Carter Lezman Kultur1

It is amazing to see how much of America as we know it was created by German ideas and culture. For example, some people think of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile as just a symbol of American pride of an American brand, but as the article indicates the story goes back to a simple German immigrant by the name of Oscar F. Mayer, who decided to open up a meat shop in Chicago. That small meat shop turned into a widely recognized brand known across America for its quality, taste, and great price.

This leads to the thought of how much German culture has affected American cuisine. Bratwurst, pretzels, and sauerkraut have all become well known foods, but all of their names trace back to German roots. Americans think of these foods as general American foods, but really their names point back to the rich culture of Early German immigrants.

American words and phrases also trace back to German roots. For example, kindergarten may be a beginner level of education for the American school system, but its name points to the major effects German immigrants had on the United States primary and secondary education systems. The waltz, a famous ballroom dance, shows origins from German culture. A delicatessen can be described as a popular American eatery that's name is often shortened to "deli."

Even though German immigrants have affected American culture greatly, it seems as if German culture is becoming less prominent. America's nickname "the great melting pot" shines true, because it seems that all of these things that were once though of as German are now just considered American. It is okay, because America is a nation of diversity and freedom, and so each culture's characteristics mesh together to create a whole country.