I think Ms. Kirri conflates Germany with Europe quite a bit in her article (enjoyabe as it is!). In central Europe (Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Romania, Turkey) people definitely chat. In Italy, they'll chat all day! :-) I lived in the Netherlands and have traveled often to Belgium. They are also both talkers. Spent a lot of time in Spain and got to know quite a few people who I encountered on my frequent visits to clients (staying at the same hotels in the same city).

[whispering] I think it is just the Germans who don't talk much. My dad's family emigrated from near Berlin well over 100 years ago. They still don't talk much (especially the ones who are dead).