Kultur 9 by Josh Crane

Kultur 9

The first article mentions Germany’s love of hardcopy certificates - it turns out Germans demand documentation for anything. Job apps require classes taken, and experience. Colleges want many papers from high school and elementary. The demand for evidence does mean that nothing official slips through the cracks. Without the right elements, one can’t rent movies or books.

The next article is by a visitor to America. He says America demands more patience than Germany, or Europe – “…Europe’s bureaucratic nightmares have nothing on America’s.” He had problems with the website that needed his info, and he says a day was spent getting his visas completed. Going to school for his kids meant certifying vaccinations in both countries. He says he has better infrastructure.

Article 3 was about dealing with neighbors. It turns out that being a good neighbor is an art in Germany. One may not have a harmful effect on those around him, says the law. There is even a German court to deal with these issues. A few rules: no loud noises, like mowing lawns on Sundays/holidays, use dish soap to wash your car so no chemicals enter the area, and grilling is limited.

Flags are much less prominent in Germany than here in the USA. There are no flags in company headquarters, and none in personal homes. This is a sign of a larger lack of patriotism. Indeed, in 2004 Germany picked a new president, and he hushed most everyone when saying, “I love Germany.” The writer mentions WWII and being too close in history.