When we travel or interact with people from different cultures, it can be interesting to compare cultural behaviors and customs between our home country and the country we are visiting. Talking about intercultural experiences and comparing cultural behaviors can help us to better understand and appreciate the differences between cultures. In this article, we will explore some common German phrases and their English translations that can be used to discuss intercultural experiences and compare cultural behaviors.
“Ich habe eine sehr interessante Erfahrung gemacht.” (I had a very interesting experience.)
This is a great opening phrase to start a conversation about a specific intercultural experience you had. You can use this phrase to describe a unique or surprising experience that you had while traveling or interacting with people from different cultures.
“In meinem Heimatland machen wir das so.” (In my home country, we do it this way.)
This phrase can be used to describe the cultural behavior or customs in your home country that are different from those in the country you are visiting. For example, you can use this phrase to describe how people greet each other in your home country or how they celebrate special events.
“Hier in Deutschland machen sie das anders.” (Here in Germany, they do it differently.)
This phrase can be used to describe the cultural behavior or customs in the country you are visiting that are different from those in your home country. For example, you can use this phrase to describe how people in Germany greet each other or how they celebrate special events.
“Ich denke, dass es gut ist, andere Kulturen kennenzulernen.” (I think it is good to learn about other cultures.)
This phrase can be used to express your appreciation for learning about other cultures and to encourage others to do the same. By showing an open mind and a willingness to learn, you can help to build bridges and foster understanding between different cultures.
“Es ist interessant, die Unterschiede und Ähnlichkeiten zu sehen.” (It is interesting to see the differences and similarities.)
This phrase can be used to express your enjoyment of comparing cultural behaviors and customs between different countries. By recognizing the differences and similarities between cultures, you can gain a better understanding and appreciation for other cultures and the people who live in them.
Deutsche E-Mail:
Von: Maria Rodriguez maria.rodriguez@email.com
An: Max Mustermann max.mustermann@email.com
Betreff: Interkulturelle Erfahrungen
Hallo Max,
ich schreibe dir, weil ich mit jemandem über meine interkulturellen Erfahrungen sprechen möchte. Seit einiger Zeit lebe ich in Deutschland und habe hier einige Verhaltensweisen bemerkt, die sehr unterschiedlich zu denen in meinem Heimatland sind.
Zum Beispiel ist es hier üblich, pünktlich zu sein und Termine einzuhalten. In meinem Heimatland ist es hingegen normal, dass Termine häufig verschoben werden und Pünktlichkeit nicht so wichtig ist.
Ein weiteres Beispiel ist die Art und Weise, wie man Smalltalk führt. Hier in Deutschland ist es üblich, direkt zum Thema zu kommen, während in meinem Heimatland ein längerer Smalltalk üblich ist, bevor man zum eigentlichen Thema kommt.
Ich bin sehr interessiert daran, mehr über die Kultur hier in Deutschland zu lernen und vergleiche gerne meine Erfahrungen mit denen in meinem Heimatland.
Hast du vielleicht Lust, darüber mit mir zu sprechen? Wir können uns ja demnächst mal auf einen Kaffee treffen.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Maria
English Translation:
From: Maria Rodriguez maria.rodriguez@email.com
To: Max Mustermann max.mustermann@email.com
Subject: Cross-cultural experiences
Hello Max,
I’m writing to you because I’d like to talk to someone about my cross-cultural experiences. I’ve been living in Germany for some time now and have noticed some behaviors here that are very different from those in my home country.
For example, it’s common here to be punctual and keep appointments. In my home country, it’s normal for appointments to be rescheduled frequently and punctuality is not as important.
Another example is the way small talk is conducted. Here in Germany, it’s common to get straight to the point, while in my home country a longer period of small talk is typical before getting to the main topic.
I’m very interested in learning more about the culture here in Germany and like to compare my experiences with those in my home country.
Would you be interested in talking to me about it? We could meet for coffee sometime soon.
Best regards,
Maria
In conclusion, talking about intercultural experiences and comparing cultural behaviors can be a fun and enlightening way to build relationships and gain a better understanding of the world around us. By using these common German phrases and their English translations, you can start a conversation and make connections with others, regardless of cultural background. Whether you are traveling, working, or simply interacting with people from different cultures, learning about other cultures and the ways in which people behave can be a great way to broaden your horizons and gain a new perspective on the world.