Are there moments in which you felt particularly German?
Sandra Kegel
Responsible editor for the features section.
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Yes, of course there were.
For example, when I was a member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2009, I occasionally became very aware of that.
How big the differences are then and how we are also calibrated to certain properties.
For example, it happened that we had an appointment and showed up on time for that appointment, and that was not necessarily the case with my colleagues from other countries.
Even on trips abroad, our interlocutors sometimes came naturally an hour later, while we in the German delegation always looked at the clock.
I can't tell you that I would like one more than the other.
I like both, but it just showed me that we are shaped differently.
Which German food do you despise, which do you love?
There is a Saarland dish called Dibbelabbes.
This is made up of the Saarland words for pot and for rag or loaf.
And that tastes really delicious.
Otherwise, I have to admit that I see other cultures as a great asset, especially in the art of cooking.
At home, too, we tend to cook internationally.
Is there a word in the national anthem that means something to you?
I am not one of those people who would curl the hair on the back of my neck out of respect.
But I think a country needs a national anthem.
And I think it's a problem that we have a hymn in Germany where you can only sing one verse because the rest is burdened.
Unity and justice and freedom - if we had everything like that, for example real unity, that's what I would like for Germany.
Right - that is largely given, but freedom?
Since Corona, it has been restricted in many areas, and I am currently wondering whether all of this is still justified and proportionate.
Is there a German invention that you particularly value?
The German art of engineering that has been world class for so many years and has produced many clever innovations. Even the automotive technology, including diesel and injection engines, which is so badly talked about today, was initially a clear advance compared to other drives and much more environmentally friendly. The many “hidden champions” that Germany fortunately still has should also be mentioned. The many small and medium-sized companies that are world market leaders in very specific areas. I think this is far too little valued these days and even less politically supported. But that is the foundation on which our prosperity is mainly based and should continue to be based. If that breaks, things will no longer look good in Germany.
And a joke? Do you know a good joke about Germans?
Oh god, I'm an infinitely bad joke-maker.
I've probably heard a lot of nice jokes about Germans, but I can't think of any right now.