Stromberg (2004–2012). Context: A satirical workplace comedy (German adaptation of “The Office”). Illustration: While the show is comedic and its main character is often inappropriate, much of the humor comes from the contrast between German directness in feedback and the awkwardness of mixing personal and professional spheres. The series lampoons, but also highlights, the expectation that feedback should be about work, not personality.
Der Vorleser
Der Vorleser (The Reader, 2008). In this adaptation of Bernhard Schlink’s novel, characters confront moral and legal dilemmas in postwar Germany. Courtroom scenes and personal discussions showcase direct, sometimes confrontational exchanges about justice and responsibility, but the characters strive to keep these discussions focused on the issues, not personal attacks.
Are Germans Too Direct?
Learn German with our street interviews: In this episode we deal with a common prejudice, namely: Germans are always very direct! We find out for you on the streets of Berlin whether this is actually always true and in which situations in particular.
YouTube comments:
“I’ll never forget when visiting a friend in Germany for the first time: He was with another friend and they saw a mutual acquaintance at a cafe. ‘We know that man, we went to school together.’ ‘Want to go over and say hello?’ ‘No. Later he became stupid, so we don’t talk to him anymore.’ I loved the blunt honesty.”
“I like how a lot of the people who said no said it very directly, and emphatically. Lol, I have German heritage, and it feels right.”
“Honestly, the directness in Germany as a precise way to tell things that need to be fastly adressed, instead of running in circles (or plainly just not speaking) to avoid offending someone like we in other coubtries do, makes my life easier as in my hometown in Latin America, in that way I find social rules way simpler, gets problems solved faster. On the other side, sometimes people (the least of them) confuse directness with plain aggression, there are things that simply are not needed to be told.”
principles not feeling
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s dramas, such as Torquato Tasso and Iphigenie auf Tauris, are notable for their exploration of conflict through rational dialogue and the pursuit of objective truth. Characters in these works often engage in intense intellectual or ethical debates, but the disagreements remain focused on principles or duties, not personal animosity. The emphasis is on the matter at hand—be it justice, truth, or duty—rather than on personal feelings.
Mommy issues
Comments: “They become weak and then they become American.” … “My mom says “geh mit Gott aber geh” (Go with God, but go)” … “My mother is German, and as a child when I would get upset over something she would say to me, “YOU AMERICANS ARE SO SENSITIVE!” *my father is American. I grew up in the states lol” … “We only miss people when they die.” A bit harsh, but thats the German way.”
Liesbeth and Friedrich
In the series Tannbach (Line of Separation), Liesbeth Erler and her son Friedrich are depicted navigating the aftermath of World War II in a divided Germany. They face intense political and ethical disagreements within their community and families, yet strive to keep personal relationships intact despite ideological divides. The narrative shows characters arguing fiercely about substance—politics, survival, collaboration—but continuing to live and work together as neighbors and family members.
Direct vs. Indirect
The Germans are direct in their communication. They believe that people should say what they mean and mean what they say. Germans avoid using euphemisms. Instead they prefer unambiguous language. For Germans direct communication is efficient, effective, transparent, and most importantly, honest. Examples
Direct vs. Indirect
German Approach
Germans are direct. They say what they mean. And they mean what they say. Germans don’t use euphemisms to soften a message. They use unambiguous language. For Germans directness is efficient, effective, honest, transparent. Examples
American Approach
Americans approach sensitive work topics cautiously. Euphemisms communicate uncomfortable messages. Ambiguity can be helpful. For Americans indirect communication is considered to be both polite and effective. Examples
American View
Germans can come across as impatient, impolite, hard. Americans can quickly feel uncomfortable, thus hindering more than helping communication. In some cases, Americans will avoid contact with those Germans (mis)perceived for their particularly direct communication.
German View
For German ears Americans seem to wrap their messages in “wads of cotton”. As non-native speakers it is difficult and time-consuming to interpret carefully worded statements. And since euphemisms are context-related, they must be decoded.
Advice to Germans
Pay close attention to the differences between how you as a German and how the Americans communicate. Use a softer vocabulary. Approach important topics a bit more indirectly.
The most important points do not have to be addressed immediately. Establish a little rapport with the other person, even if it is just a few sentences.
Clarity can be communicated via nuance, also. Americans pay particular attention to nuances. And remember to remind the Americans every now and then that English is not your native tongue. That will be a reminder to them that if your style of communication bothers them that it is cultural, not personal.
Advice to Americans
Germans are communicating with you in what for them is a foreign language. Be thankful that no one has asked you to communicate in a foreign language. For addressing complex and sensitive topics in a nuanced way is very difficult for any non-native speaker.
So, expect German directness. It has great strengths. Germans will say what they mean, and mean what they say. You know where they stand. For your part, be frank. Get to the point more quickly.
Germans will not take it personally. And remember, if you don‘t understand something, or if you sense that Germans don‘t understand you, address it openly. Rephrase in other words what each party has said.