4 direct questions you should be prepared to answer in Germany | Meet the Germans | DW | 02.05.2018

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Meet the Germans

4 direct questions you should be prepared to answer in Germany

There's a fine line between honesty and politeness and Germans are known abroad for not beating around the bush. Kate Müser and Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi explore the rather direct questions they've had to answer in Germany.

Watch video 04:30

4 direct questions you might get in Germany | Meet the Germans

Every other week, DW's Kate Müser explores the quirks of everyday life and language in Germany. Originally from the United States, Müser has lived in Germany for over 13 years. Follow Meet the Germans on YouTube or at dw.com/meetthegermans.

Even though Germans may sometimes be direct, they also communicate in wordless facial expressions that aren't always clear to newcomers. Here's a brief guide: 

7 videos of German facial expressions that need explaining

When it comes to communicating with Germans (in German), it's crucial to know how to address them: with the informal "Du" or the formal "Sie." Using the wrong one could lead to a serious faux pas. Learn more in the Meet the Germans video below.

Watch video 05:08

Du or Sie? How to say 'you' to a German

 

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Cute German nicknames for your sweetheart

Is German a harsh language? Not if you're talking to your sweetheart. From "mouse-bear" to "Schnucki," Meet the Germans presenter Kate Müser discovers lots of cute and funny nicknames Germans use for their loved ones. (08.02.2017)  

German idioms you'll want to start using now

Do you "spider" or "talk around the hot porridge"? In German, you can. Meet the Germans host Kate Müser asks bilingual colleague Michael Knigge to explain some of the best German idioms. (Watch for outtakes at the end.) (22.03.2017)  

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German wedding traditions you'll want to adopt

When it comes to weddings in Germany, broken porcelain is a good thing - and brides should beware of kidnappers. On Meet the Germans, Kate Müser shares the German wedding traditions that surprised her the most. (28.06.2017)  

WWW links

Meet the Germans on YouTube

Audios and videos on the topic

4 direct questions you might get in Germany | Meet the Germans  

Du or Sie? How to say 'you' to a German  

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