In this blog, I’ll share 10 things I miss about Germany when I return to my home country. As a Canadian living in Germany, there are many things I’ve grown to love about the country – from the fresh baked goods to the efficient transportation system. However, when I go back to Canada, I can’t help but miss certain aspects of German life.

Things I miss about Germany when I go back to Canada

• 🥖 Baked Goods
• 🪟 Windows
• 🛌 German Bedding
• 🗣️ Speaking German
• 🇩🇪 German Honesty 
•  🛍️  Grocery Shopping
• 🤸 Playgrounds
• 🚗 Transportation
• 🌼 Canola Fields
• 🌍 Freedom

🥖 Baked Goods

One of the things I miss about Germany is the bakery goods, especially the fresh bread. In Canada, bread tends to last longer and is often used for sandwiches without toasting. However, in Germany, the bread culture is different. The bread is so fresh that it’s best to buy it and consume it on the same day. There’s a noticeable difference in taste and texture, with baked goods being more delicious and fresh, especially when purchased daily, including on Sundays.

🪟 Windows

I also really miss the windows in Germany. Getting used to the different window styles here can be a bit of an adjustment. In Canada, we typically open windows sideways, often with netting to keep bugs and animals out. However, in Germany, the windows open differently, and there’s no need for netting due to the low presence of bugs and animals. I appreciate the practicality of the netting but love the ability to fully open a window in Germany and enjoy the fresh air without obstruction.

🛌 German Bedding

Having separate sheets in Germany may seem visually strange to some, but it has become an absolute blessing for me. Once I got used to it, I realized I love having my own blanket without the nightly struggle over it. In contrast to the single duvet used in North America, German bedding consists of a fitted sheet, a single thin cotton sheet, and a duvet that fits the bed entirely, allowing each person to have their own cover. This arrangement has eliminated the need to share the sheets and has made bedtime much more peaceful.

🗣️ Speaking German

I really miss speaking German when I’m in Canada. The feeling of being in a place where nobody understands the language I’m speaking is both frustrating and isolating. Upon returning to Germany after a few weeks in Canada, I often experience a momentary struggle to recall certain words, which can be quite exasperating. It’s like everything is on the tip of my tongue, but I just can’t seem to retrieve the right word. The temporary language barrier upon returning to Germany can be a challenging adjustment after being in an English-speaking environment for an extended period of time.

🇩🇪 German Honesty

German honesty is something that I’ve come to appreciate, although it can sometimes come off as a bit ignorant or rude in certain situations. When interacting with acquaintances, Germans tend to be straightforward and to the point, which can be a bit jarring at first. However, within my circle of family and friends, I value the ability to have open and direct conversations.

Directness in Hospitality

When visiting a house in Canada, it’s common for hosts to offer a wide array of drinks and snacks, often going above and beyond to cater to their guests’ preferences. In Germany, the approach is more straightforward, with a simple offer of water or coffee. I’ve come to appreciate the directness and lack of unnecessary fuss when it comes to hospitality.

Grocery Shopping Habits

One aspect of German honesty that I’ve grown to appreciate is the practical approach to grocery shopping. While in Canada, the tendency is to buy groceries in bulk and store them for extended periods, Germans prioritize freshness and are not hesitant to make more frequent trips to the store. This honest approach to food shopping aligns with the value placed on fresh, quality produce in Germany.

🛍️ Grocery Shopping

When I first arrived in Germany, the frequency of grocery shopping trips surprised me. In Canada, the norm is to make a monthly trip to a large supermarket, often involving a significant amount of driving and planning. However, I’ve come to appreciate the German approach to grocery shopping, which emphasizes fresh food and quality over convenience. Despite the higher prices, the ability to access fresh produce more regularly is now one of the things I miss about Germany when i am in Canada.

6.1 Freshness Over Convenience

In Germany, the practice of making two to three grocery trips a week is a common occurrence, allowing for a focus on consuming fresh food rather than relying on frozen or preserved items. This commitment to freshness, despite the higher inflation prices, is a notable aspect of German grocery culture that I miss when back in Canada.

🤸 Playgrounds

One thing I miss about Germany is the abundance of wooden playgrounds. Unlike the plastic parks commonly found in Canada, German playgrounds are often made of wood, offering a more diverse and enjoyable play experience. These parks come in various themes like pirate or underwater, adding an extra element of fun for children. The switch to plastic parks in Canada due to safety concerns has made me appreciate the wooden playgrounds in Germany even more, as they provide a unique and exciting play environment.

🚗 Transportation

Transportation in Germany is incredibly convenient compared to Canada. Unlike in Canada, where driving is often a necessity, Germany offers a reliable and efficient public transportation system. Despite occasional complaints from locals, as a North American, I find the German transportation system to be significantly superior. The ease of getting around without the need for a personal vehicle is something I truly miss about Germany when I’m back in Canada.

🌼 Canola Fields

One of the things I miss about Germany is the breathtaking canola fields that adorn the countryside. The vibrant, lush yellow fields create a picturesque landscape that is a stark contrast to the urban environment I’m accustomed to in Canada. In Germany, the natural beauty of the countryside, with its expansive canola fields and lush greenery, offers a sense of tranquility and visual delight that I sorely miss when I’m back in Canada.

🌍 Freedom

Lastly, one of the things I miss about Germany is the profound sense of freedom that permeates the country. Despite Canada’s vast landmass and the freedom of movement it offers, I find that Germany provides an unparalleled sense of opportunity and accessibility. The well-connected transportation system allows for spontaneous travel to various destinations, whether it’s a weekend getaway to Paris or a quick trip to Rome. The ease of exploring different landscapes and cultures within Europe from the heart of Germany is an aspect of freedom that I truly miss when I’m back in Canada.

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