50 Things We Love About America

Land of the free, home of the brave , and probably the most popular country on earth. Here are 50 things we love about the United States of America (that’s one reason per star on the American flag, by the way), in any order:

1. Den Superbowl-Sunday

The annual American Football championship game is more than just a giant sporting event. At halftime, the football game turns into one of the biggest and most watched concerts in the world, which has been performed by musicians like Beyonce, Prince, Madonna, Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga in the past.

2. The flag

Nobody loves their country like Americans do – and nobody else shows it so clearly and willingly. You will discover the flag with the ‘Stars & Stripes’ everywhere: in the front yard of many houses, as a sticker on car bumpers, on caps, cupcakes and since 1969 even on the moon.

Did you know that five of the six flags planted on the moon are still standing today? However , they have now lost all their color .

3. AOC & RBG

Two admirable female role models from very different generations. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (aka AOC) is a young congresswoman from New York whose confident demeanor and clear words are making waves in Washington (and making her headlines nationally), while Ruth Bader-Ginsburg (aka RBG) is a veteran Supreme Court Justice and an icon of the women’s rights movement.

4. Churros

Well, this treat isn’t an American invention, but you can find it on the dessert menu of many restaurants across the States.

And we’re very grateful to the unknown genius who invented and/or popularized these fried sticks made from soft, warm batter. Dipped in sugar, cinnamon, chocolate sauce, or a combination of all three, churros are simply delicious!

5. The national parks

Because of the size and vastness of the country, you can find every imaginable landscape on earth here, even if you sometimes have to drive very far: from the world-famous Grand Canyon to the snow-capped mountains of the Rocky Mountains or thousands of miles of beautiful coastline.

These natural wonders are spread across 58 national parks, which have been established to ensure that future generations can also enjoy the impressive, untouched nature.

6. Starbucks

Seriously, where would we be without the coffee chain? The first Starbucks store opened in Seattle in 1971 and the brand has grown into one of the most popular coffee shops in the world.

The company even invented their own words for cup sizes, which of course we’ve all dutifully memorized. I’m going to order a venti latte now, what do you want?

7. Den Broadway

The famous street full of theaters in New York is still one of the best places in the world to see a stage show.

8. Hollywood, Los Angeles

The entire film industry has Hollywood to thank for being so successful today, because it was here that talent, technology and special effects were developed and nurtured.

Head to Hollywood if you want to spot real stars on the street, shop, or sip a healthy green detox smoothie.

9. The cultural diversity

Americans accept and celebrate diversity because it’s in their genes: most Americans can trace their ancestry back to Europe, Africa, Latin America or Asia, and therefore also understand that without this diverse heritage, they would not have become the nation they are today are.

10. Supersize – the giant sizes for everything

Whether it’s the 64-ounce cold drink cup (that’s a lot, namely half a gallon or 1.89 liters) or sandwiches that are six feet long (1.80 meters) for the American food industry obviously nothing is ‘too big’.

11. The Sport

America is the home of professional sports, from the National Football League (NFL) to Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) to the National Hockey League (NHL), and there’s little that Americans still love love more than their teams, who clearly support them with jerseys, caps, stickers and flags.

12. The Coast

We can’t stop raving about the beautiful stretches of coastline. Imagine getting a golden tan in the bright sunshine before hitting the road on a language study trip to Miami Beach or spotting whales off the coast of California.

Imagine eating fresh lobster rolls on a restaurant patio overlooking the ocean in Maine, or catching the best waves in the world in Hawaii . There’s no doubt about it: America has some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.

13. Die Festivals

There’s the odd creativity that graces the annual Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert, the resurgence of jazz’s roots at Jazz Fest in Louisiana, or the sun-kissed stages of the Coachella festival.

America offers the right music festival for every taste.

14. American television

Saturday Night Live, Grey’s Anatomy, The Simpsons, The Bachelor, Stranger Things, Orange is the New Black, Homeland, Breaking Bad, Parks & Recreation, FRIENDS … whatever genre you prefer are on your list of the best TV series and shows probably quite a few American productions. If you enjoy spending your free time watching Netflix, you can find our recommendations here and here if you want to improve your English at the same time.

15. The kind people

It really doesn’t matter if you’re queuing at the checkout at the grocery store, hopping on the subway just in time before the doors close, or enjoying the first bite of your breakfast pancakes at the corner diner: the odds are high very good that someone smiles at you in a friendly way and starts a conversation.

16. The possibilities

Are you looking for an internship abroad , a job or an excellent college after you graduate? In America you will find tons of opportunities and possibilities for a career start or higher education.

17. The History of American Music…

Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Nat King Cole, Michael Jackson, Louis Armstrong, Chuck Berry, Marvin Gaye, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday – American musicians have made great contributions in this area, have written music for the whole world, creating genres, developing them further and redefining them again and again.

18. …and their presence

Don’t even try to deny it: these musicians are almost all on your Spotify playlist, right? Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, Jay Z, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Eminem, Madonna, Nick Jonas (and the rest of the Jonas Brothers), John Legend, Kurt Cobain, Adam Levine, John Mayer, Pharrell Williams… We could go on forever keep going, right?

19. Disney

From the sprawling theme parks of Florida to the myriad of classic movies that have enriched and enchanted our childhoods, Disney has been making kids and adults happy forever, ever since the studio’s first feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, hit the screens in 1937 American cinemas came.

20. Die NASA

Space is cool. Watching a rocket launch into space is even cooler. And to be able to explore NASA’s launch facility in Florida from the inside is incredibly cool, because this is where the world’s leading astrophysicists and aeronautical engineers work and make space exploration possible.

It doesn’t really get any cooler than that.

21. Bagels

America’s fascination with these lumpy carbohydrate donuts has given the world some of the tastiest sandwiches and sweet treats since the invention of the bun. For breakfast we recommend a toasted raisin and cinnamon bagel, for lunch a bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese, and to top it all off with a rainbow bagel, which of course has to be photographed for Instagram.

22. Winter sports

America is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, including famous spots like Aspen, Breckenridge, Squaw Valley, Jackson Hole, Alta-Snowbird, Stevens Pass, Stowe and many more. There are so many great slopes that even the hardest-working off-piste enthusiasts can hardly ski them all.

23. The Silicon Valley

South of San Francisco is one of the world’s leading and largest centers for technology and innovation. For example, Facebook, Apple, Google, Tesla and Visa are based here. This business hotspot is the declared destination of all enterprising minds who want to collaborate with others and create something new.

24. Peanut Butter

The heavenly combination of chocolate and peanut butter is known as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup , while the “healthier” alternative is called PBJ: a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You definitely have to try both.

25. The Great Lakes

As wondrous as they are gigantic, these five interconnected lakes on the US-Canada border represent the world’s largest expanse of freshwater while offering endless opportunities to spend your days boating, swimming, kayaking, or fishing.

26. Ranch Dressing

A true American invention and arguably the tastiest salad dressing out there (buttermilk & herbs!). In the United States, this flavor is so popular that you can find a surprising number of different ranch-flavored foods in stores. They even included ranch-flavored lemonade. Only for the brave.

27. Regional Accents

Americans pride themselves on a variety of regional accents, from the drawl of the South, for example in Mississippi and Louisiana, to the nasal twang of Texas and the easygoing accent and slang typical of California.

28. Meghan Markle

America’s gift to the UK and quite possibly the best thing that could have happened to the British royal family – although we’ll admit Prince William’s three cute little kids aren’t bad either.

29. Costco

A shopper’s paradise for registered members only, where you can buy everything in bulk and large quantities. Popular with extended families and anyone who just can’t last long enough on a bottle or two of ranch dressing and needs to take home twelve.

30. Anything with Pumpkin Spice

You’ll know the fall festive season has started when all of a sudden all you see on Instagram is Pumpkin Spice Lattes (aka PSL) photos. Not at all dissimilar to our gingerbread spice, only with the addition of pumpkin flavor.

And of course, Starbucks is responsible for making this flavor known around the world.

31. Pumpkin carving

Why are Americans so into pumpkins? Not only is the stuff delicious in cakes and drinks, the big vegetable (although botanically it’s more of a fruit) looks fantastic given a spooky face for Halloween: the pumpkin is hollowed out and a grimace carved into it, then one comes Insert a candle and the so-called Jack O’Lantern is ready .

32. Beyoncé & Jay-Z

This powerhouse of a couple not only dominates musically in R&B and hip-hop, but also in fashion, modern art and even the civil rights movement. If America had a king and queen, they would wear the crown America.

33. Reality-TV

From talent shows like American Idol (our American Idol is a spin-off) or The Voice , where so many superstar careers got their start, to The Bachelor , where hardly anyone admits they are watching, America is at it too Reality TV pioneered and served the rest of the world with a new, ruthless, hilarious, over-the-top television concept. Thank you for that…or not?

34. Thanksgiving

Is it that long until Christmas? In the United States, the popular Thanksgiving comes a month before ! This holiday is an opportunity to sit down at the table with family, loved ones, without having to give each other big gifts. The day is all about oven-roasted turkey (or vegan roast as an alternative), served with pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce.

35. Shopping-Wahnsinn am Black Friday

The day after Thanksgiving is the biggest shopping day of the year and there are big discounts both online and in stores. The rise of online shopping has meant that deals are no longer limited to just Fridays (you’ve all heard about Cyber ​​Monday , right?!), but Black Friday remains the day when most American like the crazy people shop.

36. BBQ

Although the concept of grilling originated in the Caribbean, today there is hardly anything more American than a backyard barbecue. All you need is burgers, cold drinks and a couple of buddies or friends to have a barbecue with.

37. Target

Another shopping temple and especially popular with the younger generation in America, here you can find things you’ve seen on Pinterest, everything fits together perfectly, and you can take with you every gadget, outfit, lamp and shower curtain you’ve ever dreamed of have – and all the things you didn’t even know you needed!

38. The nature

Sprawling farms, mountain ranges, green hills, plains and pastures, deserts, lakes and rivers: America truly has everything your heart desires. You can spend your entire life exploring the natural wonders of the United States and still feel like you’ve only seen a fraction of what the country has to offer.

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39. Roadtrips

Is there anything more American than a road trip in a used convertible? You and your friends get in the car in America and then it’s just down the road, out into the open, while the wind ruffles your hair…

40. July 4th and the fireworks

We already mentioned the barbecue. On July 4th, the American national holiday, there is one almost everywhere, with decorations in the colors of the flag, i.e. red, white and blue, and when it is dark the fireworks are shot into the sky.

41. The Smithsonian Museums

The world’s largest museum complex, a veritable mecca of education and culture, made up of 19 museums and a zoo. A must-do when in Washington DC and a true gift to humanity.

42. Anything called a drive-through

Americans love their cars – and as a result, have found a way to do almost anything without even having to get out of the car. In Las Vegas you can get married in a drive-through chapel America, there are also Dunkin’ Donuts to drive America through and even grocery shopping can be done from the comfort of the driver’s seat.

43.Michelle Obama

Make way, Barack. The former first lady is undeniably more popular than her husband today, and she’s as glamorous as she is approachable. Everyone would like to be like Michelle!

44. Chicken & Waffles bei Amy Ruth’s in Harlem, New York C****ity

If you’re in New York you should definitely pay a visit to Amy Ruth’s and try this soul food classic, because ‘Chicken & Waffles’ are heartwarming and delicious. (New to the idea of ​​pairing chicken with waffles? Now you have to try this combination!)

45. Highschool

Cheerleaders, football teams, glee clubs, and proms—the American high school days we see in movies and television are unique and in many ways the clearest expression of the importance of community in American life and culture. You do things together and in this way create community.

46. ​​Ivy League Universities

Harvard is usually at the top of global rankings of the best universities in the world – and there are good reasons for this. The university is famous and notorious for the fact that it is very difficult to get a place and be accepted.

Not only does it offer a fantastic education, but it also enjoys a worldwide reputation. Think Harvard isn’t for you? There are a number of other world-class universities in the United States, including Princeton, Stanford, Yale, MIT and Columbia. We’ll also tell you how to get accepted at one of them .

47. Stand-up-Comedy

A form of live entertainment invented in the United States and masterfully performed by famous comedians such as Eddie Murphy, Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, Sarah Silverman, Chris Rock, Ellen DeGeneres and Amy Schumer. This form of entertainment is now also firmly established on Netflix and appears regularly in the program as a Netflix special . Numerous comedians have earned their spurs here, who later succeeded as actors, including Zach Galifianakis, Robin Williams and Jim Carrey. America

48. The Tex-Mex kitchen

The family kitchen of Mexican-Americans in Texas has produced so many delicious dishes that have resonated around the world. Nachos, burritos and fajitas are included. It’s all Tex-Mex and simply delicious!

49. Air-Conditioning

You may also have air conditioning at home, or at least know it from shops or offices in your area, but in the United States air conditioning or air conditioning is taken for granted almost everywhere. At home, in the car, in the office, in shops, airports, it doesn’t matter: when it’s hot or just warm outside, Americans make sure that it’s pleasantly cool or arctic cold inside.

50. Meal delivery services

While drive-throughs are very convenient, having a small car cruising the streets of Los Angeles with a trunk full of pizzas makes your dinner that much more convenient. Whether Chinese, Mexican, pizza, hamburger or sushi – there is hardly anything that cannot be delivered hot and fresh to your home if you wish.