Creative Energy

On a large scale, the Germans have always been great builders and inventors. On a smaller scale, individual Germans are some of the hardest working people on the planet. GIs who occupied German positions were amazed to find some bunkers with screen doors, carpets and paneling.

Thoroughness

The Germans have a saying: "Wenn schon, denn schon", meaning 'if it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing'. They are masters of organization and give great attention to detail.

Orderliness

The Germans have 2 more sayings: "Ordnung muss sein", meaning 'there must be order' and "Alles in Ordnung", meaning 'everything has a place, and everything is in it's place'. They are neat and everything must go by the rules. Punctuality is another by-product; woe to the person who is late for a meeting. 5 to 15 minutes early for meetings and formations is expected.

Sincerity

Germans pride themselves in their honor; they generally do what they say they will do.

Firmness

More tangible terms might be 'persistence' or 'single-mindedness'.

Loyalty

Loyalty to his organization, family, country and comrades is one of the things that makes the German a very good citizen and soldier.

Songs

Germans like group singing and have songs on just about every subject under the sun. German soldiers sang not just march songs but hiking and folk songs about nature, comrades, country, food, alcohol and women. To Americans this kind of and amount of singing seems overly sentimental or corny. In the German army of WW 2 a lack of singing indicated poor morale.

Health and nature

Germans are great fans of health and nature. They walk every day, take care on what and how much they eat. They surround themselves with flowers and trees are almost holy. Germans take health vacations for fresh air and sunshine.

Table manners

Germans hold their forks upside down in the left hand, and knife in the right hand. A piece of bread is held in the left hand and break off pieces with the right hand. Both hands must remain above the table at all times.

Politeness and social rules

German society was and is very formal in speech and interaction. Germans place great importance on introductions, greetings and standing when a woman enters the room. Upon leaving and entering a room you shake everyone's hand. This handshake is the one-pump, not limp, not too strong handshake. German soldiers would include a very slight bow. Hat's off to ladies out of doors (you never wear a hat indoors, except if you are carrying a weapon). In greetings and introductions you always include the person's title(s)
Examples: Herr Doktor Braun, Herr Reichsminister Speer, Herr Leutnant Doktor Klein, SS Untersturmfuehrer Schmidt, Frau Keller, Fraeulein Professor Albrecht.

Military discipline

The German army was at the top of the ladder in the social order and it was deemed the highest honor to be a soldier. Respect for leaders was shown at all times; leaders took care of their men and made sure they were well trained. Standing at attention and saluting when an officer comes near is expected. Regular military salutes were used mostly, but the straight-arm Nazi salute was used sometimes, along with the ''halt" style salute which was a comrade greeting (Kameradgruss). Never stand around with your hands in your pockets and look lazy. Stand up proudly and in a military manner. Speak clearly and simply to an officer or sergeant, not using hand gestures. In class you sit up straight with hands folded on the table. Waffen SS rooms and personal items were not locked up because comrades were to be trusted and stealing was a very bad offense.

Professionalism

German soldiers take great pride in everything they do, and do it thoroughly, with enthusiasm. Every soldier was trained to take over the next highest rank and use their initiative when needed. The goal or objective was given to the leader, and the leader devised his own plan to make it happen - with the least amount of casualties. No leader was expected to try to take an objective that could not reasonably be taken with the resources at hand. The German army did not expect to stupidly lose men and equipment when so much time and effort was given to create it. Leaders were expected to speak up when they had questions or concerns about their men or mission. German soldiers were trained to be highly proficient in every part of their jobs, so each tool and job came naturally and could be done confidently.

Differences from Americans

German soldiers hold their rifles cupped in one hand when running, not in both hands like GIs. The wedding ring is on the right hand.