Germany is rich in historical heritage and has distinct cultural norms that may surprise first-time visitors. Starting with bagging your own groceries to meticulously recycling plastic, there are plenty of unique habits Germans have in store for international habitants.
If you’re an Indian student preparing to study in Germany, here are six significant cultural surprises you might encounter.
Rules are not made to be broken
In Germany, everything is ordered and operates with a clear structure. People take obeying rules seriously. From adhering strictly to traffic laws to not smoking in public, Germans follow rules word by word. It may be new and challenging for students traveling from a nation where these exercises are relatively laid-back, but keep in mind that rules are not made to be broken in Germany.
Germany is Closed on Sundays
It might come as a shock to many, especially students from bustling cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai, where everything is accessible 24/7. Nevertheless, everything is closed on Sundays in Germany.
Sundays are considered a public holiday in Germany, meaning all stores and markets are closed. As a result, students and professionals typically stock up on essentials the day before.
Lack of Customer Service
Germans are generally self-reliant, so they have a minimal dependence on customer service. Whether it’s bagging your own grocery items in the shopping mart or moving your own furniture you’re expected to manage it yourself. So you better learn to Pivot!
Keep the change
In this era of tap and swipe, Indian roadside vendors are now transforming to QR code payment methods, yet Germany remains largely a cash-driven society.
Starting with some major shops, Many small stores, cafés, and even some restaurants prefer cash-only payments. As a student, it’s a good idea to always keep cash and a handful of change with you, which can come in handy, preferably if you are using public transport.
No small talk
Hailing from a country known for its friendly and casual citizens might come as a shock, but Germans are pretty straightforward. They are not rude, just direct. They value clear communication and prefer to get to the point without unnecessary small talk. This directness can sometimes come as a surprise to those from cultures where more indirect or polite speech is the norm. It’s essential to recognize that their approach is a matter of efficiency, not disrespect.
The Quietest hours
Germany enforces strict noise regulations, especially during quiet hours (Ruhezeiten) from 10 PM to 6 AM on weekdays and all day on Sundays. During these periods, noise must be kept to a minimum, which includes avoiding loud music, vacuuming, or using cranky washing machines. This may come as a surprise to students from cultures with more relaxed noise rules. It’s important to respect these quiet hours, as violating them can result in complaints or fines.
To get the gist, when you are packing for overseas education in Germany, it is essential to have knowledge about living conditions. So, do your research, plan ahead, and prepare to be amazed by the innovative environment. Although the process may seem overwhelming, you can reach out to our experts for a free 30-minute counseling session and take the first step toward your dream of studying in Germany.
Viel Gluck !
