The differences between Americans and Europeans, especially Western Europeans, seem to be endless, no matter where you look. The driving culture is different, the restaurant culture is different, and people carry themselves differently when they’re out and about. Even the smallest things, such as the temperature of drinking water, are things Europeans and Americans are ready to disagree on.
However, if there is one thing both sides can agree on, it's that they love teasing each other about these differences. Americans like to point at European high taxes, paid bathrooms, and awful smoking habits. Europeans, on the other hand, like to bring up the healthcare system, sugary foods, and the unfair tipping arrangements.
So, it’s no surprise that when the recent trend of things that the “European mind can’t comprehend” took off, the Europeans were ready to strike back. They all took it personally and came up with a bunch of things that the “American mind can’t comprehend,” and shared them online. Scroll down to marvel at the funniest of them all.
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When it comes to the differences between the US and Europe, one has to remember that they both are quite big and have lots of different realities scattered all over. Living in California, for example, is not the same as living in Mississippi, just like living in France is not the same as living in Hungary.
So, when it comes to a lot of these judgements, one always has to keep in mind that they often refer to the generalized portraits of society that reflect a lot of the common stereotypes.
That being said, the differences are still notable. For example, one cannot deny that driving is very different on the opposite sides of the pond. The roads in the US are wider, cars are bigger, and distances are way longer. Cars are also more essential in America, too, as they are often necessary for a person to do essential everyday stuff like getting groceries and commuting to work.
European roads and cars are more compact and the rules are more elaborate. Driving is often a hassle and owning a car can be very expensive. If you live in a city, you can easily get away without driving or getting a license for that matter and not feel any inconvenience.
Meh, this one's weak. I learned both the moronic imperial system AND the metric system in my 1990-2000s US education.
This and many other differences between Europeans and Americans seem to stem from the value gap between the two sides. This means that, fundamentally, we simply have vastly different points of view.
Take individualism as an example. Americans tend to prioritize individual freedoms over the role of the state in one’s life. They prefer to pursue their goals without the government’s interference. Europeans feel the opposite. They believe that the state needs to ensure that society as a whole is healthy and taken care of. This comes before one’s personal objectives. Overall, it often means that in America, people tend to build themselves up while in Europe, people are more oriented towards communities.
They exist in America. They're just not the same as they once were. The toy is in one half and the food part in the other half
The difference between the personal and the communal come in play in the same driving example. In the US, the cars are bigger to accommodate the driver’s personal needs. In Europe, the cars are smaller so that the roads can accommodate more drivers.
But but how else are the bloodsucking insurance companies supposed to make their profits??? Who'll think of the billionaires?? 🥺
Americans are also more tolerant of offensive speech as they put freedom above anything else. Having a right to express your opinion, no matter how inflammatory it is, is a big part of American mentality. As much as 77% of them believe that “people should be able to make statements that are offensive to your religion or beliefs publicly.”
Living in Germany these are on every house, dont have A/C but these really help keep the house cool
They used to be common here. It's the original bidet, for washing "down there". Bidet is a deprecating name for "horse", since you had to ride it. It was introduced in the late 19th century... as a preventative for both MSTs and unwanted pregnancies, and was first popular with courtesans. "Honest" women didn't touch ( or wash) " those places".
Europeans, on the other hand, are a bit more cautious about things like that. Many tend to be more conservative and prefer to keep their controversial opinions to themselves.
Best add the mainland European minds to the list since I've yet to meet one who does this ;)
The American dream—the idea that hard work will get you further in life—is also still a big part of the American lifestyle. The majority of them believe that you are the one in charge of your own success and your efforts determine where you will end up. No wonder hustle culture is so popular there.
In Europe, people are a little more wary of such ideas. For example, 69% of Germans agree that success in life is pretty much determined by forces outside of your control. This could be your family, your sex, your race, your orientation, how rich you are, where you were born, etc. Maybe that’s why Europeans tend to shun excessive work and value work-life balance more.
I'm German like that clown and I can't comprehend this either. I hope he just wants to share with 12 buddies
Um yeah, American here. I learned to drive on a stick shift.
I think they're talking about using their left hand to shift.
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I think what is meant here is the steering wheel being on the right - take a look at the photo, it's the left hand on the stick ;)
Er, what? We don't understand manual transmissions? Again, Europeans seem to be ignorant and bigoted
We confuse the Brits by making them have to shift with their right hand
Most of the vehicles I own are manual transmissions. And I prefer driving them.
I can drive a 5-speed manual, but I don't think I could get my left hand to cooperate to shift on the wrong side.
I've owned seven cars and trucks and 13 motorcycles with manual gearboxes. I was disappointed when I spent ten days in Antigua and was lent a car with RHD, but it was an automatic
I love driving a stick, but my knees don't. Used to drive a 5 speed Toyota Solara. That was a fun car.
Well yeah, why would we shift with our left hands when the stick shift is on our right?
I am Canadian. I learned on a stick shift. I still drive a stick shift. I never took to automatics.
Really, because we have a car with that in our driveway at this very moment....
I drove a stick for 30 years, until I started having mobility problems.
Many Americans drive manual transmission vehicles, but shift with their right hand. I think that's the point of this one
That is just too funny. i DROVE ONE OF THESE AROUND THE BACKYARD WHEN i WAS 12.
Urgh, Like that´s the only thing that exists. I once wanted to try out Car sharing, but they all only have Manuals 🙄 Automatic is way more comfortable.
Left handed stick shift would be a challenge. For the first few times. Otherwise...automatics aren't that omnipresent outside of really brand conscious areas. It's still cheaper to buy a manual car.
US native, as is my wife. Both my wife and her best friend learned how to drive on a stick (in the US). So it's not unheard of in the US, just not that common.
Modern automatic transmissions are much more fuel efficient than they used to be. I learned on a manual and that’s what I drove for years, but I’m perfectly content with the ease of an automatic now.
Won't matter in a few more years anyways, cars are all going electric with no transmissions at all.
I drove manual from 16 until my knees couldn't take it anymore.
ROFLAMO omg. My first car was a manual transmission! I very much can understand this.
Sad we have NO stick shift vehicles here. Oh wait! What's in the drive?!
Born and raised in Ohio. I'm so good at driving a stick I can shift without using the clutch. Female learned in 1990.
One upvote to counter the downvoting. When I was a teen I have learnt to change gear - always upwards, not reducing gear - in the family's Datsun 1200 without clutch. Of course I rarely did it.
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Its a manual. With modern clutches, they're actually fairly easy to use. Though I still prefer less work with automatics.
What do you mean "modern clutches"? My classic is 64 years old. It's easy to drive.
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I would still be driving a stick if American car manufacturers would make one. Go into a US auto dealership and inquire about purchasing one. Is that 3 heads you are wearing?
Over 90% of Americans cannot drive stick. I am European but l have completely forgotten how to drive stick. Because... it's totally pointless nowadays.
Really? 90% Where did you do this scientific poll? Oh, sure, the poll of talking out of your a*s. Got it.
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It looks like just a pen to me. Is there something special about it?
All in all, we are quite different. The great thing is that we can often see past these differences and get along quite well. Sure, we might tease each other about car transmissions and measurement systems, but it’s all rooted in deep fondness for one another.
Not everywhere though. Come to the Netherlands and you will pay like 3 euros for a small one ( 1/4 liter , which is half the size on te picture)
Note: this post originally had 40 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
I'm pretty sure the American mind can "comprehend" a heck of a lot more than this article claims.
Yep, just like the European mind. This stuff is just insulting!
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What's it with making reverse articles of things that were unpopular on this site recently? First all the celebrity articles, now girl math and boy math that nobody likes, and now this? We already had the reverse and it was downvoted, learn from it!
They use it for clickbait ads on other website/apps. Sadly, it works. I don't think they even care the regular pandas downvote it, it's already served its purpose by then. Turning the worst of humans into money. It's a twisted world we live in :(
Load More Replies... Good job BP "writers", this is the third anti-American "article " in a week. Way to really spread the stupidity and xenophobia, ya àsswipes! I know this isn't true but, by all the hateful shìt this website puts out, sounds like Europeans can't comprehend how to be kind, civil humans. I'd rather be wrongfully thought as ignorant than so blatantly, undeniably a dìckhead.
.....and, here we go again!! Buy an atlas, there's more than just the US and Europe in this world.....
according to BP, electric kettles and public bathrooms confuse everyone.
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Wow, BoredPanda really loves to pit people against one another and create discord. What the heck is it with this website anymore and the amount of stereotypes, negativity, and censorship. Do better BoredPanda. These clickbait listicles based on stereotypes are plain lazy, cruel, and insulting. This site has just becomes so toxic and hate-filled anymore. Why can't their be a neat listicle like: "Fun and fascinating things people love about other countries they've visited"?
New week, new "Americans are idiots" thread. When are we in Europe gonna stop acting so nasty and superior to the US. Yeah they do some things differently to Europe. I'll tell you what, there's a lot of sh1tty things here in Europe too. Some are better, some are worse. But most Americans look at Europe and see differences and think, hey that's cool. Here in Europe we look at the States, and think, ha, aren't they stupid. Can't figure out if we have an inferiority or superiority complex. Jeez, I'm giving up on BP. Gotta find something better!
Thanks for the kind words, Andrew. This "stupid" American truly appreciates it!
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A lot of Americans do learn about other cultures. We have brains that can comprehend that other countries are different than ours, just like people in other countries.
YET ANOTHER "Americans can't comprehend..." How long before THE NEXT "Europeans can't comprehend..."? If it's not that, it's the obviously fake Reddit posts.
I thought a site called “Bored Panda” would be friendlier. Who wants to join me in creating a site called “FuzzyDistractedKitten”? We could advertise it as a fun repository of art and community and then just post lists of vague cultural stereotypes that we mined from Reddit which we could then weaponize to capriciously vilify populations of our choosing. After all, every individual from a place is identical. Right? Who’s with me? Come on Fuzzy Distracted Kittens! Activate!
Believe it or not, BoredPanda started as a family-friendly site that posted artwork and feel good articles from around the web. They also used to write a lot of original content. Sadly, they have turned into a site that spreads stereotypes and negativity and practices extreme levels of censorship. I've contacted them about how harmful and nasty these listicles are and am met with crickets.
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We can downvote posts like this all we want, and we can contact BP staff to complain, but these types of posts will never stop as long as they are getting ad clicks. In order for it to stop, it has to stop bringing them money, which means we all, collectively, need to stop reading and commenting on them. It's a shame that they want to make bank on pitting perfectly good people against each other.
as an european what i can't comprehend it's that some europeans are still at work trying to dissociate american people from european one. like if americans were kind of second zone thinkers. this is getting quite heavy now. if i tell it it's only because i used to love that site back in the days. but now, i'm getting kinda bored without bad words play
The only thing on this list I can't comprehend is why BP is still publishing these "articles"
I'm very disappointed that there's nothing on here about the absurdity of American "health care" bills
Some at BP had a bad experience in the US... Because dayum, they can't let this go...
Considering I'm in Montreal and a lot of this is perfectly commonplace here... Many Americans would be totally lost here, I think.
I'm pretty sure the American mind can "comprehend" a heck of a lot more than this article claims.
Yep, just like the European mind. This stuff is just insulting!
Load More Replies... What's it with making reverse articles of things that were unpopular on this site recently? First all the celebrity articles, now girl math and boy math that nobody likes, and now this? We already had the reverse and it was downvoted, learn from it!
They use it for clickbait ads on other website/apps. Sadly, it works. I don't think they even care the regular pandas downvote it, it's already served its purpose by then. Turning the worst of humans into money. It's a twisted world we live in :(
Load More Replies... Good job BP "writers", this is the third anti-American "article " in a week. Way to really spread the stupidity and xenophobia, ya àsswipes! I know this isn't true but, by all the hateful shìt this website puts out, sounds like Europeans can't comprehend how to be kind, civil humans. I'd rather be wrongfully thought as ignorant than so blatantly, undeniably a dìckhead.
.....and, here we go again!! Buy an atlas, there's more than just the US and Europe in this world.....
according to BP, electric kettles and public bathrooms confuse everyone.
Load More Replies... Wow, BoredPanda really loves to pit people against one another and create discord. What the heck is it with this website anymore and the amount of stereotypes, negativity, and censorship. Do better BoredPanda. These clickbait listicles based on stereotypes are plain lazy, cruel, and insulting. This site has just becomes so toxic and hate-filled anymore. Why can't their be a neat listicle like: "Fun and fascinating things people love about other countries they've visited"?
New week, new "Americans are idiots" thread. When are we in Europe gonna stop acting so nasty and superior to the US. Yeah they do some things differently to Europe. I'll tell you what, there's a lot of sh1tty things here in Europe too. Some are better, some are worse. But most Americans look at Europe and see differences and think, hey that's cool. Here in Europe we look at the States, and think, ha, aren't they stupid. Can't figure out if we have an inferiority or superiority complex. Jeez, I'm giving up on BP. Gotta find something better!
Thanks for the kind words, Andrew. This "stupid" American truly appreciates it!
Load More Replies... A lot of Americans do learn about other cultures. We have brains that can comprehend that other countries are different than ours, just like people in other countries.
YET ANOTHER "Americans can't comprehend..." How long before THE NEXT "Europeans can't comprehend..."? If it's not that, it's the obviously fake Reddit posts.
I thought a site called “Bored Panda” would be friendlier. Who wants to join me in creating a site called “FuzzyDistractedKitten”? We could advertise it as a fun repository of art and community and then just post lists of vague cultural stereotypes that we mined from Reddit which we could then weaponize to capriciously vilify populations of our choosing. After all, every individual from a place is identical. Right? Who’s with me? Come on Fuzzy Distracted Kittens! Activate!
Believe it or not, BoredPanda started as a family-friendly site that posted artwork and feel good articles from around the web. They also used to write a lot of original content. Sadly, they have turned into a site that spreads stereotypes and negativity and practices extreme levels of censorship. I've contacted them about how harmful and nasty these listicles are and am met with crickets.
Load More Replies... We can downvote posts like this all we want, and we can contact BP staff to complain, but these types of posts will never stop as long as they are getting ad clicks. In order for it to stop, it has to stop bringing them money, which means we all, collectively, need to stop reading and commenting on them. It's a shame that they want to make bank on pitting perfectly good people against each other.
as an european what i can't comprehend it's that some europeans are still at work trying to dissociate american people from european one. like if americans were kind of second zone thinkers. this is getting quite heavy now. if i tell it it's only because i used to love that site back in the days. but now, i'm getting kinda bored without bad words play
The only thing on this list I can't comprehend is why BP is still publishing these "articles"
I'm very disappointed that there's nothing on here about the absurdity of American "health care" bills
Some at BP had a bad experience in the US... Because dayum, they can't let this go...
Considering I'm in Montreal and a lot of this is perfectly commonplace here... Many Americans would be totally lost here, I think.
