German Reacts to "Top 10 Reasons not to live in Germany” | Feli from Germany

Feli from Germany
27 Mar 202032:43
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script is a detailed reaction by a German YouTuber named Felicia to a video titled 'Top ten reasons not to live in Germany' by 'World According to Briggs.' Felicia, who has been living in Cincinnati, Ohio, challenges and discusses each of Briggs' points, providing her perspective as a German national. She agrees with some reasons, such as high taxes and the weather, but strongly disagrees with others, including the portrayal of crime rates, the prevalence of neo-Nazis, and the state of German winters. Felicia offers corrections to misleading statements and shares her personal experiences to give a more accurate depiction of life in Germany. The summary serves to clarify misconceptions and provide a balanced view for those considering living in or visiting Germany.

Takeaways
  • 🎓 The video is a response by a German YouTuber, Felicia, to a video titled 'Top ten reasons not to live in Germany' by 'World According to Briggs'.
  • 👮‍♀️ Felicia refutes the claim that Germany has high crime rates, pointing out that crime rates have been decreasing since 2017 and are lower than in the US.
  • 🚷 She clarifies that Germany does not have an 'open-door policy' that allows anyone to enter and stay without conditions.
  • 📉 Felicia corrects Briggs' misinformation regarding the crime statistics, noting that the numbers provided were inaccurate and misleading.
  • 💰 Discussing taxes, she acknowledges that Germany has high taxes but highlights the benefits such as free education and a robust healthcare system.
  • 💵 She notes that Germans prefer cash for small transactions but use online banking for larger payments, contrary to Briggs' assertion about a lack of trust in technology.
  • ❄️ Felicia challenges the portrayal of harsh German winters, stating that they are not as severe as described and have been milder in recent years.
  • 🏠 She confirms that air conditioning is not commonly used in Germany due to environmental concerns and better insulation in homes.
  • 🕰️ Stores in Germany are mostly closed on Sundays, which can be inconvenient but also provides a day of rest and socialization for residents.
  • ✝️ Felicia dismisses the notion that neo-Nazism is prevalent in Germany, emphasizing that such extremists are a small minority and not representative of German society.
  • 🌍 The video concludes that while there are aspects of life in Germany that might not appeal to everyone, such as high taxes and weather, many of Briggs' points were inaccurate or exaggerated.
Q & A
  • What is the title of the video by 'World According to Briggs' that Felicia is responding to?

    -The title of the video is 'Top ten reasons not to live in Germany'.

  • Why did Felicia decide to watch the video by 'World According to Briggs'?

    -Felicia decided to watch the video to see if she agrees with the reasons presented for not living in Germany, as she is a German national living in the U.S.

  • What is Felicia's stance on the claim that Germany has an 'open-door policy'?

    -Felicia refutes this claim, stating that Germany does not have an open-door policy where anyone can simply walk into the country and stay. She explains that while Germany has taken in many refugees, they had refugee status and were not just any individuals.

  • What is the actual crime rate in Germany for the year 2018?

    -The actual crime rate in Germany for 2018 was 6,710 crimes for every 100,000 residents.

  • How does Felicia respond to the claim about the increase in the number of murders in Germany since 2015?

    -Felicia acknowledges a slight increase in the number of attempted murders after 2015 but clarifies that the actual number of people killed has been lower than in the early 2000s and was at a long-term low in 2019.

  • What is Felicia's opinion on the issue of graffiti in Germany?

    -Felicia does not consider graffiti a major problem in Germany or something that significantly lowers the quality of life. She acknowledges its presence in larger cities but does not see it as a reason not to live in Germany.

  • What is the common practice regarding the use of public restrooms in Germany?

    -In Germany, there is often a fee to use public restrooms, which is typically around 50 Euro cents. This fee helps maintain cleanliness and provides an income for attendants.

  • How does the German language form compound nouns?

    -The German language forms compound nouns by combining multiple words into one long word without spaces, which can result in very long words.

  • What is Felicia's view on the high taxes in Germany?

    -Felicia acknowledges that Germany has high taxes but argues that residents receive a lot in return, such as free education, a good health care system, and infrastructure.

  • Why do Germans prefer using cash over cards for everyday purchases?

    -Germans prefer using cash because it allows them to keep track of their spending more easily. However, for larger payments, they often use online banking.

  • What is the general perception of air conditioning in Germany?

    -Air conditioning is not commonly used in German households due to environmental concerns and personal preference. German summers are not as hot and long as in some other regions, and buildings are often better insulated.

  • What is the situation with stores being closed on Sundays in Germany?

    -Most stores in Germany are closed on Sundays due to a tradition and law that restricts work and loud noises. However, places like restaurants, movie theaters, and gas stations remain open.

  • What is Felicia's response to the claim that neo-Nazis are prevalent in Germany?

    -While acknowledging the existence of neo-Nazis and right-wing extremists in Germany, Felicia emphasizes that they do not represent the majority of Germans and are a small minority.

Outlines
00:00
😀 Introduction and Background

The video begins with Felicia, a German YouTuber, discussing a video by 'World According to Briggs' titled 'Top ten reasons not to live in Germany.' Felicia, who has been living in Cincinnati, Ohio, offers to watch the video and provide her perspective on the points raised. She clarifies that she doesn't live in the U.S. because Germany is a bad place, but rather for personal reasons and a love for American culture. She also mentions her background, being from Munich, and her initial journey to the U.S. as an exchange student.

05:01
🚨 Debunking Crime Rates and Refugee Misconceptions

Felicia addresses the claim about high crime rates in Germany, pointing out inaccuracies in the statistics presented by Briggs. She corrects the numbers, explaining that crime rates in Germany have been decreasing since 2017 and that the country has a lower murder rate compared to the U.S. She also refutes the idea that Germany has an 'open-door policy,' explaining the refugee status process and the legal requirements for immigration. Additionally, she discusses the registration system in place for residents and refugees in Germany.

10:01
🎨 The Impact of Graffiti and the State of Public Restrooms

The discussion moves on to graffiti, which Briggs claims is a significant issue in Berlin. Felicia disagrees, stating that while graffiti exists, it's not a major problem or a reason not to live in Germany. She also tackles the topic of pay restrooms, correcting Briggs' mistake about the cost and explaining the system in place at certain locations, which involves a small fee and a refundable coupon for use at connected stores.

15:02
📚 The Nuances of the German Language

Felicia talks about the German language's use of compound nouns, which can create very long words. She clarifies that these long words are formed by combining existing words without spaces. She also mentions a famous, albeit non-functional, 80-letter German word that was once listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Additionally, she references Mark Twain's critique of the German language and asserts that while German is difficult, it is possible for Americans to become fluent.

20:09
💰 The Realities of Taxation and Cash Usage

The video touches on the high taxes in Germany, which fund public services and welfare. Felicia acknowledges the high taxes but points out the benefits that residents receive, such as free education and a good healthcare system. She also addresses the prevalence of cash transactions in Germany, explaining that while cash is commonly used for small purchases, larger transactions are typically made electronically. She dispels the notion that Germans don't trust technology and notes that card payments are becoming more common.

25:09
❄️ Dispelling Myths About Weather and Air Conditioning

Felicia challenges Briggs' characterization of German winters as excessively cold, comparing them to the climate in Cincinnati. She notes that while winters can be chilly, they are not as severe as described. She also addresses the lack of air conditioning in German households, explaining cultural preferences and the good insulation of German buildings. She acknowledges that air conditioning can be a significant consideration for those used to it but suggests that the climate in Germany may not necessitate its widespread use.

30:15
🛍️ The Curious Case of Closed Shops on Sundays

The video discusses the tradition of closed shops on Sundays in Germany, which is more of a cultural tradition than a religious observance. Felicia explains that while this can be inconvenient for tourists, it also provides an opportunity for rest and socializing. She confirms that there are laws restricting noise on Sundays and holidays, which applies to the entire day, not just during certain hours.

⚠️ Addressing the Presence of Extreme Right-Wing Elements

Felicia acknowledges the existence of neo-Nazis and right-wing extremists in Germany, but she emphasizes that they do not represent the majority of the population. She refutes the idea that these elements are pervasive in German society and criticizes Briggs for suggesting that this is the primary reason not to live in Germany. She provides context about the historical use of certain books during the Nazi era, which are no longer in circulation in childcare centers.

📝 Conclusion and Personal Agreement on Living in Germany

In conclusion, Felicia summarizes her agreement with only two of Briggs' reasons for not living in Germany: high taxes and the weather. She invites viewers to share their thoughts on whether they would still consider living in or visiting Germany. She also encourages viewers to like, subscribe, and follow her on social media for more content.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Crime Rate
The crime rate is a statistical measure of the incidence of criminal activity within a certain period of time in a given area. In the video, it is discussed in the context of Germany's perceived increase in crime, which the speaker refutes by providing actual crime statistics and comparing them to those of the United States. The crime rate is central to the video's theme as it addresses misconceptions about safety in Germany.
💡Refugee Crisis
The refugee crisis refers to a large number of people fleeing their countries, primarily due to war or persecution, and seeking asylum in other countries. In the video, the refugee crisis is mentioned as a factor that has influenced public perception and media portrayal of crime in Germany. It is a key concept as it ties into discussions about societal changes and their impact on crime rates.
💡Graffiti
Graffiti is a form of visual art where images or lettering are scribbled, painted, or marked on a wall or another surface illegally. The video discusses graffiti as a problem in Berlin, referring to it as the 'graffiti capital of Europe.' It is an example of a local issue that may not be representative of the entire country, thus challenging the notion that it is a reason not to live in Germany.
💡Public Restrooms
Public restrooms are facilities provided for use by the general public, typically found in places like train stations, airports, and other public areas. The video addresses the practice of having to pay to use public restrooms in Germany, contrasting it with other countries. This cultural difference is highlighted as a potential inconvenience for visitors but is also explained as contributing to the cleanliness of the facilities.
💡Compound Nouns
Compound nouns are words formed by joining two or more separate words together, often without spaces, to create a new word with a distinct meaning. In the video, the use of compound nouns in the German language is discussed as a source of confusion for English speakers. This aspect of the German language is used to illustrate the cultural and linguistic differences between Germany and English-speaking countries.
💡Taxes
Taxes are mandatory financial charges imposed by a governmental body to fund various public expenditures. The video talks about the high taxes in Germany and how they fund public services, infrastructure, and welfare. The concept of taxes is significant as it is presented as a reason someone might not want to live in Germany, but also as a reflection of the benefits provided to residents.
💡Cash Transactions
Cash transactions refer to the exchange of a good or service for physical currency rather than through electronic means. The video mentions the preference for cash transactions in Germany, which is attributed to privacy concerns and a desire to keep track of spending. This habit contrasts with the increasing use of digital payments in other countries and is discussed as a cultural preference.
💡Winter Weather
Winter weather describes the cold, often snowy and windy conditions typical of the winter season. The video challenges the portrayal of harsh winters in Germany, offering a personal perspective and actual temperature data to argue that winters are not as severe as they are depicted. The discussion of winter weather is relevant as it addresses a common stereotype about Germany's climate.
💡Air Conditioning
Air conditioning refers to the process of treating air to control temperature, humidity, dust, and fresh air. The video discusses the lack of air conditioning in German households and the cultural preference for natural cooling methods. This is contrasted with the prevalence of air conditioning in the United States and is presented as a potential inconvenience for those accustomed to it.
💡Sunday Closing Laws
Sunday closing laws are regulations that mandate businesses to close on Sundays, often based on cultural, religious, or historical traditions. The video explains that most shops in Germany are closed on Sundays, which can be inconvenient for tourists but is also seen as a benefit for workers who get a day off. This tradition is tied to the theme of work-life balance and cultural differences.
💡Neo-Nazism
Neo-Nazism is the modern revival of the ideologies and practices of Nazism, especially as espoused by the Nazi Party. The video addresses the presence of neo-Nazis and right-wing extremism in Germany, emphasizing that while it is a concern, it does not represent the majority of the population. This topic is sensitive and is discussed to provide a balanced view of societal issues in Germany.
Highlights

YouTuber 'World According to Briggs' uploaded a video titled 'Top ten reasons not to live in Germany'.

Felicia, a German resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, reacts to the video and shares her perspective on the mentioned points.

Felicia challenges the claim of high crime rates in Germany, citing that crime rates have been decreasing since 2017.

Contrary to Briggs' statement, Germany does not have an 'open-door policy' allowing unrestricted immigration.

Felicia corrects Briggs' misinformation about the crime rate statistics in Germany, emphasizing the actual numbers and trends.

The video discusses the issue of graffiti in Berlin, which Briggs suggests is underfunded and not effectively addressed.

Felicia disagrees with the portrayal of graffiti as a major issue in Germany, noting its presence in larger cities but not as a nationwide problem.

Briggs mentions the cost of using public restrooms in Germany, which Felicia explains is common in certain places but not universally mandatory.

The video touches on the complexity of the German language, particularly with compound nouns, which Felicia acknowledges but defends as a feature, not a flaw.

Felicia addresses the high taxes in Germany, agreeing that they are a significant aspect but also highlighting the benefits provided by the state in return.

Briggs' claim about the prevalence of cash transactions in Germany is confirmed by Felicia, who adds context about the shift towards digital payments for larger transactions.

The video describes the German winter as long, gray, and cold, which Felicia disputes, offering a more nuanced view of the climate.

Felicia counters Briggs' statement about the lack of air conditioning in Germany, explaining cultural preferences and architectural factors.

Briggs highlights that most shops in Germany are closed on Sundays, a point Felicia confirms but adds that it can also be a positive aspect of German culture.

The video claims that Nazis are still present in Germany, a fact Felicia acknowledges but emphasizes that they do not represent the majority of the population.

Felicia concludes that out of the ten reasons presented, she only agrees with two (high taxes and weather) as valid reasons not to live in Germany.

Transcripts
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