German Men Sit Down to Pee and Other Insights into German Culture

by Niklas Frank, James Cave

Welcome to Germany, a country where you should always wait at the red man, show up on time for your wedding, and be extremely suspicious if anyone offers you a doughnut. 'German men sit down to pee' is a tongue-in-cheek guidebook to German culture that highlights the rules Germans consciously and unconsciously follow, while trying to make a little sense of it all along the way. Why, for example, mowing your lawn on a Sunday will mean getting an earful from your neighbour, but lie naked in the middle of a public park and nobody will bat an eyelid. Ideal for anyone visiting or moving to Germany, 'German Men Sit Down to Pee' offers a collection of insights into German culture while at the same time highlighting rules and cultural norms that those visiting Germany will not only find humorous but useful for avoiding any cultural faux-pas.

Genres: Nonfiction, Germany, Travel, Cultural, German Literature, Humor, History

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 25, 2015

Reviews

[Katherine P · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really interesting little book (it's around 115 pages) and I loved that it was factual but didn't take itself to seriously. It covers everything you can think of about day to day life in Germany - shopping, work, spending habits, rule following, and holidays to name a few.
I know a number of people who travel to Germany for work and I think this book would be very useful - especially the section on meetings.
I learned that there are almost as many types of sausages as there are beer and that some are very rare. That patriotism is a conflicting emotion for most Germans and that history is taken very seriously. Actually most things are taken pretty seriously - including bathroom habits!
The description of the Christmas Markets made me want to plan a trip to Germany (in German style - about 2 years in advance. Another positive thing about going in December is that I'd miss the asparagus season. My dislike of asparagus and my complete lack of punctuality pretty much confirm my complete lack of German roots
This quick read was light and informative. I would have liked some personal stories and some more details about the authors' experiences in Germany I think would have made this book more interesting. If you're heading over to Germany or someone from Germany is heading over here pick up this book so you don't make the faux-pas of trying to make small talk or not taking your hobby seriously.
Full Review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...

[Lisa Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this light cultural guide to hanging out briefly in Germany.

[Jemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely essential for anyone planning to move to Germany. As someone who's lived in Berlin I found myself laughing along in agreement and also having a few "aha" moments as I realised why people behaved a certain way. I especially enjoyed the section on German weddings. I'll be adding a WC Geist to my Christmas list: no "stehpinklers" in my house, please.

[Felipe Martinez Guimaraes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid pep talk for my next eight months

[Mehdi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful short read for people who are not familiar with German culture. It didn't have much useful stuff for me, but I believe it can be good for people who don't know anything about Germany and like to visit it or work here.
I disagree with the author's take on the national pride (in chapter 27)

[Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book with an in-depth look at the toilet habits of men in Germany, this title is not for you. However, if you're like those men in that you like to sit down when you pee, this book is great toilet reading.

Short, snappy chapters give great insight into German culture, traditions and thinking. At times this will seem completely alien and bizarre, at others so intelligent and full of common sense that you'll wonder why we don't all act like that.

The authors clearly know what they're talking about, and their insider knowledge of the country and its behaviours shines through. They make light reading of what could potentially be heavy going, and mix in plenty of humour and interesting suggestions for things to try in Germany.

I've no plans to visit Germany at the moment, but if I do go I'll be sure to re-read this. I'd definitely recommend it to travellers or those thinking of making the move over there. Even if you only pick up one or two tips, it's sure to help you fit in and avoid awkward situations.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a great title with a not so well known insight into German culture.
Lots of great information in this book.
But perhaps it could be more compelling with even more humour and anecdotes.

[Larry Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a light hearted look at German culture for tourists visiting German or for some one relocating there. Lots of humor. I love traveling to Germany. My maternal grandfather was of German descent so I have a big interest in most things German. I have traveled to Germany several times and now I have a few interesting but fun things to look for on my next visit.

[Obada Meslmani · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Germany, don‘t be surprised if you don‘t hear more than a sweet and short „Nein“ :)

[Jonny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read I found comically accurate based on my German friends.

[Leonardo Maia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book delivers an overview on several aspects of German culture, sometimes offering a brief historical background. It's somewhat generic and unavoidably generalizes the picture of what being "German" is, but it's a good overview. Don't expect anything deep here, the chapters are shallow and the book is short.

[Jeri Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only do German men sit down to pee, some toilets come with voice-activated reminders for the user to squat when they tinkle. I've loved almost everything about Germans ever since I worked a couple of winter seasons in the Everglades. They always came across as much more authentic and a bit crazy and quirky compared to the Italian and French visitors. I wish I would have read this book before my Oktoberfest trip a couple of years ago, but I still appreciate being able to learn more about their culture. The book is quite in-depth in its short passages that cover a wealth of topics. The only drawback was the formatting. I prefer indented paragraphs with no extra spacing between. I came away from the read with lots of great new trivia in my head I can now impress (or torture) people with. It would be great to see an even longer book on this subject with even more anecdotes about specific people to help drive different points home.

[Kari Martindale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun but genuinely helpful book that gives newcomers, expats, and visitors to Deutschland good, accurate information and insight into German customs--all while making you chuckle. A pretty fast read, I wish this had been around before I moved to Germany! I had worried that it would just be like reading a few blog posts or top tens on the Internet, but it wasn't. Although some of the information is familiar to me after over 3 years of living here as an expat, I still managed to learn something. The author provides historical and cultural references within his anecdotes, so while the book reads fast and primarily entertains, you *do* walk away feeling like you've learned something. That's important, and I think this book made the grade.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun to read! Being the daughter of a German-born Mom, I've learned of things NOT to do or say while visiting Germany that my own mother hasn't taught me. I'm ever so grateful for Niklas Frank and James Cave's words of wisdom! This book is a must have if you ever decide to visit Germany or move there (and WHY WOULDN'T YOU????) Buy this book! NOW!

[Marzena · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*

Apparently I'm German at heart. Or so it seems after readig this book.

I know it's generalizing a lot but it's still informative, while being witty and interesting as well. All I need now is a ticket to some German town where I could confront it with reality.

[Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good summary of German culture.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast easy read, and has plenty of humour about the German culture. I enjoyed it.

I was surprised, both by how many stereotypes about Germans are apparently accurate based on this book, as well as learning some things about German culture that I didn't know [such as that prostitution is legal there as well as in Holland].

The authors of this book are very obviously supportive and positive about Germany, its culture and its people. When they poke fun at things Germans do, or don't do [such as walk against the traffic lights, even at 2 a.m. when there are no cars or people in sight!] is always gently and with obvious affection.

This is a great book to check out if you are planning to visit Germany, and especially if you plan to live there for any length of time as it will make acclimating much less confusing and stressful.

[Jaap · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads like about 50 scripts for short youtube videos on "life in Germany", but without the depth of those. Not entirely sure what this book's puprose is: It's not quite a listing of a bunch of common German stereotypes (even if it does list some, and doesn't debunk too many of those either), it's also not really a travel guide or a How To on immigration, for which it is way too shallow. Maybe it says more about the authors, as the list of items they cover is very stereotypical of such lists; if you've lived in Germany for a while and spoke to some (British/American) expats in that time, this book is exactly the list of items you'd expect, and exactly as Berlin/Bavaria-centric as you'd expect too.

1.5 stars

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve lived in Germany for years and now even travel back every year or so. I believe that I am fairly well versed in a significant amount of German culture and idiosyncrasies. I bought this book really for a laugh and was greatly disappointed. Years ago, while living in Germany, I read a book called “These Strange German Ways” which was very funny, accurate and informative. I was hoping for the same with this book. It was not any of the three. There are too many total inaccuracies to list here. The book attempts to be funny at the expense of accuracy. Very disappointed. I can’t recommend this book.

[Luke Southard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m new to the whole “read books specifically about culture,” thing and didn’t know how I wanted to do it: a surface-depth talk like the last book, a funny book like this one, or a “live and work,” book that I also got.

Of the three, so far I prefer the surface-depth one like the last book. Yes, it was a bit drier, but it also had more content in general, but also more substantial content.

I will say that this one covered less holidays than the last one, but the ones they did cover were in greater depth and made it all sound super appealing.

[Melanie Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book!! I love that it was a short read, but very informative and really helped. Give me a Birdseye view into the German culture! It helped me gain a much greater respect for the German people and the reason for their traditions. It was also very eye-opening to see how many words, foods, and even traditions we hold in America that have their roots in German culture! This book made me want to go back to Germany ASAP! I only had the pleasure of staying for a week, and that simply was not enough time.

[Mariana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a gift from a German Easter Bunny, I read it when I was already quite familiar with German culture, but haven't noted anything down. So I reread it to refresh my mind and I can say that it's pretty good, it doesn't pretend to be something too serious, just a nice read that offers a few tips and insights for those who are interested in visiting Germany, many (or most) of which can be applied to other countries and people as well.

[Leigh Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so do German woman. This was fun and basically about me.
Punctual... check
Rule follower... check
Humor? I’m hilarious!
Hobby? If obsessive reader counts then... check!
I’m adopting the birthday thing.
Organized planner... I already have my 2021 calendar filled.
Who’s Davis Hasselhoff? Just kidding but I didn’t know about 1989.
I don’t move on Sunday and no one else should either.
Oh and there are so many more fun facts crammed in this little book.

[Monica モニカ · Rating 5 out of 5]

After living in Germany just a few short months I can say that this book seems to be very accurate. I love the attention to detail in which this book was made. I enjoyed that the authors listed out popular Biers, movies, TV shows as well as holidays with great care. I will definitely be dipping back into this book to look up specific topics.

Thanks to my great friend Olivia for being so thoughtful in gifting me this book!

[Panchalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I am not German** but I for sure loved this book! If you're looking to learn about a different culture in a modern context that's fun, light hearted and not historical this is the kind of book you want to go for. Also refreshingly, the name is exactly what you'll get. With what the author claims to be German quirks and idiosyncrasies explained with humor so subtle that I lapped it up just like I'd imagine a German would Glühwein on Christmas! 100 percent recommended! Prost!

[David Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really funny book to learn a bit about why Germans do as they do. Meant to not be taken very seriously, it will give you a few good laughs and help you understand a few things that you experience when living in Germany. Keep in mind that it is stereotypical and generalizing but overall it's meant to be funny. You'll have a good time reading it!

[Sam Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book! I have never been to Germany, nor do I have German friends so I can’t speak to the accuracy of the cultures outlined.

I appreciated insight into the food, music and popular TV Shows/Movies. As I’m starting to learn more about Deutschland, I feel a bit more confident on where to set my sights.

[Elie AbouMelhem · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to the German culture, traditions, and people in general. Written smartly with plenty of fun moments. I enjoyed reading it and got loads of facts from it. Recommended if you wanna visit, live in Germany, or even if you are just curious and interested.

By the way, I visited Germany back in 2014, and many insights from the book make sense to me now.

[Heather Anstaett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this humorous but enlightening book about German culture. Read in preparation for my upcoming first trip to Germany, which is the country of origin for 3/4 of my great-grandparents, it explained a lot about the possible origins of many of my family’s and my own habits and preferences. Looking forward to seeing how many of the points I can observe in person on my trip!!!

[Dianne Landry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start by saying that I have no idea if the title is true nor do I want to know. I already knew a lot of the stuff in here but I did learn a few things.

Thanks you Brita for giving it to me. It was a lot of fun.