Interesting Facts About Germany

Beyond the excellent infrastructure, world-class engineering, and efficient bureaucracy, Germany has a treasure trove of cultural quirks and traditions that may surprise you.

Whether you're new to Germany or settling in, understanding local customs makes life easier and more enjoyable.

Daily Life Surprises

Sundays Are Sacred

What Happens	Details
Most shops closed	Supermarkets, retail stores, many restaurants
Exceptions	Train stations, airports, some bakeries
Why	Religious tradition + secular family time
Quiet hours	Noisy activities discouraged

Germans take their rest day seriously. Stock up on groceries by Saturday evening!

Public Drinking Is Legal

Fact	Details
Beer in parks	Completely legal and common
Age restrictions	Beer/wine from 16; spirits from 18
With parents	From age 14 with parental supervision
On public transport	Generally permitted (except during major events)

This is one of the bigger cultural differences for many newcomers.

Cash Is Still King

Situation	What to Expect
Smaller shops	Often cash only
Restaurants	Cash preferred at many establishments
Larger retailers	Cards accepted
Minimum amounts	Some places require €10+ for card payments

Always carry some cash, especially in smaller towns.

Children and Education

Schultüte Tradition

On the first day of first grade, German children receive a Schultüte—a large decorated cone:

What's Inside	Purpose
Candy and sweets	Celebration
Small toys	Fun items
School supplies	Practical tools

This tradition dates back to the early 1800s and celebrates the start of "the seriousness of life" (ernst des Lebens).

Free University Education

Fact	Details
Tuition fees	None at public universities (mostly)
For whom	German and international students alike
Semester fees	Small administrative fee (~€150–350)
Result	Germany attracts students worldwide

This applies to most bachelor's and master's programmes at public universities.

Names and Birthdays

Name Approval Required

The Standesamt (civil registry) must approve baby names:

Rule	Details
No objects or products	"Apple" or "Pilsner" would be rejected
No surnames as first names	Typically not allowed
Gender-neutral allowed	Rules have relaxed
Harmful names banned	Names that could embarrass the child

If rejected, you can appeal or choose a different name.

Never Wish Happy Birthday Early

Custom	Reason
No early wishes	Considered bad luck
German saying	"Du sollst den Tag nicht vor dem Abend loben"
Translation	"Don't praise the day before evening"
Wait until	Midnight of the actual birthday

This superstition is taken seriously—wait until the actual day!

Football Culture

Fact	Details
National passion	More than just a sport
Club rivalries	Can affect friendships and relationships
Match days	Supporters wear team colours throughout the city
Bayern Munich tickets	Extremely difficult to obtain

When Bayern plays, Munich turns red!

Christmas Traditions

Advent and Christmas Eve

Tradition	Details
Advent wreath	Four red candles, lit on Sundays before Christmas
Advent calendar	Countdown from December 1–24
Gift-giving	Christmas Eve (December 24), not the 25th
Gift-bringer	Christkind (Christ Child), not Santa Claus

German children receive presents half a day earlier than in many other countries!

Christmas Markets

Feature	Details
When	Late November through December
Where	Every town and city
What to find	Glühwein, Lebkuchen, handmade crafts

Legal Curiosities

Prison Escape Is... Understandable?

Fact	Details
Breaking out	Not technically a crime
Why	"Freedom" is considered a basic human instinct
Catch	Any crimes committed during escape ARE punishable
If caught	Simply returned to prison

This doesn't mean escape is encouraged—just that the act of wanting freedom isn't criminalised.

Not sure how it works? Our experts are here to explain.

Food and Drink

Beer Culture

Fact	Details
Consumption	Second highest in Europe (after Czech Republic)
Varieties	Over 7,000 different beers
Purity law	Reinheitsgebot since 1516

Bread Obsession

Fact	Details
Varieties	Over 300 registered types
Bakeries	In every neighbourhood
Brotzeit	Bread-based meal, especially dinner

Germany as a Destination

Ranking	Details
Popular with international workers	Top destination globally
Nationalities	Over 170 represented
In-demand jobs	IT, engineering, scientific research
Work-life balance	Highly valued

Key Takeaways

Topic	Remember
Sundays	Plan ahead—shops are closed
Cash	Always carry some
Birthdays	Wait until the actual day
Names	Must be approved
Christmas	Gifts on the 24th

Understanding these cultural nuances helps you settle in and connect with local life.

At Stay, we help international residents navigate life in Germany. If you have questions, we're here to help.