Do you agree with this survey about Europe?

[Fragony]

You know what I think is really sad about this widespread beach-towel-prejudice?

That it is actually true

No it isn't, germans are the most civil and courtious I know. We dutch could learn a thing or two from them when it comes to manners.

[Ser Clegane]

No it isn't, germans are the most civil and courtious I know. We dutch could learn a thing or two from them when it comes to manners.

Hehe ... thanks. I am not really sure about the general rudeness of Germans, but the beach towel thing is definitely true.
If we go to the thermae we regularly don't get any free canvas chairs for relaxing a couple of minutes after the sauna because most of the chairs are "occupied" by towels

[tibilicus]

germens arnt rude. I would say Italians are much ruder. Even the French are. All the Germen people i have met or know are some of the nicest people around. Then again i have never been to Germany but i would expect it would be nice.

[Duke Malcolm]

I think that British food is the best. Deep fried Mars bar anyone?

[Fragony]

I think that British food is the best. Deep fried Mars bar anyone?

That good?

[Kaiser of Arabia]

Which country's people do you most like?
Austrians

Which country's people do you least like?
French, Polish, Russians, Bosnians, Serbians.

Which Europeans have the best sense of humour?
Austrians.

Which Europeans have the best food?
Italians

Which country has contributed most to the world?
Austrians or Germans.

Which Europeans are the sexiest?
Italians

Which Europeans are the rudest?
Viva la France, Viva La Poland! VIVA LA SERBS! (yes I dont like serbs dammit!)

Which Europeans are the most open-minded?
The Bloody Dutch .

Which Europeans are the most efficient?
Leichtensteinians.

Which country would you most like to live in?
Austria.

If you couldn't be your own nationality, which other European one would you choose?
Austrian.

Which is your favourite European city?
Graz.

[KukriKhan]

Hehe ... thanks. I am not really sure about the general rudeness of Germans, but the beach towel thing is definitely true.
If we go to the thermae we regularly don't get any free canvas chairs for relaxing a couple of minutes after the sauna because most of the chairs are "occupied" by towels

I'm glad you guys explained that; had me scratching my head for a few minutes. I found Germans not rude, but very direct in their language (especially their English; and I mean those with only school-learnt english, not those who had immersed in an english environment), a distinction missed by some of my fellow Yanks. I never in two years found any German stranger who would not help me find the correct train, or direct me to a hotel or other place I sought - often taking me by the arm to show me the way. That's not rudeness, that's efficient helpfulness.

[tibilicus]

Most english people find a lot of forighn people rude because thats just how other countries talk to each other in there society. Although we may think its rude they sertenly dont. Me being english im just used to people speaking diferent wilst the germens may find how we act weird. This may not make sense but if you get the drift it a culture thing.

[Ser Clegane]

I found Germans not rude, but very direct in their language

Most english people find a lot of forighn people rude because thats just how other countries talk to each other in there society. Although we may think its rude they sertenly dont. Me being english im just used to people speaking diferent wilst the germens may find how we act weird. This may not make sense but if you get the drift it a culture thing.

This is definitely part of the problem.

There is actually a nice little book - "These Strange German Ways" - written by Susan Stern (a British woman living in Germany), that IMHO does a good job in describing all the typical large and small little things in German culture that might seem odd (especially to people from Britain and the US)

[Craterus]

Like how Brits value their personal space very highly..
Those from other cultures sometimes don't understand this.
Again, a culture thing.

[Proletariat]

This is definitely part of the problem.

There is actually a nice little book - "These Strange German Ways" - written by Susan Stern (a British woman living in Germany), that IMHO does a good job in describing all the typical large and small little things in German culture that might seem odd (especially to people from Britain and the US)

I know you're speaking of Germans, but if you could enlighten me I'd appreciate it.

I had a French roommate for a few years and I noticed in conversation he would go on and on and it would be difficult to break in. I was expecting a ping-pong type conversation style like is the norm over here in the US, but he seemed to enjoy being interupted and liked interupting back. Could this be a Latin thing? I noticed this with some Italians I've met and some Hispanics in the US.

Almost as if they view themselves and their conversation partner's voices like two streams that constantly flow, criss-cross, and spill over each other.

[Ser Clegane]

I know you're speaking of Germans, but if you could enlighten me I'd appreciate it.

Sure - what exactly would be your question?