6.4 Familie und Gesellschaft

Vielfältigkeit

There is a lot of diversity in Germany, and a lot of it exists in many different ways. 

• Multicultural population: Germany is home to a culturally diverse population, with a significant number of immigrants from a variety of countries, including Turkey, Poland, Italy, and Greece.
• Tolerance: Germany values tolerance and diversity, and has a commitment to protecting the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their background or cultural heritage.
• Diversity in urban areas: Cities like Berlin and Hamburg are known for their multiculturalism, with a diverse mix of cultures and communities living side by side.- Languages: In addition to German, there are many other languages spoken in Germany, including Turkish, Arabic, and Serbian, reflecting the country's diverse population.
• Religious diversity: Germany is home to a variety of religious communities, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism, reflecting the country's commitment to religious freedom and tolerance.

Refugees

In recent years, Germany has seen a large influx of refugees, primarily from war-torn countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq. A large number of refugees has posed challenges for Germany in terms of integrating them into German society and ensuring that they have access to housing, healthcare, and education. The refugee situation in Germany has been a major political issue, with debates over the country's immigration policies and its ability to integrate refugees into German society.

Public opinion on the refugee situation in Germany is divided, with some Germans welcoming refugees and others expressing concerns about immigration and integration. 

image courtesy of Hurriyet Daily news

Despite the challenges, many Germans have shown support and provided assistance to refugees, through volunteer work, donations, and other forms of support.

Gemeinnützige Arbeit

There are a lot of different community service actions that can be seen in Germany. On an individual level and on a societal level. A lot of Germans engage in volunteer work, such as working in local community centers, helping in schools or hospitals, or assisting in environmental conservation efforts. Community service is seen as a way of fulfilling social responsibility, with individuals using their time and resources to help others and make a positive impact in their communities, and is also seen as a form of civic engagement.

Community service is strictly voluntary in Germany, however, it's strongly encouraged by schools and employers and many individuals participate because they believe in its value and importance,

Beziehungen

Relationships in Germany are very complicated and complex and vary based on the individual. A lot of Germans value their personal space and individualism and require a certain level of independence, whereas, in America, there is a lot of codependence seen. We've already discussed German communication and that carries into relationships as well. In relationships, Germans value transparency and honesty and are sometimes even formal in relationships until things start getting more deep and personal.