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.
| 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!
| 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.
| 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.
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).
| 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.
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.
| 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!
| 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!
| 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!
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| When | Late November through December |
| Where | Every town and city |
| What to find | Glühwein, Lebkuchen, handmade crafts |
| 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.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Consumption | Second highest in Europe (after Czech Republic) |
| Varieties | Over 7,000 different beers |
| Purity law | Reinheitsgebot since 1516 |
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Varieties | Over 300 registered types |
| Bakeries | In every neighbourhood |
| Brotzeit | Bread-based meal, especially dinner |
| 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 |
| 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.