If you’ve spent any time living in Germany, you’ve probably noticed some quintessentially German quirks and habits. In this listicle, we’ll explore 10 true German stereotypes that every expat in Germany will find all too familiar.

True German Stereotypes

• 👍 Counting with Your Thumb
• 👏 Clapping on Planes
• 🍴 Trusting Busy Restaurants
• 🍺 The Importance of ‘Absacker’
• 🍻 Looking at each other in the Eyes when ‘Cheersing’
• 🥙 Doner as Fast Food
• 🛒 Mastering the Grocery Store Checkout
• 🍃 Craving Fresh Air
• 😂 Laughing at ‘Dinner for One’
• 🤩 Being a ‘Tatort’ Fan

👍 Counting with Your Thumb

One of the true German stereotypes that I’ve noticed is the unique way they count with their thumb instead of the pointer finger. It’s something I’ve adapted to since living in Germany, and it’s so distinctly German. If you find yourself counting in this manner, you’re definitely embracing one of the true German stereotypes.

👏 Clapping on Planes

Another hilarious stereotype about Germans is their tendency to clap when the plane lands. It’s quite amusing to witness the sudden burst of applause from German passengers. I often find myself eagerly anticipating whether they’ll start clapping or not. Let me know if you’ve encountered this or if you’re aware of any other cultures that share this unique tradition!

🍴 Trusting Busy Restaurants

Another one of the true German stereotypes that I’ve noticed is the tendency to trust busy restaurants. In my experience, I’ve observed that even if a restaurant has poor quality or mediocre food, it can be packed with patrons. This has led me to question why people flock to these establishments despite the lackluster offerings. It seems that in Germany, the sight of a bustling restaurant often serves as a signal of its quality, prompting more people to visit and perpetuating the cycle of crowdedness.

Questioning the Crowd

As I walk past restaurants that are consistently empty, I often make a point to give them a chance. Surprisingly, I’ve found that the majority of these lesser-known eateries offer fantastic food and service. When I inquire about the lack of patrons, the common response is that they are newly opened and struggling with marketing and promotion, which hinders their visibility and potential for success.

The Influence of Perception

It’s remarkable how the presence of just a few diners can attract others to join. I’ve even experienced instances where my presence in an empty restaurant has enticed others to come in, creating a domino effect. Perhaps the inclination to avoid empty restaurants stems from a discomfort with the potential for awkwardness or the desire to avoid social interaction, which I find quite intriguing.

🍺 The Importance of ‘Absacker’

The German tradition of having one last drink before heading home, known as ‘Absacker’, is a fascinating aspect of the culture. This practice is deeply ingrained in social settings, where it’s customary to share a final drink with friends or family before bidding farewell. Embracing this tradition has allowed me to appreciate the significance of taking a moment to unwind at the end of an evening.

Embracing the Nightcap

I’ve come to cherish the idea of enjoying a final drink as a way to conclude the night and create a sense of closure before parting ways. The concept of ‘Absacker’ adds a touch of warmth and camaraderie to social gatherings, which I find to be a delightful tradition.

🍻 Looking at each other in the Eyes when ‘Cheersing’

Furthermore, the German custom of making eye contact while toasting, known as ‘prost’, is a charming and affectionate gesture that fosters a sense of connection. This personal touch to raising a glass is something I’ve grown to appreciate and find endearing, especially in contrast to the more casual approach to toasting in other cultures.

🥙 Doner as Fast Food

In Germany, the concept of fast food takes on a unique twist. Instead of the typical fast-food chains, doner kebab is often considered a go-to option for a quick, satisfying meal. Whether it’s a spontaneous craving, a late-night snack, or a remedy for a hangover, doner is the preferred choice. I find this cultural preference for doners as fast food to be quite fascinating. Even my German husband swears by it, emphasizing its balanced components of cheese, bread, salad, veggies, and meat as the ultimate meal. It’s a true German stereotype that has certainly won me over.

🛒 Mastering the Grocery Store Checkout

One unmistakable sign of assimilating into the German way of life is mastering the grocery store checkout system. If you confidently assert the need for another checkout lane when faced with a long queue, you’ve truly embraced the German approach to grocery shopping. While I haven’t quite mustered the courage to do so, I admire the assertiveness and efficiency of this practice. It’s a testament to the confidence and directness that are often associated with true German stereotypes.

🍃 Craving Fresh Air

One true German stereotype that I’ve fully embraced is the constant need for fresh air in my apartment. Even in the middle of winter, I find myself opening windows to let in a gust of fresh air. While I may not be as obsessed with it as my German husband, I truly appreciate the invigorating feeling of a breezy, well-ventilated space. It’s a small indulgence that brings a sense of vitality to my home.

😂 Laughing at ‘Dinner for One’

If the comedic skit “Dinner for One” never fails to make you burst into laughter every New Year’s Eve, then you’re undoubtedly embodying a true German stereotype. This tradition of watching “Dinner for One” is deeply ingrained in German culture, and it’s something I eagerly anticipate each year. Its hilarity and familiarity make it a cherished part of New Year’s Eve celebrations, and if you haven’t experienced this comedic gem, you’re truly missing out on an essential aspect of German culture.

 🤩 Being a ‘Tatort’ Fan

If you’re a fan of ‘Tatort‘, the German police crime series, then you’ve likely experienced the unique excitement of watching the show in Germany. Aired every Sunday at 8:15 pm, ‘Tatort’ has become a beloved tradition for many Germans. It’s common to hear discussions about the latest episode, especially when the show is filmed in or around one’s city. Even if you’re not an avid viewer, the Sunday evening relaxation and bonding over a nice movie or show is a cherished part of German culture.

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