In this series, we will interview Germans from all around the world about their German identity and their general ”German-ness.” Everybody will receive the same questions, which will allow you to gain a better understanding of how we Germans really are.
Who are you?
A friend of Esther. We got to know each other through fate and Facebook while I was living in Washington, D.C., for a year.
Where were you born?
In a small town in Bavaria, Southeast Germany (65.000 inhabitants).
Where do live and how (1-Zimmer-Whg/house...)
In a 3-bedroom-apartment in Munich with my husband and two cats. We live close to the city center and beautiful green areas - the Isar river runs through our backyard. I feel very lucky and happy here.
A monastery around the corner. There are many beautiful paths for walking here I Ein Kloster bei mir um die Ecke. Es gibt hier sehr viele schöne Wege zum Spazierengehen
How old are you?
30 years old.
What do you work?
I’m a Project Manager for Digital Transformation at an international cultural organization.
Have you lived in other German states? Where, how long, and why?
Yes, I’ve lived in Bonn, Western Germany/Northrhine-Westphalia (“NRW”), for two years during my undergrad.
Do you speak a German dialect, and if so, how often? Do you understand some?
No, I don’t speak any dialect, really. I understand Bavarian well enough to get by even in rural areas, but I’m really bad at speaking it. I do like the dialect of the Rhineland area (Cologne, Bonn) because I associate it with the open-minded mentality there.
What other languages do you speak, and how well and why?
English and Indonesian - I have Indonesian roots. I didn’t grow up bilingually, though. I can read and understand French very well because I learned it at school for 9 years. My conversation skills have become a bit rusty, though. Because of my studies, living in quite a few different countries, and simply my passion for languages, I speak and understand some Chinese, Spanish and Dutch on a basic level, and I have started a few other languages over the past years.
What do you think is your responsibility towards the community?
Contribute actively to a world I want to live in. Don't do anything you wouldn’t want others to do.
What is the government’s responsibility towards you?
Treat me equally to all other citizens. Transparency and abiding by its own laws and rules.
What is Germany’s biggest challenge?
An overaging population and being too slow in adapting to a changing world (economy); losing a competitive advantage.
What is the world’s biggest challenge?
Sustainable development - I’d call it humanity’s biggest challenge. The world is fine without us in the long run.
Do you feel “German guilt” for the
● Holocaust/Shoah
● Second World War
● First World War
● Other atrocities (which)
No, I don't, but I feel a “German duty” to educate myself and others, being aware and sensitive about these atrocities, and do everything I can to prevent something like that from ever happening again.
Do you define yourself as a German or otherwise (for example, German, Berliner, etc.)?
I rarely need to define myself by nationality. When I’m asked directly, I say I’m German or German with Indonesian roots.
Do you consider yourself a European?
Yes.
What does the EU mean to you?
It is a great political construct that brought peace and reconciliation and stands for a beautiful diversity in cultures, languages, and lifestyles. Sadly, the EU is lacking power and integrity in dealing with challenges like migration, climate change, and inequality in a humane way.
Are you religious, and if so, which one do you subscribe to?
Most of my relatives are Muslims, but I’ve had some protestant influence in my life. I’m not religious at all and a huge fan of secularism.
Have you ever been part of the German military? What are your feelings towards the German Bundeswehr?
No, I haven’t. To me, it’s a necessary evil and a geopolitical tool that we should be wary of (as in every country).
What is “typisch Deutsch”?
Check “Alman memes” or “Museum of Deutschland” on Instagram (@alman_memes2.0 and @museumofdeutschland)! Tells you all you need to know. Besides that: Overthinking. Being skeptical of new things. Complaining about other Germans or Germany and not realizing the privileges associated with being born in a fairly liberal, socially just, and safe environment.
What is the German identity?
I guess this is a question with very individual answers. From my point of view, these are some essential aspects that make up the “German way of thinking”: being aware and educated about a shared history and common values. German language. Knowledge about common pop culture and the education system (to some extent).
What is the best thing about Germany?
A general “You do you”-attitude. Subsidized education and health care. Generally safe cities, streets, and infrastructure. Fairly free press and democratic institutions. A healthy work-life balance and individualism are appreciated by most. Good drinks and food culture and quality (especially in South Germany). Many fascinating personalities in the past (thinking of scientists, philosophers, and artists here).
And what is the worst thing about Germany?
We haven’t done our best at remembering the past - German duty or guilt is waning. Dangerous populist, racist ideologies and conspiracy theories are spreading.
Besides that, there’s a lot of things that often annoy me (aforementioned general skepticism and negativity about new things and ideas), but yet, I don’t feel extremely negative about it. I know that you can look at those things in a different light, too, and that these are not exclusive to Germany.
What does the German Reunification mean to you?
Emotionally, very little. Historically, the end of the Cold War and the temporary victory of Western liberalism. Learning about the Reunification is essential to understanding Germany today better.
What does the DDR mean to you?
Another failed example of socialism and an important part of German history.
Is there a difference between “Ossis” and “Wessis”?
No, apart from geological assertions and different socioeconomic settings, not too much.
What should everybody know about Germany?
I suppose it’s fair to say that basic knowledge about Germany in the world history of the 20th century is essential for any common knowledge. At the same time, Germany has changed a lot since then - in all respects. The challenge is to keep making it better.
What should one know before coming to Germany?
Even in Corona times: Bring some cash! Many Germans don’t like plastic money and online payments.
The beer garden culture really something nice and not without reason a cliché. 😄 I like that you can set up your own food and a buffet uncomplicatedly; it's super sociable, and there are just so many beautifully located beer gardens in Munich; There you are outside and in nature. All without being somehow fancy or pretentious. And the beer is good 😀.
--> If anyone needs one of my top 3 favorite beer gardens off the beaten track, I recommend: Waldwirtschaft, Aumeister, Kugler Alm.
Die Biergarten-Kultur echt was Nettes und nicht ohne Grund Klischee. 😄 Ich mag, dass man einfach unkompliziert einfach sein eigenes Essen und ein Buffet aufstellen kann, es ist super gesellig und es gibt einfach so viele schön gelegene Biergärten in München, grün und in der Natur. Alles ohne irgendwie fancy und irgendwas zu sein. Und das Bier ist gut. 😀
--> Falls jemand eine Top 3 meiner Lieblingsbiergärten Off the beaten track braucht, empfehle ich: Waldwirtschaft, Aumeister, Kugler Alm
Here you can also sit by the river in the sun with a glass of wine and generally do whatever you want, but people still take care of each other - I really appreciate that! I Hier kann man sich auch schön mit dem Glas Wein einfach an den Fluss setzen in der Sonne und allgemein einfach machen, was man möchte und trotzdem nehmen Leute aufeinander Rücksicht - das schätze ich sehr!
Cinta, Munich
If you are German and would like to participate in this series, please feel free to reach out to us!
The beer sizes look great!