Weird German Culture Shocks Every American Should Be Aware Of!

If you are traveling to Germany soon, auf wiedersehen! But if you are an American, get ready for some culture shock – because the So let’s look at eight cultural shocks Americans should be ready for when they visit Germany for the first time. German Culture Shock #1. Germans do not like to engage in small talk or other pleasantries with strangers. Ask a German how they are doing (or make a comment on the weather) and you will get a chilly reception. And it’s not because Germans are stuck-up or rude people, they just don’t share the American’s need for idle chatter. Asking someone how they are doing is a personal question, and as the Germans are completely straightforward and detailed in their answers, this is not an appropriate question coming from a complete stranger. When riding a train in Germany, it is best to keep your feet off the seats and your thoughts to yourself. German Culture Shock #2. Germans are strict rule and law followers. For example, Germans only cross the street in the crosswalk - and only when the light says it’s safe to go. They never litter, always recycle, and obey the other common courtesies that allow over 81 million people to live peacefully together in a country half the size of Texas. So if you do something like put your feet up on the empty seat of a commuter train to stretch your legs – someone will scold you to behave yourself. And many Germans speak perfect English, so you will understand exactly why they are reprimanding you for being so ill-mannered. German Culture Shock #3. Although the Germans are a nation of rule followers, oddly enough, there are no rules when you are waiting for your turn in line. So you may be surprised when you are standing in what you think is a line to purchase something and someone cuts right in front of you. The same thing will happen if you decide to drive on the highway - if you don’t drive aggressively enough. No one understands why such a country of rule followers turns to the “every man for himself” approach when it comes to waiting in line, but don’t bother saying, “I was here first.” All of a sudden, no one speaks English. German Culture Shock #4. Germans have a completely different sense of social norms than Americans. Loosely translated, it’s called “free body culture,” and most public is generally considered to be acceptable by seventy-two percent of Germans. public saunas, beaches, campgrounds, hiking trails, and pools are all common here - and don’t be surprised if you see mixed gender changing rooms. Speaking of which, that’s another thing Germans do not like – people who get within an arm’s length of their personal space. German Culture Shock #5. The use of credit cards and debit cards is frowned upon by the Germans, and most local shops and restaurants won’t take them as a method of payment. So while you may be in the habit of using your debit card or smartphone to pay for everything in the United States, get used to carrying cash in Germany. Which means the first thing to learn about Germany is where the cash machines are located, as you will be there often. So get ready to carry lots of really heavy coins that are the equivalent of Germany’s one and two dollar bills! German Culture Shock #6. All businesses close early in the evenings, and for the entire day on Sundays. If you have any banking or shopping to do, make sure you do it early on the weekdays or on Saturday. Because on Sunday, everything is closed. Americans describe many German cities as post-apocalyptic ghost towns on Sundays, as everything is shuttered and the streets are absolutely deserted. And don’t bother with trying to find an all-night convenience store or a gas station because they simply don’t exist. Not even if you have a pocket full of 2-dollar coins. German Culture Shock #7. Germans love David Hasselhoff and pretend Hitler doesn’t exist. So if you do find a German citizen who is willing to talk to you on the train (and you will be riding a lot of trains), praise Hasselhoff - and pretend like World War II never happened. Bizarrely enough, David Hasselhoff is as much a chatted-up folk hero in Germany as Hitler is an unmentionable fiend. The Hasselhoff phenomenon began with the fall of the Berlin wall and the local airing of old “Knight Rider” episodes on a local German television station. David Hasselhoff’s appearance as a crime fighter with a talking car was an instant hit. A few months later, his pop single “Looking for Freedom,” was #1 on the German music charts. And speaking of freedom, Germans do not like speaking about their part in World War II – not even to joke. German Culture Shock #8. Consensual sex and drinking alcohol are also viewed differently in Germany. The age of consent in Germany is 14 years old and children are allowed to drink beer and wine on their own at age 16. So if you decide to go to Octoberfest, a younger-age crowd takes on a whole new meaning. Background music: Youtube Audio Library