As a Canadian who has been living in Germany since 2014, I’ve experienced a number of reverse culture shocks when returning home. From the overly polite customer service to the massive grocery stores, these unique experiences have made me realize just how much I’ve adapted to the German way of life. Join me as I dive into 10 of the craziest reverse culture shocks I’ve had as a Canadian living in Germany.

Reverse Culture Shocks

• 1. Overly Polite Canadians 🍁
• 2. Customer Service Differences 🛍️
• 3. Massive Canadian Grocery Stores 🍁
• 4. Identical Suburban Homes 🏡
• 5. Stressful Canadian Traffic
• 6. Freedom to Drink in Public
• 7. Feeling Like an Outsider 😔
• 8. Missing the Genuine Canadian Kindness 😊
• 9. Appreciating the Relaxed German Vibe
• 10. Enjoying the Scenic German Autobahns

1. Overly Polite Canadians 😃

Canadians are known for their politeness, but as a Canadian living in Germany, I’ve come to realize that our politeness can sometimes come across as overly friendly and not entirely genuine. For instance, in Canadian stores, it’s not uncommon to be bombarded with overly friendly salespeople asking if they can help you find something or if you’d like to try anything on. While Canadians are genuinely polite and kind, the level of artificial friendliness is one of many reverse culture shocks, especially after living in Germany for seven years. It’s a breath of fresh air not to be constantly approached with artificial smiles and excessive friendliness in every store or restaurant.

2. Customer Service Differences 🛍️

In Canada, there’s a strong emphasis on upselling and providing a high level of service. In my experience working as a waitress at a restaurant in Canada, upselling certain menu items and desserts was standard practice, and customer service training was comprehensive across various industries. However, in Germany, customer service tends to be more straightforward without the pressure to upsell or engage in overly friendly interactions. While I appreciate good customer service, I find the more relaxed approach in Germany to be a welcome change from the in-your-face upselling culture in Canada and the US.

3. Massive Canadian Grocery Stores 🍁

When I visit Canada, one of the most striking reverse culture shocks is the size of the grocery stores. In major Canadian cities and their suburbs, supermarkets are massive, often double the size of a typical German metro. Navigating these enormous stores can be overwhelming, requiring dedicated time and effort. Unlike in Germany, where I shop two to three times a week, in Canada, it’s common to fill up the entire trunk of a vehicle with groceries, eliminating the need for frequent trips. Furthermore, in Canada, finding items can be challenging, often requiring assistance from employees, unlike the straightforward experience in German supermarkets.

Pros and Cons of Grocery Shopping in Canada

Grocery shopping in Canada offers the convenience of stocking up for several weeks at a time, reducing the frequency of visits. However, the sheer size of the supermarkets can be intimidating, and the need to navigate through extensive aisles can be time-consuming and overwhelming. On the other hand, the German grocery shopping experience is more efficient, allowing for quick and easy access to items without the need for extensive navigation.

4. Identical Suburban Homes🏡

Living in the suburbs of Toronto, I noticed a peculiar aspect of Canadian housing that struck me as a significant reverse culture shock. The suburban homes, even those worth millions of dollars, often look identical. This uniformity can be disconcerting, especially for someone accustomed to the diverse architecture found in many parts of Germany. The sight of rows of similar-looking houses, especially when observed from a vantage point, creates an overwhelming sense of uniformity.

Uniformity in Canadian Suburban Housing

Driving through neighborhoods like Oakville, the sea of uniform roofs is one of my biggest reverse culture shocks, giving the impression of a lack of individuality and character in the architecture. Despite the individual beauty of each house, the uniformity of the structures creates a sense of being lost in a sea of sameness, a stark contrast to the diverse and varied architectural styles often seen in Germany.

5. Stressful Canadian Traffic

Driving in Canada, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area, often leads to encountering extremely stressful traffic situations. The highways, with their 16 to 18 lanes, can be overwhelming and chaotic, making the driving experience quite stressful. In contrast, the highways in Germany offer a more peaceful and enjoyable driving experience, with natural surroundings and occasional charming small towns along the way.

6. Freedom to Drink in Public

In Germany, one of the things I truly appreciate is the freedom to drink in public spaces. Whether it’s enjoying a picnic along the Rhine River or finding a favorite spot to relax outdoors, the ability to have a glass of wine or a beer adds a sense of leisure and relaxation to outdoor activities. However, in Canada, drinking in public is not permitted, which can limit the opportunities for casual outdoor enjoyment that I’ve come to appreciate in Germany.

7. Feeling Like an Outsider 😔

As an international living abroad, I often feel caught between two worlds, never fully belonging in either place. When I returned to Canada, I experienced a profound sense of disconnection, feeling like it was no longer my home. On the other hand, living in Germany, I constantly feel like a foreigner, never fully integrating into the culture. This in-between state leaves me feeling like I don’t quite fit anywhere, resulting in a unique form of reverse culture shock as a Canadian.

8. Superficial Politeness😊

Canadians are known for their politeness, but after living in Germany for seven years, I’ve come to realize that politeness in Canada can sometimes feel artificial. The overly friendly and insincere interactions, such as being bombarded with over-the-top sales pitches in stores, can be overwhelming. While Canadians are genuinely kind, the excessive friendliness can feel disingenuous.

9. Appreciating the Relaxed German Vibe

Living in Germany has allowed me to appreciate the relaxed and laid-back nature of everyday life. The absence of in-your-face upselling and the genuine, unhurried approach to interactions in Germany has been a breath of fresh air for me, providing a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

10. Enjoying the Scenic German Autobahns

One of the things I truly love about Germany is the Autobahn. It’s not just about the ability to drive fast in certain areas, but rather the overall driving experience. The German autobahns offer a more peaceful and enjoyable driving experience than the overwhelming traffic in Canada. The natural surroundings and occasional charming small towns along the highways create a serene and scenic journey, making driving in Germany a truly enjoyable experience.

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