We're Hitting The Bridge! Exploring the true nature of German language and culture. Let's take a deep dive into German mentality, uncovering hidden treasures and demystifying German pop culture. Join our personal and inquisitive conversations in my monthly podcast!

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🎵 Jonas 'Estuera' Steur / French House like we're back in the 90's @estuera

Sundays in Germany – one of the most-mentioned topics from expats on YouTube moving to Germany. Are Sundays here really that different and if so, what makes them unique? Back in February, I had a spontaneous chit chat with Duffy about our thoughts and experiences on that topic. We spoke about popular Sunday activities, Sunday laws, a work-life-balance and days of rest around the world. How can expats actively dive into German culture where the industry comes to a standstill, so people can socialize and be active outdoors? What to do in an emergency and how do seasons influence the experience? Will Germany continue to hold onto the tradition of its industry shutting down every Sunday in the long run? Listen in and let us know about your personal experiences! 👟🎒☀️🌲🚴‍♀️

Listen to all songs mentioned on this podcast in the “Hitting The Bridge Tunes” playlist on Spotify!

Mentions in this episode

Find us on // 

Instagram @hittingthebridge

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Intro: 🎵  Jonas 'Estuera' Steur / French House like we're back in the 90's @estuera

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📷  Anders Jildén @andersjildenphotography

May all that is beautiful, meaningful and brings you joy be yours this holiday season and throughout the coming year! Hear you soon, Larissa

Listen to all songs mentioned on this podcast in the “Hitting The Bridge Tunes” playlist on Spotify!

For Episode 3 I had the pleasure of chatting with British fellow podcaster Luke Green from Yellow of the Egg @yotepodcast, who not only speaks German fluently and accent-free but also learned the language within one year only. What motivates and challenges people along the way of learning a foreign language? How to overcome stagnation and enable continuous learning? Which cultural experiences or shocks can be expected on that journey and how does speaking another language change us personally? I had many questions that led to a lively conversation and plenty of laughter. Tune in on October 1st on any podcast platform of your choice!

Listen to all songs mentioned on this podcast in the “Hitting The Bridge Tunes” playlist on Spotify!

Check out Luke Green’s Podcast Yellow of the Egg on Instagram @yotepodcast and Spotify!

Mentions in this episode:

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So you’re planning a trip to Germany! What should you keep in mind when choosing a specific area, planning activities and moving around? What will turn your vacation into a truly cultural experience? In episode 2 we answer these important questions and cover topics from meeting locals to choosing regional food and everyday survival skills when travelling in Germany. Feel inspired to change things up a bit on your next trip – with the advice from our German community! Special thanks to Lisa, Manuela, Carina @tini1002, René @renenoconoffiziell, Jessica, Julia @hey.joolsmusic, Hendrik and Matthias who contributed their personal suggestions. What are you looking forward to on your upcoming German travels?

The places and sights mentioned:

North (/central):

Hamburg, Rügen (island), Kiel, Amrum (island), Sylt (island), Hannover, Linden, Norderney (island), Baltic Sea, North Sea, Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), Harz, Lüneburger Heide (Lüneburg Heath), Blankenese (beach)

East (/central):

Berlin, Potsdam, Leipzig, Weimar, Dresden, Wittenberg, Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland), Tiergarten, Café am Neuen See, Teehaus, Englischer Garten (English Gardens), Zoologischer Garten (Zoo), Siegessäule, Tempelhofer Feld, Babelsberger Park, Wannsee, Neuer See, Schloss Sanssouci (Castle Sanssouci), Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berghain (club), Görlitzer Park, Mauerpark

South (/west):

Stuttgart, Tübingen, Heidelberg, München (Munich), Nürnberg (Nuremberg), Freiburg, Calw, Baden-Baden, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Baden-Württemberg, Bayern (Bavaria), Pfalz (Palatinate), Schwarzwald (Black Forest), Alps, Breisgau, Beatparade (festival), Bärensee, Bodensee (Lake Constance), Hermann Hesse (writer, poet), Zugspitze, Oktoberfest

West:

Köln (Cologne), Trier, Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland-Westphalia)

The foods mentioned:

Sauerkraut, Spätzle (Swabian pasta), Schorle (fruit spritzer), Weißwurst (white sausages), Süßer Senf (sweet mustard), Brezel (pretzel), Paniertes Schnitzel (breaded Schnitzel), Pommes (french fries, chips), Bratensoße (gravy), Maultaschen, Kartoffelsalat (potato salad), Linsen mit Spätzle (lentils with Swabian pasta), Käse Spätzle (Swabian cheese pasta), Laugengebäck (lye rolls/pastries), Currywurst, Obatzda (bavarian cheese), Knödel (German bread or potato dumplings)

The apps, services and media mentioned:

Deutsche Bahn (train app), Tinder, AirBnB, Couchsurfing, Happy Cow (restaurant app), Deutschlandradio (radio station), Apple Pay

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In our first episode we take a closer look at one quality that defines German mentality like no other. Is efficiency really essential to a German’s mindset and how is it expressed in everyday life? What is the need behind efficiency thinking and what does mindfulness have to do with it? We ask where the stereotype stems from and if it holds true from our experience. Do you see a global trend towards an efficiency mentality and is that prevalent in your own culture as well? Let’s walk the talk together!

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Intro: 🎵 Jonas 'Estuera' Steur / French House like we're back in the 90's @estuera

Outro: 🎵 Hatena / Moves @sk8reel

Segments: 🎵 Pold / Keep The Groove

Interlude: 🎵 My Sister's Fugazi Shirt / Depression @mysistersfugazishirt

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📷 Anders Jildén @andersjildenphotography

Hitting The Bridge - what’s that even supposed to mean? As this German idiom suggests, our brand new podcast is all about making a connection between German language, culture and identity. If you’ve ever wondered why Germans are the way they are, tune in to our monthly conversations where we cover topics on mentality, language, values and opinions that shape life in Germany. Who are we? Just a couple American-German friends excited to share our personal observations.

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