A German is confused and overwhelmed by the cultural differences. Here are 15 things that amazed him and made him think.
The USA is a country of contrasts and this diversity is not only evident in the landscape, but also in everyday life. A German shared his impressions on X (Twitter) and noted that many things feel different – often bigger, louder and more intense than in his home country. These experiences shed new light on the differences between the two continents and invite you to rethink your own cultural prejudices. The complete tweet is available here via x.com.
1. Money is not taboo
In the USA, money is discussed without hesitation; unlike in Germany, financial topics are often considered private. This open attitude is refreshing, it is said. People speak proudly about their success and their work without it being perceived as boasting. For someone who finds these topics interesting, this is probably an unusual but pleasant culture of conversation.
2. Disappointing fast food
The anticipation of American fast food was quickly dampened. Expectations for the fast food chain “In-N-Out Burger” were particularly high, based on numerous enthusiastic online reviews. But the reality was sobering: the fries taste bland and the overall experience was far below expectations. It shows that the hype is not always justified and local favorites do not always meet international tastes. The X-User would give it a 2/10.
3. “How are you?” – An empty phrase
In the US, “How are you?” is a meaningless greeting that is often used casually. However, to a German who appreciates deeper conversations, this phrase can seem superficial and insincere. It is part of American politeness, but it remains a strange ritual that can be perceived more as a social obligation than as genuine interest when even the unknown cashier asks the question.
4. Americans are loud
The volume at which Americans speak is often surprising to Germans. Conversations that are quiet and thoughtful in Germany often seem louder and more energetic in the US. This higher noise level, whether in restaurants, on the street or on public transport, can quickly be overwhelming for someone who is used to a quieter way of communicating.
5. Tipping: A complicated system
The tipping system in the USA is often confusing and impractical for Germans. Prices on bills do not include taxes and there is an expectation to tip 18 to 20%. The attitude towards tipping even for minimal services such as a coffee is particularly irritating. This system, which is deeply rooted in American culture, can quickly lead to misunderstandings. Read more here: Mandatory high tips: will the “tipflation” from the USA soon come to us too?
6. Customer service on a different level
Customer service in the USA is exceptionally attentive and friendly, which is probably due to the tipping culture and the strong focus on the consumer. The service often goes beyond what is necessary to ensure that customers are satisfied. The X-user found this friendliness and helpfulness to be a pleasant difference to the often more reserved service experiences in Germany.
7. The American dream lives on
Despite all the challenges the country has gone through, the belief in the American dream remains undiminished. People are innovative and strive to change the world. Talks about start-ups and groundbreaking ideas are more commonplace. This optimism and willingness to take risks to achieve great things can be inspiring and goal-setting differs greatly from the often more cautious German mentality.
8. Casinos: A shocking experience
Visiting an American casino for the first time can be an experience full of contrasts. It is fascinating to observe the dazzling world of slot machines and the people who are addicted to them. At the same time, it must have been shocking to see how many people lose themselves in these environments, with the constant smoking and the incessant loss of money. This experience offers a deep insight into a culture that is heavily influenced by gambling.
9. Openness in conversation
Americans are said to be remarkably open and talkative, even with strangers. This willingness to quickly start a conversation can be both refreshing and overwhelming for a German. It is a culture that encourages social interaction and in which it is normal to talk casually about personal topics, something that is often rather unusual in Germany.
10. Everything is bigger
The X-user describes the size of drinks, cars and portions in the USA as overwhelming. A “small” drink in the USA is often almost twice as big as in Germany and applies to portion sizes in restaurants. This culture of over-sizing probably reflects the American preference for abundance and generosity. However, this is surprising for someone from a country that is used to smaller and more modest measurements.
11. Obesity in Extreme
The high number of severely overweight people in the USA was shocking for the X-user. At the same time, however, there are also many fit people. This extreme discrepancy in terms of health and body awareness may indicate the deep differences in lifestyles and priorities that exist in American society. It is the land of extremes.
12. Healthy food is expensive
Finding healthy food options in the US proved difficult and expensive. In Europe, healthy food is often easy and affordable to find, while in the US the opposite seems to be the case. This makes it difficult to maintain a balanced lifestyle without having to dig deep into your pockets and highlights the challenges associated with eating in America.
13. Constant lighting
The 24/7 lighting in the US was strikingly different compared to the energy-efficient habits in Germany. The constant brightness can create a feeling of affluence and endless possibilities, but it can also lead to a certain degree of overwhelm. This flood of light, which is ubiquitous in both cities and suburbs, underscores the American preference for convenience and availability.
14. Status symbols everywhere
The presence of status symbols such as luxury cars, expensive watches and designer clothes was more evident in the US than in Germany, says the X-user. This visible display of wealth reflected the importance that American society places on financial success and material goods. For someone from Germany, where such symbols are often treated more discreetly, perhaps independent of vehicles, this was a striking difference.
15. The American risk-taking spirit
The willingness to take risks to achieve great goals is deeply rooted in the United States. This mentality, which may date back to the country's history as a haven for adventurers and immigrants, still shapes the actions of many Americans today. This willingness to take risks, often linked to the search for innovation and improvement, stands in stark contrast to the more cautious attitude often found in Germany.
These 15 observations offer a fascinating insight into the cultural differences that a German experienced on a trip to the USA. They show how diverse life can be on both sides of the Atlantic and how surprising and instructive encounters can be. More on the topic – Lidl in the USA: These are the differences to German branches.
