Throughout my high school career, word spread around that I knew how to speak German. This led to people knowing about my very German family. However, I'm not sure if that was a good thing or not, because since then people have been bombarding me with questions about German stereotypes. In response to that, I have compiled a list of stereotypes that I have come to know from living in a German family (and yes, some are pretty accurate).
1. The only word we say is "wiener schnitzel."
Yes, it is a German food. No, that is not the only thing we talk about, although it is delicious.
2. The only thing we eat is wiener schnitzel.
Do I need to elaborate on this one?
3. The only thing Germans drink is beer.
Germans are notorious for drinking beer, which is odd since a majority of the other European countries also drink a lot of beer. To me, beer seems gross (but I guess I'm shaming my German heritage by saying that). Actually, Germany has a lot of tasty nonalcoholic beverages, such as... I'll get back to you on that one.
4. Germans are always angry.
The heavy rasps in the German language make it sound like a very angry language. At times, I couldn't tell if my parents were scolding me or praising me when they spoke German to me. I could tell someone that I loved them with all of my heart in German and they would probably respond with a look of worry. Sigh...
5. We love to party (a lot).
This is a very true statement. However, we Germans balance out the partying. We don't party too much, but just enough to keep life exciting.
6. Germans are blonde and buff
I guess this is somewhat true, considering the fact that my brother and I are both naturally blond and my dad is basically Hulk.
7. Germans are very good at soccer.
This is not stereotype and will remain a fact for all eternity. We are the world champions.
I have heard plenty of stereotypes regarding my German family throughout high school, and these are some of the amusing (and accurate) ones. If you want to learn more about "The Typical German," just ask my family.
