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the stereotype is that Germans are often ridiculously straight-laced. See tropes about German humour for reference.

• FabHK 8y ago
  which is, btw, why many Germans were so absolutely furious about the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal - not only was it bad for the environment, but also severely damaged said German reputation for integrity and probity. The fury against these cheaters is palpable.
  • ataturk 8y ago
    That whole thing was so stupid, though. A tempest in a teapot. US emissions regs are ridiculous and gaming them was the last possible outcome. The US brought this on itself as we always do, but it was more enterprising to blame the people tasked with pleasing both their corporate overlords and the regulators, a Faustian situation. While I am against cheating, of course, I have to think that having all those cars junked just due to that scandal was a far bigger waste and far worse for the environment.
    • llampx 8y ago
      > While I am against cheating, of course, I have to think that having all those cars junked just due to that scandal was a far bigger waste and far worse for the environment. It was about sending a message. And probably also about the fact that VW is a foreign car manufacturer. Let's not forget the bailouts that the American car companies got just a few years ago.
    • adrianN 8y ago
      No, they're not ridiculous. They're also not impossible to achieve, see all the cars that manage without cheating.
  • llampx 8y ago
    On top of that, they were barely given a slap on the wrist in Germany whereas they had to pay out billions in the US. Even though they probably sold a lot more diesels in Germany than in the US, and Germans are feeling the pinch a lot more due to many cities banning diesels from inner city roads.