As a Cruise Director, I often encounter guests who are eager to learn more about different cultures and languages. One common question that arises is how Germans refer to themselves. Germans call themselves “Deutsche,” which means “living in Deutschland,” the German word for Germany. This term has been used for centuries and is still widely used today.
Historically, the free Germans beyond the Rhine had no collective name for themselves until the 11th century AD. It was during this time that the adjective “diutisc” came into fashion. This word, which is the modern German word “deutsch,” means “of the people.” It was the first collective term used by Germans to refer to themselves.
The term “Deutsche” not only refers to the inhabitants of Germany but also extends to people who are of German descent or native speakers of the German language. It is a broad term that encompasses a diverse range of individuals who identify with German culture and heritage.
One interesting aspect is the confusion between the words “Deutsch” and “Dutch.” The word “Dutch” comes from a Proto-Germanic word meaning “of the people,” which is similar to the German word “Deutsch.” This similarity has led to some confusing names, as the name Germans use for their own country, Deutschland, is often translated as Germany in English.
In the Dutch language, the Dutch refer to themselves as Nederlanders. Dutch and German are different languages, but they are related as both are Germanic languages. While they share similarities, such as a high degree of lexical similarity, they have different influences throughout history that have made them sound quite different.
When it comes to greetings, Germans commonly greet each other with a handshake and direct eye contact. Men usually greet women first and wait for them to extend their hand. Close friends may hug, and younger people may kiss one another on the cheek. Verbal greetings such as “Guten Tag” (Good day) or “Hallo” (Hello) are commonly used in Germany.
Germans, like many people around the world, enjoy complimenting each other and receiving compliments. They appreciate compliments that focus on something unique, such as a specific quality or an aspect of someone’s appearance. Compliments are a way to build rapport and show appreciation in German culture.
In terms of naming conventions, most Germans have two personal names (a first name and a middle name) and a family name. Surnames are typically passed down through the father’s lineage. This is similar to naming conventions in Anglo-Australian cultures.
Many guests are curious about the interactions between German soldiers. German soldiers would typically address each other by their rank, function, last name, first name, or nickname, depending on the situation and context. The way they address each other would vary based on the hierarchy and the familiarity between individuals.
For those interested in flirting in German, here are a few phrases that might come in handy:
1. Ich mag dich. – I like you.
2. Du hast schöne Augen. – You have beautiful eyes.
3. Ich liebe dein Lächeln, es ist so charmant. – I love your smile, it’s so charming.
4. Du tanzt gut! – You dance well!
5. Du siehst gut aus! – You look good!
6. Du bist schön. – You are beautiful.
7. Ich finde dich sehr attraktiv. – I find you very attractive.
It is important to note that these phrases are informal and should be used with caution and respect.
In conclusion, Germans refer to themselves as “Deutsche,” which means “living in Deutschland.” It is a term that has been used for centuries and includes not only the inhabitants of Germany but also people of German descent or native speakers of the German language. While there may be some confusion between the words “Deutsch” and “Dutch,” they are distinct languages with their own unique characteristics. Germans have their own cultural practices when it comes to greetings and compliments, and they have a specific naming convention.