As a Canadian who has been living in Germany since 2014, I’ve experienced a number of surprising culture shocks that I was eager to share with you. From the unexpected dress code at my first expat events to the unique features of German bathrooms and apartments, I’m sharing my insightful look at the adjustments I’ve had to make as an international living abroad.

Culture Shocks in Germany

• Dressing Up in Germany
• Paying for Public Bathrooms
• The Frantic Grocery Store Checkout
• Closed Stores on Sundays
• Paying for Water at Restaurants
• Rules of the Road

Dressing Up in Germany

One of the first culture shocks I encountered upon my arrival in Germany was the general dress code. In Canada, my go-to outfit for casual outings might include yoga pants and a cozy sweater. However, this seemingly normal choice stood out quite starkly in Germany. Thankfully, nowadays, it is a fashion for the young, so I don’t stick out like a sore thumb quite like I used to.

Expectations vs. Reality

My initial foray into German social life was attending an expat event in Düsseldorf. Dressed in what I considered a casual, yet acceptable outfit, I was taken aback by the level of formality in everyone else’s attire (and these were internationals we were talking about – who had already grown accustomed to the European dress code). It was a clear deviation from my Canadian norms, highlighting a significant cultural difference in daily wear.

Adapting to Local Fashion

Over the years, living in Germany has reshaped my perception and appreciation for dressing up. The emphasis on looking presentable, even for mundane errands, is something I’ve come to value. It’s a shift from my comfort-driven Canadian wardrobe to a more polished and put-together German approach.

Paying for Public Bathrooms

Another surprising aspect of German culture was the concept of paying to use public bathrooms. Coming from a place where public restrooms are generally accessible and free, this was a bit of an adjustment, especially during my pregnancy (one of many things you need to prepare for while you are pregnant in Germany).

Highway Restrooms: Free vs. Paid

While traveling on the highway, you’ll encounter both free and paid restrooms. The free options, unfortunately, often leave much to be desired in terms of cleanliness. On the other hand, paying a small fee at gas stations can grant you access to much cleaner facilities, making the expense seem worthwhile.

Scarcity in the City

In urban areas, the scarcity of both paid and unpaid public toilets can be quite challenging. This scarcity is particularly noticeable in contrast to what I was used to in Canada. The lack of easily accessible restrooms adds an extra layer of planning to any outing in the city, emphasizing a significant cultural difference I had to adapt to.

The Frantic Grocery Store Checkout

The pace and protocol of grocery store checkouts in Germany were among the culture shocks that took me by surprise at first. The experience can be quite frantic and overwhelming, a stark contrast to the more leisurely pace I was accustomed to back in Canada. On top of that, if you’re still in the process of learning German, it might be tough to focus on the conversation being had while also packing your bags (we don’t really converse at the checkout here in Germany, but the usual “would you like a bag?”, “your total comes to 24,65, how would you like to pay?” kind of stuff)

Speedy Scanning

German cashiers are known for their lightning-fast scanning, propelling your groceries toward the end of the counter with remarkable efficiency. This rapid pace can catch you off guard, especially when there’s no conveyor belt at the end to catch your items.

Self-Bagging Under Pressure

Unlike in Canada, where bagging is often done for you, in Germany, you’re on your own. The real challenge, however, isn’t the bagging itself but the sheer speed required to keep up with the cashier. This leaves you with two choices: scramble to bag as quickly as possible or toss everything back into your cart to organize later.

Turning it into a Game

For me, grocery shopping has become a game of preparation and speed. I gear up as if for a sporting event, determined to bag my groceries efficiently and prove my mettle against the conveyor belt’s relentless pace. It’s a unique aspect of living in Germany that I’ve come to embrace, albeit with a mix of trepidation and excitement.

Closed Stores on Sundays

Another aspect of German life that initially caught me off guard was the closure of stores on Sundays. This tradition, deeply ingrained in German culture, marks a significant departure from the Canadian norm of weekend shopping.

Adjusting to the Quiet Sundays

During the first few years, the lack of open stores on Sundays felt inconvenient, challenging my ingrained habits and expectations. However, over time, this enforced pause has become something I deeply appreciate.

Embracing Family Time

Now, I see Sundays not as a day lost for errands but as a precious opportunity to unwind, reflect, and spend quality time with loved ones. It’s a day for leisure and relaxation, free from the pressures of consumerism and the hustle of everyday tasks. This shift in perspective has allowed me to embrace and appreciate the calm and tranquility that a Sunday in Germany brings.

Paying for Water at Restaurants

One of the more surprising culture shocks in Germany, especially coming from a place where tap water is readily offered for free at restaurants, is the practice of charging for water. This took some getting used to for me.

Ordering Water in Germany

In Germany, if you ask for water at a restaurant, don’t expect it to come free. Typically, you’ll be charged around €2-3 for a small bottle. And remember, if you prefer still water over sparkling, you must specify, or you might end up with the latter.

The Tap Water Dilemma

I’ve always found the tap water in Germany to be perfectly fine to drink, actually quite superb. However, requesting tap water in a restaurant is often met with looks that seem to question your thriftiness. Despite my willingness to pay a small fee for tap water, this option is rarely, if ever, available.

Rules of the Road

Navigating the streets in Germany introduces its own set of rules, some of which might catch you off guard if you’re not familiar with them. Understanding these rules is crucial to blending in and respecting local customs.

Jaywalking: A Cultural No-No

Jaywalking in Germany, especially in cities like Düsseldorf, is heavily frowned upon. Initially, I found this rule to be overly strict. However, I’ve come to realize the importance of setting a good example for children and the emphasis on pedestrian safety.

Cycling Etiquette

Cycling on the sidewalk is another big no-no that I learned the hard way (unless you’re a child or accompanying a child). Coming from Canada, where I rarely cycled, adapting to Germany’s strict cycling rules was a challenge. Despite a few missteps and some public scolding, I now understand the importance of sticking to the road or designated bike paths for everyone’s safety.

Made with VideoToBlog