Saw this thread in r/AskUK - thanks to u/uniquenewyork_ for the idea!

Brit here interested in German culture, tell me your takes!

Hi!

My brother (we’re Swedish) is marrying his German fiancé this coming summer. They live in Sweden and the wedding will also be held here, but (as a helper with planning and also assigned toastmaster at the wedding) I am trying to find the German traditions, trends, quirks and things to incorporate in the celebrations. It’s very important to me that we try to make her German roots come through and that her family and friends feel welcome and included.

So, I’m looking for either direct ideas or comments from you guys or someone to point me in a direction of where to find good info on this kind of thing (in german is fine!). Both big and small, everything is really of interest.

She’s from Nordrhein-Westfalen, near Dortmund if this makes any difference.

And, if anyone has specific experience of Swedish/German weddings and have ideas, that would be wonderful too!

Like 3 times a week, they may sometimes take a couple weeks free and then they're at it again. Don't take me wrong, it's not annoying or whatever, but why so many? In my hometown they lit them when like there's some "important" holiday, but not here it seems. Take note that I live in a small town

How often are people unsafe with things like flares? Are there methods to make sure people who shouldn’t have them don’t get them? Is it something you have to worry about?

I’ve been chatting with this really nice woman I met through an app, and I could use some advice.

Here’s the context: I sent her my first message on December 19, and she replied on December 23. I wished her a Merry Christmas on the 24th, and she got back to me on the 27th. We talked a bit, and she mentioned being at work and said she’d reply once she was free. But now it’s the 28th, and I haven’t heard from her.

She did mention she works shifts and has mentioned that her schedule is hectic. She also seems like a genuinely kind-hearted person, and I’ve heard that Germans (she’s German) take time to warm up to new people.

I really enjoy talking to her, her text messages were very friendly and we talked for a while. So I don’t want to come across as desperate or pushy. At the same time, I don’t want to overthink her slow replies. Should I send her a polite check-in message, or should I just wait for her to reply on her own?

Looking for advice on how to handle this in a German way that’s respectful but still shows I’m interested.

Hello, i want to export a car from Germany if possible with yellow plates to Romania. I wonder if it is completely legal.

Nah, ernsthaft.

Ich wurde nicht hier geboren (tja), arbeite remote und keiner sagt mir (außer den Ladenöffnungszeiten... sorry) wenn ich schlafen muss, deswegen schlafe ich ein bisschen nach der Arbeit, und danach zwischen 02:00 (oder später) und 09:00. Und als ich noch in Russland wohnte, begann mein Arbeitstag normalerweise um 10:00, und ich war der Erste im Büro, lol, und meine Kollegen kamen zum 11:00-12:00.

Aber logischerweise gibt es auch Menschen wie mich, die aber hier geboren sind. Es ist ja klar, dass es für euch in der Schule vielleicht schwer war, oder? Wie läuft's bei euch heutzutage? Wollt ihr etwas im Leben in Deutschland ändern?

Hello, which German poets would you consider essential to read?

I’m a poetry reader in general, but I also just really want to learn more about German culture and get a better sense of it.

Thank you!

Hey - getting back to Poland from Portugal and crossing Germany at the moment (today/tomorrow).

What route would you suggest from these 3 for a Sunday drive?

1. Freiburg im Bresgau to Merseburg via Karslruhe / Frankfurt / Bad Hersfeld / Eisenach
2. Freiburg im Bresgau to Merseburg via Karlsruhe / Nuremberg
3. Freiburg im Bresgau to Merseburg via Karlsruhe / Wurzburg / Suhl

GoogleMaps gives me these 3 options, but time seems to be virtually the same.

Last time I did the first one (via Frankfurt / Karlsruhe), which was nice, even though some sections of autobahn were quite “harsh” on a sporty suspension.

Is any of the other two any better in terms of traffic / scenic views / asphalt conditions? l

The thing is that my last name is Guthemberg, for what my father said it was a misspelling thing when a familiar migrate in the past and it should be Gutenberg. But it is probably a rumor since we don’t have information about my grandfather’s grandfather so I was wondering if someone that lives in Germany might know if there is some Guthemberg instead of Gutenberg.

I’m considering enrolling in the Master's program in Software Technology at Hochschule für Technik Stuttgart. I really like the syllabus, especially since I’m currently working as a backend engineer, and the course seems to align well with my career goals.However, I noticed that the tuition fees are €1,500, which is quite different from other universities that don’t charge any fees. I’m wondering if anyone here has experience with HFT Stuttgart and can share their thoughts on whether it's worth the investment.How does the quality of education compare to other universities? Are there good job opportunities after graduation? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

Hi everyone, I’ve been living in Germany for 10 years and really love this country – its culture, traditions, and values. However, I’ve noticed that many Germans seem to have a reserved attitude towards national pride, while strongly identifying with local traditions and customs (e.g., Oktoberfest, Carnival, etc.).

As someone coming from a culture where national identity and traditions are very pronounced, I’m curious to know how you, as Germans, view your relationship with national identity. Do you think Germany is proud enough of its heritage, or is this caution justified due to historical reasons?

I’d love to hear your thoughts, as I’m trying to better understand this dynamic.

Thank you in advance!

I feel as if Germans have a better opinion on this then anyone in the world, considering they have not only owned their past but have eradicated it for decades. Does what you see in the US or Russia genuinely frighten you? How can it be stopped?

Ich suche als ein Geschenk für meine Freundin ein Ring den man auseinander nehmen kann, oder ein ring der aus mehreren ringen besteht den man zusammenstellen kann, ich finde da nichts kennt ihr da was?

I recently became German recently and got married to an Indian on arrangement in India. We haven't lived even one day together. Visa process ongoing. Now we want to Seperate. How can it be done? Is a annulment of the marriage a possibility?

Hallo!

I joined a research organization in Germany as a software engineer a few months back. I am seeking answers to quite a few questions.

1. Even before I joined the organization, I was already registered with the VBLklassik scheme. I asked one of my German colleagues about the VBLklassik and VBLextra schemes and she said VBLextra might be better for me. My current contract runs for about two more years from now. I reached out to the international office at my organization about the same but they couldn't provide much information about this. I am contemplating whether VBLextra will be better for me. I am not sure whether I will stay in Germany after my contract ends (it's basically where my job will take me, but I want to go back to my home country after retirement or even before that). In that case, what scheme will be the most beneficial for me? Should I change to VBLextra and invest the extra amount that I will get back somewhere else, like stocks? Will that be better? Also, when will I be able to get my VBL pension back, after I leave this organization or after my retirement if I change to VBLextra from VBLklassic? I was also being told that to get my normal pension back (that is, the other pension contribution that I pay from my salary), I will have to wait till I'm 67 as 67 is the retirement age in Germany. Is that true? At this point, I am just confused about these whole pension contributions. If someone can take the pain to explain when and how much amount will I get back from my pension contributions and how they are being calculated, I will be very very grateful.
2. I am drawing a monthly salary of 4628,76 € to be exact as I am employed with the TVöD-Bund E13, level 1. Someone helped me calculate my taxes here (although this is a rough estimation and was done before I joined the organization). But I was looking at my December payslip for instance and saw that quite a large portion of my salary went away towards contributions and taxes even though I got a one-time annual payment this month (only 10% of my monthly salary though since I joined recently). I was expecting a bit higher amount after taxes and deductions. I don't mind sharing a snapshot of my payslip (I believe I have censored all the necessary information, but if not please let me know since it's in German). Can anyone tell if I am overpaying somewhere, or, can I opt out from any deduction, or, is there any scope where I can cut a bit off from the deductions? Or am I getting the exact correct post-deductions amount? I am very new to this so any suggestions/advice will be very helpful.
3. Does it make sense to file a German tax return in my case? I sometimes work mobile, and my apartment is within 6-7 kilometers from my office.

Not sure if it is required or not but I am single and live on my own in a small rented apartment where I pay 400 € rent per month.

Any help/suggestion/advice is appreciated. Thank you!

Hi,

I would like to know how hard is to rent a 1,5-2 room flat in the downtown (Mitte, West, Nord) area of Stuttgart as an Ausländer from a budget of 1100-1400€ "Warmmiete"? I have got a job as a diplomat in Stuttgart, but they don't offer me a flat sadly therefore I have to rent one. I know that the German people have an obvious bias towards Ausländers (especially if towards middle and east europeans like me) therefore I am looking for some advice what to do and what not while look for a flat. Fortunately I speak german and if its needed my employer can provide Einkommensnachweis or other legal documents that might be needed.

Context: I was on a trip outside of Europe and lost the key to the main entrance and the key for the garage, it's an old building of 8 apartments. I asked the landlord to give me a new key, he said I have to handle it myself, so I asked one of my neighbors to copy his key, but the schlüsseldienst said he needs a security card, so I asked the landlord for the card, he didn't respond, I saw him in person and asked him again, he said he lost the card and that I should let him think about a solution.

it's been over 4 months now! And the only way to enter the apartment is to ask neighbors to open the door! it's restricting my mobility and I can't do this anymore! He still hasn't provided me with a key nor replies to my calls/messages, what should I do in this situation?

P.S. I don't have a lawyer insurance 😕

Hello everyone,

Two years ago, I made this post to try to understand which type of melody western(I mistakenly called it southwestern) German Catholic churhces in Hesse and Ruhr area but since I couldn't provide an example it couldn't be narrowed down. Well to my luck, I heard the exact same tone again in an unlikely place, Train Sim World that is, and was able to record it here. I forgot to lower the pantograph(which would shut down the cooling fans and make the church bells clearer but I think it's still reasonably audible). Can anyone tell me whether or not this exact tone has a specific name?

Hi everyone,

I recently received an offer letter from GISMA Business School in Potsdam for my master’s degree. I wanted to hear your thoughts and experiences about this institution.

1. Is GISMA a good choice for a master’s program as an international student? How is the reputation of the college in Germany and globally?

2. I’m coming from an IT background (Java Full Stack, BCA degree) and plan to explore opportunities in the IT field after completing my studies. How is the job market for IT professionals in Germany?

3. Are there any specific challenges or tips you’d like to share for someone coming from abroad to study and work in Germany?

Looking forward to your insights. Thanks in advance!

Did Ticketmaster release any last minute tickets on their official platform on the day of the concert of days leading up to the concert? If yes, when will they release / timing etc?

So, im going to Bremen tomorrow with my parents and partner... Any nice suggestions what to do? (Sadly the Christmas market is not there anymore 🥲)Whats your suggestion? I.e. favorite restaurant, activity or place to visit in the city.

I lost my gloves on a tram. I reached out to my city's Fündburo (https://www.leipzig.de/buergerservice-und-verwaltung/sicherheit-und-ordnung/fundbuero/kontaktformular-bei-verlust) and from what I can understand, it is saying I need a police report to be able to retrieve it. That sounds unusual to me. I am worried that I may be misunderstanding the website due to the language difference ( I am just at B1 level).

Can someone let me know if this is normal procedure?

Many thanks!

EDIT: You see the option to include a "Anzeige der Polizei" when you select the "Eine einfache E-Mailauskunft ist ausreichend." option.

I saw a post asking about how you guys feel about hollywood/videogames representation of you guys and was curious about your thoughts on Japans representation of you with anime.

I see often in the fantasy genre of anime or even isekais they take inspiration from you guys in culture, building aesthetic or myths. They often give of a very German vibe. Recent examples would obviously be Frieren, but I also see it in Dungeon Meshi a little bit as well.

I’m just curious to see how you guys feel about it and your thoughts!