Share German vs USA cultural differences
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In Germany, people often separate their trash carefully for recycling. In the US, recycling isn’t always as strict or done at all. Why do you think this difference exists?
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Germans tend to use cash more often, while Americans often pay with credit cards. Why do you think this is the case?
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American students often have multiple-choice tests, while German students write a lot of essays and fill-in-the blanks. Which do you think is better for learning?
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Americans often eat fast food or take their coffee to go, and the portions are much larger. Germans tend to sit down for meals and coffee breaks. Which do you prefer?
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Germans are often more private and take time to form friendships, while Americans are quick to say, “Hey, let’s hang out!” and make small talk with a lot of people, even strangers. Which approach do you prefer?
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The US has a 2 party system, while Germany has multiple pol. parties. Which system do you think is better?
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Healthcare in Germany is mostly public and required by law, while in the US, many people rely on private insurance and they often gets bills after doctor and hospital visits. Why do you think that is?
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In Germany, university education is often free or very cheap, while in the US, students take on large amounts of debt. Do you think university should be free? Why or why not?
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Guns are heavily restricted in Germany, while in many US states, people can own and carry guns more easily. How do you think this affects safety in both countries?
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Germans can easily travel to other European countries without a passport, while Americans need one to leave their country, so they often just travel within the USA. How do you think this affects how people see the world?
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In Germany, students start learning English in 3rd grade and often learn a third language later. In the US, many students don’t learn a second language until high school. Why do you think language learning is more common in Europe?
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Some food ingredients banned in the EU (like certain dyes, preservatives, and additives) are still common in American snacks and fast food. Do you think the US should have stricter food regulations? Why or why not?
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What are the most common modes of transportation in both countries. Why?
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For Germans, rules are there to provide an example of how to be a good citizen and are believed to be in place for highly logical reasons. Americans, on the other hand, tend to question rules and attempt to break them often. Why?
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Americans often live to work and German tend to work to live. Why do you think that is? (Discuss sick leave, vacation time, and earning money)
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