Thanks Annika! The difference between Scandinavia and Nordic countries is probably not that important in this comparison.

It would've been interesting to learn more about the difference between Scandinavia and Germany. I have visited Germany on some occasions and know some Germans here in Norway which gives me some ideas.

I get the impression that compared to Continental Europe Norway is more like the Netherlands and Sweden more like Germany. While Norway and Sweden are very similar there are some differences.

Hierarchy matters more in Sweden. It is a more orderly society and people are more proper and hard working. Norwegians have a more anarchist streak, and less respect for authority and hierarchy. If somebody waits for the green light to cross at a completely empty road, we jokingly say "They must be Swedes."

I haven't seen "Married at First Sight" but I remember finding it funny when living in the US, that Americans are in fact more drama queens in real life. Like I thought it was just a movie thing initially.

But it seems all Germanic people share this more down to earth attitude to things. I sensed that in Germany as well. A key difference I seemed to observe is that we are far more conflict shy in Scandinavia than in Germany. In Germany people will point out if you don't do something properly or don't follow the rules.

Here we are too afraid of getting into an argument. But like Germans and unlike Americans I think we are a lot more direct. I unintentionally insult Americans at times. Germans don't seem to mind bluntness. It is really odd how this works.

I was at a large conference with people from all over the world. As the days past I found myself hanging out with a group of Flemish, Swiss, Scandinavian, Austrian and German people. At some point we all made the connection that, hey why are we all from Germanic countries?!

There seems to be some kind of common wavelength or connection.