What do people in other countries think about Germany? How much of this is true and which stereotypes are merely myths? We are taking a look at stereotypes associated with Germany. Germans...

... are punctual and reliable.

It depends on who you ask. Those who frequently use public transport will disagree. In a , however, 85 percent of Germans said that they show up on time or intentionally early when they have arranged to meet somebody. What is the reason for this? People don’t want to make their friends wait.

... have garden gnomes.

Just under 80 percent of German households have a garden, balcony, or patio, offering space for outdoor relaxation and creativity. It is estimated that several million bearded gnomes with red pointy hats can be spotted nestled among kitchen herbs and flower beds across Germany. In gardening shows, prizes are awarded for decorations that create the most calming and harmonious atmosphere. 

... wear white socks in sandals.

Comfortable? Yes. Stylish? No. One in four Germans considers this type of footwear a no-go in a partner. However, it is okay to make an exception while on holiday. After all you are never going to see those people again. In addition, the combination of socks and sandals has become fashionable among young people, and Birkenstocks worn with tennis socks are considered a hipster trend.

... listen to “Schlager” and techno music.

Folk and Schlager music is played at folk festivals such as the Oktoberfest or Cannstatter Wasen, while big-city clubs such as the Berghain in Berlin play techno. This may be true, but the German taste in music is actually rather diverse. Popular types of music include rock, pop, blues, classical and jazz, and rap is the number one choice of the 18 to 29 age group.

... go to Majorca on holiday.

A quarter of Germans is most likely to choose destinations within Germany, such as the North and Baltic Sea coasts, the low mountain ranges, and the Alps. Runner-up is Spain and the island of Majorca in particular. More than four million Germans travel to the so-called 17th German state every year. Next up on the list of travel destinations favoured by Germans are Italy, Scandinavia, Turkey and Greece.

... love bread.

Germans who stay abroad for a longer period tend to miss one thing in particular on their breakfast table: wholemeal bread. Or one of the other numerous types of bread: brown bread, pumpernickel, rye bread, potato bread, sourdough bread, and so on. More than 90 percent of households buy bread on a regular basis, with the average German household buying over 40 kilogrammes of bread per year.

... are football fans.

Yeah, that’s true. 76 % of citizens that are interested in sports like best, followed by winter sports, basketball and handball. The FC Bayern München has 360,000 members, making it by far the world’s sports club with the largest number of members. Every two years, when the European and world championships take place, the whole country is taken over by a celebratory atmosphere.

... brew beer.

The ensures the high quality and typical character of German beers. It stipulates that only four ingredients may be used to make the popular drink: hops, yeast, malt and water. Close to 1,500 breweries and a long history make beer brewing one of Germany’s most traditional trades. Alcohol-free beer varieties in particular have been gaining popularity in recent years.

... like to meet up to have coffee and cake.

Many people associate cake with special occasions. In Germany, cake is part of the national food culture. Especially older people think of the afternoon as the time to have cake. 68% of pensioners said that they sit down to have cake and coffee at least once a week. Cheesecake, fruit cake, cream gateau and chocolate cake are the most popular varieties.

… enjoy nudity.

Not in public. Or only in line with the rules at designated beaches or in the sauna, where it is customary to forgo swimwear and use only a towel to sit on, as part of the etiquette. Nearly 37 percent of Germans have experienced a textile-free sauna at least once, while 25 percent have enjoyed being naked at a beach, reflecting the cultural openness and acceptance of nudity in these specific settings designed for it.

… are hard workers and reliable.

Germans are considered to be hard workers and the majority of Germans think of themselves as very reliable. The average German working life lasts just under 40 years, which is longer than in most other EU countries. The part of the day after work known as “Feierabend” is very important to Germans.

 

There is some truth to many of the stereotypes about Germans. However, as is true of all stereotypes, it is worthwhile to take a closer look, because reality tends to be more diverse than you might think.