Mix-Up Monday: Windows (German Fenster)

She thinks the coolest thing about all of Germany (and perhaps all of Europe) might be the windows. 

American windows are very boring and not technologically advanced when compared to German windows. They only slide up and down or left to right (never both on the same window). Blinds are inside the house (except for a few new windows that put them between the glass). Although it has taken her a long time to learn how to correctly use German windows (and he wants to point out that she sometimes still has issues), she thinks they need to become the new trend in the USA. Right now, America is just missing out!

American windows that only go up and down (doingitourselves.com)

First, German blinds (they call them rollers) are a hard metal that are outside of the window (but closed from inside). They perform the same function as blackout curtains and allow for total darkness.  They also do a great job of blocking out sound.

Wide open position

The window itself is very versatile. The handle of the window can be turned to a  horizontal position that allows the window to be swung open. This is, perhaps, the only downfall of German windows. They open into the house instead of outside (so that window screens can be used) and therefore if you have any type of furniture blocking your window from laying flat against the wall they take up quite a lot of space.

Tilted position

If you would only like a little air to get in, the handle can be swung up to a vertical position that allows the window to open at the top but not the bottom. This is the German solution to Americans only lifting up the window a little bit instead of the entire way. When you want to lock the window, close it tight (the part she forgets to do) and swing the handle back to face down. This keeps the window tightly sealed and locked.


If we ever build a house in the USA, the first thing we may look for is how to install German windows. They really are that awesome.