Adison Bucec

Ich kann sehr gut schlafen und weinen. Ich kann nicht sehr gut spielen, malen, sprechen, und kochen. Ich speile Cello ein bissen. In diesem sommer besuche ich meine tante. Dieses Wochenende sehe ich Tropic Thunder. Ich mag broet und kaese. Taeglich muss ich esse und meine Haare kaemmt. Mit meinen eltern kann ich nicht guitarre spielen. Wenn ich krank bin, Ich schlafe und esse. Wenn Ich  eine schlechte Note im Deutschkurs bekomme, ich sher schlecht fuehle.

Ich kann sehr gut spielen Videospiele. Das kann ich nicht Biologie Hausaufgaben sehr gut. Ich kann Gitarre spielen ein bissen. Ich würde nämlich gerne zur Arbeit in diesem Sommer. Dieses Wochenende möchte ich Pulp Fiction zu sehen. Ich mag Tacos. Taglich ich brauche, um meine Zähne zu putzen. Zu Hause, ich fernsehen mit meinen Eltern beobachten kann, kann ich nicht genießen tv mit meinen Eltern. Wenn ich krank bin ich trinke Monster. Ich fühle mich schlecht, wenn ich eine schlechte Note in Deutsch Klasse zu erhalten.

Was ich kann, will, muss, darf

Ich kann sehr gut malen. Ich kann nicht sehr gut kochen. Ich kann Klavier spielen. Diesen Sommer, will ich arbeiten. Dieses Wochenende, will ich "Pacific Rim" sehen. Ich esse Ramen. Ich muss gehen im klasse. Ich darf nicht wefen eine wilde Party. Ich gehe im Bett, wenn ich krank bin. Wenn ich eine schlechte Note im Deutschkurs bekommen, weine ich.

Ich kann sehr gut Volleyball speilen. Ich kann nicht sehr gut Klavier speilen. Ich kann nicht Instrument speilen. In deisem Sommer, will ich arbeiten. Ich will dieses Wochenende "Bad Grandpa" sehen. Ich mag Huhn und Waffeln essen. Jeden Tag, muss ich esse und Hausaufgaben machen. Ich kann nicht schlafen spat. Wenn ich krank bin, ich schlafe. Wenn ich eine schlechte Note in Deutsch,  ich traurig fuhle.

Ich kann sehr gut tanzen. Ich kann nicht so gut schwimmen. Ich kann ein Instrument nicht spielen. Ich will nach der Strand gehen. Ich will dieses Wochenende schlecht  Opa sehen. Ich mag Pizza essen. Ich muss Hauseaufgaben machen. Wenn ich krank bin, ich schlafe. Ich brulle, wenn ich ein schlecht Note im Deutschkurs bekomme.

Ich kann gut Klavier spielen, und ich kann mir gut kegeln. Ich kann nicht spielen Volleyball gut.  Ich kann Klavier spielen.  diese sommer will ich reisen. Ich möchte Harry Potter zu sehen an diesem Wochenende.  Ich mag Pizza und Salat.  Jeden Tag muss ich aufwachen und gehen in die Klasse.  zu Hause kann ich nicht sehen Horrorfilme.  wenn ich krank bin, schlafe ich und Filme. Ich bin traurig und enttäuscht, wenn ich mich in ein schlechtes grad in Deutsch Klasse.

Ich kann sehr gut lesen. Ich kann nicht so gut schwimmen. Ich kann kein Instrument spielen. diesen Sommer will Ich Fussball spielen. diesen Wohcenende sehe Ich Das Leben Der Anderen. Moegen esse Ich eis. Jeden Tag muess Ich schlafen. zu Hause bei den Eltern darf ich nicht laufen. Wenn Ich krank bin, schlafe Ich. Wenn ein schlecte Note im Deustchkurs bekomme, bin Ich traurig.

Was ich kann, will, muss, darf?

1. Ich kann sehr gut videospiele spielen und Golf.
2. Ich kann nicht so gut spiele Baketball und ich bin nicht so gut im Physik.
3. Ja, ich kann sehr gut spiele eine Trombone und ich kann spiele ein Gitarre.
4. Im diesen Sommer ich will spiele Golf und ich will schwimmen im Lake Michigan mitt meine Freunden.
5. Im dieses Wochenende ich will sehen "Bad Grandpa" und viele Horrorfilme.
6. Ich mag auch viele Essen, sind meine favoriten Pizza, Hamburgers, Pasta, und chinesisches Essen.
7. Ich muss esse, schlafen und machen meine Deutsch Hausaufgaben jeden Tag,  aber ich muss an den Wochenenden zu arbeiten.  
8. Zu Hause kann ich lesen, spiele Gitarre, und ich sehe die Fernseher (mitt meine Eltern).  Ich nicht kann horen laute Musik im meinem Zimmer.
9. Wenn ich krank bin, ich schlafe und lese Bucher.
10. Wenn ich eine schlechte Note in Deutsch Klasse fühle ich traurig und frustriert, weil ich nicht studieren zu bekommen

“Was ich kann, will, muss, darf”

1. Ich kann sehr gut konstruktion, und jagen.
2. Ich kann nicht so gut Basketball spielen.
3. Ich kann Klavier spielen ein wenig.
4. In diesem Sommer, will ich arbeiten.
5. Ich will nicht, um einen Film zu sehen an diesem Wochenende.
6. Mein Lieblingsessen ist Steak Stroganoff.
7. Alltag, muss ich Hausaufgaben machen.
8. Wenn meine Eltern zu Hause sind, kann ich nicht den ganzen Tag schlafen.
9. Wenn ich krank bin, habe ich Suppe essen, trinken Sprite und Videospiele spielen.
10. Wenn ich eine schlechte Note bekommen, fühle ich mich schämen.

“Was ich kann, will, muss, darf”

1. Ich kann Schüssel und Volleyball spielen sehr gut. Ich fand auch heraus dieses yeaar Ich bin gut im Tischtennis.
2.Ich bin nicht sehr gut im basetball, Tennis und Mathematik.
3. Nein, ich bin nicht musikalisch talentierte.
4.Dieser Sommer will ich an den Strand gehen, hängen mit meinen Freunden und meinen Cousins ​​babysitten.
5. Der Film will ich sehen an diesem Wochenende ist das Beschwören.
6.Das Essen ist Ich mag Pasta, Hähnchen, Hamburger und viele Snacks.
7. Jeden Tag muss ich eine Dusche nehmen, essen Mittag-und Abendessen und gehen Sie zu meinem Unterricht und Hausaufgaben.
8. Zu Hause kann ich kochen, schlafen und entspannen den ganzen Tag.  
9. Wenn ich krank bin Ich mag, um zu schlafen und nichts tun, den ganzen Tag.
10.Wenn ich eine schlechte Note Ich bin traurig und enttäuscht, weil ich weiß, ich kann es besser machen.

Autos, Alkohol, und Alter

        In Germany, laws concerning morality are based more on the individual rather than the youth as a whole, when compared to the United States. This allows for cultural differences to occur. Also, it could be said that responsibility for youth in Germany is given little by little throughout their teenage years, whereas in America, turning 18 is a huge milestone and in many cases, can be a shock to their lifestyles. 

        German youth are given freedoms throughout their adolescence; drinking with parents and the ability to obtain a job at an earlier age. Looking specifically at drinking, learning from their parents helps to show moderation. Also, youth in Germany are expected to make better decisions when given these responsibilities. More trust is put in them, and in doing so, youth are taught how to make decisions on their own. Youth in America are not allowed to drink. Drinking is a tough topic, and for most parents in the US, is either black or white. Because of this, youth are not shown moderation and tend to do things such as getting "plastered" and so forth. Not only that, it is a well-known thing that at 18, youth in America are essentially "on their own", many of which are expected to get jobs and attend college. At this age it is a fine balancing act between work, play, and keeping one's sanity.
        One thing I did find interesting is that adolescent abortion rates and pregnancies are lower in Germany. Not only that, but HIV was significantly lower in Germany. A main reason for this is that Germans have access to and use contraceptives more. It is believed that America's lack of comfort discussing these topics which puts America at high rates.

        Perhaps it would be best if American parents didn't treat teenagers as children. Then overnight, like some miracle, they're expected to become and adult and go off on their own. A huge reason for this problem is America's resisting to be open about touchy subject such as drinking and sex. Because no one is talking about it, teens are not learning options and consequences until, sometimes, it's too late.

http://www.advocatesforyouth.org

http://resources.prev.org

German vs. US

In Germany and America, there are different customs and traditions that are upheld. Many people don't even know the reason for them anymore. There are many differences between Germany and America when it comes to ages of full adulthood.
German kids must be 18 to drive a car by themselves. This is very different to the US age of 16 that we can drive a car without our parents. The Germans may have it this way because they have more difficult driving than the US. Their roads are narrower and they also have the Autobahn which has no speed limit. Another reason may be that Germans have a better public transit system that the US does so they may not even need a car until 18.
The drinking age in the US is 21. In Germany the drinking age for beer and wine is 16  and the drinking age is 18. However, if you are accompanied by a parent in a restaurant, you are allowed to drink wine at the age of 14. Germans may have this law because they are one of the largest suppliers of beer in the world and they want to ease youths into drinking. In the US, you are able to drink anything at the age of 21 with no legal prior experience.
The marriage laws are different between the countries. In the US, both people have to be 16 for it to be legal to get married at that age. However, the legal age is 18 in most places. In Germany the legal age is 16 but one of the people getting married must be 18 for this to be legal and the 16 year old must get parental consent.
The working age between the US and Germany is quite different. In the US, you can work at the age of 14 but it must be part time and you must have a work permit. You can start working at the age of 13 in Germany if you have your parents consent. When they are 15 German can have a summer job that lets them work from 8 to 5.
There is only a slight difference between seeing rated R movies. In the US, one must be 17 to be able to see them. In Germany, you must be 18 to see them.
Joining the military is also another slight difference. In the US, a person must be 18 to join the military, while in Germany one can be 17 to join the military.
The countries of Germany and the US have many similarities and differences. Teens are given more freedom for different things in each country. Germans may be able to drink sooner but in the US, teens can drive earlier. These differences are what make us unique and our own countries.


Works Cited

http://www.gettingaroundgermany.info/regeln.shtml

http://www.german-way.com/history-and-culture/cultural-comparisons/cultural-comparisons-part-2/

Age privileges in Germany and America

   The age difference at which ccertain activities are legal in America and Germany can be quite interesting from each nationality's point of view looking at the other.  Here are some of the main milestone ages for each country.  AMrican youth are not allowed to drink alcohol of any sort until they are 21.  German's may drink beer and wine at age 14 with their parents present.  Once they are 18, they may drink hard liquor.  In America, for two people to get married, they must both be age 18 or 16 with parental consent. If you are 15 or younger, you will need the approval of the court.  In Germany, you may get married at 16 as  long as one member of the marraige is 18. Another big milestone is the driving age.  Americans may drive at age 16 after passing a test.  Germans may not drive until age 17.  Americans are able to work at age 14 but their hours are limited untile age 17.  Germans may work at age 13 but agin, their hours are restricted.  In America, you may join the military at age 18. you may volunteer at 17 or 16 if you are a junior in high school.  In Germany you may join at age 17.
   I believe the German system of growing up faster is the right thing to do.  I believe much of America's youth is irresponsible because they are not given enough responsibility.  Now, I am not saying that Americans act like children because they are treated like them.  If American youth really want to be mature, they will act like it even if they are not given certain privileges.  I really believe the German system of introducing alcohol with parents present is very important.  That way, the children can be taught that alcohol is something to be enjoyed and not abused.  I believe Americans try too much to hide alcohol and portray it in a negative light to youth which only makes them want to experiment.  In Germany, 1.7 million people are dependant on alcohol. Thats 2% of the population. In America, 7.9 million people are dependant, about 3%.  I do believe the German drinking age shoulf be raised to 18 to prevent brain dmage.



http://www.usmarriagelaws.com/search/united_states/teen_marriage_laws/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enlistment_age_by_country

http://www.dw.de/the-highs-and-lows-of-germanys-drinking-culture/a-2226609

Youth in America and Germany

In America, “Land of the Free”, we sometimes realize we have less ‘freedoms’ than we believe we do. Sometimes, it’s just the age at which we are allowed the freedom that bother us. A few of these issues, drinking age, driving age, and marriage age, will be covered, as well as compared to their German counterparts. After the comparisons between age limits is discussed, a few suggested benefits are listed.

At the age of 18, an American citizen can receive their driver’s license (without needing to go through driver's education classes). At that point, they can borrow their parent’s car or own their own, and get to places without having to ask for a ride. This provides a phenomenal amount of freedom for the youth of America. However, German youth are allowed this freedom a year earlier, at the age of 17. This mere year difference allows for a lot of experience to be gained.

Another primary difference between laws in Germany and laws in the United States when it comes to managing the youth would be drinking age. In America, the legal age for drinking is 21. In Germany, drinking is permitted if one is 14 and their parents are present and allow it; by 18 a German citizen is considered an adult and allowed freedoms such as drinking without parental supervision. This contrasts with the driving age laws in both countries, as stated above. The ability to drink before driving helps a person know their limit when consuming alcohol. If one knows how to drink before they learn how to drive, they won’t be tempted to think “I know how to drive” and get into a car accident. The number of drunk driving accidents in Germany in 2007 was only 399, in comparison to America’s 12,998 fatalities.

One final difference would be the age of marriage. To begin, the age of marriage in Michigan is 16 with parental consent, 18 without. In Germany, the age of marriage is 16, as long as one of the two parties is 18 years old. In my opinion, the last part of that German law is really strange. If an individual under 18 is not considered an adult, why are they allowed to make a decision that will last a large portion of their life? One would believe this would lead to higher divorce rates, yet Germany beats America with less divorces, having a rate of 2.3, where America holds a 3.6.

In conclusion, despite small yet vast differences in laws, the same basic concept rests behind the idea of growing up. Adults still have more responsibilities and privileges than the youth. These privileges require the maturity that growing up provides. All things considered, Germany’s youth may only be slightly better off, considering they won’t be tempted to drink irresponsibly, and will drive more carefully.

Sources:

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811016.PDF

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aQmR3EvlQbu8

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriageable_age

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/divorce.htm

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/statistics_explained/index.php/Marriage_and_divorce_statistics

German Laws

Germany and the United States are both very different countries with different laws and customs. The laws are very different or strange compared to laws in our country. The most bizarre law is that a minor can get married at age sixteen, as long as the spouse is over eighteen. This seems crazy to me because that is very illegal in the United States, and someone going for a sixteen year old is kind of creepy. The youths in Germany are treated very differentley than those in the United States. It seems like they are given more freedom, and responsibility at a young age.
U.S.A Laws
1) Drinking age: 21
2) Allowed to vote: 18
3) Legally have a job: 16
4) Legal Marriage age: 18 (In some cases 16 with parents consent
5) Able to go clubbing: 18
6) Smoking age: 18
7) Drivers license: 16
8) Legally an adult: 18

German laws
1) Have a job: 13
2) Drink with parents consent: 14
3) Don't need parents consent to drink: 16
4) Get married: 16 (as long as one spouse is over 18
5) Drivers license: 17
6) Can see all movies:18
7) Clubbing: 18
8) Smoking age:18
9) legally an adult

In America, many teenagers feel they can handle more responsibility and that they are treated like children. We cannot drink til were twenty-one, but we can fight in the military at eighteen, we can't smoke or go clubbing but we are allowed to drive. In many cases young adults are act like children because that is how we are treated in most cases. That is why it is nice in Germany they give them more responsibility. They can have jobs at a younger age and drink, while we  cannot. They might even be better prepared for the future. We are suddenly thrown into the adult world at college where we have more responsibility than we are used to.
We do not have many age laws similar to the Germans. It seems kinda strange to me because it feels like we should have more laws that are the same. I think the drinking age differences are a little ridiculous. They can start at a very young age and even when were legally adults we still cannot drink. These differences in laws affect the cultures of each country and how the children grow. I did not realize how different they really were until i looked them up.

Youths in Germany

     In Germany,  the age requirements of things such as marriage, drinking, driving, and working are quite different compared to the United States.  In Germany teens are allowed to drink beer and wine at a restaurant with a parents permission. At the age of 16 they no longer need permission and once they reach the age 18 they can drink hard liquor.  In the United States we have  much stricter law of 21 years old to be able to drink any kind of alcohol.  Even with parent permission young adults are not allowed to drink alcohol at all.
     Another second age difference in Germany is the legal driving age.  Currently in Germany at 17 years of age a young adult is allowed to drive a car with a parent present in the vehicle. Once they reach the age of 18 they are allowed to drive by themselves. In the Unites States, a minor of 14 years of age and 9 months is allowed to drive with a parent present in the vehicle if he/she has passed a drivers education class.  There are two classes the minor must take in order to receive a drivers license at the age of 16.  There are driving restrictions once the minor has received a license. Until they have had their license for a year they are not allowed to drive passed 10:00pm.
     A third age difference in Germany is legal marriage age.  According to internations.org "The minimum age for marriage in Germany is eighteen. With parental consent, one party may be younger than eighteen, but not younger than sixteen years of age".  In the United States the age of consent differs from state to state.  In Michigan, with the consent of a parent, between the ages of 16 and 17 you are allowed to marry.  If the person is younger that 16, consent from both parents is required and it must be approved of a probate court.
     A fourth major age difference is the working age.  In Germany the youngest age a young adult can work is 13 with parental permission. But the options of work are very limited.  Usually young adults will start work between the ages of 15-18.  Teens are not allowed to work more than 8 hours a day and 40 hours per week.  After 4.5 hours of work teens must be given a 30 minute break and after 6 hours of work teens must be given a 1 hour break.  In the United states a teen may begin work at the age of 14 with parent permission and a work permit. At the age of 14 a teen is not allowed to work more than 3 hours a day on a school day and no more than 18 hours during a school week.  Once a person reaches the age of 18, there are no longer restrictions on hours.

Work Cited

http://www.usmarriagelaws.com/search/united_states/teen_marriage_laws/
http://www.thelocal.de/society/20120418-42023.html
http://www.internations.org/germany-expats/guide/15985-family-children-education/marriage-in-germany-15962
http://www.howtogermany.com/faq/faq-youth-labor.php
http://www.dol.gov/compliance/guide/childlbr.htm

Youths in Germany vs US

          The United States and Germany have both similarities and differences between laws concerning age requirements for teenagers.  These range through a variety of topics, such as drinking age and when someone is eligible for a drivers licence. People could argue the pro's and con's of each system, and living in the US, I tend to feel satisfied with many of the laws and requirements we have in place.  However, there are a few differences in Germany that I feel have positive impacts on it's teenage population.  Overall, I feel that the system in Germany places more responsibility on it's teen's than in the US.
          First, one of the most notable differences in policies between the US and Germany is the drinking laws.  Germany's rules on this are much more liberal than in the US.  For example, in the US drinking of any kind is not legal until the age of 21, period.  While in Germany, teen's can drink beer and wine by the time they are 13, with a parent's permission.  By 16, they can drink beer and wine on their own and by 18 they can drink any alcoholic beverage without parental permission.  Although the drinking age in the United States is 21, many teens ignore this a take part in underage drinking.  This can lead to more troubles with the law compared to German teens..
          Another difference lies in the minimum ages for driving.  In the United States teen's can obtain their permit, which allows them to drive with a parent, at the age of 15.  By the age of 16 a teen can obtain their drivers licence and be allowed to drive by themselves with no supervision.  This is different in Germany, where a person can not get a drivers licence until they are 17.  In addition to that, those who try to get a drivers licence face many more requirements than US drivers, such as the ability to perform basic first aid in the case of an accident.  However, this difference is not as noticeable in Germany because not as many people drive in the first place.
          The age at which someone can get married is also something that differs between the United States and Germany.  In Germany, you can get married at age 16.  But, this law gets strange because even though you can get married at 16 your partner must be over 18 years old.  For the most part, the unanimous age for marriage in the US  is 18, but there is some variation between states which may allow for someone to get married to someone when they both are 16, or on the same note not be allowed to marry until they are 21.
          Another difference is the labor laws in the United States in Germany.  In Germany, a 13 year old can have a part-time summer job with their parents permission, while a 14 year old American teen can work a part-time job with a school issued work permit.  By the time they are 15, German teens can have a full-time summer job with their parents permission and only be able to work from 8am to 5pm.  This shows that kids in the US are more restricted when it comes to working, but the benefit is that they are allowed to spend more time focusing on school.
          In addition, the age regarding attendance in places like nightclubs, disco's, and bars is different in the US and Germany.  Obviously, due to the lowered drinking age teen's in Germany can go to bars and some nightclubs by themselves when they are as young as 16.  The limitations come through when they can go to these establishments.  For example, a 16 year old can go to a club but only stay there until midnight, while an 18 year old can go whenever they want.  This is similar in the US because many nightclubs are open to those 18 and up, and they can also stay indefinitely, but an equal number of bars and nightclubs are reserved for those who are 21 and over.
          One of the last differences between the US and Germany is the age at which a person can join the military.  In Germany, someone can join the military at 17.  This is the same in the US except that a parent must sign permission.  If someone wants to join the military in the US when they are 18 or older they can do so on their own.
       In conclusion, the age requirements in Germany vs the United States share many similarities as well as many differences.  In Germany it seems as though teens are given a bit more freedom and responsibility for certain things than teens in the US, and they tend to be more prepared for adulthood in general.  The flip side is that exposure to some of those things a younger age might be harmful, such as the ability to work longer hours at a younger age and the lowered drinking laws.  Many would argue that the American trend of sheltering teens is more beneficial.  Overall, I think that Germany's laws better prepare teens for the transition into adulthood but that those laws create more opportunities for problems.

Sources:

1. http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/LegalDrinkingAge.html#.Ul9ROVA3u8A
2. http://germany.angloinfo.com/family/teenagers/youth-employment/
3. http://www.2pass.co.uk/ages.htm#.Ul9RxVA3u8A

         

Germany v. America

Although our country is a melting pot made up of immigrants, a majority being from Europe, we have strayed away from our “mother” cultures and adopted our own. While some traditions and aspects of our lifestyles have stayed throughout the years, we have also Americanized them. The differences between Germany and America are what I plan on discussing.  I want to take a look at the diversity among what children growing up are allowed to do according to which country they are in. The ages that have the most interesting differences, with a few similarities, are 13, 16, and 18. From considering these ages I will be looking into the comparison and contrasts of the age and what one is allowed to do and how that may affect our culture overall.

                In America at the age of 13 you are teen for the first time. What does this mean to be a teen? Well nothing more than being able to see a PG-13 movie and maybe getting a little more of an attitude. It is an age we deem special, simply because you are no longer a child. In Germany, however, 13 comes with a little more responsibility. At the age of 13 you are allowed to work during the summer. The choice whether or not you work is up to your parents. I think having the option for your child to work at a younger age, automatically makes it’s more apparent that you really aren’t a child anymore. Even though we say you’re not a child, anymore, in America there really isn’t anything to justify that statement other than the entry of a movie. I believe this may have effects on the maturity level in the long run of American and German children.

                16 comes with a lot of firsts regardless which country you’re in. In America, the biggest part of being 16 is the fact it is the first time you can legally drive without your parents or an adult in the car. In Germany, you still cannot drive but you can drink beer and wine in a restaurant without your parents. Both are big deals to the 16 years olds in their country. In America we chose to let our teenagers drive while Germany chose to let theirs drink. Neither country made the wrong choice, just different. One is allowing their young people to experience and understand wine and beer so they don’t abuse it, while the other is giving their young people their first taste of responsibility. It could be argued though that the Germans already have had their first taste of responsibility, but at a much younger age. Even though 16 is the first time both countries allow their young to work without parents’ consent, Germans work up to 40 hours a week while the cap of hours for America is 20. This simply fact here leads into the major difference between Germans and Americans at age 18.

                At the 18 you’re an adult, your parents are no longer your legal guardian, you’re free. Although all these statements are true for both German’s and American’s, the meaning behind them is not. In America, you may be giving the title of an adult but you do not get to make all of your decisions as if you are one. A lot of the things you do you still need your parents signature, or financial backup to allow to proceed to becoming successful. Also our country will allow you to sign your life away to fight a war but not allow you to if you want to drink. In Germany the University is paid for, generally, by the government. This allows students to pursue their dreams and goals of success without placing them thousand of dollars in debt. Germany is allowing their “adults” to act as ones. They are allowed to drink, but they have such hard school systems in order to get the best degree, you have to be the best from a young age. Their country is showing the young people go ahead and have fun but remember it comes with a cost. A lesson Americans need a crash course in.

Both countries have the advantages and disadvantages to what they are doing. America is allowing time for kids to be kids, while Germany is forcing them to grow up faster. Personally I think America should learn and adapt to be slightly more like Germany. I think our previous generations were more like their ancestors and understood the sacrifice and hard work it takes to make it. Younger generations, though, are falling farther away from that, and it will only have positive repercussions if we get them back to that.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/justicelawlegislation/a/drinkingage.htm 

There are a good amount of differences between the cultures of the U.S.A., and Germany, but some of the most important, are the ages at which the youth can do certain activities. Some of the most important of these are the age where one is allowed to drive, drink alcohol, work, smoke, and marry. These are governed by the law, but the differences are cultural.

                The age at which one may obtain a drivers license in the United States, is 16, but in Germany it is 17. This isn’t much of a difference, but it is still important. This difference for this may be due to the difference in public transportation, whereas Germany and Europe have a great public transportation system, the United States’ is horrible. There is a great deal less driving in Germany, because the country is much smaller and they have good public transportation. In the United States, everything is spaced out, and the public transportation is nowhere near Germanys.

                The drinking age is a greater difference than that of driving. The age where you are allowed to drink in the US is 21, and in Germany it is 14 with parents’ consent, 16 without, and 18 for hard liquor. The difference lies in the social acceptance of alcohol in the culture. The German people don’t look upon it as badly as the American people do. The health effects are not as big of a role as the political aspect is. The US government wanted to lower the amount of drunk driving accidents, so they increased the age of drinking. The German people trust the youth more than the people do.

                The next major cultural difference, is the age at which marriage is allowed. The age in Germany, is 16, but that is only if there is parental consent and the other partner is over 18. The age in the United States, is 18. There isn’t much of a difference, and there is no significant cultural influence. The age of marriage isn’t very important, but it is a difference nonetheless.

                These are only a few of the differences between these two cultures. The diversity of the world’s cultures are immense, and the cultures of the US and Germany have similarities as well, but that is for another time.