Culture Shock! Germany: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Culture Shock! A Survival Guide to Customs & Etiquette)

I am a German who was given the book by an American and read it out of curiosity. It is a helpful book, and I even agree with most of its not-so-flattering observations and statements about my country. However, it should be taken with a grain of salt: It was clearly written by someone who worked in the business world of Frankfurt, Germany's center of banking and corporate finance, and had rather stiff, conservative suburban upper middle class, suit-wearing business people as his German acquaintances and friends. What he describes as cultural "compartmentalization" between public and private lives applies to conservative business culture (certainly to banks), not so much, for example, to academics, artists, freelancers etc.

What's more, Lord's observations apply chiefly to the wealthy, more conservative Southwestern part of Germany between Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Munich, less so to East Germany or Northern Germany. For example, his advice that "upon entering a small...Read more

Richard Lord warns the reader in his introduction that he may have a few axes to grind in this book, and he isn't kidding!

This book does deliver on its promise in that it is full of interesting and useful facts and anecdotes about German culture, but the underlying and pervasive tone of the book is negative. It is clear that Mr. Lord is harboring some deep dislikes/distrust of Germans and German culture and after reading 80 percent of the book I find myself feeling rather depressed at the prospect of even visiting Germany, let alone living there.

Poor Mr. Lord who has had stay in such an unpleasant place as he describes for 15 years--due to being married to a German! His book dedication states plainly that he certainly wouldn't stay there if it weren't for her. How miserable he must be, if his tone in this book is an indication!

Not all of what Lord says about Germans and German culture is negative, but the positive points are mentioned almost as an afterthought, whereas the...Read more

I have recently returned from living and working in Germany for one year. I read this book upon my return to the States and found Mr. Lord's perspective unbelievably accurate of the culture that I experienced. Germany is a wonderful place, but as with any country, the culture can be confusing at times. Mr. Lord, an American who is married to a German and has spent 15 years living there, gives a very raw, accurate, and insightful perspective on the German culture. He informs the reader about Germany's history, current customs, traditions, daily life, and how Germany's culture is evolving today. Many reviewers believe that Mr. Lord's perspective is a tad bitter. I believe brutally honest is a better description. He delivers a very accurate perspective for foreigners who plan to be immersed in the German culture for a long period of time. I highly recommend this book to anyone planning to live in Germany.
I would not however recommend this book to people planning a small vacation...Read more