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 better understand how we Germans really are.
Who are you?
Eva Müller, singer, voice therapist, lecturer, and dancer
Where were you born?
Cologne
Where do live and how (1-Zimmer-Whg/house...)
Aachen/Aix-la-Chapelle
How old are you?
32
What do you work?
I am a singer/musician (with MüllerMichalke, among others), vocal coach, and dancer. In addition, I formerly studied speech therapy and specialized in the therapy of the voice. So, I also work as a voice therapist and give advanced trainings and seminars on voice and voice therapy.
Have you lived in other German states? Where, how long, why?
I lived once for 2 months in Leipzig and 3 months in Berlin, each time for an internship.
Do you speak a German dialect, and if so, how often? Do you understand some?
I don't speak a dialect myself, but I grew up with a „rheinisch” dialect that I understand but almost never speak myself.
What other languages do you speak, and how well and why?
In school, I learned Spanish and English.
Spanish I speak unfortunately much too rarely; therefore, I understand it only a little but can hardly use it myself.
English I speak more often, and I also think it quite acceptable ;)
What do you think is your responsibility towards the community?
To always keep your eyes and ears open, be helpful, and be socially engaged. And above all, to approach people openly without prejudice. In addition, I want to touch people with my music and art, make them think and maybe even connect.
What is the government’s responsibility towards you?
To take the concerns of the citizens seriously, to be honest, and to be open about mistakes - because we all make them - instead of making excuses.
I also see it as the government's responsibility to get more involved in current hot topics such as climate change and to be guided even more by scientific findings! But I also see that many things cannot be decided or implemented so easily and that it is not possible to please everyone. I have respect for the people who dare to go into politics and take on this great responsibility.
What is Germany’s biggest challenge?
I think it's very important for Germany not to repeat history, especially in these times when society is very divided.
Otherwise, I see a big hurdle for Germany in bureaucracy and perfectionism.
What is the world’s biggest challenge?
I believe there is also not only one!
Wars, economic and social injustice, climate change, hunger...
Do you feel “German guilt” for the
· Shoah/Holocaust
· Second World War
· First World War
· Other atrocities (which)
Not directly. But I sometimes see it as my responsibility to be open and to approach everyone without prejudice, as well as to participate in elections and to actively help shape society.
Do you define yourself as a German or otherwise (for example, German, Berliner, etc.)?
I like living in Germany and very much in the „small big city“ of Aachen, full of culture, music, life, history, and coziness. Nevertheless, I define myself less by where I live than by what I do. Music, dance, culture, sharing...
Do you consider yourself a European?
The same answer applies here ;)
What does the EU mean to you?
The incredible luck and privilege to be born and raised here.
In prosperity, few worries, no wars (in my lifetime so far), unconditional travel within the EU, etc.
And at the same time, it makes me doubt the unfair distribution all over the world....
Are you religious, and if so, which one do you subscribe to?
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Have you ever been part of the German military? What are your feelings towards the German Bundeswehr?
No, I haven’t.
What is “typisch Deutsch”?
4 words: Bureaucracy, Perfectionism, Cordiality, Hospitality.
What is the German identity?
I find it difficult to answer this question.
What is the best thing about Germany?
German bread and German rolls are just so delicious. Whenever I travel, I miss the German bakeries.
And what is the worst thing about Germany?
The tragic, catastrophic German history.
What does the German Reunification mean to you?
This is difficult for me personally to say, as I was only born at that time.
What does the DDR mean to you?
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Is there a difference between “Ossis” and “Wessis”?
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What should everybody know about Germany?
What should one know before coming to Germany?
When we ask, "How are you?" we actually mean it and are happy to hear the answer. Also, we are hospitable, so when we offer our hospitality, you can really accept it.
And also that there is the most delicious bread here! ;)
Eva Müller, Aachen
www.muellermichalke.com
If you are German and would like to participate in this series, please feel free to reach out to us!
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