Another interpretation: Unselfish.

There are lots of possibilities.

Most likely I guess is they do not want you to spend money on them. And while the reason for that could be thrift, it certainly do not mean that they are 'cheap'.

Or maybe they know you well enough to predict that you will buy them something utterly useless and unwanted, witch will then make them obligated when your birthday comes along. (PS: it really IS very difficult to find a good gift for people from a different culture and of different age)

regards JakobA

It's probably because they grew up in a post-WWII, very poor Germany.

I suspect that, much like my parents, the lessons of thrift that they were *forced* to learn in the aftermath of WW II have stuck with them for a lifetime.

I don't think it's so much a 'German' thing as a 'post-war refugee' thing.

i dont think theyre cheap eactly[i too came from a german family] but itd a culture thing.
do you also find your family to be very cold EXCEPT in times of tragedy>

Das Tightenwad!

It may not be the nationality, but the age, and experiences they have had. My father, who is from NI feels the same, and my mother, who is Dutch is exactly the same. What they have in common is that they went through the war, and lived through difficult financial times. Maybe that is the answer.

I think your choice of words is unkind my friend. You might more properly have used the word "frugal". They are trying to conserve the assets of their children are they not? Why would you call that cheap and not loving or selfless or thoughtful? If you walked in your father's shoes and lived his life perhaps you might understand him better..so too with the daughter of that older German woman. You cannot possibly judge that which you do not understand and clearly neither of you can fathom why your parents would make that choice. I understand perfectly well. Happy Saturday!