I’ve always wondered HOW my Canadian mom effortlessly turns strangers into friends in just a few moments here in Germany! Whereas the rest of us expats sit here like deers in the headlights wondering why it’s so difficult to make friends with a German. Is it rocket science? Or does my mom just know something we don’t? A secret sauce perhaps?
In this video, she spills the beans on her secret sauce for making friends with Germans! 😉🍁🇩🇪 Join us as we giggle, sew in front of the fire, and talk about cultural insights, and practical tips that'll have you cracking the code to German friendships in no time.
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Your mother is absolutely great.
thank you so much 🥰🫶
In my opinion, making friends in Germany is not only a challenge for foreigners but also for Germans when moving. It also depends on the region.
I agree. However, often, it doesn't take much - maybe just a little courage and a smile - to get a person to respond to your friendliness. It's still happening to me that I'm surprised about how much peoples faces change when you're just greeting them with a smile on your face. I dare to say that because sometimes others are assuming that I'm grumpy when I'm just lost in thinking about something without noticing what's going on right around me. Another thing making me aware of such differences in interactions is my impression that there seem to be subtle differences in mentality between people in Upper Swabia, Badenia, Vorarlberg and Switzerland. They aren't huge but they are certainly noticable after some time.
I totally agree! Although not German myself, many of my friends say the same thing! I actually meet lots of wonderful German friends at international Meetups because they’ve mentioned it difficult for them too, especially when they come from a different region of Germany 🇩🇪🫶
She has no secrets, she is honestly really likeable and supportive😊 Frohe Weinachten🎉
Awww you’re so sweet! 🥰🫶 Although I do think her attitude about just simply not caring what people think of her when she awkwardly approaches strangers is the approach I need to take more often! I think I’m more shy than I thought I was 🙈
Also ganz ehrlich, es wundert mich keinen Deut, dass deine Mama 1fach nur mit einem "Fingerschnipp" neue Bekanntschaften macht. Sie hat eine so positive Ausstrahlung - man kann sich ihr einfach nicht entziehen. Und man sieht auch woher du deine positive Art her hast, drum schau ich mir echt gerne deine Videos an und freue mich immer wenn deine Ma' immer mal wieder bei ist. Also ich drück dir die Daumen, dass du sie so weit bearbeitet und überzeugt bekommst, dass sie her zu euch nach Deutschland zieht, was ja dein "geheimer Wunsch" ist. 😊
Wow! Vielen Dank für deine nette Nachricht! Ich werde sie für meine Mutter übersetzen, wenn sie aufwacht! 🥰🫶 Frohe Feiertage! 🎄
Marry X-Mas(s) 2 y'all! @@lifeingermany_
As I'm unable to attend the premiere, so before watching from what I observed in your past videos I'd say: Your mom is a very friendly, open minded and caring. Really someone you can have fun with and who you can rely on if necessary. And as we Germans say: Actions speak louder than words - she raised you to become the wonderful person you are now. Thats proof enough for me. 😊
Haha you’re the best 🥰🫶 thank you so much! Und frohe Weihnachten!!! 🎄
The definition of friendship in North America is much broader than in Germany. We distinguish between acquaintance and friendship. To get into an acquaintance isn't that difficult but to be in the inner circle of being considered as a genuine friend might be that. Friendship means in most cases that it is very close and fast for the rest of you life.
That is SO very true! Although I think in Germany sometimes the toughest part is to catch someone long enough to encourage them to even become an acquaintance. Of course, the next step isn’t easy either, but at least you have grounds for which you can then communicate (the awkward stage has past 😂)
Your mom is great! You have to bring her over to the channel more frequently 😊
Definitely!!
Jenna, your mom told you her first tip: Smile and a German Hallo. I think there's something before: Don't be scared anyway. As you living in Germany ... there's too much going on in your mind how the other person will react. Your moms sentence: there is nothing to loose 🙂 Happy Holidays to you and your mom. You're such a great team 👍👍👍
🥰🙂🫶 you’re totally right! It all sounds so simpl, doesn’t it? I ask myself everyday why it’s so hard for me to act on these tips! I’m still often just nervous 🙈
Differences in the way we approach people: since the peak of the pandemic, we have walked a lot in our small town and my partner greeted everyone with “Moin”*. I was always a little slower because during this phase I was driving to the nearest big city every day to work and there you only greet someone you know. *Not everyone said hello back, but you could often see the happy smile even despite the mask.
Your Mum is my "cup of tea" !👍 And yes, a smile comes a long way. I spend my winters in the country my husband comes from. The language spoken there has nothing to do with any other European language but since English is the second official language communication is no problem. What always gets me a smile is when I respond or throw in the few words and sayings in their complicated language I know. Happy Holidays and einen guten Rutsch ins Neue Jahr ! 😊
Deine Mama "ist ein Hammer" 😍, she is so adorable, open, friendly and never grumpy (as i know) oh btw: Frohe Weihnachten und a happy, healthy New Year for you and your family (and your georgious mom), mögen alle deine Wünsche wahr werden. 😀🤗
Hahaha vielen lieben Dank 🫶🥰🎄 frohe Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr!!!
Your mom has the best energy. How adorable!
🥰🥰🫶🫶🙏🙏🙏
What a cozy moment, sitting by the fire sewing with mom. That was lovely to hear, thank you! I’m from the deep south in the U.S., where we are extra chatty. Let’s see how I do in Germany when we move this spring. I’m at A2 level now, really trying to learn German before we move. Oh and Jenna! don’t hold a needle in your mouth, you could swallow it! As an experienced sewer, this is an important rule! :-)
A2 and you haven’t even arrived in Germany?! I’d say you’re off to an extremely good start for a wonderful life in Germany! 🥰🫶 Haha - you’re right about the needle 🙈🤫 I took a sewing class and the teacher told me the same thing, but not for safety, but because I ruin the needle that way making it harder to thread 🧵
@@lifeingermany_ and that too! Rusty needles! Keep sewing, it’s so therapeutic!
Welcome to Germany, from a German Woman. ❤❤❤
My guess as a (Berlin) German: being direct/honest, being friendly, showing interest in Germany /German-related things and beer. 😁😁
Beer 🍻 hahaha that’s a good one to add! Although my moms not a huge beer drinker so I guess it’s off the table for her 😂
Deine Mama wird jetzt berühmt denn die ist ja cool ! Die will man echt kennen lernen und zusammen einen Kaffee schlürfen . Schöne Weihnachten euch Jenna
Frohe Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr!❤
@@tasminoben686 dir auch sei es gewünscht .🙂
🥰🫶
@@lifeingermany_ vielen Dank für die Weihnachtsgrüße! Die gehen natürlich zurück aus dem stürmischen Hamburg nach Düsseldorf! Meine jüngere Tochter wird in zwei Wochen 22. Aber ich kann mich noch sehr gut an einige Weihnachtsfest mit ihr erinnern. Zum Beispiel an das zweite Weihnachtsfest! Wie sie da vor dem Tannenbaum gestanden hat, vor ihrem Paket und zu Mama gedreht? Fragte zerreißen Mama zerreißen!? Lach! Genießt die Zeit, die Kinder werden so schnell groß!
Deine Mutter ist so toll 😍 ich glaube mit ihr möchte jeder befreundet sein ❤
Your mum is heartwarming. To make friends is as easy as she told. I am german and when I travel I always talk in the foreign language , not perfect at all, but people love it when you try.
Awesome Video! Your mother is unique,you have to Love her! Keep her here in Germany, don't let her Go again 😂😂🎅🎅
Hahaha I so wish I could!! I’m still working on it 😉🫶
Mega nette familie und die Videos 😊😊😊❤❤❤ mega gut. schöne Grüsse aus Sachsen
Have a nice christmas with your Mom🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Thank you so much!! Merry Christmas! 🎄
We need her here 😂❤
To quote the band "Hot Chocolate" 🎶... no doubt about it ...🎶. Frohe Weihnachten!
@@flamedealership wünsche ich dir auch 🙋♂️
Yeeeeeessss!!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Was ist das schlimmste Geräusch in der Atomphysik? Upps!👹
@@tasminoben686 🤣
Ich fahre einen Traktor klappt auch in der Bar....LOL
😂😂😂😂
I am so glad you are having a good time with your mom. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours.😊❤
Thank you so much! 🥰🫶 have a very Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones too!!
Jenna, I'm wishing a merry Christmas and "Guten Rutsch" into the new year to you and to your family.
Thank you so much!! Merry Christmas and a good “slide” into the new year for you and your loved ones too! 🥰🫶🎄
I love your mom ❤❤❤❤👍👍
🫶🥰🙏
Wish you a merry Christmas...🎉 Und bis später...👍😀🤟
Wünsche ich dir auch 🫶🥰🎄🤩
Your mum is simply doing two things right. She's taking the first step and she's showing that she's not completely ignorant of the German language. Language is the one thing that unites all Germans and is very important to most of them. It doesn't have to be good and it doesn't have to be much, but the goodwill must be audible. When I go on holiday, I also learn a few words of the local language, even if I end up communicating in English or French. That breaks the ice immensely and is just a bit more extreme in Germany, which is not even the most closed country in Europe. "Wie man in den Wald, schreit, so hallt es zurück"(As you shout/yell into the forest, so it echoes back), as they say here. 😉
Hello dear friend 🙏🏻🌹Very nice sharing my dear friend 🌹🌹❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Thank you very much 🙏🏻
Never compete with your mother :o). You can't, and you shouldn't anyhow. Have a great Christmas.
So true! 🥰🙏 Happy Holidays! 🎄
Love your mom! : 0 )
🥰🙏🤩
Germany don't like small talk. But they are interested in talking about topics that matter. Someone sells Christmas trees? Talk and ask questions about trees. Same for anything else. Eg farmers, bakeries and so on. To find people with similar interests, go to "Vereine". Then you still need to be open and talk with others. Germans don't talk without a reason. So give them a reason to talk with you or have a reason to talk with them. But you need to talk many times to for a friendship.
So hard to make friends 😭
nice mom
Deine Mutter hat eine sehr positive Ausstrahlung! Hat ihr das Weihnachtsfest hier in Deutschland gefallen? Ich grüße Euch aus dem Westerwald.
Ja, es hat ihr wirklich gefallen! Ich glaube nicht, dass sie darauf vorbereitet war, WIE anders es sein würde, aber es war schön! 🥰
Frohe Weihnachten 🎄☃️❄️🎁
Frohe Weihnachten 🎄🥰🫶
yes - the answer was already in the first two minutes. German love compliments and if you aproach them bravely you will crush the shell very fast
Plus: Most people are willing to help out. If you start talking in German they will help you by switching to English. If you are addressing them in English they may feel pressured and close up
It’s funny because although it seems so simple, I’ve never done it because I assumed it would be classified as “small talk” which Germans aren’t typically fond of 🙈 BUT I think you’re right! This is the key to success!
you mum's lovely
She is sooo sweet, living at Benrath Düsseldorf, she would also my BF forever
Careful what you say 😉 maybe I’ll convince her to move here one day! 🤩🤩🤩🤞🤞 Frohe Weihnachten! 🎄🥰
@@lifeingermany_ 🤩 i'll be there and waiting💓 Iam 62 its my right to be introduced🤷
@@Miristzuheiss haha no way! A 1961 baby?! She is too 😉
👍
As always your mom is a hoot, Jenna. And she reacts similar to new viewers of yours at your catchy sign out phrase...😁💛💛 Lisa, if I may adress you personally, welcome to the home of grumpyness even if you apparently work on destroying that image by being your disarming self😉🥰. I've always enjoyed Jenna's bubbly personality. Now I can see where she got it from. I really hope you take your daughter's idea to heart and show up in more of her videos while you're here, maybe even make one where you are in the driver's seat and tell us a little bit about your experiences over here? Have a great time in Germany. Enjoy (no doubt there, though) your time with your daughter and your grandkids (and even the pretty boy Jenna removed from the market😁🤣🥰) and have a merry christmas with all of your German family. Oh, and btw: apart from a few exceptions a fundamental requirement for becoming a bus driver here in Germany seems to be that you exceed the scale of grumpyness by an order of magnitude - even to German standards...😎🤡💛💛
Frohe Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr!❤
Hahahaha I love your comment! 😂🥰 she will be reading all of these messages later today when she wakes up 🫶 will make sure she catches yours! Love the idea of putting her in the drivers seat 😉 Have a wonderful “slide” into the new year 🥰🎄🤩 and a happy Erster Weihnachtstag
@@tasminoben686Vielen Dank, das wünsche ich dir und deiner Familie auch!🎄⛄💛💛
Salü Jenna. Einen schönen Ofen habt ihr im Zimmer. Was für ein Fabrikat ist das?
Dankeschön 🥰 das ist der Kaminofen Königshütte Leo 🔥
🎉
You and your mum are so cute :) I'd like to be friends with you!
Awww 🥰 thanks so much for the sweet comment!!
The Dierence between Your Mom and You is , Your mom is a open warm heart people, you also but your are to shy, so the People don*t now that you warm heartet to.
So the tractor was not only a tractor, but an attractor in fact. Freundschaft mit uns Deutschen ist sicherlich nicht immer leicht zu gewinnen, aber wenn es geschafft ist, dann hält sie auch. Also nichts erzwingen wollen, sondern erstmal locker Kontakt aufnehmen, das klappt schon
Der magische Schlüssel zu einer deutschen Freundschaft 🔑 🤩🫶
Ma'am I want to go to Germany I am from Bangladesh can you please help me
Hi there, I have to encourage everyone who comes to Germany, either to stay or just for a visit, please learn german language. Even some words will open doors, at least you show being willing to speak(dont be to shy pronouncing words wrong) you will gain smiles from reerved (grumpy) germans. Its the main key. Btw, most of the germans speak better english than you german. CU
Absolutely! 🥰🥰 I always say that was my biggest mistake when I first arrived.. was not just taking a year off work and intensively learning the language from the get-go!! BTW: Frohe Weihnachten 🥰
@@lifeingermany_ euch ebenfalls
can you knit gloves?
I wish!!! 🤩
super womens ❤❤❤
In my point of view it is all just about positivity inside and out. A very high percentage of Germans are much too negative, always complaining, only seing the bad things. Positive humans remind you of how nice the world coud be and that it is always your own choice to be/think positive or negative 🥰.
Your mom seems like a genuinely kind person. 🫶