“DUZEN” AND “SIEZEN”

Many Germans have a ridiculous prejudice about their own and the Anglo-Saxon language. They think that Germans would be more stiff, because they say “Sie” to others, until the other one allows to say “Du”, while the Anglo-Saxons simply seem to say “you” for “Du”. - However the opposite is true. It is (of course …) the language of the English people that is more stiff, as the English “Du = though” has actually vanished almost completely. The English “you” only sounds like “Du”!!!

Accordingly the English “Sie = you” is even used among family members. - Awful!!! And definitely not the way how Germans like to be together with their loved ones and friends in “gemütlichkeit”!

The reason why Germans use different words should therefore be explained from the right perspective(!):

If Germans have an especially close relationship, they agree to call each other “Du = though”. Children can always be called “Du = though”. Sometimes also “Sportsmen” just say “Du” and especially “brothers in arms” can say “du” to their comrades. But definitely not to officers or drill sergeants and so on!!! …

Accordingly the “Du” is like a permanent compliment saying “we belong together”. On the other hand it is disrespectful to act as if you had an especially close relationship to someone, without having it - for example you also wouldn’t like strangers to just call you by a nickname.

Here are the rules how you do it right:

- The older one offers the “Du” to the younger one.

- He offers it to her, so that she has the privilege to agree or refuse it. - It is not negative or unkind to refuse it at first! The “Du” has to be felt and not only be said.

Afterwards you can drink something or shake hands. Everything that’s connected to kissing, is nonsense!

A “Du” that was accepted under the influence of alcohol is irrelevant on the next day.