Patchwork In Germany

Germany as it is today has only existed for 26 years, Prior to this the country experienced many divisions, separations and eventually unifications. Because of the nature of Germany's history, individual areas within the country are not entirely uniform in disposition. Be that as it may, the country of Germany is a united country, with distinctive ascribable commonalities. Although Germany can be fondly nicknamed a “patchwork” country with diversities in culture found all throughout the individual states, Germany is a country where the population has identifiable common experiences and standard features, this is seen in public and personal interactions, as well as the German population’s sense of duty. The patchwork nature of Germany extends back to before the nation of Germany had been formed. Before Germany was united in 1871, the territory that is currently Germany was formerly a network of German principalities, tribes, kingdoms and individual settlements. As a result of these unique entities being combined, distinctions in culture throughout Germany still are prevalent today. A benefit of the former individual peoples within Germany is the now polycentric nature of the country. Unlike some of Germany's neighbors, the …show more content…
The friends that Germans do have tend to remain good friends for the majority of their lifetimes. People that Americans would consider friends would be considered acquaintances at best by German standards. The universality of this personal friendship system in Germany is seen most clearly when outsiders are added to a situation. Stated by Nees, “when outsiders are present, Germans are significantly more formal, more reserved, and less friendly” (46). Although Germans may not be particularly welcoming towards outsiders into their personal lives, the nation of Germany is strongly inclined towards group and community well