What German has Taught Me!

By studying German, I have learned a lot about how Americans are perceived and have come to value certain elements of our society that are “given.” I appreciate that Americans are friendly towards one another and I like that southerners smile at each other on the street. I think that we truly want to brighten each others’ days by being friendly; I don’t view it as superficiality. We could say nothing at all! Studying German has better prepared me for what I may have perceived to be “standoffishness.” Instead, I hope that I regard quiet Germans as reserved.

In addition, I respect and admire Germans’ emphasis on having a reading culture. I wish that Americans valued the classics more and that the average person cared more about the vast amount of literature in the world. Also, I like how Germans value the arts—especially music. In this regard, I think I would fit into German society very well. I too love the arts and love to read—especially classic literature—it would be amazing to be able to share thoughts on literature with all friends rather than just English majors J. Thus, I am excited to be able to experience German culture firsthand and see how I blend into their world.

I now understand my German grandmother more. Her frank honesty now seems less invasive and more culturally linked. I also can see why she cared so much about cleanliness or orderliness all of her life. Having a messy kitchen in Germany would be an atrocity! Stressing that we dress properly as children and keep our rooms very clean is just a natural part of German living—and really American living too—she was just more vocal about it!

Overall, I am very pleased to have learned so much about Germany, its culture, and the language. I feel better equipped to live in Germany and truly relate to its people!