As I sit here typing this, Germany is playing Holland in the EM European Championships — and the usually busy street outside is absolutely dead. As the game plays on the TV in front of me, all of Germany is sitting on the edge of their seats as Germany battles it out on the field. And every time a game is on, it’s exactly the same way.
About a year ago, I wrote about German patriotism (or the lack there of) and the fact that you will rarely ever see people sporting a German flag on the front of their home or in their garden. It’s just not something that is often done here, as opposed to what you see in America on any day of the year. My German husband supposes the lack of patriotism stems from an upbringing where Germans are often encouraged to reflect upon the things that occurred here during WWII with shame. And due to that, it’s not exactly encouraged to show a lot of German pride.
But when the European or World Championships of Soccer come around, Germany is alive with black, red and gold flags. Cars, homes, pets and people display them in a frenzy to show off their love for the sport. A few might even go a bit overboard…
It’s really a lot of fun to see the Germans so alive with passion and excitement. And you really can’t help but get caught up in it all. Despite the fact that I’m not really a big soccer fan, I still get completely involved in when Germany is playing, and have learned enough about the rules to keep up with everything going on. I don’t really care much about any of the other teams playing in the UEFA EURO2012 games right now, but if Germany is playing, you can be certain we’re watching the game with a lot of anticipation, groans, screams and excitement.
People get together all over Germany (and the world) to sit together in front of the biggest screen they can find to watch as men run up and down a field, chasing a little white ball, shoving each other in hopes of having a foul called which will result in a free kick or another way to gain an advantage over the other team. Public viewings in Germany are a big deal — and the longer the team is in the playoffs and finals, the higher the number of people who show up for each viewing.
Many of the local businesses work to cash in on the football fever which is no big surprise. But some, like Lidl, go out of their way to offer crazy deals that are perfect to accompany the game: a 4 pack of sausages for the grill, a 6 pack of beer and a Germany car window flag — for just €1.99. Even
Whether or not Germany will manage to hang on for the next round is still up in the air. But they are certainly going to be giving it their best. And we will be watching with our hearts racing for the entire 90+ minutes of the game!
Wonder what other expats have to say about Germany and soccer? Check out the posts below from the Expat Bloggers Stammtisch, hosted every month on the 15th at NOH, Grounded Traveler, Country Skipper, Travels of Adam and Monkey & Maultaschen. Tune in next month for the topic: “Favorite Places in _______________” — where we’ll fill in the blank with the city we’re living in.
I am amazed by football fever and all the black/red/gold products you find in the grocery store!
It’s pretty entertaining to see what products get turned black red & gold over the course of these events. They really do get creative. I saw a few cocktails also being served with layers which I have to say is rather genius 🙂
I found a yogurt last night called Spanish Orange” with a ball on it. No other tie in, just a soccer ball and a flag. I of course bought it, but still. I remember at the WM I could watch the game with the sound off and the window open and the street outside was so quiet I knew when to look up based on the common noise from down the way.
Football fever really is incredible here. But it’s so contagious that you can’t help but join in on the fun! It’s a bit like football fans in the US — except that soccer fans in general seem to be a bit more passionate!
‘SCHLAND! Seems like yesterday when the 2006 World Cup was held. Here is the band Sportfreunde Stiller with the 2006 German national team at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, singing “54, 74, 90, 2010”: http://youtu.be/gosJRIPbw7k
Too funny! I thought my pictures (which are only of car flags) were enlightening…but that house is a HOOT! I hope things are going good with the move! I am sure you will handle the transition with the same strength you seem to handle life with in your blog! Kirstin
Hi Kirsten! So glad to see you back in the blogosphere and back on your feet! 😉 German soccer patriotism really is something else…
Thanks so much for the well wishes. We’ve got a ton of things going on, but thankfully with lots of planning and thinking things through, I think we’re going to accomplish everything with time to spare. {fingers and toes crossed} 😀