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Who are British people most similar to on the European continent?

(Excluding Ireland for obvious reasons).

I'd say we're a combination of the Dutch and the Germans.

We have the steely reserve, slight aloofness and innovation of the Germans, but we also have the liberal, bohemian, creative attitude of the Dutch.

Massive generalisations of course, but what do you think?

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Reply 1
Yeah, when I read your question I instantly thought "probably Germans". I was in the Netherlands with my girlfriend this year for a week, I'm not so sure I see us as being similar to them. They seem a lot more laid back and loving of their own culture/society than we are, Brits are quite self depreciating.
Russians. Basically barbarians with a touch of style.
Reply 3
North / Midlands probably Romanians / Russians

Wealthy South areas - Swiss, Norwegian
(edited 8 years ago)
Hmm, I would say you show aspects of many different countries. Depends on the personality of the person too.
I am British, I've lived in Germany and my boyfriend is Dutch, and I would strongly argue that we are like neither of the two. The Germans and Dutch are very similar to each other. But i have no idea who we are like :s-smilie:
Reply 6
I don't think we are similar to any European country really from a culture point of view (and indeed we birthed the Anglosphere so i'd go for them). We lack the penchant for social justice found on the continent both socially and economically.

We tend to ally with the Netherlands and Germany nowadays though.
Reply 7
Original post by Paladian
Russians. Basically barbarians with a touch of style.


Sorry, but russians have better style :teehee:
Better looks too
Original post by LenaSim
Sorry, but russians have better style :teehee:
Better looks too


Possibly
Scandinavian countries.
The Irish, although of course Ireland isn't on the continent.

I'd say we are similar to the other Germanic peoples; the Scandinavians foremost, and to a lesser extent the Germans and Dutch.


Our closest comparison, although not in the continent has to be with the Australians. They are just British people permanently on holiday.
Original post by LenaSim
Sorry, but russians have better style :teehee:
Better looks too


British accent is bae though.
Original post by Swanbow
The Irish, although of course Ireland isn't on the continent.

I'd say we are similar to the other Germanic peoples; the Scandinavians foremost, and to a lesser extent the Germans and Dutch.

Our closest comparison, although not in the continent has to be with the Australians. They are just British people permanently on holiday.


I don't see how we can be compared to the Scandinavians? From a values point of view, just look at the political difference between us.
In what sense? Linguistically it would be the Frisian so closely related or influenced by German, Dutch and Danish.
I think Indians. Reason:

Pubs
Beer
Fat people
Loud Mouths
Fat ugly bellies

etc etc
Original post by Rakas21
I don't see how we can be compared to the Scandinavians? From a values point of view, just look at the political difference between us.


Politically different, yes. Even in comparison to our 'socialist heartlands' who like to think of themselves as Scandinavian :lol:

But at university I found them to be very similar in regards to humour, and also with their approach to life. A good work and leisure balance, although they are far more outdoorsy. Also they binge drink like no tomorrow :lol: Out of all the international students they were the ones who integrated the easiest. Whether that is due to cultural similarities or their cultural awareness is up to debate, although I'm inclined to agree with the former.
Poles we're like Poles
Genetically = Germans

Culturally = Don't know about this but outside of Europe surely USA
Reply 18
Not germany or dutch, in terms of touch reserved like finland and sweden, definitely not spain or italy they are too lively, not portugal and russians we.share the darkness and pessimism but not as much as poles, i think poland is similiarish
Let's be honest there is nowhere quite like the UK - even scots, cymru and the irish are totally different to the english.

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