Kultur 5- Andrea Rousseau

The article, "Rules of the Street: No Blood, No Entschuldigung," talks about how Germans are not intrinsically rude, but they are rather just used to running into people, and people running into them,  while walking on the streets.

"The Loneliness of the Klofrau: Toilet Training for Visitors" explains that in public restrooms there is typically a Klofrau, or 'toilet lady.' In exchange for keeping the bathroom presentable, she accepts small tips. It is encouraged to tip these cleaning ladies, seeing as many of them are poorly paid immigrants, doing unenjoyable jobs. "You won't land in jail for not paying the Klofrau, but you are likely to solicit grunts of displeasure."

"Scoring a German: Flirting with Fräuleins, Hunting for Herren" explains that in Germany, the man makes the 'first move' by simply staring at the woman. Then, it is up to her to initiate a conversation. It is viewed as overly aggressive for the man to walk up and spark the conversation. As for foreign women traveling to Germany, flirting with the natives can be problematic. Gestures are often misconstructed, misinterpreted, or just plain out missed. ""Flirting" in Germany is not nearly as fun, meaningless, or flattering as it is elsewhere."

In the Vorsprung "Brennpunkt Kultur" section on page 189, I learned that Germans make distinctions between their two types of friends, calling acquaintances 'Bekannte' and using the term 'Freund/Freundin' only with those whom with they share a special, permanent, rare, and treasured bond. Pals or buddies can also be referred to as 'Kumpel.'