Study: Americans Are Funny, Germans Aren’t

NEW YORK (MainStreet) — More than 200 years after declaring our independence from the British, America may finally have its answer to a much debated issue: Which country has a better sense of humor?

Americans were voted as being the funniest nationality on the planet, according to a new survey by social networking site Badoo, while the British ranked just seventh on the list. Apparently Ricky Gervais and Graham Norton are no match for Steve Carell and Jon Stewart.

Some 2,000 members of Badoo from 15 countries spanning Europe, Asia, and North and South America were asked to rank each of these nationalities by how funny they are.

The British, who placed behind several European nations including Spain (2), Italy (3) and France (5), were found to be “not as funny as they think,” according the survey, a point that will no doubt be contested by many in the U.K.

But the Brits can at least take solace in knowing they’re funnier than the Germans, the nationality that ranked last on the list. Though in some sense, this may come as less of a surprise, given the long-held stereotype that Germans are a more serious people. As the survey notes, it may also be due to a difference in national comedic traditions. The Germans are more accustomed to musical comedy, whereas one might argue Americans are more comfortable with standup routines.

While the study is certainly light-hearted, the implications of having a sense of humor (or not having one) are no laughing matter.

“One of the first things we notice when meeting new people is whether they make us laugh,” says Lloyd Price, Badoo’sdirector of marketing. For that reason, a funny bone may not only be key to a successful personal life, but for your career as well, as jokes can be a great way to impress bosses and co-workers.

So for all you jokesters in the U.S., remember this: Next time you tell a joke, make it a good one. Our country has a reputation to live up to.

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