Even if you swear you won’t, here are some common mistakes you’ll make in Germany. As a Canadian living in Germany since 2014, I have made my fair share of mistakes. But hopefully what I have learned from them can help you avoid making the same mistakes or at least be aware of them before moving to Germany.
Mistakes You’ll Make in Germany
- 1. Counting Floors Incorrectly 🏢
- 2. Wishing Someone Happy Birthday Too Early 🎉
- 3. Expecting Someone Else to Host Your Birthday 🎂
- 4. Overlooking the Need for Liability Insurance 🛡️
- 5. Forgetting to Carry Cash 💵
- 6. Answering the Phone Incorrectly 📞
- 7. Addressing Envelopes the Wrong Way 📬
- 8. Underestimating German Beer Strength 🍻
- 9. Forgetting to Pay for Online Purchases 💻
- 10. Wishing You Had Known More Before Moving 📦
1. Counting Floors Incorrectly 🏢
One of the classic mistakes I made in Germany is miscounting floors. This confusion often leads to awkward moments and even wrong doors being knocked on!
Understanding the Floor Counting System
In Germany, the ground floor is labeled as the “Erdgeschoss,” which translates to “ground floor.” This can be a bit tricky for newcomers.
- Ground floor = Erdgeschoss
- First floor = 1. Obergeschoss
- Second floor = 2. Obergeschoss
- Third floor = 3. Obergeschoss
So, if someone tells you they live on the second floor, they actually mean the third level if you’re counting from the ground up. This can lead to some funny situations!
A Personal Anecdote
I remember the first time I visited a friend’s apartment. I confidently marched up what I thought were two flights of stairs, only to find myself on the wrong floor! This is definitely one of the common mistakes you’ll make in Germany that can be easily avoided with a little awareness.
2. Wishing Someone Happy Birthday Too Early 🎉
Another common mistake you’ll make in Germany involves birthday wishes. It may seem harmless, but timing is everything!
The Superstitions Around Birthdays
In German culture, wishing someone a happy birthday before the actual day can be considered bad luck. This belief is rooted in superstition, and many people take it seriously.
- Don’t wish happy birthday early
- Gifts should be given on the day
- Respect their traditions
I’ve made this mistake myself, forgetting that early birthday wishes can upset friends. In Canada, it’s common to celebrate early, but here, it’s a different story. It’s just another example of the mistakes you make in Germany!
How to Avoid This Mistake
To avoid this, always double-check the date and wait until the big day to celebrate. This respect for tradition will go a long way in building relationships with locals.
3. Expecting Someone Else to Host Your Birthday 🎂
One of the biggest mistakes you make in Germany involves birthday celebrations. Unlike in North America, where friends often treat you on your special day, here, you’re expected to host the party!
The German Birthday Tradition
In Germany, it’s customary for the birthday person to take charge. This means organizing a gathering or bringing treats to work.
- Host a party or dinner
- Bring cake or snacks to the office
- Be prepared to pay for drinks
I learned this the hard way when I showed up to work empty-handed on my birthday. My colleagues were surprised and slightly disappointed. This is just another example of the mistakes you make in Germany that can easily be avoided by understanding local customs.
Need to plan a kid’s birthday party in Düsseldorf? Check out our guide.
A Personal Experience
On my first birthday in Germany, I thought my friends would treat me. Instead, I ended up buying cakes and drinks for everyone! It’s a unique tradition that emphasizes community and generosity, but it can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared.
4. Overlooking the Need for Liability Insurance 🛡️
Another critical mistake you make in Germany is neglecting liability insurance. This is not just a formality; it’s a necessity for expats and newcomers.
Why Liability Insurance is Important
In Germany, insurance is a big deal. Many Germans have various types of insurance, and they expect you to have them too.
- Protects against accidental damage
- Covers costs for damages to others
- Common in everyday life situations
For instance, I once accidentally spilled a drink on a friend’s expensive shirt. In Canada, I might have offered to pay for the cleaning, but in Germany, we went through insurance. This is a prime example of the mistakes you’ll make in Germany if you don’t have liability coverage.
Choosing the Right Insurance
Private liability insurance is essential and surprisingly affordable. It can save you from costly situations that arise from everyday accidents.
- Covers up to 30 million euros
- Starts at around 4.99 euros monthly
- Protects against various mishaps
Whether you accidentally damage a friend’s belongings or cause an incident while out and about, having this insurance can save you a lot of stress. It’s a simple step to prevent potential financial headaches and is one of the critical mistakes you make in Germany if overlooked.
Our Recommendations for Liability Insurance:
- Feather: Basic Liability Insurance
- GetSafe: Basic and Dog Liability Insurance
- Helden: Family, Dog, and Horse Liability Insurance
5. Forgetting to Carry Cash 💵
One of the common mistakes you make in Germany is forgetting to bring cash. Many shops and restaurants do not accept credit cards, which can create awkward situations.
Understanding Payment Preferences
In Germany, cash is still king. While credit cards are becoming more accepted, many places rely on cash transactions.
- Check payment options before shopping
- Always have a small amount of cash
- Use cash for small purchases
I’ve found myself in line, ready to pay, only to realize I can’t use my card. It’s one of those mistakes you’ll make in Germany that can easily be avoided by being prepared.
6. Answering the Phone Incorrectly 📞
Another frequent mistake you’ll make in Germany is not answering the phone properly. The way we greet callers can be quite different from what locals expect.
In Germany, it’s customary to identify yourself when answering the phone. This helps the caller know who they’re speaking with right away.
- Answer with your name
- Use formal titles if necessary
- Keep it brief and direct
When I first moved here, I would just say “hello,” which led to confusion. This is another example of the mistakes you’ll make in Germany that can be easily fixed with a little cultural awareness!
Our Phone Recommendations:
-
- Lebara: My phone provider
- O2: All-inclusive phone packages
- Mediamarkt: Good place to buy phones
7. Addressing Envelopes the Wrong Way 📬
One of the mistakes you’ll make in Germany involves sending mail. If you’re used to North American address formats, you might end up sending letters to the wrong places!
Understanding the German Address Format
In Germany, the street name comes before the house number. For example, you would write “Poststraße 19” instead of “19 Post Street.”
- Street name first
- House number second
- Use the top left for the return address
To avoid this common mistake you make in Germany, I recommend using a stamp with your address. This makes it easy to send letters correctly and ensures your mail reaches the right destination.
I once sent a package to the wrong address because I mixed up the format. Thankfully, it was returned, but it was a wake-up call about the importance of getting it right!
8. Underestimating German Beer Strength 🍻
Another common mistake you make in Germany is underestimating the strength of German beer. It’s a fun topic, but it can lead to some embarrassing situations!
The Alcohol Content Difference
Many beers in Germany have a higher alcohol content than those in North America. While a standard beer might be around 4-5% back home, German beers can easily reach 6% or more.
- Check alcohol content before drinking
- Be aware of heavier beer bodies
- Pace yourself at festivals
During my first Oktoberfest, I learned this the hard way. I excitedly drank a large beer stein without realizing how strong it was, leading to an embarrassing moment!
To avoid this mistake you make in Germany, take your time and enjoy the flavors. Savor each sip, and remember: it’s not a race!
9. Forgetting to Pay for Online Purchases 💻
One of the surprising mistakes you’ll make in Germany is forgetting to pay for online purchases. This can happen due to the various payment options available.
When shopping online, you might encounter choices like credit card, PayPal, or Klarna, which allows you to pay later. I’ve accidentally selected Klarna before, thinking it was just a quick checkout.
- Be cautious with payment methods
- Check your email for bills
- Set reminders for payment deadlines
Once, I received a bill weeks later and completely forgot about it! Always ensure you know which option you selected to avoid this common mistake you’ll make in Germany.
10. Wishing You Had Known More Before Moving 📦
One of the biggest mistakes you make in Germany is not knowing enough before relocating. There are many aspects of life here that can catch you off guard.
Before moving, it’s crucial to understand cultural norms, local laws, and daily life practices. I wish I had researched more about these topics to ease my transition.
- Learn about local customs
- Understand the healthcare system (like when giving birth)
- Familiarize yourself with public transport
By doing your homework, you can avoid many of the mistakes I have made. Knowledge truly is power when adapting to a new country!
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