More German than many Germans (mertbulan.com)

Article summary

The author, a non-German, shares their positive experience of living and working in Germany, highlighting the country's friendly people, social democracy, and emphasis on rules and trust. They describe how they initially had stereotypes about Germans, but their experiences proved otherwise, and they eventually decided to become a German citizen. The author appreciates the country's efforts to confront its past and build a better future. They also value the rules and social norms that make everyday life easier and more predictable.

Main themes

• German culture and society
• Immigration and integration
• Social democracy and trust
• Rules and social norms
• Cultural differences and stereotypes

What commenters say

• Germany's unique history and lack of colonial empire have contributed to its distinct form of racism and challenges in becoming a multicultural society.
• The country's emphasis on rules and social norms can create clarity and enable social trust, but may also lead to inflexible behavior and a lack of empathy.
• Some people argue that Germany's rules and regulations can be overly restrictive and prioritize bureaucratic correctness over human needs and common sense.
• Others believe that the rules and social norms in Germany are essential for maintaining social order and cohesion, and that breaking them can be seen as selfish and inconsiderate.
• The idea that Germany is a country of engineers is being replaced by a country of lawyers, which may have implications for its social and cultural development.
• Some commenters disagree about the character of specific German cities, such as Munich, with some seeing them as culturally dead and hostile to integration, while others have different experiences.
• The importance of language learning and cultural adaptation for successful integration into German society is highlighted, with some arguing that more support and resources are needed to facilitate this process.
• There are differing opinions on the role of the far right in Germany and the impact of scapegoat politics on social cohesion and immigrant communities.