What do German teens do to spend time?

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Alwin E

The same things American teens do, I suppose, with one exception: Young males play soccer instead of baseball, and every village have their soccer club, just like American teens might play baseball after school.

There's also another German specialty, that's the "SchÃ¼tzenverein", or "arms club". Many young people join them to get the allowance to own guns, as our laws are very restrictive on that. You have to obtain a licence and proof that you are a club member, and you're not allowed to have a gun with you or in your car unless you're on the way to a club meeting or back from it. (Needless to say that some people ignore that rule, but when caught, fines are heavy, and you risk that all firearms you once legally possessed will be confiscated.) Carrying sharp ammo with the gun is strictly outlawed, unless you're a hunter with a licence or otherwise protected by the law.

Young people living in the countryside may also join the "Freiwillige Feuerwehr", the "volontary fire brigade". As in small villages there is no state service to that, they rely on volunteers, but don't put the youngsters into "hot action". They're trained for the basic skills in case a fire should occur. For most of young people, being a "fire brigadeer" is lots of fun; but there comes the day when they see their first burnt body, and that's where the fun ends.

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@sads, I know that, but I wanted to simplify things a bit for American readers, as many of them don't understand the concept of a "SchÃ¼tzenverein" and German gun laws. Maybe it was TOO simplified, I admit. I'm a member of a SchÃ¼tzenverein myself, but it's hard to explain to someone who doesn't know German legislation, and even more so with my limited knowledge of English.

sads0r

What are you talking Alwin ?

I actually joined a "SchÃ¼tzenverein" when i was young ... been there for kinda 9 years ... not for the purpose of having a gun tho.

And i NEVER met anyone who joined for getting a gun.

...besides the fact, that u can't get a gun license if ure not 21.

Nurse stat

Well ,it depends how old you are. If you are under 16 of age ,some teens join youth groups,like Boy/Girl Scouts or just hanging out after School with their friends,are Member in Sports clubs like Soccer or Swimming.With 16 year of age many, especially in bigger City go to Discotheque ,time here is limited, must leave by 22:00(10 p.m) or earlier, start working or job training if their already graduated from School.
Some like already mention join Volunteer Fire departments.
One thing their are not aloud to do is driving,but that is changing now, you have to be 18 Years of age to have a Driver Licenses but you are aloud to buy Alcohol mostly Beer .
Otherwise like in the US, TV,Movies, Video Games etc.
I hope that answered some of your questions.
Greetings
Native from Hamburg

hhdigga

Similar to all kids/teens :) :
Listen to music, do activities in the group, surfing the internet (currently not so much as US kiddies) are hanging up in the city center or in special places for young people (mostly supported by the gouverment).

Sanmigsean

Pretty much the same except they can go to bars once they are 16.

~~ little miss horsaholic ~~

same as we do..

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