Kultur 9

    The first article I read for Kultur 9 is "Bureaucracy Gone Awry: The Germany Certificate Fetish ". The article basically tries to explain the importance of Certificates in Germany. According to the article, collecting and storing certificates that document life is considered a national pastime. Every position that Germans apply for from high level CEO positions down to entry level positions all contain large amounts of documents. The documents are vital to proving any accomplishment in life, or to prove competency in a skill, so if you know how to build a house, but you don't have the paperwork to prove it, then no one would believe you. Also, everywhere you go in Germany you will be asked for your Meldebescheinigung. Without this paper slip one would not be allowed to open a new bank account, rent out movies from the video store, or even borrow books from the local public library.

    I also read another article: "Love Thy Neighbor: German Law Tells You How". The article basically explains the ordinances and rules that govern the disturbances of neighbors. Quiet time is from 8pm to 7am. It is also all day Sunday and holidays. So, during these times, no garden appliances or loud machinery are allowed to be running. Also, you are not allowed to wash your car because of the chemicals that can pour into the ground, but you can get away with it by using dish washer soap. Also, you must clear your sidewalk of snow or ice between the times of 7am an 8pm. If someone slips on your sidewalk your liable for the damages. So, bottem line, the amount of disturbances you experience are going to depend on your neighbors.

James Le