Difference Between German and American Culture: Germany and America are two of the most powerful countries in the world, and the two basic similarities between them are prosperous economies and a great standard of living. Having said that, there are still many differences between them when it comes to their culture. Some of the areas where you will see the differences between these two countries are – the availability of 24/7 supermarkets, usage of credit cards vs cash, level of straightforwardness, availability of customer service, etc.
Want to know more about German culture vs American culture? Keep reading further to know more!
This Blog Includes:
Customer Service
The concept of customer service is nearly non-existent in Germany. This is not the case in America, where your business license can even get revoked if you do not have proper customer service. So, in Germany, people are more accustomed to asking for everything they need assertively. On the other hand, in America, you will get to experience amazing customer service where businesses even go overboard so that they have a higher rate of customer satisfaction.
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Working Hours
The working hours of an individual in both of the countries depend upon the type of job they are doing – full-time or part-time. In Germany, the average working hours of an individual working on a full-time job is 8 hours which amounts to 40 hours per week.
As per a study conducted in 2011, it was found that Germany had the lowest amount of working hours among 26 countries. In recent years, it has been seen that working hours in Germany are becoming more flexible. It is also seen that people have started to prefer part-time jobs which provide the opportunity to work alongside of focusing on the other spheres of their lives
Coming to the USA, it is common thing here for adults to work extra hours and it is found through research that 20% of American adults work more hours as compared to German adults. While using student housing in USA, you will find out that there is a provision in the law which allows individuals to work for more hours who want to earn more.
Efficiency and Punctuality
People in Germany are known for their hardworking nature and for making the most of the opportunities that they get. In addition to this, they are also known for their punctuality. German people take being punctual very seriously which is why they also have a saying – “it is better to be five minutes early than be one minute late”. Since German people try very hard to be on time, they expect the same thing from other people and if a person is late then Germans consider it rude.
Punctuality and efficiency are considered quite important in the USA as well, especially when it comes to dealing with people and work. The stakes are quite high when it comes to being punctual and efficient in the USA but in comparison with Germany, it is not strictly followed there.
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Public Transportation
Germany takes pride in having one of the most efficient public transportation systems in Europe. In comparison with the USA, the public transportation system in Germany showcases a judicious use of government subsidies, better quality of public transportation and an efficient integration of regional public transportation services. This acts as a discouragement to own a car in Germany which is why many citizens depend upon public transportation for commuting.
Since there are many options for public transportation, it is quite easy to live here in any of the big cities and not own a vehicle. This is definitely not the case in the USA as many citizens prefer owning a car for commuting over public transportation.
Credit Cards and Cash Payments
Germans for many hours have stood by using cash for making payments as they have considered cash of paramount importance as compared to other modes of payment. Compared to other European countries, Germans do day-to-day dealings in cash more. However, this trend has started to change since the pandemic, as people have started to use cashless modes of payment as well. Unlike the Germans, people in the USA use credit cards and other cashless modes of payment for their day-to-day dealings.
The Sense of Order
The daily activities of German people are dominated by their attribute of orderliness. The people of Germany believe that there is an unwritten path in the society that everyone must follow. There is a term for this in Germany – “Ordnung hat Gott lieb” which means that orderliness is next to Godliness.
The thought process of Germans behind orderliness is that life becomes straightforward and less complicated if an individual focuses on orderliness. This idea is in stark contrast to the American lifestyle where people are more comfortable with carefree lifestyles and a laissez-faire attitude towards things. Americans are quite popular for challenging things the way they exist and will do anything for the things they believe in.
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FAQs
Both India and Germany are known for their rich history and cultural heritage.
Germans prefer a more direct style of communicating as compared to the English people. Germans are attuned to getting to the point and have efficient communication which many people confuse for rudeness.
As compared to Indians, Germans are more efficient and punctual in both personal and professional settings.
We hope you liked this blog about the difference between German and American culture. This blog will tell you about the major differences that you will notice in the German and American culture. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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