Are Germans Vulgar?

I saw this question pop up in the last day or two....with some German journalist attempting to answer it.

Having been around Germany (off and on) for twenty-odd years, the simple answer here is that Germans will use a fair amount of what Americans would consider as vulgar words, and then add a dozen onto it, that Americans would NOT consider vulgar but for Germans....it's crossing the line.

The odd ones?

- die Sau (simply referring to the lady as a pig).  I would advise you to be careful in throwing the term around because it'll trigger a response.  There's a term for men as well....referring to the pig situation.  If it's used.....it's not a nice or joking type situation. 

- Dummkopf (which tends to mean idiot).  This is another one that you don't want to use it on a neighbor or friend, because it'll trigger a response.

- Du Fickfehler (f**king mistake).  This is another one that will trigger a response, and escalate a situation.

- Drecksau (dirty pig).  It's usually reserved for scenes where a parent address a teenager whose room is bad off or a neighbor who keeps a cluttered house.  For an adult, it'll also escalate a situation.

- Wicher (usually a person who is hyping your personal situation and making you feel miserable).  Again, if used, it'll escalate a situation.

So here's the thing about the vulgar situation....it's a German habit to be blunt and direct....with them thinking that are doing you a favor by telling the truth.  They will even admit this, and later offer up a beer because of the situation. 

A harsh reaction?  I always felt it was part of their character and the way they let you know of mounting pressure to respond to you in an appropriate way.  The trick on your behalf is to avoid the escalation, and try to bring tensions back down to a nice level.