Pride. So what is pride?

Main Entry: ¹pride
Pronunciation: ‘prId
Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English pryde, from prud proud — more at PROUD
1 : the quality or state of being proud: as a : inordinate self-esteem : CONCEIT b : a reasonable or justifiable self-respect c : delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship <parental pride>
2 : proud or disdainful behavior or treatment : DISDAIN
3 a : ostentatious display b : highest pitch : PRIME
4 : a source of pride : the best in a group or class
5 : a company of lions
6 : a showy or impressive group <a pride of dancers>

(Source: Webster)

Clarsonimus over at Anglofritz raises the question about the Open Display of National Pride, which lately evolved in Germany (and Berlin), most notably by the increasing number of flags being waved, flewn or attached to cars, houses and snackbars.

Are you concerned?

Clarsonimus thinks that Germans are too concerned – he calls it healthy sceptism. I have to answer ‘Yes and no!’ to that one. I think that some of the concerns come from history and the well-educated Germans know where that led. So maybe people are afraid of a little nationalism? I certainly am not.

And even though I personally would not attach a flag to my car (or snackbar – if I had one), living abroad I learned that even as a German citizen you should be O.K. with other Germans showing their pride.

For a German, national pride is a huge issue. And a rather confusing term. On the one side, people don’t understand why you are not proud of your country and the people’s achievments. And of course when asked we are proud indeed, but then others don’t understand why we are rather uneasy to admit it. Especially with the French, the English or the Americans so talkative on the subjects of one’s national identity and homeland.

The contrary: People also expect us to be more modest because of your past. But are those expectations or Germany’s imagination? You decide.

Anyway, you (dear World) love our shit stuff – Beer, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Lederhosen, Bayer, Bratwurst, Bretzels, Siemens, Braun, Wiener Schnitzel (Oops!) and whatever else there is. So let’s all relax and let the Germans be proud for a moment, especially since for once our football team plays really well and even we are able to finally admit that.

And in case any of you are in need of a flag of any kind, check here (in German). It sure looks like they all come from Neukölln! :-)