Every family has their own customs and traditions; however, many families that hail from the same region have a couple of overlapping ones. It's a fancy phenomenon I like to call heritage. So, here a a few things you know to be true if you grew up in a family of German origins.
1. You have an Oma.
And Opa isn't a celebratory expression, rather, he's your grandfather.
2. Brats are definitely better than hot dogs.
Although, I certainly didn't think so when I was a kid.
3. And German potato salad is the best kind of potato salad.
Hello, it has bacon in it!
4. Everyone has that family recipe for spaeztle.
The way to my heart is through spaeztle mac and cheese.
5. Foosball- or soccer-related activities are a common event.
This is no mere game, people.
6. You always got that one Christmas gift that was "from Germany."
Seriously Oma, where did you get this magazine subscription? And what am I supposed to do with another leather, edelweiss-embroidered change purse?
7. Oktober is a big time, and we all know why...
Bring out the beer and the lederhosen!
8. Speaking of which, at least one person in your family has either a dirndl or lederhosen.
And you relish the few opportunities you get to pull it out.
9. You were a chutze and you knew it.
Bonus points if you were your Oma's favorite. (You know who you are.)
10. You definitely know a few German words.
For example: Ich liebe brot! (I love bread!)
11. If someone did some thing stupid they were a ruschel or dummkopf.
Moral of the story, don't be a dumbass.
12. No matter how long your German relatives have lived in the U.S., their accents are still so thick you only understand them 50 percent of the time.
My Opa has been here for over 40 years, and he still sounds fresh off the boat.
