Wie es wirklich wahr? What do I see here in Spain?

What are the differences between Spain and Germany? Well actually there are a lot of (cultural) differences, but if we had to describe all the differences; you wouldn’t finish this text within a couple of minutes. We want you to think about the first difference that pops up to your head. Take your time. For me it is the food, but for you that could be something else. Why did I come up with the food?

Food is a very important thing in life. You have to feed yourself to stay alive. This is a primary need. Wherever you  go, you need to eat.  As for Spain and the Spanish people food is not only important, but it is part of their life and culture. Above all, they have the best tapas here, in Spain. I will illustrate quickly what tapas are; In fact it is simply a small, hot or cold dish. Indeed it is just a small dish, for a small price. These are very famous here in Spain. And at every bar, café or terrace you can order a Tapa. (a Tapa is one dish) First of all the tapa started as a small dish which was being used to cover a beer or a wine for the fly. In Germany there are no small dishes at terraces or a bar. You just order a meal there, however, this could be a small sandwich for example or just a salad. When it comes to food, the stereotype of Germany would be a glass of beer with a sausage. Or, as they would say in Germany, bratwurst!

As for Spain itself, we can introduce you more about its culture. And within its culture there is one specific thing that they do have; the Siesta. I am almost sure you heard  about the Siesta before. But, do you know what it is?, Where it is used? And the most important, why is there a Siesta? Let me answer all those questions for you. A Siesta is a short nap, often done in the afternoon after lunch, and lasts for 1 to 2 hours. The Siesta is being used in many hot countries where the food intake is more than usual. Just like here in Spain. But why is there a Siesta? In the warmer countries, the weather can be really hot at certain hours in the afternoon, this is why those countries have a Siesta, where they take a long break for a long lunch and nap to move away from the hot weather. Then they open up in the late afternoon. Here in Spain the shops are also open in the evening till 10pm or even 11pm. You would think that this is just part of their relaxed culture, but if you think about it; it is actually pretty good for their economic situation! If there wouldn’t be a siesta, the stores would be empty in the afternoon and closed in the evening. By introducing the siesta, the companies are open on the most effective times during the day!

On the other hand, we have our German friends. The culture is a lot more strict in Germany. If you would ask for a siesta during working hours, people probably would think you are making a joke! People often make jokes about the Germans; most of the time about their sense of humour. Or better said; the lack of humour. It’s a stereotype, but the Germans wouldn’t be so successful if they didn’t have a good comeback from that. They slap back by claiming their product quality, and therefore theit economy, is many times better, because they are not playing around! We can tell that Germany and Spain differ a lot when we are talking about culture!

Another important thing here in Spain which differs VERY much from Germany, is the bureaucracy. As to live in Spain and even being here when you are from another company, for example Germany, you have to be very patient. Why? In Spain it’s usual that you have to wait for everything. By everything, we mean everything. Mañana mañana is not a joke, it’s actually one of the few things in Spain that is taken really serious. Just kidding! But if you have an appointment at five, don’t be shocked if they will be there at 6, at the earliest. You would never see something like this in Germany, five is five and six is six. If you make an appointment with someone, or you have a problem; you schedule it together! Not showing up on an appointment or being late is not done in the German culture! Being a little early is totally normal.  

The last thing that caught our attention when we got to Spain for the first time, are the perfectly neat streets and city centres. We have been in both countries, and as good and tight as the streets look here, that is how bad they can look in Germany. People seem to respect a city more when it is already clean, and therefore they do not just throw things away. In Germany it can be some sort of effect that you create. When it is already dirty somewhere, you feel less trouble to leave your garbage on the streets as well. So on this subject, Germany can learn something from Spain!

Congratulations! You (almost) made it to the end of our blog. We chose, Spain and Germany, two very big and important countries in Europe and compared these to each other. Of course we do not mean to make one of these two countries look bad because of the differences. Both countries have their beautiful aspects and that is what makes them unique, in their own way. However, it is wonderful how some things can be so close in distance, but so far in habits.

Danke schön, muchas gracias!