WHAT THE SHOW DOES FOR YOU
We are Delighted with paco –
We Got fantastic FEEDBACK
from our media in attendance.
VERY FUNNY!
Chris Overall
Media Relations, BMW Group UK
A unique event. Plenty of press. Roaring laughter. And a city that remembers you.
Paco Erhard's I Can Make You German has grabbed whole cities' imagination, selling out theatres, cultural centers and conferences since 2011. The result: happy audiences and rave reviews in the media. Which isn't always the effect we Germans have when we go places.
I Can Make You German will help you do that. With a unique concept, dazzling comedy performance, proven promotional materials, unforgettable takeaways, and a personable artist who, if desired, sticks around after the show.
Here's raising a Weißbier to the feeling after a successful event: standing there with a drink, people laughing and chatting and glad they came, "thank yous" and "see you soons" all around. Some young folks say they'll be back. A reporter shakes your hand with a big smile. Everything is abuzz. Here's a Weißbier to the new epiphany: Germans can actually be immensely fun.
"Wanna be German? Of course you do. And now you can, as German comedian Paco Erhard teaches you how."
Perhaps something about the promo material too.
And a little more about what it is and does.
Helps you 'get' your German family and friends.
And if you're German: finally feel understood.
The ONLY way to make any sense of Germany, the Germans, and what Germany is and why, is with a sense of humor. It's ironic. But true.
The comedy expert on Germany
The original since 2009. Historical and psychological research. Not, like some, knock-offs of French originals, or just repeating the stereotypes of Germans being loud and rude.
4th largest, biggest ethnicity – inscrutable to many
Germans: feel misunderstood, even unloved (?)
A comedy show that leaves Germans and non-Germans alike all laughed out, with shining eyes, and excitedly chatting. Bonding.
Ingolf quote – invisible bond of understanding
"marriage counseling"
research, soul-searching, self-analysis
Why are my German colleagues so weird and different?
"Oh that's why" – by Germans about themselves
worst of all: no sense of humor (which they totally do – just not during work hours. Or if they're 97 and still think WWII was a great idea.)
"Will have you in stitches whether you're German or not"
Pain: tensions. Misunderstood. Unloved.
Relief: That's why! Culture hack within yourself. Understand your family.
No better feeling than understanding yourself. Untying a knot in your relationship with your family or your provenance/heritage. Making peace with who you are and the influence your culture has had on you. (And once you understand, you're free to follow that or try something different.) This perhaps rather in a fourth paragraph further down?
ALSO PLEASE REMEMBER: THIS IS MEANT TO BE THE SIMPLE WEBSITE FOR QUICK SALES!! WHICH YOU CAN CHANGE MANY TIMES AFTER YOU'VE PUBLISHED IT!!!!!!!
Mr. Erhard was excellent.
Our guests where not Only happy but enthusiastic.
Olivia Hernandez
Association of German UNESCO World Heritage Sites
"Valuable insights into the German psyche. Absolutely hilarious!"
Arpad Sölter, Director of the Goethe-Institut Australia
Captivating insight
of the german psyche.
We were aching with laughter.
Marlene Sanau
General Manager, Lufthansa Australia
A Germany able to laugh at its flaws is a Germany the world can fall in love with.
Proudly presenting: Germany 2.0.
Now only 90% sure we're always right.
Cultural events that aim to awe the world into liking Germany, fail. They think they impress with how serious Germany is about cultural excellence. The problem is: nobody ever doubted Germans could be serious.
The elephant of "do the Germans even know how we see them?" stays firmly in the room. It's been in the room for decades. It's a very old elephant and very bored in that same old room.
If you're a German organization that knows how crucial it is to win hearts and minds, I Can Make You German is your new most powerful tool.
Average modern Germans know this: it's being able to laugh at your imperfections that makes you loveable.
Laughing at your flaws and foibles shows you know them, you're bigger than them, you own them, they're now dealt with. And now others know and appreciate your strengths much more than while your flaws were still the elephant in the room.
Average modern Germans know this. So why does German culture still live in fear of something that would elevate it to true global affection?
The exclusively German disability of maintaining that laughter and depth are mutually exclusive. "Those who laugh didn't understand the deeper meaning!" – "Yes they did, they just don't pompously dwell on it. They're self-assured enough to presume others already know they're smart."
Solemn perfection may make great cars. With uncannily low emissions. But it doesn't win you friends or inspire others to your point of view.
(Individual German people are much better at this)
Chesterton quote here? Or in "Understanding"? Or only on the corporate site? Make it more light-hearted. It's a first draft. People come here because they already want it. Enter the crucial information and assurance they really want. Don't make words. (see Remarkable, "Making the website"
Argh. Hm. The pain is more in Germany's image! Not in the method (solemn perfection vs. hearts and minds). But in the painful fact (or imagination) that "nobody likes us". We have the potential of being loved but we just never realize it.
That is exactly what ICMYG does: it shows people the "crazy, charming mishap of a country" that is Germany behind the veneer of Exportweltmeister and ________.
It goes against every German instinct: laughingly acknowledging your shortcomings and joking about your foibles, being open about being imperfect will make you human. Likeable. One of us. It makes you bigger than your flaws and it makes everybody to only see your strengths (everybody has known those for decades but just resented you for them), but also appreciate them.
Instead, the elephant of "Do the Germans even know how we see them?" stays firmly in the room. It's been in the room for decades. It's a very old elephant and very bored. Have mercy on the elephant – book now! / Have a heart, book now. Do it for the elephant.
A Germany that can laugh at its flaws is the Germany the world can fall in love with. It's once we can joke about our weaknesses that the world will properly respect us, see us as humans, and finally value and trust our strengths instead of secretly resenting them. Nobody wants to agree with the unpopular kid – especially when they're right.
Captivating insight
of the german psyche.
We were aching with laughter.
Marlene Sanau
General Manager, Lufthansa Australia
A Germany able to laugh at its flaws is a Germany the world can fall in love with.
Proudly presenting: Germany 2.0.
Now only 90% sure we're always right.
Cultural events that aim to awe the world into liking Germany, fail. They think they impress with how serious Germany is about cultural excellence. The problem is: nobody ever doubted Germans could be serious.
The elephant of "do the Germans even know how we see them?" stays firmly in the room. It's been in the room for decades. It's a very old elephant and very bored in that same old room.
If you're a German organization that knows how crucial it is to win hearts and minds, I Can Make You German is your new most powerful tool.
Average modern Germans know this: it's being able to laugh at your imperfections that makes you loveable.
Laughing at your flaws and foibles shows you know them, you're bigger than them, you own them, they're now dealt with. And now others know and appreciate your strengths much more than while your flaws were still the elephant in the room.
Average modern Germans know this. So why does German culture still live in fear of something that would elevate it to true global affection?
The exclusively German disability of maintaining that laughter and depth are mutually exclusive. "Those who laugh didn't understand the deeper meaning!" – "Yes they did, they just don't pompously dwell on it. They're self-assured enough to presume others already know they're smart."
Solemn perfection may make great cars. With uncannily low emissions. But it doesn't win you friends or inspire others to your point of view.
(Individual German people are much better at this)
Chesterton quote here? Or in "Understanding"? Or only on the corporate site? Make it more light-hearted. It's a first draft. People come here because they already want it. Enter the crucial information and assurance they really want. Don't make words. (see Remarkable, "Making the website"
Argh. Hm. The pain is more in Germany's image! Not in the method (solemn perfection vs. hearts and minds). But in the painful fact (or imagination) that "nobody likes us". We have the potential of being loved but we just never realize it.
That is exactly what ICMYG does: it shows people the "crazy, charming mishap of a country" that is Germany behind the veneer of Exportweltmeister and ________.
It goes against every German instinct: laughingly acknowledging your shortcomings and joking about your foibles, being open about being imperfect will make you human. Likeable. One of us. It makes you bigger than your flaws and it makes everybody to only see your strengths (everybody has known those for decades but just resented you for them), but also appreciate them.
Instead, the elephant of "Do the Germans even know how we see them?" stays firmly in the room. It's been in the room for decades. It's a very old elephant and very bored. Have mercy on the elephant – book now! / Have a heart, book now. Do it for the elephant.
A Germany that can laugh at its flaws is the Germany the world can fall in love with. It's once we can joke about our weaknesses that the world will properly respect us, see us as humans, and finally value and trust our strengths instead of secretly resenting them. Nobody wants to agree with the unpopular kid – especially when they're right.
Imagine laughing till your sides hurt.
And becoming friends with everyone there.
Think of the feeling of being all laughed out. Of shaking with guffaws and giggles for an hour straight, while shouting "I didn't know that" about yourself and others along the way.
and at the same time your view and knowledge have been widened. You feel connected to people you once thought were different.... and now you know: they are. But in a lovely, human way you understand and empathize with. And you look forward to learning more
So this is more about the bonding and making everybody feel good. No matter where they're from. Connecting people. (possibly the "connects cultures by not taking his own too seriously" line here)
Germany isn't famous for its humor. But before Jamie Oliver everyone "knew" Brits couldn't cook.
brings people together, has them chatting and staying in touch, attention and imagination...
the incomparable life hack of understanding how your culture influences you every single minute... and how to step beyond that.
I do feel that what I personally do (make you laugh, give you epiphanies about yourself, bond people) should be in the foreground.
Before 2nd line was "And shouting "I didn't know that" along the way.
Euro flag in this one. And something about "brain hacking" and "knowing the cultural roots of your thoughts and feelings... knowing your own framework etc. That stuff.
Europe can be painful: after decades, each country still thinks they're "just normal" and everyone else is crazy, lazy, inhuman, arrogant, stupid. Except those that agree with you. They're humans too.
and at the same time your view and knowledge have been widened. You feel connected to people you once thought were different.... and now you know: they are. But in a lovely, human way you understand and empathize with. And you look forward to learning more
So this is more about the bonding and making everybody feel good. No matter where they're from. Connecting people. (possibly the "connects cultures by not taking his own too seriously" line here)
Germany isn't famous for its humor. But before Jamie Oliver everyone "knew" Brits couldn't cook.
brings people together, has them chatting and staying in touch, attention and imagination...
the incomparable life hack of understanding how your culture influences you every single minute... and how to step beyond that.
I do feel that what I personally do (make you laugh, give you epiphanies about yourself, bond people) should be in the foreground.
Before 2nd line was "And shouting "I didn't know that" along the way.
Mr. Erhard was excellent.
Our guests where not Only happy but enthusiastic.
Olivia Hernandez
Association of German UNESCO World Heritage Sites
OUR EVENT TURNED OUT GREAT,FUN,AND SPECIAL, Thanks to Paco Erhard!
OUR OFFICE EVEn COLLECTED A "BEST OF" OF THANK-YOU EMAILS.
Tina Vissem, Head of Public Relations,
German-Australian Chamber of Commerce
The Passion of the Paco / Paco's Story
PACO'S STORY (I only read back on it shortly after I wrote it but... I'm not sure this is very good! 😬)
Since he was a kid, Paco Erhard has loved making people laugh. Being funny helps when your family moves every three years and you're always the new kid in class. Growing up in eight different regions of Germany, Paco was amazed early on by how differently people act and think wherever you go... and how each of these cultures is convinced it's the only sane one, and everybody else is crazy. When they were clearly all just differently nuts.
This love, fascination, and special inside-outside perspective was with him when one day he decided to be Jack Kerouac, hitchhike out of Germany, and see the world. It grew as he travelled the globe and lived in the USA, Spain, Italy, and England for over 10 years. It helped him write an award-winning M.A. thesis on cultural identity. And it came to full fruition when he finally combined it with his other life passion: stand-up comedy.
Because whatever their culture: people love to laugh. When they laugh, they're happy, they open up to others. And if the show just happens to be a mix of jokes and info about both cultures... they may just realize that both their cultures are equally mad and beautiful. And talk and listen to each other for hours after the show. It's what Paco lives for.
Yeah. Too convoluted. Too cheesy. Unnecessary, way too intellectual. Scratch it! Sorry!
Something a bit funny could be: And here's a paragraph for the Germans: Master's. Irish Times. Smart.
A better approach: Start with the question "... then what are you Germans really like?" and my bafflement. Which led to a year of development (yada yada)... and the subsequent realization: people in all countries don't have a clue what they are like, i.e. how they are influenced by their culture.
"A born performer... Paco Erhard left Germany 16 years ago and spent long periods of time in England, Italy, America, and Spain, allowing him to draw on a rich tapestry of experiences.
Comedy gold."
FAQ
THE MISSION (do people need a fucking mission?)
Paco's mission is to set the record straight about his "charming, crazy mishap of a country" and make people fall in love with the real, present day Germany, with all its quirks, foibles, hang-ups and weird convictions. Because, as he says: "we're a lot more ridiculous in reality than the clichés could ever be."
-
To deliver a fireworks of laughs and epiphanies – a show that Germans love, approve of, and get "aha!" insights from just as much as non-Germans. (do non-Germans now feel left out?)
-
To show the modern German psyche behind the stereotypes, with all its quirks and foibles, and why in the course of history we grew to be the way we are.
-
To inspire Germans and non-Germans alike to look outside the box of our historically grown patterns of thought and behaviour and – with the power of humor – free ourselves from mental patterns that made sense 200 years ago but just don't serve us anymore.
-
To help Europe and the world to grow closer together by truly communicating, considering the other side might have a point too, and really trying to understand each other.
-
To have 17 beers and lots more laughs together after the show.
Have you ever lived abroad? No? Then you have no clue about your own culture – you have nothing to compare it with. A fish doesn't even have a term for "wet" – they've never experienced anything else. And they're angry at lizards, because they're misguided, stupid and evil and doing it all wrong!
(Also there's no language center in their brains, but that's beside the point.)
FAQ
Where is Paco from?
"Half my life I can away from being German. Then I realized: that's the most German thing you could possibly do."
Paco was born in Munich with the melodious name Frank Erhard Hübener (yup, even with two funny dots above the "u".) His great-grandfather was the first minister-president of Saxony-Anhalt, and his whole family tree has been German AF for 480 years (that's as far back as it goes). Depressingly mono-cultural. So if you were silly enough to measure culture by genetics (you shouldn't) – it's hard to outkraut Paco.
A German? Called Paco??
Is this a show all about stereotypes?
"Hilarious... an extremely clever analysis of the
modern
German psyche."
How do Germans feel about this show?
Are you German and skeptical about this show? Can't blame you! We're all tired of lame stereotype jokes
Virtually all Germans have loved the show so far and found it "totally true". There's a reason Paco has performed for the Goethe-Institut, the German Tourism Office, and even the German Consulate General in Edinburgh:
"Absolutely hilarious and totally true.
I will send all my British friends, so that they can finally understand me.
Ulrike W., Germany
(audience member)
No way! German humour?
xxx
How it all started
"Oh Gott! Comedy ist peinlich! Kenn ich von RTL!"
What exactly does the show do and how?
-
I can't find any info on I Can Make You German (==> 5-Step Guide to Being German... maybe even call this Cultural Show that?)
-
Why are there no fixed prices on the website?
Will we all get his jokes?
xxx
"He keeps the
room in stitches,
whether you're
German or not"
