10 ways I might be German

I've always thought I was the average, run-of-the-mill American mutt - a healthy mix of distant European ancestry. Some German, some Swedish, and a wee bit o' Irish thrown in for good measure. I never thought I identified with any particular heritage. Until now. I'm starting to consider that the German in my DNA has an effect on who I am. I have begun to recognize specific "Germanisms" in my personality, likes, and dislikes. It makes me wonder if being German is hereditary, not just cultural.

Here are a few examples of some Germanisms:

1. Germans wear house shoes. Perhaps being barefoot is too freeing feeling. Or perhaps it's fear of frostbite when their feet touch the cold floor. Whatever the case, house shoes are very important here.

I have cold feet. I do not like cold feet, therefore, I wear house shoes, or slippers. I've even been known to forget to put on my real shoes when leaving the house and find myself in the middle of the grocery store wearing my house shoes. I have brought my house shoes on vacation with us. I am wearing them right now!

2. Germans dress as ordinarily and anonymously as possible. Hardcore normal. Germans prefer practical clothing over frivolous fashion.

I tend to wear clothes that could be described as boring. My closet is filled with mostly neutral colors, no patterns except for some striped items, and they are more practical than stylish. I like to wear clothes I can do stuff in.

3. Germans have a plan. Germans are notorious for planning and preparing. Save being spontaneous for Fasching.

I like to plan and be prepared. I feel anxious when there's not a plan. I like to plan my day and figure out how to make everything flow efficiently. People who are more free spirited scare me.

4. Germans love rules, organization, and structure. The German's ability to organize and create structure has earned them the reputation of being efficient. Additionally, Germans find it their duty to inform you when you're not following the rules. They obey crosswalk lights. Empty road? The Germans wait anyway for the crossing light to turn from red to green. Overall, Germans are practical (despite taking their kitchens with them when they move).

I like the predictability of rules, organization, and structure. They are our guide for right and wrong. Generally, I am a rule follower. I'm a cook-by-the-recipe kind of girl. I've been made fun of for reading instruction manuals. I don't live by lists and flow charts, but I do appreciate their sensibility.

5. Germans respect nature. They wander in nature, buy anything organic, conserve, and recycle!

I love to be outdoors enjoying nature. I try to buy organic when I can. I've always enjoyed recycling and turning off the lights.

6. Germans love potatoes. It's the side dish for nearly any meal you order in a restaurant.

I have always had an inexplicable love for anything potato. I could eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week.

7. Germans don't small talk. Germans say what they mean without flair or fluff. They tend to be goal-oriented in their interaction.

I rather like their directness. You always know where you stand with a German because they'll tell you. I hate small talk. I appreciate conversations that get right to the point.

8. Germans wear scarves. It is their fear that the temperature of their neck directly affects their health. If your neck is exposed to cold air, then you will get sick.

I like to wear scarves. Even in the summer.

9 .Germans like quiet. They have laws for being quiet during certain times of the day and all day on Sundays. You will never overhear a German conversation because they speak so quietly. I once scared a woman on the street by laughing too loudly.

I like quiet. Peace and quiet. I don't like loud noises such as engines or music or people. 

10. Germans like to bundle up. We've seen them wear earmuffs in 60-degree weather. I get glares from Germans because often my children are wearing much less clothing than acceptable for the temperature.

I like to feel warm and I hate feeling cold. Typically, I feel cold if it's less than 70 degrees out, so it's perfectly acceptable to be wearing a sweater or a jacket.

 

Aside from being able to speak the language, I think I really fit in here. Scary.