[Geof25]

> I wonder what has happened to the German builder/tinkerer culture that made German manufacturing great.

Over engineered stuff which hate the user is staple of German manufacturing. Look on tanks during WW2. Impressive on the surface but unreliable crap for everyone who used it.

[bob1029]

I've learned my lesson about German engineering after buying one of their vacuum cleaners. The ergonomics of the machine seem bad on purpose.

[SideburnsOfDoom]

Anecdotally, I disagree. The ergonomics on my Miele are very good. It is clear that attention was paid to many details of using it.

[marceldegraaf]

I recently replaced the shock dampers on our Miele washing machine (~10 years old) and I was amazed how well designed and ergonomic the inside of the machine is.

Parts are very easy to get at, all screws are Torx of identical size, and there's one very obvious way to take the machine apart and put it back together again. Made the replacement a breeze.

[ido]

I think the whole premise of judging a whole country on some random product a company from that country made is rediculous. It's like saying Americans can't develop software because Microsoft screwed up Windows in the last few versions.

[SideburnsOfDoom]

Indeed, the parent phrase " German engineering ... their vacuum cleaners" struck me as a bit ridiculous. Perhaps there is a design standard for a company and "their" products, but this was too sweeping.

[rasz]

> I was amazed how well designed and ergonomic the inside of the machine is

Now do an alternator on a VAG car :)

[marceldegraaf]

It was a compliment to Miele in particular, not to all of German engineering ever ;-)

[aix1]

I have a Metabo vacuum (ASA 30 H PC) and absolutely love it. What's bad about the ergonomics of yours?

[bob1029]

I have a Sebo. The primary thing I dislike is the weight. You'd think something this heavy would have some kind of performance advantage, but it doesn't. I've seen battery powered shit from Walmart suck harder than this machine does.

[nicbou]

Not just tanks but the entire economy and railways in the same time period.