Local culture in Germany

If you are from a Western country, you’ll likely have little trouble adjusting to your new surroundings in Germany, but a few things in German culture may take some getting used to.

We recommend taking the time to learn about local culture in Germany and having a basic knowledge of the local language, which will certainly help you overcome culture shock.

Language barrier in Germany

Many expats find that getting to grips with the German language is their biggest cultural hurdle. Although many Germans speak English as a second language, there’s no guarantee that everyone an expat comes across can speak it fluently or even basically.

It’s a good idea to take some German lessons before you move. This will make socialising with locals easier, and it will be advantageous in the workplace if you can speak a few basic German phrases.

Germans usually appreciate it when foreigners try to communicate in their language and are often willing to help new arrivals improve their language skills.

Food in Germany

While expats will undoubtedly find a wide range of international cuisine and various health foods in Germany’s main urban centres, getting used to traditional German food may take a while.

German cuisine is highly meat-based, so vegans and vegetarians may struggle at first. But it shouldn’t take too long for new arrivals to familiarise themselves with traditional foods and find something that meets their dietary requirements.

Traditional German food tends to be very hearty and rich, and portions tend to be on the larger side.

Cultural etiquette in Germany

New arrivals soon find that Germans generally value order, privacy, and punctuality. Careful planning and preparation help many people maintain a sense of security both in their business and personal lives.

People in Germany tend to adhere to rules quite strictly, and they’ll typically let people know what’s expected of them. You shouldn’t be offended if someone corrects your behaviour – for instance, by telling you that you have parked incorrectly. Keeping each other in check is seen as a social duty and just part of cultural etiquette in Germany.

Germans believe there is a proper time for every activity, and many choose to keep their work and personal lives separate.

Efficiency is also important in the workplace. When the work day ends at around 4pm or 5pm, people are expected to leave. If someone stays after normal business hours, it usually isn’t seen as a sign of extra effort but rather that they didn’t plan their day well.

Punctuality is essential in German business and social arrangements, and being late for a meeting is disrespectful. You should try to arrive on time and let your associates know if you’re running a little late.

Communication in Germany

Germans may seem unfriendly and unemotional at first. But this is often because they respect each other’s privacy. Similarly, being loud or angry in public is viewed as a sign of weakness.

You should be careful about complimenting people and do so sparingly – too many can come across as false and embarrass a person rather than flatter them.

While they are generally polite, Germans tend to communicate directly. This type of honesty may cause offence in other cultures, but it’s appreciated and expected here.

Locals also enjoy their personal space and avoid touching people while speaking unless they are family or close friends. It’s best to keep an arm’s length of space when talking to acquaintances.