What is it like to live, study and work in Germany? (Part 2)

The German culture

Written By: Dana Mustafa AlKahlout, Reviewed By: Dr. Ibrahim Abu Riash

So now to the interesting part, let’s get to know more about the people you will be living with for the coming years, if you chose Germany of course.

First: Rules

Imagine that one cool evening you decided to go for a walk, the roads are clear there is no one but you enjoying the night breeze and the German nature, THEN you are faced by a red traffic light on your way to crossing the street, would you cross it? given that there is no vehicles or people? It is just you.

If after thinking your answer is yes, you are wrong, and if it was no you are also wrong because to the German people you don’t even have to think about it. It is a definite NOOOOOOOOOOO!

So, here we come to the first most important part of the German culture, RULES.
In Germany, Rules are rules, they are made to be followed, if you like to be seen as that smart rebellious guy who follows nothing but himself, Germany is not for you. In Germany, there are rules for everything and they have to be followed, it is in their genes.

One other rule you have to consider is sorting out the garbage into three categories glass, organics and plastic. Unless you want to be seen as low-class. And get neighbors avoiding you, or even worse have legal issues.

Another rule is about noise, the German people’s quietness is sacred, midnight parties till dawn are not their type at least not at homes. This part can really get you in trouble, do not get surprised if the police come knocking at your door because your TV was loud at night.

Second: Punctuality

So if you and your friends agreed on meeting at 3 pm, starting to get dressed at 2:55, and calling your friends telling them you are in your way is Never the way in Germany.

In Germany, if you have an appointment at 3 pm you’d better be there at 3 pm sharp with all what the word sharp implies.

Third: Closing days

You all know that Cinderella story where she has to be home before midnight, in Germany there is another version of the story where all people are Cinderellas, everything closes down by 8 pm, the city suddenly turns off, and if you want to buy anything you’d better have it way before that unless you are good at running to catch the market at its last minute.

And Sundays are another story, the whole country closes off that day, the only option you have available if you want to go out on Sunday is a walk by the river.

This has its charm by the way when you get used to it.
The point is to Get used to it.

Wait for our coming posts with more details on every step, we will reach Germany together, Let’s GO.