An American Reflects on Germany

Dear Editor,

Thanks for inviting me to write a bit for Clio’s Psyche about what my wife and I learned about Germany during a recent seven-month stay. Like most countries, it is not one cohesive whole; there are enormous variations of dialects, attitudes, foods, houses, and churches. Dialects, for example, are distinguishing features of various regions. Northern Germans may not be able to understand Bavarians, nor will they understand residents of Hamburg, if they speak their local dialect. Obviously, there is a common linguistic tradition: High German.

We observed many other common denominators. One is that since the mid-1950s, Germany has carefully maintained its agricultural space by containing towns within defined borders. Hidden behind this necessary determination of the needs of human beings for food and decent air is the understanding that city and town managers and governing bodies have more power than developers. The land of at least 300 varieties of bread can thus supply most of its wheat, rye, buckwheat, spelt, milk, and eggs. While food may be dissimilar in different parts of the country, it is relatively inexpensive, especially in comparison to neighboring countries like Austria and Italy, and definitely so in comparison to the U.S.

In spite of its modernity, Germany is still, for the most part, a cash economy. Most individuals pay cash for groceries, restaurant bills, the hairdresser, and at the gas station. Yes, one must carry a considerable amount of cash to accommodate these purchases. The whole society prefers to pay with cash rather than with secure credit cards because Germans do not want to be tracked through their purchases, nor do merchants or their customers want to pay the fees associated with credit cards.

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Germans like to walk, hike, bike, or sit in a coffee house and chat with friends; that is, to be away from the house or apartment, preferably outside. They tend to be family-centered and it is unusual for a stranger, even an acquaintance, to be invited into a family home or apartment. Yet they love to be outside, in public view, whether it be drinking coffee or beer at an established or a spontaneously created venue. As often as they can, Germans eat outside, especially in the afternoons when older Germans sit outside to enjoy coffee and cake.

The medical profession seems to pride itself on making sure that everyone is mobile as long as possible and everything from crutches to four-wheel walkers are used to allow older individuals mobility. This desire to keep individuals healthy has resulted in excellent health care, even in small towns, at reasonable rates. For a visit, our personal physician charges 35 euros. The single-payer system works, although it is hardly ever mentioned in the U.S.

One of the things that is now very obvious is that many different ethnic groups live and work in Germany. Aside from the many refugees from Syria, the Middle East in general, and Africa, non-native German speakers are part of the workforce and public life. Two reactions to the older immigrants and the most recent variety are surprising. I have encountered no hostility toward established immigrants and, in many quarters, none toward refugees. I attribute one to the professional roles of the earlier in-migrants and the refugee status of the newer group; people recall the influx of millions of Eastern Germans and Europeans after WWII. But there is also outright hostility, and I have heard phrases that are reminiscent of the Nazi period.

Also, Germany ought to pride itself on its tremendous infrastructure. Literally billions are invested routinely and Americans would be surprised at the excellent quality of roads, trains, etc., but Germans complain constantly about poor train service, miserable bridge repair, and related issues.

Germans love their cars and are amazingly aggressive drivers. Speed limits are posted, and on the Autobahnen it is 130 km (81 mph), but drivers passed us often at 170 and 180 km (over 100 mph). Our heavy car was literally lifted by the airwaves. It is impolite and even deadly to drive slowly in the left lane.

Bavarians are avid recyclers; as a matter of fact, they are known as “eco-Nazis.” Nothing is thrown away and at the end of a week, we usually had less than a kilo of trash; if we were really se-

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rious, we would have had none. Recycling centers, really valuable materials places, are sophisticated and staffed by public or private professionals. To my amazement, even my stepmother’s ancient TV was completely recycled, down to the last wire and screw.

Ah, yes, guns. Ever since a major and deadly attack on a Gymnasium (high school equivalent) a few years ago, very restrictive gun laws have been enacted. As a result, even with high gun ownership, gun violence is low. American liberals and conservatives usually miss Germany when they discuss gun control and its effectiveness. In each of the last two years, less than 300 persons were murdered.

Finally, Prime Minister Angela Merkel abandoned nuclear energy after Fukushima and the lingering effects in Ukraine from the Chernobyl disaster. Apparently the country is able to supply sufficient energy with windmills and solar panels. By now, aside from massive public facilities, probably a third of the houses in our area had such panels on their roofs.

While it is good to be home in North Carolina, we have fond memories of Germany.

Sincerely yours,

Peter Petschauer

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