Euro Quiz III

European Clichés
Whether well-worn clichés or dogged stereotypes, the news has provided for sometimes amusing coverage of country stereotypes. Our third in a series of Euro quizzes targets such clichés, sometimes overused to the point of losing their bite but still widely popular with the media. Switzerland is not an EU member, but its national stereotype figures so strongly in the larger European picture that we felt all too tempted not to include it.

Question 1
Many Europeans share the dream of creating a perfect Euroland. Which combination of the following might be considered the Euroland of dreams?

a) The policemen are Swiss, the cooks are Italian, the mechanics are German, the lovers are French, and the whole is organized by the English.
b) The policemen are German, the cooks are Italian, the mechanics are Swiss, the lovers are English and the whole is organized by the French.
c) The policemen are English, the cooks are French, the mechanics are German, the lovers are Italian, and the whole is organized by the Swiss.

Question 2:
Which of the following might be considered the Euroland of nightmare?

a) The leaders are English, the interpreters are French, the police are German, the lovers are Swiss, and everything is organized by the Italians.
b) The leaders are French, the interpreters are English, the police are Italian, the lovers are German, and everything is organized by the Swiss.
c) The leaders are Italian, the interpreters are French, the police are German, the lovers are English and everything is organized by the Swiss.

Question 3:
Throughout the centuries, European nations have made their mark on history, staking claims and solving problems in one way or another. Historical accounts remind us of one EU nation’s approach to the issue of war and peace. Which country was this?

“Let other nations wage war, while you, blissful …………… marry.”
a) Spain
b) Austria
c) France

Question 4:
Today globalization has not only leveled but changed cultural habits. Which country does the following statement apply to? Their industry has long benefited from an international reputation for efficiency thanks to their hard workers, even though their working day is now shorter than most other world economic players and their holidays longer.

a) England
b) Germany
c) Switzerland



Question 5:
A new phantom is haunting Europe. It is called the Polish plumber. He’s not necessarily Polish, and he isn’t even necessarily a plumber. He represents a new phenomenon, symbolizing the 21st century. What is one referring to?

a) Modern tourism
b) Capitalism
c) Globalization