Germanic Efficiency/Quotes

"This is basically a simplified German copy of the British Sten Gun. The Sten itself was pretty simple to begin with, but the Germans managed to simplify it even further."

—Ian McCollum, Forgotten Weapons video on MP3008

Aversions

"One of the oft mentioned hallmarks of the German culture is its efficiency. After living here for 6 years, I think this is an illusion. The illusion is not malicious or even intended. It is just a misinterpretation. German society is based on planning and setting expectations. This gives an air of efficiency and proper running of things, but that is only true for actions that have been expected for.
[...]
The Germanic system rewards planning heavily. Booking things ahead of time and having a plan is the way it works. When everything runs as expected, it runs really quite well. What is hidden though is the amount of effort to arrange the pathway through the complex workings."

—Andrew Couch, German Efficiency is an Illusion

"Germans are known for their efficiency.
German trains leave and arrive on time, escalators that appear to be broken start moving as you get closer to them, saving energy when not in use and and you will rarely be left waiting when meeting a German friend as Germans are known for being punctual. But after a recent move to Munich, I’m left questioning how efficient Germans really are[.]
[...]
Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy living in Germany, but I find it comical that sometimes those efficient Germans don’t seem to be all that efficient – even if my German husband won’t admit it."

—Laurel Robbins, "Those Efficient Germans? An Expat Looks at German Efficiency", Monkeys and Mountains