Can one really talk in terms of 'typical' when considering a country in the era of globalization, where borders are fading and becoming less distinct as immigration and the mass media continue to grow?

• In today's world, the prevalent factor is diversity. Germany doesn't exactly have what you would call a homogeneous culture: food, customs and traditions, and even the same language vary from region to region.
• Besides, the growing number of immigrants that have set foot in this country during the last few decades have enriched German society, which today is a more heterogeneous and tolerant one.

By sidestepping the clichés that are usually used to characterize the 'Typical German' (compulsive scoffers of sausage, cabbage and potato washed down with beer, blonde and blue eyed, cool, distant and calculating), we can try reaching a more realistic image of a population that numbers over 80 million to date.

• Germans also know how to have a hearty laugh and enjoy a peaceful afternoon at the corner cafe. It is extremely difficult to explain in so few a words just how diverse today's Germany really is. There is always something new to discover and that is typically German.
• If you are looking for characteristics that broadly describes all inhabitants, it may be worthwhile mentioning our passion for cars and football (soccer), a slight obsession over the weather or the mass consumption of our favourite drink: beer.
• Find out more about the German culture by exploring the German traditions!