Can one really talk in terms of 'typical' when
considering a country in the era of globalization, where borders
are fading and becoming less distinct as immigration and the
mass media continue to grow?
In today's world, the prevalent factor
is diversity. Germany doesn't exactly have what you would
call a homogeneous culture: food, customs and traditions,
and even the same language vary from region to region.
Besides, the growing number of immigrants
that have set foot in this country during the last few decades
have enriched German society, which today is a more heterogeneous
and tolerant one.
By sidestepping the cliches
that are usually used to characterize the 'Typical German'
(compulsive scoffers of sausage, cabbage and potato washed
down with beer, blonde and blue eyed, cool, distant and calculating),
we can try reaching a more realistic image of a population
that numbers over 80 million to date.
Germans also know how to have a hearty
laugh and enjoy a peaceful afternoon at the corner cafe.
It is extremely difficult to explain in so few a words just
how diverse today's Germany really is. There is always something
new to discover and that is typically German.
If you are looking for characteristics
that broadly describes all inhabitants, it may be worthwhile
mentioning our passion for cars, a slight obsession over
the weather or the mass consumption of our favourite drink:
beer.
However, Germany is still a county filled with
traditions; for more information on these German
traditions traditions click here.
