Having spent a decent amount of time in Germany (but not integrating into society): what about it is shit? From an outsider’s perspective, you guys seem to have it mostly together. Sure AfD exists, a percentage of the population will always be trash. But social services are there, mass transit is acceptable, and the economy is probably the strongest in Europe.
Germany still has a good image, that is true. It’s very hard to address all your points without writing a book, so I keep it short. But if there is anything you are interested in more detail, let me know!
“AfD exists” is an understatement, especially when you look at the election results from yesterday
The far right is moving forward and minorities get crushed more and more like everywhere in the west.
Social services - many people will be poor when they are old, because Germanys retirement system is broken. You need to make private investments in order to make a living, no matter how long you have worked. Regarding the health service - I made an appointment for a rheuma doctor 2 month ago, it will be in January 2027. I live in a major city with >600k inhabitants.
The mass transit is so shitty, I can’t even begin speaking about Deutsche Bahn without getting so angry it will kill my mood. In big cities, yes, busses and trams are well (as long as it is below 30°), but the rest is really bad.
The economy is in a downwards spiral, the state makes debts as never before, the car market is slowly overtaken by China, job losses are on the rise.
These are all problems that are independent of our government, which is one of the worst we ever had. Defense is the only sector where they have ambitions.
I am fully aware :( I am lucky to be a white heterosexual academic, but I fear a lot for my friends and all the people who aren’t resilient enough for this.
No. In Germany this is unthinkable behavior, but our society is still shit.
Having spent a decent amount of time in Germany (but not integrating into society): what about it is shit? From an outsider’s perspective, you guys seem to have it mostly together. Sure AfD exists, a percentage of the population will always be trash. But social services are there, mass transit is acceptable, and the economy is probably the strongest in Europe.
Germany still has a good image, that is true. It’s very hard to address all your points without writing a book, so I keep it short. But if there is anything you are interested in more detail, let me know!
“AfD exists” is an understatement, especially when you look at the election results from yesterday
The far right is moving forward and minorities get crushed more and more like everywhere in the west.
Social services - many people will be poor when they are old, because Germanys retirement system is broken. You need to make private investments in order to make a living, no matter how long you have worked. Regarding the health service - I made an appointment for a rheuma doctor 2 month ago, it will be in January 2027. I live in a major city with >600k inhabitants.
The mass transit is so shitty, I can’t even begin speaking about Deutsche Bahn without getting so angry it will kill my mood. In big cities, yes, busses and trams are well (as long as it is below 30°), but the rest is really bad.
The economy is in a downwards spiral, the state makes debts as never before, the car market is slowly overtaken by China, job losses are on the rise.
These are all problems that are independent of our government, which is one of the worst we ever had. Defense is the only sector where they have ambitions.
Ah, looks like you’re following ’murica’s lead. Don’t worry, it gets worse!
I am fully aware :( I am lucky to be a white heterosexual academic, but I fear a lot for my friends and all the people who aren’t resilient enough for this.
Even in France, the country who’s people literally invented being arrogant, selfish asses, I never see this.
Maybe it’s the fear of the extra physical exercise what prevents US Americans from bringing the cart back