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    Germany for Asians

    Francoise Hauser is a German journalist and author of several bestseller travel and cultural guides, as well as books about a number of Asian countries. Andy Janz, former CEO of China Tours has lived in China for over a decade and has traveled extensively across Asia. Together,  they host “Germany for Asians”, the new Germany podcast that serves as a cultural guidepost for Asians interested in contemporary German culture and lifestyle. In informative and weekly 15-minute episodes they attempt to answer the question: “Why do Germans do what they do?”
    en14 Episodes

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    Episodes (14)

    Why do Germans love walking so much?

    Why do Germans love walking so much?
    Anyone who has ever been to Germany will have noticed that Germans like both walking and hiking a lot. The idea of heading out for a walk without having a clear goal and destination in mind runs somewhat contra to the idea that Germans are masterful planners that rarely ever set off for a trip without knowing where to go. In this episode of Germany for Asians we discuss why Germans love walking and where this tradition originates. We talk the talk, but we also walk the walk. Enjoy!

    Why are Germans so cold and somewhat socially distant?

    Why are Germans so cold and somewhat socially distant?
    Germans have a reputation for being cold and somewhat distant in their daily communications and interactions. For many Asian peoples being warm and open is somewhat anathema to the idea of economic and social success, which is also attributed to the success of Germans and German culture around the globe. In this episode of Germany for Asians we try to unravel this apparent contradiction. Enjoy! 

    How do you tip in Germany?

    How do you tip in Germany?
    Tipping in bars, restaurants and hotels has been a hotly contested topic amongst non-Germans living in or visiting Germany. For Asians, that have a less pronounced and seemingly unified tipping culture than Western culture(s), the issue of tipping in Germany remains difficult and one that is fraught with insecurity. In this episode of “Germany for Asians” we try to approach the question “how do you tip in Germany” with the Asian perspective and a few “tipps” in mind. Enjoy! 

    Why do Germans drink so much sparkling mineral water?

    Why do Germans drink so much sparkling mineral water?
    Every household in Germany consumes mineral water, mostly of the sparkling kind. The popularity of sparkling mineral water in Germany tends to baffle Asian people, often unfamiliar with the sensation of drinking carbonized water. In this episode of Germany for Asians we discuss the origins of this tradition in the 19th century and how it manifests itself in contemporary German culture. Prost!

    How to make friends in Germany?

    How to make friends in Germany?
    Asians are sometimes baffled by how difficult it can be to make friends in Germany or with Germans in their own country. In this episode we discuss how the German concept of friendship is based on an attempted deep emotional connection, whereas in many “Eastern” cultures the beginning of a friendship is manifested in shared experiences. How this works out in practice and how work and private life are strictly separate in Germany will be the topics of this episode of Germany for Asians. Happy listening!

     

    Why are Germans so crazy about fireworks?

    Why are Germans so crazy about fireworks?
    During regular, non-pandemic “Silvester” (German for New Years Eve) Germans set off fireworks worth around 130 Mio. EUR within the course of 1-2 hours. In this episode of “German for Asians” Francoise and Andy talk about the possible origins of this “craze” and how it is a rather atypical German tradition, when one considers German culture and lifestyle. As we say in German: Guten Rutsch (Happy New Year)!

    How do Germans celebrate Christmas?

    How do Germans celebrate Christmas?
    In this episode of “Germany for Asians” Francoise and Andy discuss how Christmas in Germany is celebrated differently than in English-speaking countries, what some of the traditions are and how they differ between Northern and Southern Germany. This episode is a perfect and “quick” insider guide for those who are interested in this most important of German holidays. Merry Christmas everyone!