The Germans are an enigma not only to the rest of the world but also to themselves. As it turns out, Germans spend great amounts of time discussing their puzzling heritage and culture; in fact, discussing almost anything is one of their favourite pastimes. Greg Nees offers an insider's perspective on what it means to be German. He starts with a review of modern German history, and then turns his attention to the major German cultural themes: order, insider/outsider perception, clarity of thought and expression, private versus public spheres, friendship, rationality and the sense of duty and obligation. Germany's social market is also discussed, as is the German need for order, desire for security and sense of responsibility.