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"Germany has had a turbulent history over the past century, particularly around Europe. \n\n\n\nFor example, during the early 1940s, Germany invaded Norway and Denmark, so one might wonder what Scandinavians think of Germany nowadays.\n\n\n\nMost Scandinavians think Germany is nice, with lots to do and see. Despite Germany's history, Scandinavians look forward and don't dwell on the past. \n\n\n\nHowever, they may have some stereotypes about Germans, including the stereotype that many Germans like beer and are often angry.\n\n\n\nThis article will discuss if Scandinavians like Germany. It will also discuss the prominent opinions Scandinavians have on Germany and the German people.\n\n\n\nAlso, see Why Are Scandinavians Good at English? to learn more.\n\n\n\nDo Scandinavians Like Germans?\n\n\n\nScandinavians generally like Germans and see them as friendly and trustworthy. However, there are stereotypes about them being angry or sometimes outwardly rude. \n\n\n\nMost Scandinavians are aware that these stereotypes are generally exaggerated.\n\n\n\nThere is no bad blood between the Scandinavian countries and Germany. \n\n\n\nPlenty of Scandinavians like to visit Germany (and vice versa) each year, and the people tend to get along well.\n\n\n\nHere's What Scandinavians Really Think of Germany\n\n\n\nThe People Work Hard\n\n\n\nOne thing that many Scandinavians think about Germany is that it's a country full of hard-working people who favor work over almost everything else.\n\n\n\nIn the eyes of many Scandinavians, Germany's culture revolves around work, even more so than family. \n\n\n\nThe Germans are seen as dedicated because once they set out to do something, they'll see it through until the end. \n\n\n\nMany Scandinavians would say that Germans are more work-oriented than them.\n\n\n\nEveryone Follows the Rules\n\n\n\nScandinavians believe that Germans are serious rule-followers for the most part, which is usually what most of the world thinks–and it's generally true.\n\n\n\nThey notice that Germans tend to abide by the law, clean up after themselves, and avoid getting into trouble. \n\n\n\nThe strict rule-following nature of Germans is down to the fact that most rules make sense and are reasonable, so people don't mind following them. [1]\n\n\n\nWhen particular rules are set out in Germany, everyone must follow them. Otherwise, one may get angry looks or even a stern talking-to from a stranger.\n\n\n\nGermans Are Good at Football&nbsp;\n\n\n\nScandinavians also tend to associate Germany with football, which is no surprise considering it's home to one of the world's most successful national football teams. \n\n\n\nFor example, the German football team has won four world cups, putting it just behind Brazil and hand-in-hand with Italy.\n\n\n\nPlenty of Scandinavians will associate German football skills with the fact that they're a hard-working, dedicated nation.&nbsp;\n\n\n\nNone of the Scandinavian football teams are as successful as the German ones, so it's no surprise that this sticks out to them when they think of Germany.\n\n\n\nThe People Like Beer\n\n\n\nWhile Scandinavians are known to enjoy alcohol, they often associate their German neighbors with being beer lovers. \n\n\n\nMany Scandinavians imagine Oktoberfest when they think of the drinking culture in Germany. \n\n\n\nThey also associate Oktoberfest with dress up, as people tend to dress in typical Bavarian attire while drinking from beer steins.\n\n\n\nAs such, many Scandinavians also believe Germans are good partiers and fun to go out drinking with.&nbsp;\n\n\n\nGermans Are Good at Creating and Building\n\n\n\nAnother opinion Scandinavians have about Germany is that it's a highly innovative and creative country. \n\n\n\nThey look at the automotive and IT industries and recognize how powerful and influential Germany is in those areas. \n\n\n\nIt's no surprise that Scandinavians think of Germany as one of the leaders in the automotive industry, considering many of the leading car brands (like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz) are German. \n\n\n\nThe Nordics also generally assume anything made in Germany will be of a high standard because of German people's precision and work ethic.\n\n\n\nThe People Are Efficient&nbsp;\n\n\n\nIn the eyes of the average Scandinavian, German people are highly efficient. Additionally, Germany (as a country) is seen as efficient because everything runs smoothly.&nbsp;\n\n\n\nFor example, most German cities and towns have excellent public transport systems that consistently remain at a high standard. [2]\n\n\n\nNot only do all cities and many towns have efficient public transport systems, but plenty of trains go between the different cities (and to cities outside of Germany). \n\n\n\nCompared to Scandinavian countries, Germany is streets ahead in transport infrastructure, and Scandinavians aren't afraid to admit it. \n\n\n\nIt's a Highly Powerful Nation\n\n\n\nAlthough Nordic countries like Sweden and Norway are rich, the average Scandinavian sees Germany as a mighty and generally \"big\" country. \n\n\n\nThey often view it as a leading country in Europe and the rest of the world. Here are some of the reasons Scandinavians view Germany as a very powerful nation:\n\n\n\n\nThe population. As of 2022, the German population is over 84 million. [3] On the other hand, Sweden is the most highly populated Nordic country, and its population is just over 10 million. [4] Due to the sheer number of residents in Germany, it's seen as influential by many Scandinavians.\n\n\n\n\n\nThe economy. Another reason Germany is seen as so powerful by Scandinavians is that it is the largest economy in the EU. Not only that, but it's also one of the largest economies in the world.\n\n\n\n\n\nThe German language. German is a widely spoken language in comparison to the Scandinavian languages. In fact, many Nordics choose to learn German as a third language (after English). Due to the number of German speakers worldwide and the influence of the language, Scandinavians view Germany as powerful.\n\n\n\n\nGermans Are Very Truthful and Sometimes Angry\n\n\n\nAnother thing that Scandinavians notice about Germans is their truthfulness. In some cases, this is a good thing. But other times, it can come across as rude.\n\n\n\nFor example, it's common for Germans to complain about someone blocking the sidewalk or path as they walk by. \n\n\n\nOne generally wouldn't complain or say anything to a stranger in a Scandinavian country, so this aspect of German culture is highly apparent to most Nordics.\n\n\n\nMany Scandinavians have the impression that Germans aren't afraid to say what's on their mind, even if it's something bad. \n\n\n\nOn the other hand, most Scandinavians prefer to keep to themselves and avoid confrontation.\n\n\n\nNordics also feel that Germans are angry (or sound angry) a lot of the time. This may be due to the harsh sounds of the language and tone of voice more than anything else.\n\n\n\nReferences:[1] Source[2] Source[3] Source[4] Source&nbsp;"
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