Every other NY Times article on Germany makes sure to mention that Germans are "thrifty" and that they are great "comparison shoppers". German aversion to debt is so steeped in the culture. When one realises that the word for debt and for guilt are the same (Schuld), that tells you all about German attitute to debt.
Came across something that threw this into sharp contrast a few weeks ago. Was 25 cents short of cash when buying at the cheese shop where we buy every week. The shop owner said that we could pay them next week, but we could see that they were not happy about it. So once we got home, we went back to the shop to pay the remaining 50 cents, and they were surprised and happy! And then the shop owner said: "Ist es nicht schön ohne Schuld in das Wochenende zu gehen?" - i.e. isn't it great to go debt free into the weekend?!!!
Interesting, I never thought about the dual meaning of Schuld! How long will you be in Munich? Wow, what a transition from Mumbai! Looking forward to reading more!
ReplyDeleteAll best,
RAC
(currentsbetweenshores)
Thanks for visiting.
ReplyDeleteI'm in Munich for the long term, as I'm married to a German.
That is hilarious but typical german. We simply just dont want to have debts.
ReplyDeleteAlso interesting take on the different meaning.
Willmiriam: Thanks for visiting. Think also about the word for creditor (Gläubiger) - literally one who believes!
ReplyDeletetrue. never thought of this one before either.
ReplyDelete