Do Germans have a sense of humour after all?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the perception of German humor, exploring whether Germans possess a sense of humor and how it compares to British humor. Participants share various comedic references and personal opinions, touching on cultural differences in humor styles, including slapstick and character-based comedy.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express surprise at the notion that Germans have a sense of humor, referencing specific comedic examples.
  • Others argue that German humor tends to lean towards slapstick and character-based comedy, which may not translate well into traditional English joke formats due to language constraints.
  • Several participants discuss British humor, with some asserting it is superior or more cutting-edge, while others express confusion or disagreement with its style.
  • There are multiple references to Monty Python and other British comedic works, with varying opinions on their humor's quality.
  • Some participants share personal anecdotes or humorous observations, contributing to a light-hearted tone throughout the discussion.
  • There is a recurring theme of misunderstanding or lack of appreciation for different humor styles, particularly between British and German humor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of German humor or its comparison to British humor. There are competing views on the effectiveness and appeal of both styles, with some expressing appreciation for one while others remain critical or confused.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects cultural perceptions and subjective experiences with humor, which may vary widely among individuals. The humor styles referenced are deeply tied to language and cultural context, leading to potential misunderstandings.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in cultural studies, humor theory, or comparative analysis of humor across different cultures may find this discussion engaging.

arildno
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Do Germans have a sense of humour after all??

I wouldn't have thought it, but after this little gem, I am no longer sure:
[MEDIA=youtube]JYsjfPjNKvw[/MEDIA]&search=village%20people[/URL]
 
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Now, that took a bit of imagination. :bugeye: It is funny though.
 
I didn't know Hitler was in the habit of dancing.
Sprightly old fellow, wasn't he?
 
arildno said:
I didn't know Hitler was in the habit of dancing.
Sprightly old fellow, wasn't he?
That was pretty funny. :biggrin:
 
Germans most definitely do have a sense of humour. German humour is still more on the side of slapstick or send ups of characters. The more traditional idea of a joke in english and a stand up comedian is very hard to do in German because of the constraints of the language. For instance in english typical jokes go along the lines of "blah blah blah... and then I got off the bus" and the sudden change of location creates the joke. In German a joke of that form would not translate well as in a German sentence everybody would always know the guy was on the bus and so there is no sudden change of location for the story and hence no joke.

Hope this analogy helps.
 
Kurdt said:
Germans most definitely do have a sense of humour. German humour is still more on the side of slapstick or send ups of characters. The more traditional idea of a joke in english and a stand up comedian is very hard to do in German because of the constraints of the language. For instance in english typical jokes go along the lines of "blah blah blah... and then I got off the bus" and the sudden change of location creates the joke. In German a joke of that form would not translate well as in a German sentence everybody would always know the guy was on the bus and so there is no sudden change of location for the story and hence no joke.

Hope this analogy helps.
So, what is the excuse for British humour? <runs and hides>
 
Evo said:
So, what is the excuse for British humour? <runs and hides>
These guys. :smile:
[MEDIA=youtube]oYlzTdSZeI4[/MEDIA]&search=silly%20walk[/URL]
 
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arildno said:
These guys. :smile:
[MEDIA=youtube]oYlzTdSZeI4[/MEDIA]&search=silly%20walk[/URL][/QUOTE]


Monty Python and the flying circus, [SIZE="7"]Bang.
:biggrin:
 
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arildno said:
These guys. :smile:
[MEDIA=youtube]oYlzTdSZeI4[/MEDIA]&search=silly%20walk[/URL][/QUOTE] Yes - Monty Python - the pinnacle or zenith of British humour, in fact all humour. :biggrin: And add to that Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean, Blackadder). :-p
 
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  • #10
British humour is the best we're all cutting edge :biggrin: Dare I mention Chris Morris? Best not. :wink:
 
  • #11
Astronuc said:
Yes - Monty Python - the pinnacle or zenith of British humour, in fact all humour. :biggrin: And add to that Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean, Blackadder). :-p

Ahh yes blackadder one of my favourite comedies of all time. The best British sitcom according to one of those silly top 50 things was Only fools and Horses which I would agree with.
 
  • #12
Evo said:
So, what is the excuse for British humour? <runs and hides>
There is no excuse for British humour. :biggrin: It just is - something completely different. :smile:

Why do think other intelligent species avoid this planet. :smile:

No other culture could produce the author of the "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" - with it's definitive explanation of "Life, the Universe, and Everything." :biggrin:
 
  • #13
Evo said:
So, what is the excuse for British humour? <runs and hides>

It is no use hidding Evo, there is a bomb behind every bush :biggrin:
 
  • #14
As for slapstick humour, NOTHING beats this one:
[MEDIA=youtube]IhJQp-q1Y1s[/MEDIA]&search=monty%20python%20fish[/URL]
 
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  • #16
Lumber jack song
[MEDIA=youtube]5zey8567bcg[/MEDIA][/URL] :smile:


Monty Python and the Holy Grail's Killer Rabbit
[PLAIN][MEDIA=youtube]rxy4MvXPghI[/MEDIA][/URL]
(Poor video, but great dialogue :biggrin: )
 
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  • #17
arildno said:
These guys. :smile:
[MEDIA=youtube]oYlzTdSZeI4[/MEDIA]&search=silly%20walk[/URL][/QUOTE]
That wasn't funny:confused:
 
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  • #18
yomamma said:
That wasn't funny:confused:
Yes it is..
 
  • #19
Those are terrrrrrrrrrible. :smile:
 
  • #20
arildno said:
Yes it is..
that was awful...


like really stupid
 
  • #21
yomamma said:
that was awful...


like really stupid
Precisely!:biggrin:
 
  • #22
I will never understand british humor:bugeye:
 
  • #23
yomamma said:
I will never understand british humor:bugeye:
Quite so!:biggrin:
 
  • #24
arildno said:
Yes it is..

Pure gold, one would have to be soul less not to like them :biggrin:
 
  • #25
yomamma said:
I will never understand british humor:bugeye:
Like I say we're on the cutting edge dude :smile:
 
  • #26
You people are inasane!

edit: to wolram
 
  • #27
yomamma said:
I will never understand british humor:bugeye:
But I think that's great!
In fact greater than american humour...
 
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  • #28
yomamma said:
You people are inasane!

edit: to wolram

I keep hearing little squeaks:rolleyes: what is that:confused:
 
  • #29
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  • #30
wolram said:
I keep hearing little squeaks:rolleyes: what is that:confused:
Perhaps the parrot isn't quite dead after all.
 

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