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I recently visited the United states and found out, that many misconceptions about germany exist there. So, if you want to ask me something about germany, germans, german girls, working in germany, living in germany, studying in germany, german police, german laws, german politics, german weapons, german military, german food, rammstein, german geography or something else remotely related to germany, feel free to do so. Why I am proficient to answer: - I am a german - I live in germany - I am a student - I owned a weapon - My brother is a cop - I was in the german army - I can speak english to some degree =)
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Sep 23, 2009 00:02
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nummularia posted:The north and the south are so different. Why are they not two different countries? Give me a history lesson if necessary The territory of german speaking people was split up into many small souvereign countries before 1864. Prussia in the North and Austria in the South were the strongest among them. The balance of power between Prussia and Austria was also called the german dualism. Between 1864 and 1871 several wars were fought, a prussian/danish war, a prussian/austrian war and the german/french war of 1870/71. The growing nationalism enabled prussia to unify all the smaller german states under his supremacy during that time/these wars. Also the industrialization required better transport of steel and coal and this was not possible if every small duke or lord collected taxes or refused to have railways through his territory. Well, after 1871 Germany existed. The even increasing nationalism led to WWI and WWI led to WWII. And the allies and USSR decided in 1945 to split germany into east and west and not into north and south, guided by the territories occupied by their respective troops. And today, after the reunifiction, the german constitution does not allow the provinces ("Bundesländer" in german) to leave the federal republic. So we will stay one nation covering whole germany for a while I guess... It Freshens! posted:Would you ever become so bored that you would die? Have you ever seen the Dieter sketches on SNL, and if so, how accurate are they? Boiled Water posted:Is it true that if you as much as mention the Nazis the government will come and light your house on fire? But if you are a politician and say something positive about the nazi government, a particular nazi, hitler and so on or something bad about jews, a particular jew, israel and so on THEN ... your career as a politician is over(which is ok imo). And maybe some leftwing radicals put your mercedes on fire(which is not ok imo). Tab8715 posted:I would love to travel Germany sometime - for a month at least. How much should I bring? How much does a hotel/hostel cost? Are you from USA? The dollar is not too strong at the moment, so this travel will be kind of expensive. Cheapest method would be staying in youth hostels and traveling by train and bus inside germany. Hotel prices depend on location very much. I guess you will have to calculate over 3k ($) for 30 days including flight, bed and breakfast. If you want to see something, you will have to travel some distances inside germany. You definately want to start in berlin, but if you are interested about WWII and nazi stuff, you need to visit munich as well. Dachau concentration camp memorial is near munich. Germany is quite densely populated, so you are unlikely to find WW2 weapons or ammunition. Russia is a better place for that. BUT, there is a V2 Rocket in the "Deutsches Museum" in Munich and also some pretty collection of WW2 aircraft. For WW2 tanks you need to visit some museum in moscow, russia =). And if you are an attractive girl, or bring one with you, you might to be able to stay at my place for free. Thibaw fucked around with this message at 00:43 on Sep 23, 2009 |
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Sep 23, 2009 00:36
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copperblue posted:My German-born spouse is now a US citizen, but is constantly paranoid about bringing up the fact in conversation. In Aruba, some Dutch people jokingly mentioned how he bombed the poo poo out of their country, but it wasn't anything more than a joke. No, the people I met in the states were friendly and industrious. I did not even try to hide the fact that I am a german and got no negative feedback at all. Iron Squid posted:Does everyone in Holland hate the Germans? My g/f is Dutch and she has a fantatical hatred of all thing German. When I was in Holland, I had no Problems - when my Parents visited Holland, they were insulted by a stranger on the street, just because their nationality. So I guess there is a significant amount of people in the netherlands who dont like germans. And some germans dont like people from holland, because they know they dont like them and so forth. It can be, that they dont get a good impression from us, because all our crackheads drive to holland to buy and consume drugs. Yeah and this nazi prejudice is also very common I guess, but that is just ridiculous. Dumbfire Rocketman posted:Is there any sort of cultural aversion to violence? This is what I hear most about modern Germany. Wow, I just was in the cinema and watched the basterds. I was kind of shocked when the people in the audience giggled and laughed in the most brutal scenes. So - yes I have a cultural aversion to violence, and no - its not a common phenomenon in germany. But from media I get the impression that the average US citizen is far more tolerant regarding the use and expression of violence. It would not be possible at all to torture in germany. One cop mentioned torture during the interrogation of a child-abuser a few years ago. Then he got information were the child was(found dead). The cop got removed from office. And we have some kind of censorship in media and computergames: Minors are not allowed to buy violent computergames or watch violent movies. No museums dedicated entirely to this theme, sorry. But in many small local museums they tell the local history of WW2, who died, when was the church bombed and information like that...We have LOTS(I mean really, truckloads, trainloads) of media available on the issue, but dont expect swastikas in videogames and all the stuff is in german. Food in general is much better than in the US. Bakeries, Restaurants, Supermarkets. You get really good stuff everywhere here. I had difficulties in US finding anything to eat that met my quality standards. ohComeOn posted:Why is it that McDonalds costs more to eat in than a full restaurant? Christoff posted:Is the holocust/WW2 beat into your heads in school? Christoff posted:
Christoff posted:What do you think about Austria? When I was there most everyone and all my family thought poorly of the Germans. It was mostly friendly. Just that there were German tourist everywhere and that they were obnoxious, loud, etc. Austria is great and our relations are excellent. No nazi blahblah in Austria at all. Well germans tend to be a little difficult when you meet then as tourists. Because many feel like :" Now its my holiday, and during my holiday I dont need to watch myself" copperblue posted:
Do you consider Bavaria a part of Germany or should they gently caress off and make their own country? That all being said Germans are rad and Berlin is amazing. [/quote] Thank you, and loving YES, Bavaria should make its own country and reintrocude monarchy in the process.... =) =) d3rt posted:Where do you live in Germany? I do not feel guilty. But when it comes to politics, I see it as my duty to fight nazism, racism, intolerance and unprovoked agression. Oktoberfest is terrible. The italian tourists are the biggest pest, but also germans dont behave very well. Japanese tourists are the best! YAY JAPANESE TOURISTS! But if you visid Germany during that time, I suggest you visit oktoberfest, too. Its a "must", kind of... Well I like your taste regarding food. I will try nutmeg on my spaetzle next time =) King Skinny Pimp posted:OP: How do you feel about Bayern München and should I plan my honeymoon next summer during the group stages or the quarter-/semi-/finals of the World Cup in order to watch the DFB play and rock it out at the awesome street parties that follow such things? I was in Oldenburg for the Euro Cup and it was the most fun I've had in a long time. It was hilarious when a couple of Germans I was talking to at a bar asked me if I was Dutch, since I was wearing a DFB jersey and had a little German flag stuck in my bag. Bayern is a great club, but I am no big fan. Coming here during the worldcup is only fun if we make it to the semifinals. The parties going on then are worth it =) AlecEiffel posted:Hallo! Thank you for trying, I am from Augsburg, 27, USA is a great country ruled by dumb politicians, Freiburg is one of the best cities to study in. Cloth is cheaper in the US, and some electric devices (computers, ipods and so on). But you better ask THEM what to bring. xie posted:I'd desperately like to spend 90 days or a year in Germany, I've spent a month each of the past two summers in Berlin and I absolutely love it there. The problem is, while I learn alright, I don't speak German. Well, you visited us already, so you dont need any more tips ;-)
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Sep 23, 2009 07:11
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Any tips besides learning the language?
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Alan Smithee posted:I know the Nazi thing is beaten to death but, 1. Well, this is a difficult field. At the moment there are some regions in the east where I would not want to live. But some other regions gained some prosperity and with the prosperity also the political landscape changed to the better. 2. Some Politicians in Poland try to gain popularity among their people with attacks on germany and by propagating stereotypes. And they are quite successful at times. 3. Because the compulsory servis has lost much of its importance ond only a small part of the young people do the service in the military, the balance has indeed shifted. Still there are not too many gun nuts or trigger happy people in the military. But there is a tendence, that people join the military if the have trouble finding a job elsewhere, for example if the were rejected trying to join the police(standards are pretty high there compared to military) and the young men from eastern germany are overrepresented in the military. The "right-wingers" you mention have to conceal their attitude to get accepted and its not allowed for any soldier to influence his comrades into any political direction. Zedd posted:How often do people confuse German and Dutch if you talk to foreign people, I get it all the time that they think I speak german. I was always correctly identified in the past. Glad to hear that you and your friends dont dislike germans. Readman posted:First of all, all of the Germans I've ever known have been incredibly awesome and great people. I can't say I've ever met a German I disliked. Thank you. I like the european idea. At the moment, germany contributes most to the whole thing, politically and financially. I would like to see the other countries to follow this example. France and Germany should keep their efforts up in uniting europe. Arthur Bowlsworth posted:do you like mayo on your chips? Thank you. Kein mayo, danke! Yes, its called mezzo mix or spezi. Yes, they still do that. Argali posted:How's the job market there right now? Job market is still stable. Experts expect that a moderate decline will happen in near future, when government support is exhausted. The newspapers are doing not too well, but no major newspaper has gone bancrupt yet. fret logic posted:What can you tell me about Aachen? My family is from there and I've always felt much closer to the german side of my family and the small amount of traditions they still keep. Cant tell you too much about Aachen, I have never been there. Germans are not conservative at all in the bigger cities. Only in the smaller cities and on the countryside. Movendi posted:Why is it very difficult to... I feel sorry. By *edit*coincidence*edit* , my dad is the chef of the Munich puplic transport organisation "MVV". I will send him your complain. Photos in clubs, public toilets.. no idea. Nathilus posted:Could you explain how the food quality is different? I can't wrap my head around you not being able to find food that meets your quality standards in the US. Unless you mean that you just don't like the way most food in the US is made, but even this doesn't make much sense with all the variety. Or do you mean that the actual ingredients, like produce and such, were not up to your standards? Well, I must correct myself. My last visit was to Aspen, and we had no trouble there. But when I visited Florida two years ago, it was a real pain. It was difficult to find good bread, fruits or vegetables. 3 out 4 Restaurants we tried were rather disappointing and the breakfast in the hotel was a pain. Xealot posted:I would also like to know this. Good american beers?? Tias posted:Could you please give me the basic low-down on the Bundeskriminalamt? Things like service weapons, rank names, reknowned cases they have worked and/or solved, stuff like that. I will check your thread later and help you out. Carlos Rosado posted:Is this accurate or am I just seeing what I want to see? are there other places in Germany that are as relaxed as Berlin? Berlin is unique, but all bigger cities are cool and relaxed. copperblue posted:What's your opinion on the NPD and how to address it's insanity? Is it getting better as the east continues to integrate with the west? The good thing about idiots is: Their own stupidity keeps them from beeing dangerous. I start to worry when smart people start joining the NPD, and this wont happen anytime soon. King Skinny Pimp posted:gently caress, now I want Lütje Lagen and people to drink them and spill them everywhere with. I miss Germany a lot, I had so much fun there. :[ Is it? Frank Dillinger posted:whats the deal with germany's attitude to weed? seriously, people react like it's Heroin or something. Former friend of mine landed in closed psychiatric facility due to his cannabis abuse. But alcohol is definately not better. I dont drink alcohol and I dont do any drugs, illegal or not. But I dont have any prejudices, most of my friends smoked weed regularly in the past and they are all succesful in life (except for that one mentioned above). safety dan posted:I'm a German major and I'm going to be doing my studying abroad in Bavaria. Am I going to end up with a stupid accent? (no offense if you're Bayerisch yourself, it's not as bad as the Swiss accent) Accent is cool, especially as a foreigner. Just learn to say "Oachkatzlschwoaf" properly... Galsia posted:How do Germans feel about the British? I'm having difficulty describing it but most people in England love to hate Germany in a friendly kind of way. Not that we don't like German people, but we absolutely love beating you in sports. Its a rivallry obviously in place due to World War II. I speak for myself: I think the british are completely nuts. I have been in London twice, you guys are just crazy. The SUN is the worst newspaper on the planet. But you see I am making fun here. And I visited London a second time, because I liked it the first time. In general, germans like GB very much, don't forget: The royals have german origins and Mountbattens original name was Battenberg. Thibaw fucked around with this message at 21:49 on Sep 23, 2009 |
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Sep 23, 2009 20:45
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The BKA(Bundeskriminalamt) Tasks: - Coordination of Crimefighting on national and international Level by providing a hub for information exchange and a central authority for criminal investigation departments - Support for the Bundesländer with the prevention and prosecution of crimes happening on national level, or of crimes of major significance. - Research and Development of new crime fighting techniques - Interface between national and foreign police forces. - Protectiong Members of the Constituional institutions of the Federal Republic of Germany (for example the bodyguards of the chancellor are BKA agents) Ranks: Kriminalkommissar – KK Kriminaloberkommissar – KOK Kriminalhauptkommissar – KHK Erster Kriminalhauptkommissar – EKHK Kriminalrat – KR Kriminaloberrat – KOR Kriminaldirektor – KD Leitender Kriminaldirektor – LKD For higher ranks it is less likely to see any action. If your ficitonal character has an university degree, he is probably Kriminalrat or Kriminaloberrat. Without degree is is probably Kriminalkommisar or Kriminaloberkommisar. Weapons/Equipment: A wide variety, they adapt to the requirements. Your fictional character can pick whatever he wants. SIG 226, SIG 228, SIG 239 Walther P99, H&K P10, H&K USP, Glock 17 are reasonable choices for example. Just dont pick a large calibre and stay away from guns with small ammo count. Cases: A recent case is the arrest of the so called "Sauerland-Zelle" a group of islamic terrorists that wanted to produce significant amounts of TATP and use it for bombings. However, the BKA got notice of their plans very early and observed them for quite a long time. After the terrorists had acquired significant quantities of H202, the BKA agents secretly replaced the chemicals with normal water to reduce the threat. The trial is taking place at the moment. http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,504837,00.html
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Sep 23, 2009 21:24
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roomforthetuna posted:Germany seems to be the origin of most of the modern "Euro" boardgames - do a lot more people in Germany play such boardgames than elsewhere? Boardgames are still very popluar in Germany, but I do not think that Germans live at a faster pace. sn00ke posted:What do you think of Andrea Merkel? I'm taking a Western European course and she seems like the blandest person with the most boring agenda ever-not that any of the other candidates are any better. I wont vote her party on the next sundays elections. ANd no, the right wing is losing some momentum at the moment and maybe they dont win the elections. 4 Weeks ago it looked like the would win them for sure. Contingency Plan posted:When a German girl turns fifteen, does her family celebrate with a quinceañera or similar? No =) Krakened posted:Are there any scenic train routes that you can recommend us taking? If possible, can you recommend ones that go near/on/through the mountains? There are hundreds of scenic train routes, so I cant reccomend you anything specific. You could buy a book like : http://www.amazon.de/Deutschlands-sch%C3%B6nste-Eisenbahnen-Traumstrecken-zwischen/dp/3765470953/ref=pd_sim_b_5 Its in German, but you will recognize the names of the places and it has lots of photographies. Both the Münster in Ulm and the Dome in Cologne are quite spectacular. Munich and Berlin both have lots of interesting architecture. Frankfurt am Main has some interesting modern architectutre and is the only german city with a notable skyline. In Augsburg you want to hit the Maximilianstraße. Nightlife is centered there. In Munich there is a place called "Kultfabrik" in the East with LOTS of Clubs and Discotheques. I got the impression, that girls are more relaxed in US than here, but if you go out, you will have fun(they relax when they are a bit drunk and alkohol is very available here). Well, there are Places where you dont want to go. But when you do sightseeing or you go out in the evening, its unlikely that you will encounter such places. Just stay where the people are. And the knowledge of how to avoid fights not more important in germany as it is in the USA. If you are in a group of 2, you are safe everywhere. Germans dont carry guns =) All germans learn english at school. So you can always hope to be able to communicate. You are more likely to find beatiful little villages in the mountains in Austria. But you could visit Grainau at the Zugspitze(germanys tallest mountain). You can go hiking from there to see beatiful places and many interesting places are within a 100km range from there. https://www.grainau.de icantfindaname posted:When did you start learning English? Also, how much harder is it really to learn english than say French or Spanish? In 5th grade at school, Almost 2 decades ago. I found french much harder. Had to learn french three years in school and cant speak a single word. AlecEiffel posted:What I initially wanted to ask in my first response to this topic was... The United States is such a big country, I suggest you bring something regional from your place. Something that you would bring to friends that live more than 500km away from you within the states. When I visited the US, I also got me some local souveignirs.
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Sep 24, 2009 08:28
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