Rating: 
Summary: Don't be to harsh in your judgement
Review: After returning from Germany three weeks ago after living there for over six months, I decided to reread my copy of Richard Lord's book. I think that the picture that Mr. Lord paints is an acurate one. I myself had many problems with the Germans that I think a lot or other foriegners don't have because they fill one of three catagories of being married to a German (as Mr. Lord is), being a student, or being a tourist. Most people fill the tourist catagory and the rest fall into the other catagories. I think that by being married to a German Mr. Lord has been able to be in Germany long enough to really see what the Germans are like. I think most of the other reviewers of this book have been looking at Germany through the rosied eyed glasses of tourism or their old student days. For me as I returned from Germany Mr. Lord hit the nail on the head. I just wish that I was able to pay more attention to the signs in his book before I went to Germany than after. This does not mean that I dislike Germany or Germans, it means that i would have been able to have a better idea of the country before I went. So if you are planing a trip to live in Germany for any amount of time and are not doing the tourist thing, please check out Mr. Lord's book.
Rating: 
Summary: Great resource for understanding Germans and Germany
Review: For anyone planning on living, studying, or working in Germany for any duration of time my advice to you is: "Don't leave home without this book."Important to keep in mind that Lord writes the book from the perspective of an American citizen who is married to a German, has lived in Germany for over 15 years, and has exchanged opinions with other foreign residents in Germany. In the introduction he discusses the parable of the blind men and the elephant and how this elephant is Germany with its "wildly contradictory ways." All in all, this is a very well written, organized, and balanced guide to Germany and modern German Life. (This review is of the revised 1999 edition)
Rating:
Summary: Great resource for understanding Germans and Germany
Review: For anyone planning on living, studying, or working in Germany for any duration of time my advice to you is: "Don't leave home without this book." Important to keep in mind that Lord writes the book from the perspective of an American citizen who is married to a German, has lived in Germany for over 15 years, and has exchanged opinions with other foreign residents in Germany. In the introduction he discusses the parable of the blind men and the elephant and how this elephant is Germany with its "wildly contradictory ways." All in all, this is a very well written, organized, and balanced guide to Germany and modern German Life. (This review is of the revised 1999 edition)
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book!
Review: I disagree with one reviewer's "bitter undertones" caveat. It simply isn't true. I've lived in Germany for a number of years and everything he writes has also been my experience and I love this country and the people. I got the same 'feeling' from Mr Lord's prose. To hit him over the head about his book dedication is rather much isn't it? It's the "main" reason he stays in Germany, not the only one. German culture, if it isn't one's native culture, presents unique and sometimes frustrating challenges everyday. That's simply the nature of any culture outside our own.
I bought this book in spite of reading the "bitter undertones" review and am happy I did because I wanted a book that I could recommend to other newly arrived English speakers in Germany.
I thought Richard Lord did a superb job and would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone considering coming to Germany to live or visit.
Richard Lord covers all the basics and addresses all the parts that might "shock" if approached unaware (as I did when I moved here in the 90's) so of course his book is going to contain some things that might sound unpleasant - hence "Culture Shock". It wouldn't be called that if people didn't get nasty surprises when they leave their home cultures. All cultures have equal value but going from one to another almost always contains things we initially (or maybe forever) see as negatives. He also addresses all the practical aspects of living in Germany and that, in itself, is more than worth the price of the book in what it will save in lost time, lost money and buckets of frustration.
He's done the German people a great service by explaining many of the 'whys' of the ways they live and the things they hold dear. It's especially satisfying to see much of the explanation placed in historical context - where much of cultural habit resides. It's never enough of a picture to know that a culture is "this way" without knowing why because every aspect of a culture is rooted in its very special and unique experience. Once understood in context, it all makes more sense and then it's loads easier to adapt. I expect he managed this so well because he respectfully integrated himself into the culture insofar as possible for someone born and raised elsewhere.
If you buy this book, you'll be very, very glad you did.
Rating:
Summary: Perspective from non-Caucasian female
Review: I find "Culture Shock! Germany" a very helpful book. Although the information on the punctuality of trains is a bit out-dated. It would be nice if a small section from the non-Caucasian women's perspective is included in the next edition. I did had the shock of my life, and am now reeling from these encounters.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Book for those Planning to Live in Germany
Review: I have recently returned from living and working in Germany for one year. I read this book upon my return to the States and found Mr. Lord's perspective unbelievably accurate of the culture that I experienced. Germany is a wonderful place, but as with any country, the culture can be confusing at times. Mr. Lord, an American who is married to a German and has spent 15 years living there, gives a very raw, accurate, and insightful perspective on the German culture. He informs the reader about Germany's history, current customs, traditions, daily life, and how Germany's culture is evolving today. Many reviewers believe that Mr. Lord's perspective is a tad bitter. I believe brutally honest is a better description. He delivers a very accurate perspective for foreigners who plan to be immersed in the German culture for a long period of time. I highly recommend this book to anyone planning to live in Germany.
I would not however recommend this book to people planning a small vacation there. It is not a light and happy-go-lucky travel brochure. If you are looking for the charming cultural differences in Germany, check out a travel guidebook.
Rating: 
Summary: something's missing
Review: I read the book with interest, even as I cannot followMr. Lords assesments of the Germans - I've lived there myself for 11/2 yrs and made a lot of good and long lastingfriendships. Nevertheless it was good reading the book and gettingsome information about it. But one very important fact is missing:furniture rental is available at Germany too. ... the guys are doinga fabolous job and it helps feeling at home in a country far away fromhome!
Rating:
Summary: very insightful and helpful!
Review: I read this book before I left for a 12-month stay in Germany as an exchange student, and I found the information accurate and indispensable!
Rating:
Summary: Very informative and interesting.
Review: I'm really glad that I got this book. If you have an interest in German culture or are planning to visit or move there, then this book is for you. There's a wealth of material dealing with many aspects of German society. Some of the different things that the author discusses are German history, geography, food, and holidays. This is a very good reference book that I plan on reading more than once. It is a recommended guide.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Book for those Planning to Live in Germany
Review: In dealing with my German colleagues, Lord's insights have proven very accurate and useful. I didn't find his treatment to be mean or bitter. On the contrary, Lord is entertained by, but respectful, of the German culture. He portrays the culture not only as it is, but as it is transforming.
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