Germany is a country of beer lovers
As «Russkaya Germaniya» writes, this large-scale research project, conducted over the past several months, aimed to summarize and determine what residents of Germany think about themselves, and to what extent their views correspond to common clichés. Some of the recognized stereotypes are regularly confirmed in such surveys, while many turn out to be widespread prejudices.
Germans are industrious and punctual, love dogs, sausages, and clubs: that is how we are traditionally perceived abroad, and that is probably how we think of ourselves. True or not? "When three Germans meet, the first thing they do is found a club" – this common saying refers to stereotypes not confirmed by practice. Most Germans are rather critical of clubs and rarely sign up for membership – except for sports clubs. 40 percent of the country's residents are primarily members of such clubs, while associations of bowling, tailoring, shooting, or gardening enthusiasts are mostly exceptions to the rule.
Do Germans love dogs? Yes, but they keep cats at home. 28 percent of the population have a cat, and only 23 percent are dog owners. However, when asked which animal they like most, the majority chose the dog. But the piles of excrement from these cute pets also turned out to be a favorite in the list of things that residents of Germany cannot stand.
Germany – a country of beer lovers? When choosing between beer and wine, 57 percent of Germans would prefer the former, say YouGov sociologists. Beer leads in consumption volumes: per year, the average German drinks 107 liters of beer, 21 liters of wine, 4 liters of sparkling wine, and 5.5 liters of strong alcoholic beverages.
The 17th federal state of Germany – Mallorca? "Germans prefer educational trips," says the publisher of the YouGov almanac, psychologist Holger Geissler. 62 percent of those surveyed by his sociological institute noted that they would not forgo getting to know new cities and culture during vacation, and only 28 percent are not willing to give up beaches and parties. Sun and warmth are equally important to both: four out of five Germans go on vacation to the south and only one to the north.
Pork knuckle and grill – is there life without meat? Only six percent of Germany's residents are vegetarians, vegans are even fewer – two percent. However, the number of those giving up meat is slowly but steadily growing, and many Germans eat noticeably less of it: so-called "flexible diets" are popular, where a person consumes meat only three or four times out of an average of 21 meals per week.
Which personal qualities do we possess? 64 percent of Germans consider themselves punctual, 59 percent – conscientious, 50 percent – diligent, 45 percent – orderly, 36 percent – beer-loving, 28 percent – down-to-earth, 27 percent – safety-conscious, 19 percent – philistines, 15 percent – obedient, 14 percent – know-it-alls.
Every fifth respondent considers the "typical German" a philistine. Only three percent of survey participants are willing to consider themselves as such. In reality, residents of Germany, if the sociologists are to be believed, are simple and obedient. 60 percent of the population most often have sex in the traditional "missionary" position, half of men urinate sitting down, the country's residents are homebodies – only every seventh person often goes out in the evenings, and 68 percent prefer to eat not in restaurants but at home with family.
Finally, what or who should be considered truly German? Which people and things embody Germany – that was the question YouGov sociologists asked residents of Germany back in October of last year. According to the survey results, Volkswagen beat Goethe (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) – the great poet received 49 percent of the votes versus 63 for the automotive concern. Chancellor Angela Merkel with 45 percent outperformed the national anthem (44%) in "German-ness", and the national football team (39%) outperformed Willy Brandt (30%). All of them surpassed Albert Einstein, currywurst, and Johann Sebastian Bach – the last three each received 24 percent of the votes in the survey on the essence of all things German.