German Culture
Punctuality: A Cultural Norm
Germans are really punctual and efficient, except for the transportation system. They plan ahead, making accommodations for any possible delays, so that they can arrive earlier than expected. If you want to live in German, be ready to become punctual, if you already aren’t.
Direct Communication Style
Germans are very direct people and don’t often engage in small talk. Where I come from, small talk is so important. I always used engage in small talk and ask my friend open ended questions like: “are you free on Saturday”. One day, he told me not to do that. I should just tell him what I need and then he’ll decide if he’s free or not.
Bad Customer Service
I come from the land of “The customer is always right” so it was a shock to me when I found myself arguing with clerks on the phone, or in store, for something wrong that they did. It’s not bad everywhere but many places, if something goes wrong, they can blame you for it instead of taking responsibility.
Beer: A Central Element of Culture
Germans LOVE their beer. It’s a central part of the culture. Not only beer but among the young people, there’s a huge drinking culture here. You naturally don’t have to take part but they also have alcohol free beer.
The Popularity of Schlager Music (Schlagermusik)
Germans love a genre of music called Schlager. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s like a combination of pop music and German folk music. There’s also classic Schlager and current Schlager. Some examples are:
“Achterbahn” - Helene Fischer,
“Wieder Alles im Griff” - Jürgen Drews
“Cordula Grün” - Die Draufgänger
“M.I.A Meine Gang”- Mia Julia.
Mallorca: The Favourite Vacation Spot
This is probably the favourite vacation destination for German people. There’s a joke that “Mallorca ist die 17te Bundesland” (Mallorca is the 17th German province). Older German people like to enjoy Mallorca because it’s beautiful, has good weather, great for hiking and many other reasons. Younger German people like Mallorca because of “Ballermann”, which is a beach mile where young Germans love to engage in partying, drinking and all of the sorts. I think more German is spoken on Ballermann than Spanish.
Bureaucracy and Rules
As much as these two things are bred into the the culture, they are also in the hearts of the people. Germans seem to have a love/hate relationship with bureaucracy. They complain about it but at the same time, they implement it into their daily lives.
Christmas Markets: A Festive Tradition
In most German cities, they have their own Christmas markets during the winter time. It usually happens when they decorate a specific area of the city (usually the “old city”) with traditional German and Christmas decorations. It’s a fun and enjoyable time where you can partake in lot’s of fun traditions and activities, enjoy great food and try some Glühwein (wine mulled with spices, sugar and some other stuff, served warm or hot).
Carnival: A Time for Celebration
Carnival is a celebration that officially starts on November 11th at 11:11 a.m and ends before Ash Wednesday. is a festive season of parades, parties, and traditional celebrations that takes place before the Christian season of Lent. It's a time for people to dress in colorful costumes, attend street parades, and indulge in music, dancing, and food. The celebrations have deep cultural and historical roots and vary depending on the region of Germany. Carnival usually takes place in Cologne, Dusseldorf, Mainz, Rottweil and Munich. If you’re ever in one of these cities during Carnival, make sure to check it out.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is the world’s largest folk festival, celebrated annually in Munich, Germany. It’s a 16- to 18 day event filled with traditional Bavarian culture, beer, food, music, and fun. The festival attracts millions of visitors from around the world, all eager to experience authentic German beer, traditional food, lively parades, and folk dances. It’s a time to embrace Bavarian customs, wear lederhosen or dirndls, and enjoy Munich’s festive atmosphere. I personally haven’t experienced Oktoberfest yet but if you have, send us a message and let us know how you enjoyed it.
Germany is a country full of fascinating customs and traditions that reflect its rich history and culture. From punctuality to vibrant festivals like Oktoberfest and Carnival, understanding these cultural nuances will enhance your experience in Germany.
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