German+Culture


 * [[image:Germany_flag.gif]]

The German Deli is an authentic German store located in Colleyville. Mostly it carries imported German foods but some DVDs, clothing, CDs, cookware, and home decorations are available.

December 6th, from 12pm-6pm there will be a German Weihnachtsmarkt or Christmas Market.

****German Mindset** Business Business is a very serious in Germany; humor is not appreciated in a business context, with meeting times exact, they start and end when specified. In general Germans keep their personal life and professional life separate, so much so that coworkers who have known each other for years might have never been to one another's house, still greet one another with handshakes, and address each other using proper titles.

Education After Grundschule (Elementary school) students are placed in one of three different schooling systems. Gymnasium is considered the most prestigious and also the most trying, it focuses on preparing students for the University setting. Realschule is the middle of the three with a broader range of subjects for students to choose from, this setting most resembles the American Middle and High school curriculum with multiple subjects ranging from science and math to humanities and arts. The 3rd type of school is the Hauptschule, this is a vocational school and students finish after the 9th grade, the students may then start their apprenticeship.

Etiquette -In Germany one's personal space is almost 6 inches more than in America. -Germans like to appear groomed and fashionable. It is not often you will see a German in sweatpants outside of the gym. -It is rude to answer a phone without giving your name. -Germans are very thorough and planning is paramount in the society. -In German society it is common to be blunt in order to avoid any confusion or misconceptions, some cultures may view this as rudeness. It is not. 

Religion  Religion is not a large part of German society, however it is an expected standard of every person. Everybody pays a "Religion Tax" which goes towards maintaining cathedrals, churches, synagogues and mosques. In order to exempt yourself from the tax you must go to the local tax office and officially change your religion to atheist. In larger cities this is not an issue however in smaller towns there is a local crier who informs the citizens of changes in people lives.

 Hexennacht / Walpurgisnacht (Witches Night) On the eve of April 30th it is said that witches gathered on Blocksberg (the Brocken mountain) to celebrate the coming of spring. In modern day it has taken on a character close to that of American Halloween where pranks are played and in some places large bonfires are lit to frighten away the witches. In the Alps many people dress up as witches and ski down the slopes
 * German Traditions & Holidays

Nikolaus Tag (St. Nicholas Day) On the eve of December 6th children lay out a shoe so when St. Nikolaus comes by he will leave candies and toys in them. For the naughty children instead of treats and goodies they will receive switches which the parents keep and use as a reminder for better behavior in the new year.  Heiligabend / Weihnachten (Christmas) Christmas Eve is referred to as Heiligabend, "Holy Night", and this is the main focus of the Christmas holiday as opposed to the American December  ** 25th.  ** Traditionally this is the day that the decorations and tree are put up, usually by a parent. It used to be that the children had to wait until after Mass to see the decorations and only when a bell was rung. This bell signifies the leaving of the Christkind, "Christ child", as opposed to Santa Clause. ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%; font-weight: normal;"> Christmas day is referred to as Weihnachten and this is when the children receive their presents and goodies. This is also the day that a large feast is served for visiting family. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">**

Weihnachtsmarkt / Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%; font-weight: normal;">Every year, in large cities and in smaller ones, Weihnachtsmarkts are held from the end of November to Christmas Eve. These markets are places where local food and drink can be savored but also where merchants can show off their wares in time for the Christmas rush. These markets, in some of the larger cities, are almost festivals with games, animal rides, petting zoos in nativity scenes and stalls of candies. These stalls can house wares as cheap as little knick knacks for children or expensive gold and crystal for adults. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">


 * German Foods

Berliner



Brezel



Brotchen



Marzipan



Schnitzel



Stollen



Wurst

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