history – Page 21 – understand-culture

German bread, again

The Germans are extremely proud of their bread culture – and pretty scathing about bread from most other countries (don’t get them started on Toastbrot.) Since moving to Germany, Rachel has discovered the delights of fresh German bread from the local bakery.

But there’s still one thing getting between her and a bag of crusty bread rolls. Rachel moved from the UK to Germany in 2016. Back then, as a relative newcomer she casts a fresh eye over German clichés and shares her experiences of settling into German life. Every two weeks she explores a new topic – from unusual bans to meaty cuisine or haunted castles. This week: bread.

Nibelungentreue

A German with extensive experience living and working in the U.S. made this comment about entering into and maintaining agreements:

“I more observed that you make easier commitments in some cultures, and somewhere it takes more time. Then, in some cultures you can adjust when the boundary conditions dramatically change. And in others you stick to your word whatever happens. I guess that probably is the concept of Nibelungentreue, which has both positive and negative implications.”

Prussian Civil Service

Civil Service Reforms (18th–19th Century). The Prussian state is famous for pioneering a professional, merit-based civil service. Reforms under Frederick the Great and later administrators emphasized: objectivity and efficiency in evaluating officials; performance-based promotions and appointments, not personal connections; a culture where professional conduct and results mattered more than personal feelings or relationships. Civil servants were expected to perform their duties impartially, and feedback on their work was formal, standardized, and focused strictly on results.

Transit Agreement (1972)

The first German-German agreement at government level, the Transit Agreement, came into force on June 3, 1972. It facilitated travel between West Germany and West Berlin through East Germany. The agreement was implemented as negotiated, and both sides adhered to its terms with minimal need for ongoing re-confirmation or renegotiation, reflecting the German tendency to treat agreements as binding and self-sustaining once concluded.

Ostpolitik and Inter-German Agreements (1970s)

During the era of Ostpolitik, several treaties and agreements were signed between West Germany and East Germany, as well as with other Eastern Bloc countries. These agreements, such as the Basic Treaty (1972), focused on normalization and were executed with the expectation that both parties would fulfill their commitments without constant follow-up, in line with the German value of reliability in agreements.

Bonn Republic

Die Unbeugsamen (The Indomitables, 2021): This documentary tells the story of women in the Bonn Republic who had to fight persistently and patiently for their participation in democratic decision-making processes. Their long-term, unwavering commitment and refusal to be rushed by societal or political pressures exemplify the German belief that significant decisions require time, perseverance, and careful deliberation.

Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact

The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact exemplifies several core German decision-making strategies, particularly the emphasis on strategic patience, pragmatic calculation, and allowing the nature of the decision-not external pressures-to dictate timing and terms.

Deliberate Negotiation and Timing:
The pact was the result of extended negotiations between Germany and the Soviet Union, following the breakdown of talks between the Soviets, Britain, and France . German leaders did not rush into an agreement but instead waited for the optimal moment-after other diplomatic options had failed-to secure a deal that would best serve their interests. This patience allowed Germany to negotiate from a position of strength and maximize its strategic advantage.

Pragmatic, Interest-Driven Approach:
Despite deep ideological differences, Germany prioritized practical considerations over ideology, focusing on immediate military and territorial objectives . The pact included secret protocols dividing Eastern Europe into spheres of influence, demonstrating a willingness to set aside personal or political animosities in favor of concrete, performance-based outcomes .

Control Over Decision Pace:
Germany resisted external pressures-such as the urgency from Britain and France to form an anti-German alliance-and instead set the tempo of negotiations to align with its own strategic timetable. This approach reflects the German logic that the time allotted to a decision should be determined by its complexity and importance, not by outside urgency.

Patience in Execution and Adjustment:
After the pact was signed, Germany continued to renegotiate and adjust its terms, as seen in subsequent agreements modifying borders and managing resource exchanges with the Soviet Union . This ongoing, patient adjustment process ensured that decisions remained aligned with evolving strategic needs.

In summary, the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact demonstrates German decision-making strategies through measured, pragmatic negotiation; patience in timing and execution; and a consistent focus on achieving well-defined, interest-driven objectives, regardless of external pressure or ideological differences .

study, travel, learning

Der Medicus. (The Physician, 2013). Based on the novel by Noah Gordon, this historical drama follows a young man’s journey to become a physician in the Middle Ages. The protagonist’s path is marked by years of study, travel, and careful learning, demonstrating that mastery and wise decisions-both personal and professional-require patience and cannot be rushed.

rational, impersonal

Max Weber – The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (1905). Though a sociological work, Weber’s analysis of rationalization and the rise of bureaucracy in German (and Western) society underpins the German approach to work and feedback. He describes a culture in which professional roles are defined by rational, impersonal rules, and performance is assessed objectively, not emotionally.

Berlin Conference (1884–1885)

The Berlin Conference (1884–1885). Context: Major European powers, including Germany, convened in Berlin to formalize territorial claims in Africa. The conference lasted several months, with extensive negotiations and careful consideration of complex interests before any decisions were finalized. The process was deliberate and patient, reflecting the German preference for thorough analysis rather than rushed conclusions.