The German Culture

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Many symbols and components of the American culture such as the Christmas tree, gingerbread houses, valentines, and the tooth fairy actually derive from “the heart of Europe” (Steckler, 2012). Germany is a highly populated country in Europe, composed of 16 states and is known for its’ breathtaking sceneries, oceans, and mountains (Steckler, 2012). Germany is also known for its thriving and large economy. Germany’s climate varies based on location with the mountains at cooler temperatures and warmer temperatures in the valleys. German culture is not only shared in Europe but in the United States and Canada, also. According to the U.S. Census Bureau of 2008 and 2006 Canada Statistics, 51 million Germans reside in the U.S. and more than 3.1 million in Canada (Steckler, 2012). The first German immigrants of the United States were established in the east in Pennsylvania during the 18th century. The Pennsylvania populations included Germans, the Amish, Dunkers, and Mennonites (Steckler, 2012). The United States saw “waves” of immigrants from Germany in the 1800s and then the 1900s. In the 1800s, Germans immigrated to leave the poverty and starvation in their native country embraced their German culture in America. In the 1900s, many Germans abandoned their country to escape the cruel times of the Holocaust. Many of these immigrants were mathematicians, architects, and physicists and they greatly enhanced our American culture (Steckler, 2012). Today, many Germans view and accept American culture as a part of theirs.
Similar to Americans, Germans value education and the educated are viewed as credible and higher in social status (Steckler, 2012). However, education at all levels is free in Germany, unlike in the U.S (Steck...

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...o use first names outside of close relationships (Steckler, 2012). Formality of names can vary based on age groups. For example, younger groups are less formal while interacting and socializing with others.

Works Cited

Pavlova, M., & Silbereisen, R. (2012). Age, cumulative (dis)advantage, and subjective well-being in employed and unemployed Germans: A moderated mediation model. Journal Of Occupational Health Psychology, 17(1), 93-104.
Steckler, J. A. (2012). People of german heritage. In L. Purnell (Ed.), Transcultural health care: A culturally competent approach (4 ed., pp. 250-257). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company.
Wilde, A., & Diekman, A. B. (2005). Cross-cultural similarities and differences in dynamic stereotypes: a comparison between Germany and the United States. Psychology Of Women Quarterly, 29(2), 188-196. doi:10.1111/j.1471-6402.2005.00181.x

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