The Germans generally adore England and have suffered in the past from unrequited love. England used to be the ultimate role model with its amazingly advanced political, social, industrial and technological achievements. The Germans regard the English as being very nice and mostly harmless,almost German. They admire Americans for the easygoing pragmatism and dislike them for their superficiality. For the Germans,the United States is the headmaster in the school of nations, and accord due respect if not always affection. Germans are strong believers in authority. If you know how to obey, then you can also be a master runs the refrain. With the Italian Germans have a close understanding because they have so much history in common. Through wars, invasion and other forms of tourism, a deep and lasting friendship has been established. Italian art treasures, food and beaches are thoroughly appreciated. There is also a connection arising from the fact that Italy and Germany both achieved nationhood in the last century, and are still not entirely sure that this was a good thing. The French are admired for their sophisticated civilization, |