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