UN I VERSAL
D E S I G N T H I N K I N G
The LAND OF DIVERSITY meets The LAND OF IDEAS HTW Industrial Design
CONTENTS
Introduction | Einf端hrung
5
Culture | Kultur
6-7
Education | Bildung
8-15
Work culture | Arbeitskultur
16-17
Food & Habits | Essen & Habits
18-23
Language | Sprache
24-25
Signage |Beschilderung
26-27
Transport | Verkehr
28-29
Health and support | Gesundheit und Betreuung
30-32
Fashion | Mode
33-34
Conclusion | Abschluss
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Berlin tv tower & Kirche 4
BERLIN | the city that deserves your undivided attention Berlin, the German capital, is renowned for its exceptional variety of attractions, its flourishing cultural scene and a way of life that's both fast-paced and relaxed. Contrasts beween historical buildings and modern architecture, between the traditional and the modern are what set the city apart from the rest. The sights of Berlin – from the Brandenburg Gate to the Federal Chancellery – tell the story of an entire nation. Germany's capital is home to all the major goverment buildings, most notably the historic Reichstag, seat of the German parliament. Berlin is a city of art, artists and museums. More than 170 museums, including those on the famous museum island, put the treasures of the world on public display. Culturally minded visitors from all corners of the globe come to Berlin to see performances by leading orchestras – such as the internationally celebrated Berlin Philharmonic – and to attend ballets and operas at the three major opera houses. A multitude of theatres specialising in plays, variety, revue and cabaret offer stage entertainment in all its forms. Nowadays, people look to Berlin for the latest trends in lifestyle, music and art. Inspired by this outpouring of creativity, growing numbers of artists are arriving in the city from around the world, making it one of Europe's most exciting destinations. A feature of Berlin, aside from its exuberance, is the way it continuously reinvents itself. But Berlin also has a relaxed vibe and lots of open spaces for a breath of fresh air. No city in Germany is greener than Berlin with its forests, lakes and sprawling parks. This laid-back way of life can be found throughout the city. When the weather gets warmer, life in Berlin moves outdoors to the beach bars, pavement cafés and open-air cinemas and theatres – perfect for enjoying the sunshine and the balmy summer nights.
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Culture |
Kultur
GERMAN ETIQUETTE & CUSTOMS Meeting Etiquette • Greetings are formal. • A quick, firm handshake is the traditional greeting. • Titles are very important and denote respect. Use a person’s title and their surname until invited to use their first name. You should say Herr or Frau and the person’s title and their surname. • In general, wait for your host or hostess to introduce you to a group. • When entering a room, shake hands with everyone individually, including children.
Gift Giving Etiquette • If you are invited to a German’s house, bring a gift such as chocolates or flowers. • Yellow roses or tea roses are always well received. •Do not give red roses as they symbolize romantic intentions. • Do not give carnations as they symbolize mourning. • Do not give lilies or chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals. • If you bring wine, it should be imported, French or Italian. Giving German wines is viewed as meaning you do not think the host will serve a good quality wine. • Gifts are usually opened when received.
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Culture | Kultur Dining Etiquette If you are invited to a German’s house: • Arrive on time as punctuality indicates proper planning. Never arrive early. • Never arrive more than 15 minutes later than invited without telephoning to explain you have been detained. •Send a handwritten thank you note the following day to thank your hostess for her hospitality.
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Education |
Bildung
THE GERMAN EDUCATION SYSTEM The educational system in the German-speaking countries generally follows the European model of free public education and a variety of secondary schools for academic and vocational education, rather than the American model of a single comprehensive high school for all students. Although there are some differences among them, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland all have a primary school (Grundschule or Volksschule) that begins at age six and lasts four years (five or six in some places), a secondary level that generally starts at age 11 (grade 5) and is divided into a less academic Hauptschule (to grade 10) leading to vocational education, an intermediate Realschule (not in Austria) leading to a technical or business school, and the academically oriented Gymnasium that leads to the Abitur or Matura diploma and a university education. Special education classes or special schools are offered for students with mental or physical disabilities. The Schedule : A typical school day starts at 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning. Classes are on a collegestyle schedule, with some courses offered only two or three times a week. There is also school on Saturday mornings, in some areas only on alternate Saturdays. Although the school year is ten months long and the summer vacation period only lasts about six weeks, students get many more holidays and short vacations during the school year than American students. The curriculum usually focuses on mostly academic subjects, even in vocational schools, with a limited offering of physical education, sports, art, and music.
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The Indian Approach In ancient times, India had the Guru Kula system of education in which anyone who wished to study went to a teacher's (Guru) house and requested to be taught. If accepted as a student by the guru, he would then stay at the guru's place and help in all activities at home. This not only created a strong tie between the teacher and the student, but also taught the student everything about running a house. Students have to learn a common curriculum largely (except for regional changes in mother tongue) till the end of high school. There is some amount of specialization possible at the higher secondary level. Students throughout the country have to learn three languages (namely, English, Hindi and their mother tongue) except in regions where Hindi is the mother tongue and in some streams as discussed below. The Schools in India is affiliated to different kind of boards. National boards and state boards.
Gurukul system in India 9
Education |
Bildung
SCHOOL EDUCATION AND CURRICULUM GERMAN APPROACH Pre-school Kindergarten - (literally “children’s garden”) is both a German word and a German invention. The kindergarten pre-school educational philosophy has been widely adopted around the world. It is thus somewhat ironic to discover that kindergarten in Germany is not usually part of the state-supported school system (except in former East Germany), even though about 85 percent of German youngsters between the ages of three and six attend voluntary community and church-supported kindergartens. • Kinderkrippe (literally, “crib” or “crèche”) – For ages eight weeks to three years. • Kita (short for Kindertagesstätte (children’s daycare center) – For ages 3-6, open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or later. • Kindergarten – For ages 3-6; half-day or full-day kindergarten. • Hort or Schulhort – Provides after-school daycare for elementary school pupils.
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SCHOOL EDUCATION AND CURRICULUM INDIAN APPROACH Anganwadi The word Anganwadi means "courtyard shelter" in Indian languages. They were started by the Indian government in 1975 as part of the Integrated Development Services program to combat child hunger and malnutrition. A typical Anganwadi centre also provides basic health care in Indian villages. It is a part of the Indian public health-care system. Basic health-care activities include contraceptive counseling and supply, nutrition education and supplementation, as well as preschool activities. The centers may also be used as depots for oral rehydration salts, basic medicines and contraceptives. Even though Indian education system has been strongly influences by the western culture a lot, the traditional approached of education are still used in the villages, to encourage more student to join school. • Play school – Anganwadi (traditional) , Kidzee, Euro kids etc. • Lower primary (age 6 to 10), • Upper Primary (11 and 12), • High School (13 to 15) • Higher secondary (17 and 18).
Kindergarten in Berlin and India 11
Design education |
Bildung
THE BAUHAUS TRADITION Arguably, the Bauhaus made the most important contribution to design education in the 20th century. Its tradition was carried on by Swiss schools, most notably Z端rich and Basel, and later on by (he Hochschule f端r Gestaltung, Ulm (Ulm School of Design) in Germany, which in turn became a model for most design courses in West Germany. 1. Most post-Bauhaus courses focused on form and design at the expense of communication 2. With the Bauhaus/post-Bauhaus preoccupation on form, another vital constituent of design education has been neglected: The student and his or her professional perspective. 3. The Bauhaus philosophy was based on the concept of integration. Yet postBauhaus institutions have often sacrificed this in favour of specialisation. 4. The Bauhaus masters were pioneers in developing an elementary visual language. But in the hands of the second and third post-Bauhaus generation this was eventually degraded into a formula, an unreflected adoption of styles, patterns and terminologies failing to reflect present day realities: new media and a changed visual literacy. 5. The Bauhaus Foundation, with its introduction to basic disciplines, its didactic exercises and its hierarehical structure may have been a major achievement at the time of its evolution. But today we have a different understanding of adult education and the learning process. The demands on the profession have changed as well. In this light, the Bauhaus has ceased to be a model for Design Foundation.
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Bahaus methodology
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Defining Objectives The educational philosophy of the Bauhaus centred around the structure of a visual language and its grammar. The objectives are defined in four different areas: • Skills • Methodology • Knowledge • Sensitivity.
SKILLS
KNOWLEDGE
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METHODOLOGY
SENSIBILITY
THE DIFFERENCE IN THE CURRICULUM : Though the German and Indian follow the same path in terms of the design education, but there are some differences in terms of the curriculum and schedule. Germany ( HTW) In Germany most of the classes are held two times a week and the main projects start at the beginning of the year. In between the semester there are some skill-based projects involved. India (NID) In India the design programme is module based. The semester is divided into several work units and modules. The modules included skill based and theory based. At the end of the semester a dedicated 10-week work unit is given for the main projects. The students can involve and put in their whole semesters modules learning in the main project. Hence is much focused and productive. 15
Work culture |
Arbeitskultur
DEADLINES AND COMMITMENTS Another major issue faced by Indian and other nation companies are deadlines. Completing a task or project on a set deadline is sometimes an issue for Indian companies. In Germany it is common practice to work on a project by adhering strictly to the scheduled plan. Punctuality is taken very seriously. If you expect to be delayed, call immediately and offer an explanation. It is extremely rude to cancel a meeting at the last minute and it could even jeopardize your business relationship. In the German work culture it goes without saying that deadlines are met and Germans expect the same from their Indian counterparts. If the task cannot be completed on a certain date it should be discussed early on and not just before the deadline. Germans do not like surprises when it comes to business-related issues. Not finishing a task in a given timeframe can be an unpleasant surprise for them and might cause disappointment. To avoid these issues it is very important to stick to the defined commitments and complete the tasks on time. Punctuality is not a choice; it is a necessity in the German work culture.
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BUSINESS ETIQUETTE AND PROTOCOL IN GERMANY Etiquette in germany | Relationships & Communications • Germans do not need a personal relationship in order to do business. • They will be interested in your academic credentials and the amount of time your company has been in business. • Germans display great deference to people in authority, so it is imperative that they understand your level relative to their own. • Germans do not have an open-door policy. People often work with their office door closed. Knock and wait to be invited in before entering. • German communication is formal. • Following the established protocol is critical to building and maintaining business relationships. • As a group, Germans are suspicious of hyperbole, promises that sound too good to be true, or displays of emotion. • Germans will be direct to the point of bluntness. • Expect a great deal of written communication, both to back up decisions and to maintain a record of decisions and discussions. DRESS ETIQUETTE Business dress is understated, formal and conservative. Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits. Women should wear either business suits or conservative dresses. Do not wear ostentatious jewellery or accessories.
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Food|
Lebensmittel
THE DEUSTCHLAND CUISINE Many German foods are flavored with spices that originally came from India. What good would bratwurst be without mace and nutmeg? What would strudel be without sugar and cinnamon? The Turkish cuisine has a great influence in berlin. The “ Doner Kebab” was introduced in Berlin berfore than in Turkey. the german eat a lot of red meat, specially beef and pork. In vegetables they prefer bolied potatos and is famous for their potato and mayo salad. germany is also famous for their confectioneries. In india we have a franchise of the original geman confectionery called the “German Bakery”.
German kartoffel ( potato) Salad 18
SOMETHING FOR EVERY TASTE For some people, perhaps, France is the land of wine, Italy of pasta, and Japan of sushi. But what of Germany and its culinary traditions? Eisbein with Sauerkraut? Or Weisswurst? Or Spaetzle? The problem is that such meals only present half the picture. Germany’s diverse population, the country’s cuisine is in a process of constant transformation. What’s more, culinary traditions differ from region to region and are therefore every bit as varied as the assortment of beer and bread on offer here.
The famous CurryWurst The Germans set great store by good bread. That’s one explanation for the huge variety on offer in Germany – there are around 300 different sorts, more than in any other country worldwide. Another lies in Germany’s past as a loose association of disparate duchies and autonomous cities.
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Food|
Lebensmittel
Ask Germans about their favourite food, however, and neighbouring countries no longer play a role. Topping the list of the most popular main dishes here are spaghetti bolognese and pizza. Yet Germany has no border with Italy – nor with Turkey, the supposed origin of Germany’s favourite snack, a doner kebab wrapped in pita bread. According to the history books, the person who first served up pieces of spicy meat and salad in a sandwich-like construction was certainly from Turkey. Yet Kadir Nurman, the man credited with creating the first doner in 1972, launched this new era in fast food not in Istanbul, where he grew up, but rather in Berlin, where he had formerly worked as a printing-press mechanic. THE GERMAN NATIONAL FOOD While we’re on the subject of meat, some people maintain that the German national dish is the so-called Currywurst. This may well have something to do with the fact that some 800 million of these sausages topped with a curry-flavoured sauce are consumed in Germany every year. Yet there’s nothing typically German about the ingredients, even if the sausage is made in Germany. The curry sauce itself is based on ketchup or tomato puree, flavoured with a spicy Indian blend of coriander, pepper, and turmeric.
Differenr types of German Breads 20
Top : The Turkish Doner Kebab Bottom : German brewed beer 21
Food|
Lebensmittel
FOOD HABITS IN INDIA Many Indians are vegetarians for religious reasons. Indian vegetarians do not eat any kind of meat, fish, chicken or even eggs. Some Brahmin vegetarians do not eat garlic or onion. Jains do not consume any root vegetables either. Though veganism is still a new concept in India, many Indians are turning to a vegan diet for health or ethical reasons. India is therefore a paradise for vegetarians and vegans. All restaurants and cafĂŠs have a vegetarian and “non-vegetarianâ€? menu, and there are many exclusively vegetarian eateries. Vegans should request dishes without paneer (a type of cheese), butter, ghee (clarified butter), yoghurt, cream or buttermilk. The number of Indians eating meat is increasing, as this is thought to be a sign of upward mobility and sophistication. Most Christians and Muslims are meat eaters. The most common non-vegetarian dishes comprise chicken, fish, lamb or mutton. Hindus will generally avoid beef, while Muslims will not eat pork.
A South Indian Thali 22
Paneer ( Cottage Cheese) Tikka Masala
Chicken Tandoori 23
Language |
Sprache
COMMUNICATION BARRIERS | German Vs Indian language There are many reasons for communication barriers between India and Germany. The most important reason is language. The German language is one of the major factors that hinder the entry as well as the growth of non-German companies. There are many non-German companies in Germany but they all have successfully tackled this problem by adopting the local language. There are many Indian companies who are interested in expanding into Germany but lack the language know-how and intercultural finesse. These issues have often led Indian companies to postpone or even cancel their plans of expanding into Germany. Therefore, once the language barrier is overcome, the entry into as well as the survival on the German market is much easier for companies of any size.
However, it is not as difficult as well feel. GERMAN & INDIAN LANGUAGE
There is a linguistic connection between the German and the Indian language. German and Sanskrit have several similarities, and the grammar of both languages is amazingly similar. Both the languages are based on ideas.Our roots are intertwined. Sanskrit, the mother language, is closely related to old German language.
“We need both: a strong sense of cultural identity and openness in a globalised world.” German scholars have, for a long time, expressed their deep respect and emotional warmth towards Sanskrit. The scientific term of the “Indo-Germanic language group” itself can be traced back more than 200 years.
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SIMILARITIES One cannot but marvel at the evident similarities between Sanskrit and German. Although the distance between the two languages is of thousands of years and kilometres, one can easily detect and discover the linguistic and etymological affiliations. For example: •The Sanskrit word for chariot, Ratha, re-emerges in the German Rad; •Aksha, axle in Sanskrit, led to German Achse, which is also used in the figurative sense of a close union and alliance; •Unlike many other languages, both Sanskrit and German use all three genders: feminine, masculine and neutral. An even more fascinating example of mental closeness at a conceptual level: •Gribh or garbh in Sanskrit was gripan, and is now Griff or greifen in German •Yet, symptomatically, both in Sanskrit and in German, the word for physical action of the hand — to grab, to seize — was also transferred to the non-material, intellectual sphere. In both languages, the same word is used for the physical activity as well as for the mental activity of ‘to understand’, ‘to perceive’, as in the German begreifen.
Post on Facebook 25
Signages|
Beschilderung
BERLIN SIGNAGES Berlin has an extensive subway network — 10 lines, 170 stations, 151.7 kilometers of rail. The network transports 507 million passengers every year. Not many people have seen every station along the Berlin subway network. Especially if they not from here, there really is no reason to go to Hönow, Wittenau or Rudow.
Street signs of Berlin
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Subway signages of Berlin
Transport|
Verkehr
TRANSPORT IN GERMANY & INDIA Personal Transportation German brands hold a majority over personal cars in German, as do the Japanese and local manufacturers in India. Estate cars are popular in Germany, while India loves small cars.Cars in Germany enjoy smooth well marked roads and rules that everyone observes, while cars in India follow Brownian motion over bad quality roads. Public Transportation : Public transport infrastructure in India has borderline similarities to its counterpart in Germany. Indian metro cities today boast of world class metro systems and local suburban trains connect towns with cities. However, trams and regional trains are missing. Also, while in Germany one can access all forms of public transport with a single ticket, one needs to buy specific tickets for every form of public transport system in India. Trains: While German trains are known for their on time functioning and quality of service, Indian trains are regarded as the most romantic but also one of the least maintained worldwide. Germany also has high speed trains like ICE which are not present in India. Bus: City bus services are very well developed in German cities with the local german brands providing high quality buses. Buses in Indian towns and cities are mostly handcrafted while some metro cities now opting for brand manufactured modern buses.
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Taxi: Taxi service in Germany is a premium option and centrally operated, while Indian cities have taxi operations conducted by private companies and offered at budget rates as well as premium rates.India’s Autorickshaw and rickshaw services are unbeaten however. They offer the most unique experience at the cheapest price. Cycling: Cycling is very well supported in Germany and the infrastructure has been provided for it. But in India cycling to work is considered a poor man’s job or a rich man’s hobby and the infrastructure for the same does not exist
Autorickshaw in India
Bus of Berlin 29
Healthcare & Support|
Gesundheit und Betreuung
HEALTH Obviously, the German’sdon’t want you to be sick. But if you or your family need a physician, you will find that help is available quickly and at a reasonable cost. Germany has a dense network of hospitals, physicians and pharmacies. Thanks to compulsory health insurance, necessary treatments are affordable for all. In this section we describe what health insurance covers, how you can find a physician and what to do in an emergency. When you first come to Germany, you will need travel health insurance before you are covered by statutory health insurance. Health Insurances : A lot of companies provides German State Health Insurance in Germany while private health insurance is available as well. The former is more convenient in terms of payments while both are equally comprehensive. Private health insurance service is seamless through a card swipe and covers everything from the local doctor to surgeries as well as medicines.
An Ambulance with good support systems 30
Health Insuarnce card The difference : India does not spend as much on healthcare as Germany. State health insurance in also unheard of in India, while there are a lot of state health schemes for the inhabitants of smaller towns and state employees. The middle and upper classes opt for the variety of private health insurance schemes. Service however is not as seamless and varies from company to company. Visits to the local doctor and basic medical services are rarely covered under these services. The health insurance as it is takes 3 years to come into full effect. Hospitals in India come in great variety. Government hospitals and medical services are looked down due to consistent lack of quality and hygiene though some of them are considerably the best in terms of services and research. A lot of private hospitals have popped up in the cities and offer worldclass healthcare. Hospitals in Germany are noticeably more consistent and better in service and hygiene than most Indian hospitals, excluding some of the private chains, although waiting times are strikingly similar to India ( very long ). 31
Healthcare & Support |
Gesundheit und Betreuung
Healthcare available in India is of international standards but high quality service is accessible inconsistently and only to the richer sections of the society. Ambulance service in India is as inconsistent as other healthcare services. Vehicles vary from small shed converted ones in the towns to sophisticated vehicles in cities. Design of support infrastructure is below par and most towns don’t have unified call centers. Similar services in Germany are much more sophisticated and consistent and available at a single 3 digit emergency number. Vehicles vary from small shed converted ones in the towns to sophisticated vehicles in cities. Design of support infrastructure is below par and most towns don’t have unified call centers. Similar services in Germany are much more sophisticated and consistent and available at a single 3 digit emergency number. Vehicles vary from small shed converted ones in the towns to sophisticated vehicles in cities. Design of support infrastructure is below par and most towns don’t have unified call centers. Similar services in Germany are much more sophisticated and consistent and available at a single 3 digit emergency number.
The Indian Stalwat during polio campaign in India 32
Fashion |
Mode
DEUSTCHLAND TRENDS Over the years, germany has adopted an open and welcoming attitude toward other nationalities, particularly those from its neighbouring European countries. this cosmopoliton atmosphere, combined with Germany’s rich cultural heritage, has led to a relaxed and open minded attitude to clothing. Although mena and women tend to dress in a conservative manner, germany’s burgeoning fashion scene is becoming more influential. On a practical note, many of Germany’s cities have cobbeled streets that make it difficult to walk in shoes with high or pointed heels. The general obervation showed that people prefer to wear dark clothes as the weather is cold here, so because of the climate people started wearing dark clothes with many layers of clothes which are clinged to the body.
Modern clothing German Traditional Colthing: A couple wearing Miesbacher Tracht. The man is wearing traditional Bavarian lederhosen. 33
INIDIAN TRENDS In India we can find people wearing different colours as weather allowes them to wear such clothes. Indians wear bright colors usually made from cotton which is ideal for the hot climate. During festivals and ceremony’s, many of the clothes are decorated with gold or silver ornaments and pretty, elaborate stitching. The Ethnic side What makes the Indian couture so unique is the fact that you will find each and every state of the country having its own distinct traditional clothing for men and women. For instance, the salwaar kameez is the ethnic attire of women in Punjab; the Mekhala Chadar is worn by Assamese women, and so on. However, all types of Indian clothing look very elegant and Indians wear them with a lot of pride. The festivities and other special occasions are the time when you can see maximum Indians donning their ethnic garb, be it sari, kurta pajama or dhoti.
Model kids dressed up in some of india’s traditional colthes. From left to right : Saree, Kurta pyjama, Half - Saree, kurta & Dhoti 34
CONCLUSION Accept and adapt At first I would like to thank National Institute of design for giving the opportunity to experience a semster in Germany . As a master’s student of communiation Design I had the opportunity to be a part of the exchange programme for 6 month exchange program in HTW, University of Applied sciences, berlin, Germany. Academically, I found that germany allows ample space for individual creativity. Regular well informed suggestions from the guide and learning new things with the students they were quite a new experience for me. Living in the capital city Berlin definately has broadened my vision on many things. Learning basic German language and experimenting with local food helped connect better with people, who I found to be extremely accommodating and encouraging. After discussing a few points about the cultural and behavioral and other differences between Indians and Germans it can be concluded that both cultures have their unique characteristics. Just like with humans, no one culture is perfect. So the best way to deal with each other is to adapt and accept each other’s culture and improvise wherever necessary. As Germany is the most potential market in Europe for Indian industries and vice versa, it will be a pleasure to see the IndoGerman ties getting stronger continuously.
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