This October, DGN received visitors from Lübeck, Germany, temporarily adding to our growing school diversity. For most of the exchange students, this was their first time in America, and they were intrigued by cultural aspects they found here that they don’t see at home.
“My favorite part of the US is the view, especially of the sky scrapers,” exchange student Merle Matthias said. “Cars are much smaller in Germany, and cyber trucks are not allowed.”
With older infrastructure, Germany does not have many large buildings, like skyscrapers. Their buildings are much older, have more history, and are usually made of brick. This change was found to be very interesting for many exchange students as they visited Chicago. Another difference in the structure of towns and cities are roads and buildings. Houses tend to be smaller and roads tend to be more curved and aren’t numbered the way ours are. Overall, most things are smaller in Germany.
“The US has an ignorance of environmental challenges. Plastic bags in Germany are prohibited,” German exchange program coordinator Martin Grossman said.
Safety and environmental health are much larger topics in Europe. It tends to be a stereotype that Americans are not serious about the environment and do not take care of the Earth. This causes a partially negative view toward the US because we do not take more precautions to keep our country healthy. Germany has made a point to change certain health risks. This includes banning cyber trucks, since they are produced in a way that causes more harm when a pedestrian is hit due to the build of the hood. They have banned plastic bags as well for environmental health, and they supply clean drinking water at more locations.
“The water here doesn’t taste good. It has chlorine,” exchange student Nele Antrack said. “I miss filling up my bottle anywhere.”
Almost every student interviewed claimed that the water in the US has a different taste due to the chlorine added. Our country adds this chlorine to improve cleanliness and also fluoride for oral health. Since we are accustomed to our drinking water, this is not something we notice, however, the exchange students view it as a hindrance. Another difference seen is the ability to fill water bottles in public places when in Germany, like bathroom sinks, since they are filtered.
“Germans have gone toward American culture, especially teens,” Grossman said.
Despite many differences, exchange students connect through their hobbies and interests. A large number of German teens listen to American music, watch American movies, and know plenty about American pop culture. This is because of social media and its influence around the world. When asked if American names sound different or strange, an exchange student claimed that he encounters them enough through actors or actresses that they are very familiar to him. Another similarity seen is athletics. While soccer is far more widespread in Europe and football is not common, physical activity is valued in a similar way in both cultures. Many students in both countries enjoy sports outside of school or find time to stay active in other ways.
“It’s based on our ancestors. The way we keep our homes, our free time, or activities,” German teacher Anne Herrmann said.
Culture between Germany and America are far more alike than most may think. Although many geographical aspects are different, teens from both countries spend their time doing similar activities, have similar interests, and obtain very close morals.
“Bottom line is, we have more similarities than differences,” Grossman said.
