobahn, they'll follow you for a while, record your behaviour and measure your speed. Then they will set their car in front of yours, flash a "Follow me" sign and guide you to the next "Rastplatz". Anyone should know that when that happens, a serious conversation, followed by a painfully high fine will ensue.
I love how Nalf always is like: "The public Transportation in Germany is great"
Meanwhile german TH-camrs:"Warum das Deutsche Bahnsystem so schlecht ist"
Translated: Why the German Trainsystem is that bad
before privatisation, it was absolutely excellent, after that, it became worse, but compared to other countries (especially the US), it's still phenomenal :)
It is that good compared to the US.
It's only good compared to countries like the US. in fact it's pretty bad. Every other European country is much better in that.
@@huawafabe I have to disagree on that one, the train system sucked before it was privatised as well but I feel like since other providers for transportation other that DB have popped up in recent years the service has actually improved.
At least in some areas. Extremely rural areas that had their rail lines shut down because maintaining them for a dozen passengers a day just wasn't financially feasible still lack access to public transportation.
Because Germans are always complaining. It's a popular sport.
Das ist ja eine regelrechte Liebeserklärung an mein Land! Danke!
You really are a phenomenal ambassador for our country! Thanks for reminding us how fortunate we are to live here - puts all the moaning and complaints into perspective :)
But he does also a great work as an ambassador of the USA. Definitely better than the last official one (Donalds butt-plug).
Germany is a wonderful country with wonderful people who care about their homeland. I love going there. Was just in Frankfurt area. 4th time in 60 days
@@comsartoo1722 You have to much money i guess 🤣🤣 But welcome to Germany 🤙
too much...don't think so but - Danke!
Lufthansa should hire you to make an introductory video for every flight coming into Germany.
👍
Sehr gute Idee! Die zuständige Abteilung lässt sich rausfinden.
With a test at the end. Those who fail get dumped into the Atlantic.
Definitely.
That's a great idea. I should have watched this first time I went to Germany
You gotta love this. Some Dude is making a guide for germany.
90% of the viewers will be german and watch to see if there is something to improve. 🤣
This video and the comments is just germany in a nutshell.
And of course we watch to see if we knew everything or if there is something new to learn about the country we live in. 😂
You gotta love this country once you understood how it works. 🤩
Props to you nalf, Döner, Bakery, Barbecue, Beer and Beergarden. Are basically the pillars my life is built on.
Now you made me really homesick
If you like blunt honesty, visit the Netherlands.
And don't forget all the castles and museums ;-)
Me, 51 year old German, hm I Watch this. Lets See, if he gets it 😂 He does. Proud. You are one of us, you just don’t Know yet. You are Germanized and Will Never Get rid of us.
The one specific thing - ONE - I would be adamant about adding: Please don't just visit the south. So so so many people, especially Americans, seem to favor the South, probably because the occupation zone was in the South, but cultures within Germany are incredibly distinct from one another and it's doing the country a disservice to say you've visited and know German culture now, but only toured the South. There are incredible places all over the country that are 100 % worth visiting and, depending on personal tastes, more than places in the South even. And I feel like people watching this channel probably know this.. but just in case people from outside the Nalf community do use this as a guide. That being said, thanks for the guide, I enjoyed watching it a lot and think it's a very good one!
Agreed. There really seems to be a south-centric bias towards Germany. I hardly ever see videos praising or even mentioning northern german features. Eastern Germany outside of say Berlin or maybe Dresden doesn't seem to exist in the average american tourist's mind. There's so much to visit in north Germany, lots of castles (not on hills/mountain, but still), the wadden sea on the north sea coast, the literally thousand lakes in Mecklenburg-Westpomerania, the island of Rügen with it's beautiful landscape (chalk rocks etc) and the Störtebeker Festival etc pp., lots of cities with rich history and a distinctly different food culture and architectural style than the south.
I would love to watch more videos on this part of Germany.
Don't visit the North. It's always cold and rainy there.
@@eily_b 🙄 not true and even if it is raining the North is truly lovely.
The Black Forrest Family, Our Story to tell, and Lauren in Germany have made lovely videos up north. 🙂
Actually more people visit northern cities every year, but I’m not sure about Americans specifically.
Great video! Just a few clarifications (I'm German...): 7:51: the sign says all previous restrictions are canceled - if there were no previous restrictions, you're still good to go even without the sign. Wiener Schnitzel has to be made of veal; otherwise, it's Schnitzel Wiener Art (schnitzel Vienna style) or something to that effect. Kölsch is an ale kind of beer, upper fermentation, but fermented at a comparatively low temperature. Not many Germans outside the Cologne area appreciate it. If you do not want a refill, place the coaster on top of your glass.
Meise? bist du das?
Gut gesagt, wollte gerade das gleiche schreiben, danke, daß du mir die Arbeit abgenommen hast :P
Never ever order a Kölsch in Düsseldorf!
@@markusoberndorfer4634 And never ask for an Altbier in Köln!
My Austrian Soul was screeming VEEEAAAL when he said, Wiener Schnitzle is made with prok...
Summer in Germany is very short and electricity is very expensive compared to America. I think that's why AC will never catch on in Germany.
I feel like Rouladen dont get enough love for what they are. In case you havent had Rouladen so far. I would recommend. Not the Kohlrouladen, which is also great, but i mean the classic beef rouladen. I might be biased, but i still wanted to suggest it.
Also my favourite dish, and yes, Rindsrouladen deserve a lot more attention.
I second this ! One of my favourite dishes. They easily make my Top 5
Kohlrouladen made with Wirsing are the best - to me.
Sooooooooooooooooooo good
Sauerbraten!
As a German I felt caught with some of your descriptions. I actually do get out my planner if I meet someone and we decide to go for a coffee together and most of the time the coffee date does actually take place. Also that people get close to you in the supermarket is true, but they would not push you aside or be rude in the way you described it, at least not in Bavaria. That never happened to me in all me 35 years of living here.
Great tips 👍 but 😊 Currywurst ist not a simply a Wurst and Ketschup. Most Currywurstbuden take great pride in creating their own sauce, which , yes, is Tomato based but slow cooked with a lot of spices. Just saying 😄
It is a Since for itself to create a good sauce ;)
But in reality, the easier way for some not that good working guys is, to use ketchup and curry powder ;) Once you have tasted both, you can smell the difference.
But please, do not thing, even if some guys in Germany are saying so, the the Currywurst from VW is that good. it is, but not that good that someone needs to travel to Germany ;)
I think, if visitors are in the area around Wolfsburg at the time from may to june, aspargus with potatos and Schnitzel will also be a better descision ;)
Sounds delicious.
One of the most important rule on the Autobahn is: NEVER NEVER NEVER pass another car on the right side. The only exception to this would be traffic jams.
There is a law, that you are allowed to pass a car on the right if it is going maximum 60kmh, the you are allowed with a slightly higher speed (max. 20kmh more)
Your intensity when talking about German baked goods is entertaining. That said, I used to work for a company in Ann Arbor, MI, that uses lye to make pretzels the traditional way. It's not illegal to use it in the USA, and it does make delicious pretzels.
true, and Nalf doesn't seem to be very much into the whole grain stuff....maybe too healthy ?
True, my german friends worked for Mercedes in Tuscaloosa,AL for 2 years and missed the baked goods very much. But they managed to buy lye and made their own pretzels at home!
Yeah, this makes me laugh so much. As an Austrian, with a fairly negative view on German baked goods, his high praise is just funny to me. He seems to only love the Laugen-stuff, when there are so many other good things, wholewheat Krustenbrot, Sonnenbrot with sunflower seeds, Nussbrot, with walnuts...
*Brezel
@@thirstwithoutborders995 Austrians really have a fairly negative view on German baked goods? Would never have thought. Also I the question "why" comes into my mind, when for me it is clear that the variety in German is much higher than in Austria.
For the food I would always recommend local dishes. Spätzle and Butterbrezn are more common in southern germany.
If you visit nothern germany you maybe would have less problems with the personal bubble. Even if I am from munich and love my region germany is not only the alps and the black forest.
Black Forrest Family and others recently made lovely lovely lovely videos in the North where you can see some of the food the North has to offer.
Und jetzt hab' ich Hunger.
"If you visit nothern germany you maybe would have less problems with the personal bubble"
But then please skip the middle, at least the western part. I originated from Nordrhein-Westfalen and the people were shocked how I could move to Baden-Württemberg because the people are "sooo uptight". Want to say.. in NRW, your personal bubble is even much smaller but then it expands very much again if you approach the coast.
Well, theres less people on the coast, so more space I guess xD
Well, theres less people on the coast, so more space I guess xD
Yes, you have to go to the north.
Maybe the Phrase: " They will blitz you" is a bit weird, especially for french people 😬
but if he said "they will flash you" i would have thougt The Flash will run by to stop me 🤣
also why is it weird for the french?
or Polish
@@DisturbedFox137 the 'Blitzkrieg' was the German force that swept through France in WWII
@@DisturbedFox137 and english person would think that someone would show their naked form.
12:48 slight correction here "Wiener Schnitzel" is exclusively made from veal. If its not veal its not Wiener schnitzel but it might be "Wiener Art" ~ Vienner Style.
You are right, but even in Austria or Vienna if you order a Wiener Schnitzel it is 99 out of 100 pork. Veal is far too expensive and you find it rarely on the menu. I am Austrian and I know that for sure.
@@herb6677 I am Bavarian and here if it is "Wiener Schnitzel" on the Menu then it is veal. People will complain if its not. "Wiener Art" on the other hand might be anything.
@@noway2451 Same in the Rhineland :)
Damn good summary for visitors who can tell you've been living in Germany for a while. Very good.
One tip for if you want to have some small talk with a German: Do it somewhere where you can be reasonably sure they WANT to be, like in a cafe or park, or in a beer garden. Don't expect much small talk in the grocery store unless you already know each other, because going to the grocery store is just a chore that needs to be done and we'd prefer to get it over with.
I never go shopping or buying stuff with my parents or even sister. 😆
I don't want to look around about thinks, where I can do something else or do something at home. Otherwise, when I go to an shop they always want to speeding me up and that everyone hates. So yea, I would only speak with friends or when someone had an small question. Nothing more!
Yea I kinda hate going to the store in us especially with people like my mom she talks way to much. And look around to much. I'm the type to go in and get what I needed and go. Where as people in my family will be in there for hours sometimes.
@@tictacmoe6227 Yep, my Mum is the same here in Australia, it's also a woman thing, they see shopping differently to men and are more chatty with the staff.
Not entirely true. In Berlin, for example, you might have small talk in the grocery store. At least it used to be like that, but it changed over time.
@@iggyblitz8739 I'm a woman and I hate shopping. I like to get everything quickly and leave. And supermarkets make me depressed.
But I agree, many more women indeed like shopping more than men do. Unless men are in their hobby stores. I like to spend some extra time checking out new gadgets and technology stuff without buying them, on the other hand. In contrast, shopping for shoes would be like the worst shopping I could ever do, so I just wear shoes until they tear apart completely LMAO.
All this rant, just to say people are different...
About bakeries:
Just to deepen the information about bread, cakes and bakeries. In Germany there are two types of bakeries. The first, normal bakery specializes mainly in at least ten different types of bread and buns per store but also simple pastries. Here you will find, for example, the "Berliner", "Rosinenschnecken", marzipan croissants, simple cakes such as "Bienenstich" and strawberry or other fruit cakes you can see in this vid. These are run by a master baker.
However, there are also "Konditoreien" which are specialized pastry shops that have special education for cakes, tarts and other fine confectionery. They can also sell bread and buns/rolls, but this is more of a side business here. These shops are managed by a master confectioner. Here you will find the best high quality cakes, tarts based on their training. Are these the best cakes in the world? A matter of opinion, there are very good tarts, cakes and sweets in Austria, France and also Italy, but the latter are often very sweet. This countries also have the profession of master confectioner and overall, there has been an intensive exchange of craftsmanship between these countries for decades. Konditoreien or pastry shops also often have a fine café attached just to enjoy the delicacies on the spot. Just the right place for "Kaffee und Kuchen" (coffee and cake), the German way of "tea time". ;)
German bread - a world cultural heritage?
In order to counteract the eradication of the German bread variety, the national UNESCO Commission included the German bread culture in the nationwide register of intangible cultural heritage in 2014 and thus declared it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is now protected, like e.g. yoga from India, the Argentine tango, the Pinisi boat building in Indonesia or the French food culture. There is no longer any EU guideline that can prevent the ingredients in German types of bread from being regulated, thereby allowing numerous different types to wither away into a uniform bread.
The Bread Register is a unique archive of its kind. It is a recorded inventory of the entire variety of German bread. Today (as of 09/2019) 3,183 different types of bread are listed and thus officially recognized as bread specialties. Every artisan baker who is a member of a bakers' guild can enter all of their bread types and bread-baking miracles online in this bread register.
Hi Nalf! I am German and absolutely loved your videos. I actually agree with a lot of things you say about Germany. You really seem to understand us. But if it comes to Germans not being very open to strangers I have to say that it depends on the area. If you ever get to the Ruhr Area you'd be surprised how open people are. You happen to wait for a bus and people would start talking to you as if they've been knowing you for years. Abd: They even have a much stronger bluntness which even puzzles other Germans. Keep up your video presentations please! Stay healthy and take care!
Yes! Schwäbisch Hall? Swabians only like and talk to people they know for 20 years 😮
As a German I also love my personal bubble and I hate it when people come to close. Especially in these Covid times.
There are some situations where it is not avoidable and ok if like someone sneaks it front of me to get something out of the shelf I’m standing in front of at the store. But I hate it when people get so close while stand in line that I can feel their breath in my neck.
Because you are selfish and too much occupied with yourselves
That is arrogance to think higher of oneself than the other!!
Funny that Fenster on Kipp is such a special feature for Americans...
I live in Japan and whenever I visit Germany I put like 6 kilos of flour mix into my laptop bag on the way back home, because even the cheap supermarket mixes done in a breadmaker are better than 99% of the (darker) bread you get here in Japan - and lye pretzels I've seen only three times in 16 years!
Great tips, especially for an American visiting. I am an American service member that has lived in Germany and am actually on holiday visiting now. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend today’s Unicorn game and took a few seconds to say hello to your girlfriend, brother, and cousin in the stands. I told them that my family and I very much enjoy your channel, as it reminds us of the pleasures that we experienced living abroad. Thanks for what you do, and I hope that me stopping to let them know that I was a fan of yours wasn’t too awkward for them, especially since a couple of them were just visiting. Also, great game, as the Unicorns dominated the Razorbacks today. I wish for quick recoveries for you and your brother, as well as Cody, who had to leave today’s game early. Thanks again for the great content on the channel and inspiring my family and I to attend the game.
You have re-ignited my desire to learn German and move my family there. Keep the vlogs coming sir I appreciate it. Your energy and passion truly come through the screen.
If you wonder what life looks like for a family in Germany check out My Merry Messy Life and thr Black Forrest Family.
Very informative and truly amazing videos.
Check out the TH-cam channel of the McFalls, who relocated to Germany in February 2021. „My messy Merry Life“ They have tons of videos of their experiences while settling down, finding a house/home, the process of registration and resident permit, schools for their four children and trips they took so far. A really great channel, even for me being a German. They have a very informative video about their decision making when finally choosing Germany and why. Of course, as a family it is a much bigger decision than for a single person like Nalf.
Anyhow, all the Americans running their video channels of their new lives in Germany is fascinating for us Germans, to see our country through their eyes. It seems a lot of Americans discover Germany as a chance for a new, positive direction in their lives.
And when you finalise your move: be sure that you keep an open mind. Europe is different, so many cultures and languages in a small area, but somehow very much alike!
Looking forward to your videos about YOUR German adventure! Welcome!
Hi, I am German and I always say Excuse me when I am in the supermarket and I want something where somebody is standing at the moment. This is how I was raised by my parents, but not everybody is doing that. I live in a small village in Southern Bavaria and the next "city" is 8 kilometre away with about 13800 residents.
I've moved to Southern Bavaria not long ago myself (originally from Canada) and I have to say I really agree with him on this one! I don't think I have once heard anyone say "excuse me" or "sorry" at the grocery store for bumping into me or brushing against me to grab something from the aisle I'm in. I had found this strange and told my husband (who is Bavarian), and his response was that it's just not the norm to say sorry/excuse me here as much as it is in Canada! So now I've just learned not to take it personally! :)
@@RK-gz3yn I am very sorry that you are experiencing this in my country, because I really like living here and I would like people from other countries to feel comfortable here.
NALF in you ever run for German Chancellor I will vote for you. You are a great ambassador of German Culture and lifestyle. But you have to give Northern Germany a second chance.
Good to have you here. 🇺🇲🇩🇪👍🍀🎈👋
Thank you, as a german i often forget about the beauty of this country.
We use lye for bagels and pretzels in New York! Maybe not on the West Coast.
@Germans telling you what to do regarding "the right thing" and "order": as a German I would say it very much depends on the region. All the examples NALF is giving here sound crass and unfamiliar to me but I heard them quite often from people living in the South, especially Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, sometimes Saxony and Thuringia, too.
In general there's a pretty big mentality divide between the North and the South and also between East and West.
So NALF tipps considering day to day behaviour are very valid but not universally applicable.
The friendship thing, for example, is true throughout Germany, though! Hard shell, soft core. :-) And if you're a friend, count on us!
Thank you for your unbelievable friendly describing of the germans way of living. I see always the little smile around your eyes, that you know that you are speaking like a high professional diplomat! I love it to hear your kind words and to see the very hidden ironical smile. Great job!!!
You truly revealed Nalf's secret. Great.
My husband did his MBA and had an American professor, who was like, "Oh, we should be doing this joint project with my home university in the US, come up with a concept and send it to me..." Having had experience with the "flakiness" of Americans, a lot of the German and Austrian students were like "Uh huh", and the professor laughed and said he really means it. His first interaction of the kind was, that he invited German students and was shocked when they wrote to him with fixed plans months later. So now he knows... if you don't want them to come, don't invite them.
(Ironically, the project didn't go anywhere... Flakiness reaffirmed. lol)
This is outstanding!
I learned so much of this during my wonderful three years in Bavaria (1970-1973), but wish this information had proceeded our time in Germany. Thank you for your informative posts❣️
In Austria or Switzerland they can even seize your car and put it to auction or what else. The tickets are way higher than in Germany. But German Police can make you regret it as well, even seize the vehicle.... And they wear guns, but it's different to the US. But please, stick to the law.
Visiting Germany next month, so the timing of this video was perfect!
Not mentioned but definitely nice to know.. Most public restrooms request you to pay a small amount of money… usually cash :)
Hereby, I grant you with a special honor: If you were my waiter, I would allow you to pour my Hefeweizen. Here in northern Germany, where Hefeweizen isn't that popular, too many waiters will unsually screw up the pouring, resulting in the whole glass filled with nothing but froth. Also, they don't know how to get the yeast residue from the bottom of the bottle. So, great job showing how it is actually done right 👍(even though you ended up a bit too caution on the froth side, but imo thats a minor issue)
And never forget to rinse the glass! When you pour the beer in slowly and carefully, the foam will never rise too much in a wet glass.
I love that you reference Feli! I did my internship in Germany, in the Swabish area, so I also love that you mention it. Kuperzell-Bauersbach! A place where there was no public phone, but certainly was a cigarette machine. My German friend called it, Eine Platz wo der Fuchs guten nacht sagt zu die Haese! A place where the Fox says good night to the Hare. It was a wonderful experience. People might also want to watch videos from 'Easy German' - they are a lot of fun.
I watch easy german also. They do a great job introducing us Americans to germans & germany. I knew from them that the Germans are great people.
Me, a German, just learned that it's not common to be able to put the window "auf Kipp" in other countries.
It is not necessarily common to be able to open the windows at all. :D
Nope, Ireland uses windows that you push out rather than pull towards you
You left this German here a bit teary eyed. In making a traverl's guide, you even more so made such a beautiful hommage to my country and people. When you live in a place for your whole life, you tend to get blind to the positive things, and as it seems there are plenty I need to experience for myself as well. And even as a Ruhrpottkind: Yeah man! Spätzle!! Dreams are made of these! (Especially Käsespätzle, paired with Maultaschen. Mhhh!)
22:14 Never say that to a german we will show up on your doorstep and expect at least a couch to crash on.😂
...about the speed limit..
in France you have 130 / 110 km/h on the Autobahn (Autoroute)...in Spain you have 120 K's on the Autovia and Autopista ...and you better respect it...for it can be very expensive....😁👍
Hey Nick, regarding the Autobahn tip, after about 20 years in Germany found out that when you pass an exit on the Autobahn, all speed limits and restrictions are off. The explanation is, that people entering the Autobahn at that point need to know what the valid restrictions are. So if they aren‘t repeated, they‘re gone! Yes Switzerland is very expensive, but the French are also quite strict and expensive. A couple of weeks ago I dropped by Schwäbisch Hall. It is as nice as it looks in you videos!
I was there today and it looks even nicer in person than in the videos
No, thats not correct, speed limits and restriction can only be liftet by a sign.
If you are on the Autobahn, pass a speed limit sign and then a exit without the speed limit repeated, the speed limits is still activ for you, but not for one who enters the Autobahn at that point (but only if he dont know there is a speed limit on that section).
Its kind of a greyzone/loop hole, and the police usually dont do speed controlls on that section, because they have to prove that you did pass the sign, on the other hand, the comunal wannabe sheriffs prefer such sections, because its a easy money grab and you have to prove that you didnt pass the sign, a good lawyer can easy turn down the ticket, but most people just pay.
They also do "nice" things with communal Blitzer like 70....70....70 50 Blitzer 70...70.
@@wolf310ii To be germanly precise: you both are sort of correct and sort of wrong. The speed limit is lifted not after passing an exit, but after passing an _on-ramp_ ! Usually there's an on-ramp directly after every exit so that still kind of works except in weird circumstances.
But the general rule is: every restriction that's not repeated after an "Einmündung" (which also includes cross-roads as well as on-ramps) is lifted.
I saw that Döner is taking a hold in the US: th-cam.com/video/gd8SJCpgAN4/w-d-xo.html Perhaps Oregon is likely to pick it up as being a little similar to Colorado?
Being German means that 1 hour after uploading your video you already have hundreds of comments of us Germans correcting your imprecise statements so that you probably have to re-record it 😂😂
agree! xD
Yeah, we're pretty good at being German 😆
@@annebananne6835 *~Die Deutsche Qualität~*
German in titel means " ZUGRIFF "
We’re so embarrassing 🤣
concerning being blunt - for me it is a form of being polite and friendly. It shows that you are on good terms with the other person, that you can be open and speak your mind. I only sugarcoat things when I am talking to my boss or to people I do not know that well.
11:00 Any location that sells drinks is forced by law to offer a non-alcoholic alternative that is cheaper than the cheapest alcoholic drink. And since Softdrinks are more expensive this alternative is usually a non-carbonated water (“stilles Wasser”).
Hh
4:19 actually you can get those in Germany too. 4 or 5 star hotels usually have those big beds
I lived 7 years in western Oregon and now Idaho after growing up in Germany (my Family is from Hall). You can make your own german bread super easy. We use a cast iron pan with lid. Key is to keep the moisture in and just bake it open for 10ish minutes at the end to get it crispy. My wife makes Bauernbrot 3 times a week (we’re 5) and it tastes just like from the Bakery.
Lye is easy to get. You can even order it from Amazon. You buy the powder or pellets, mix it with water (the correct concentration is super important to be safe!!) Almost all “german style” Prezel I purchased in the US seem to use sugar in the dough. One of the best ones is from the german bakery downtown Portland but even this one has a hint of sugary taste that shouldn’t be there….
A few additional tips:
- get a good pair of shoes, European cities are made for people and that means a lot of walking, even with good public transportation
- be prepared to pay in cash and get a small coin purse for all the change you'll be collecting
- Summer can be very hot in Germany and AC is uncommon, so it's a good idea to bring some short pants and t-shirts - and a rain coat, because it's also a time when thunderstorms can happen
- the nine Euro ticket is for short-distance public transportation only - you can't use it for long-distance transportation like the IC or ICE trains
- beer gardens... it's fine to bring your kids with you if you're travelling with a family
Nice job Nick. Your vids are very well done. My wife and I have been to Germany twice and loved it both times. So many things to see and do. The latest trip we worked on my ancestry. We really loved taking down my roots. Our only regret came on our first trip, we drove past a small town festival going on. We didn't stop to see the doings. We should have. I do brush up on my German before we go. The local do like it when someone does try to speak their language. Can't wait to come back. Don and Joanne
Never had a Butterbrezel - but let's talk about Franzbrötchen ;)
Germany loves you, too 🙂👍
LOL; greetings from black forrest, fantastic video (-:
2:56 "Vielen Dank" actually is Thank you very much :) "Dankeschön" rather translates as "thank you" whereas "Danke" is the short form of this, just like "thanks"
Thank you. And thanks.
Great video! I would add that cash is king in Germany and that credit cards aren't universally accepted. Also, change is needed to use many public toilets.
From a traveling around perspective, pack light and use the smallest suitcase possible. It will make a huge difference getting on and off trains, walking cobblestone streets, and storing it in your small hotel room.
You can pay everywhere with credit cards. Even in the smallest bakery since Covid
@@profienlb1991 Good to know things are changing. My last visit was well before COVID.
@@profienlb1991 not where I live. Maybe with your Bank card, but not credit card.
@@sisuguillam5109 yes with CB Visa or MasterCard. I went to Freiburg in January, could pay every thing with my Visa CB
@@brigittelacour5055 wow. Maybe because Freiburg has a lot of students and even more tourists as my area?
I really enjoy your videos
I'm from Germany and it is very interesting and funny to hear what Americans think about our country and culture
Looking forward to binge your content
Perfect topic only a few days before my trip to SH! I will make sure to keep all your advice in mind! ☺️ An extra 💖 for pointing out that the Wiener Schnitzel comes from my hometown, Vienna! Actually it’s originally veal, but as you correctly stated it can be made with pork, chicken or turkey. Looking forward to exploring the German vibes soon!
Looking forward to the meeting! It will be funny to meet all the people in person who you only knew from the internet. See you!
Be sure to post pictures in our Discord room, all y'all.
Did you forget the Sunday? I think that’s important.
I love the Sunday with closed stores.
As an Austrian shouted out loud when Nalf said "I reccomend Spätzle to go with you Schnitzel".
I find Spätzle too mushy and wet with Schnitzel, Pommes just seem perfect. But I guess done the right way Spätzle might be fine, because a sauce could fit to both, and I bet I had them already like that sometimes, maybe even once in Wien. (Pommes of course, to those who don't understand, refer to "Pommes de Terre" or "pommes" from Terra, from planet earth.)
@Nalf ... Even in German culture it is rude to bump into someone without saying "oh... I'm sorry", or to invade someone's space, and reach over to grab something out of a shelf from right behind, without saying.. Excuse me... I would like to grab something from here real quick (smile at them)... or a simple "...dürfte ich mal bitte dahin?... Danke! 🙂... which gives the other person the chance to step aside....and then after you did, you'd say thank you. 🙂
This is how I grew up with ... I pay attention to other people, which includes to hold a door open for the person behind me, and so on... even as a woman. But unfortunately there are too many without manners. 😕
Space in a German supermarket is limited also, because they aren't as big as Americans, plus people are more stressed out, because grocery shopping here IS STRESS!! 😅 That is a different reason why the bubble is a bit smaller over here.
With restaurants I think you missed two vital points: first, in germany you aren't expected to hurry up and can eat as slowly as you want to and hang out for hours, and secondly, when paying, the waiter will stay with you and either expect cash or get the machine for card payment, but they won't leave you like in the US (always confuses me a lot in the US and I don't know what to do, give me the bill and then just leaves...)
But they spy on you vigorously! You are supposed to put money at the bill, with a large tip. And as soon as you've done so. They race by and snatch it away! US restaurant manners are a totally different culture than anything seen in Europe. Only high class ones usually copy French ways in guest treatment.
Good points!
Also, the tipping. I was outraged that in the US you are obliged to tip! I always considered that to be something reserved as an act of thankfulness for great service, not for paying the waiter their salary which is the duty of their employer 🤨
@@adrena7321 In Europe a tip is a compliment after a joyful meal and good service.
Anything else should be included in the bill.
Also you don't usually have to wait to be seated by somebody, you just walk in and sit down where you want unless there is a 'Reserviert' sign on that table.
The butter pretzels are something else. I just tried them for the first time in Augsburg, and now I get it. I ate 3 of them. Last night I dreamt I was trying to find one where I live in NRW. The bakery person didn't know what I was talking about. It's true, they don't exist here.
I'm happy for you that you're getting a visit from family /friends.👍and thank you we love you too😊 PS.
You forgot to mention that if a second cash register opens at the grocery store, a civil war will happen in the store 😂
Hi Nick, Greetings from Vantucky, WA. I'm really enjoying your videos.
I would add one caveat for Americans driving the unlimited speed sections of the Autobahn. Moving from the right lane to the left is no trivial matter. When in the right lane and wanting to move to the left lane to pass, make double sure the left lane is clear a l-o-n-g way back before changing lanes. It's hard to judge in your mirror how fast a vehicle is approaching you. It might be a Porsche doing 225 kph (140 mph) while you feel you're really scooting along, but at a mere 145 kph (90 mph). Scary - been there. DH
Another (very) common street food is Bratwurst ("fried sausage"). It usually comes in a breadroll, so you can eat it right away. Ketchup is always available, but I would advise you to try it with mustard (that's the traditional way).
Thuringian Bratwurst with bread roll and mustard ist the best thing ever!
Such a kind and mostly accurate description of german people, its honestly really refreshing.
Thank you for this, guess living here is not so bad. Outside perspective increasing the appreciation for your home country and all that... 😉💚
Yes, as a German I can agree in general with it.
The social distance becomes even much closer, if you go to eastern Europe - Poland for example.
Germans in Poland will feel like Americans in Germany.
Here's my tip if you are visiting the Radisson Blu in Belin and have a room over looking the courtyard - remember, if you sleep naked or are coming out of the shower, do not throw open the curtains - there are times when they use a scuba diver to clean the interior of the massive aquarium in the courtyard and they can be exactly on your level, regardless of the floor you are on - believe me - I did it!! LOL
Yeah, but in Germany nobody cares about a naked body, mate! 😉
@@mgeyer1370 I know but it's depressing when all the fish came across to see what I was offering in case they were hungry!! LOL
Germany is sooo much more than Bavaria, the alps and the Black Forest. You'll find a difference in architecture from North to South, and each region is precious. For example the Baltic sea, or the North sea and its islands is stunning, but there is so much more in between to explore. 🙂 Best is to buy a travel guide sorted by German States. Then you'd find less touristy recommendations, or simply google a State. ☺️
No rant about „the stare“?
You will be always welcome...
I really enjoy watching your channel.
Thanks Paul!
Just a small addition: Although it can be hot in the summer there also is a very good chance of having cool and/or rainy days.Pack accordingly ...
Great vlog! I wish your knee a quick recovery, but maybe this extra time will get you over 100k subs 👍
Schwäbisch Hall is a very, very nice City! 🥰 Always good for a daytrip. (I live near to Nuremberg). Before Corona we watched the wonderful musical Jesus Christ Superstar and enjoyed some hours at the Würth-Museum.
Perhaps you should tell people about the letters at the doors of toilets in restaurants. I remember a very funny situation (I worked as a student as a waitress in an italian restaurant), when an american guest asked for the toilet. He came back in two seconds and asked: D or H?
It's easy to remember: "D" stands for "Da men", because that's where *da men* go; "H" stands for "Herren", because those toilets are for *her* .
@@ericminch 😂🙈
I wonder if the car rental company would just charge the ticket to your credit card as chasing you for payment back in the US might be impossible.
nice vid, wow 26 minutes?!?! a new record? :-) you must be a german expert!!!!! it seems you put all your 6 years of experience in it!!
Usually a „Wiener Schnitzel“ is made out of calf, but when it's pork, it's called „Schnitzel Wiener Art“ (kinda „Schnitzel vienna style“ instead of „vienna schnitzel“
8:42 Furthermore, it is a rule to always drive on the right lane and only use the middle lane or left lane to pass slower cars. Passing on the right is forbidden and if the police sees you passing someone on their right you will get pulled over!
My hometown has a City Fest every summer and for a small town of about 40K, it is PACKED! People from all over the region flock there. There are many beer and wine stalls, food stalls, beer garden set ups and entertainment throughout the downtown area, it is amazing! If you ever come to the Palatinate or Saar region, you MUST try the Schwenkbraten, a regional specialty. It is so delicious. Too bad, I don't live there anymore.
No no no, most Germans speak only a little bit english, wich means communicating without problems in english, speaking very good english means speaking perfectly fluent without an akzent.
Just go in the next "Fußgängerzone" and ask 100 Germans if they speak english, most will answer "a little bit" and still would be able to discuss the meaning of life with you in english
Hi Nalf! Okay i'm Austrian, despite we tend to differ considerably in some more or less important things, we can't deny some roots, Austrians and Germans share.
Thank you for your information to the other side of the "Pond". And thanks for your really entertaining way to present things. This video was a blast to watch, thumbs up, feel yourself @home in Europe, and stay safe! From innsbruck Austria, a place definitely worth a visit too, at some point in time!
Sincerely Günter "Gue" Arnold
I´m German, exactly from Augsburg/Bavaria. It´s really interesting to watch that from your perspective and a little funny ... even if you are right with most of your tips. (I was pulled over by the police (Polizei) and once by the customs (Zoll) but it happens much lesser times than gettimg "blitzed"^^)
Hey Auxbug ! 😎
Something to bear in mind (although it might be different since Brexit) is that if you drive in UK you get 3 endorsement points on your licence each time you get caught by a speed camera. This means if you drive to work at the same speed each day for a week you could have enough points to lose your licence.
😄 the smell of fresh bread is simply delicious you're right. Been living in Oz for 17years now and still missing decent german bread or rolls!
3:21 Important do not use the term restroom when referring to a toilet. Some not so experienced AE speaker could mix that up easily with a kimd of relaxing room and will send you wherever. In a resto there are usually signs like "WC" or "Toilette"
I have always wanted to have a room that contains only a bathtub, the perfect place to send American guests who ask to use the bathroom!
Little clarification: The Autobahn has no speed limit by default. If there is no speed limit posted, you can go any speed you like... within reason.
The sign shown in the video is used to undo previously posted speed limits and go back to the default. It is not required for the unlimited speed if there was no posted limit to start with.
It should be noted that driving excessively fast can be considered reckless driving and is still illegal. You have to drive at a speed appropriate for the conditions, your car, and you skill level. If you get into an accident and you were going faster than 130 km/h, chances are high you will be found at least partially responsible.
130 km/h is the suggested speed on our motorways. It's not a limit, but you will almost automatically share a higher responsibility for any accidents if you exceed it.
Schnitzel WITH Spätzle sounds disgusting for me, being Austrian. Schnitzel is best with Kartoffelsalat, French fries or Bratkartoffel. Spätzle is perfect either with melted cheese (Käsespätzle) plus a fair heep of fried onion or when there is no cheese you want simple green salad with them. Austrians are also disgusted when Germans put sauces over the Schnitzel.
Döner is not the healthiest thing? I guess it is one of the most healthy food you can get in Germany. It is just the white bread, which gets filled, that is not that healthy, but a Schnitzel or Spätzle or a Bratwurst are much less healthy than a Döner for sure.
I will tour Germany and the Netherlands this year with my family and I’m really looking forward to it. We will visit places that are of historical interest, like the (rest of the) Brücke von Remagen, Osnabrück (Westfälischer Friede) Weimar and the Wartburg.
And we love you, Nalf!