This isn’t a question that is easy to answer because it’s really important to avoid stereotyping and there are always many exceptions to the rule because we’re talking about people here.
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At the same time, one model I do like is the image of the peach and the coconut, which has been described as a metaphor very often. I believe it stems from Fons Trompenaars. It can be applied to British culture in comparison to German culture as, in many cases, in comparison to Germans the British tend, in their interactions with new people to have a soft outer layer like a peach. Which means they are often quite easy to engage with, more likely to smile at people they don’t know, to chat, to share information and be nice and helpful, engaging in Small Talk and so on. This is what I call building micro relationships.
This doesn’t mean that you are friends, this is just being friendly which is why it often regarded as superficial from people from coconut cultures.
To me German culture is much more of a coconut culture. Although again let me emphasize you will find many peachy people in Germany of course. A coconut culture is a culture where there are fewer micro connections. Less small talk, people are less likely to engage in conversations with strangers, which can of course make people seem distant, even cold. Having lived in Germany for years now my perception is that once you get past that coconut shell people are indeed caring and the inside of the coconut is rather a sweet place to be.