Everyday Differences: 22 Things That May Surprise Americans In Germany 

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It is hard to believe that in just under a month, I will have been living in Germany for an entire year! Charlie’s year abroad anniversary passed a few weeks ago and while I still have a couple of weeks to go, I truly am amazed at how time has gone by SO fast! This first year in Germany has been one of wonder, excitement, challenge and adventure as we have adjusted to new rhythms, routines and ways of life here across the pond. While I previously expanded more of my thoughts on the things that we have learned in the post, 6 Months In Germany: Highlights, Transitions & Adventures Of Life Abroad, I thought that it might be fun to explore a slightly different angle on our time here in Germany so far. We have loved adapting to this new culture, but in doing so, have also found so many little everyday differences between the ways that American culture and German culture operate. Neither is right nor wrong per say, just unique and at times, even quite comical. I have come to appreciate, and even love, many of these differences, however I have found it just as interesting to see the everyday operations that make different cultures unique. Many of these characteristics are actually common to Europe as a whole, however since I have been primarily living in Germany, I have experienced these items  most directly. Not listed in any particular order, let’s dive right into these everyday differences, including 22 things that may surprise Americans in Germany! 

01. Prepare to recycle 

Whether in your home, or out on the streets, prepare to recycle! From bottles and cardboards to plastics, glass and compost, recycling in Germany is taken very seriously. While it can be tricky to learn at first (and sometimes is a hassle), the recycling systems actually help provide item reuse, electricity and soil for the city which is pretty amazing. And don’t forget about pfand! Return bottles marked with “pfand” on their label (most grocery stores have bottle returns) and receive back up to 25 cents per bottle. 

02. “Fast Food” is more local 

While it may be common to find up to 10 fast food chains at any given American interstate exit, Germany’s “fast food” looks a bit more local. Certainly, they have a few McDonald’s, Burger King and KFC locations sprinkled throughout their cities, however the typical fast food of choice are local bakeries or döner kebab / pizza shops on almost every corner. Whether ordering a sandwich, pizza or döner fixed all the way, I have come to love this version of fast food. 

03. Refills are not free 

Unlike in the States in which a waitress might refill your drink multiple times throughout your meal (normally for free), plan to reorder and pay for any additional drinks when dining out in Germany. I definitely miss this aspect of American dining, however I have learned to either prepare to pay for another drink or really pay attention to the drink sizes listed on the menu and pace myself throughout the meal. 

04. Ordering water looks different 

Much like the point above, ordering water does not mean it comes free. Typically, you will pay for water and unless you specify that you would like it flat, most water arrives at your table bottled and sparkling. 

05. Don’t anticipate ice in your drink 

Coming from the heat of the South, I love ice in my drinks. In fact, I have had many friends who loved the “pebble” or “Sonic” ice so much, they would make special trips or buy special ice makers to have it at home. Well, if you come to Germany, anticipate leaving that love at home as the majority of restaurants serve drinks without ice. For many, the carbonated nature of sparkling water provides the refreshing element instead of the ice, however I still believe this is a bit of an acquired taste. 

06. Schorle is the new sweet tea 

While I may not quite be on the no ice bandwagon, I absolutely love the German “Schorle”! Sweet tea might be the preferred Southern drink in the US, but in Germany, you can expect to find a Schorle (particularly Apfelschorle) just about anywhere. Made by mixing sparkling water with various juices, German Schorles are absolutely delicious. 

07. Table for the night 

Another common element to find in German dining culture is the ability to linger! Regardless of the quality of the restaurant, unless otherwise specified, most consider the table yours for the night as they are not actively looking to flip your table. Certainly, they will seat your table again should you leave, but unless they mention you only have the table for a certain period of time (typically if you are a walk in and someone else has a later reservation), you can expect it to be yours for the remainder of the evening. I have found this to be particularly lovely in enjoying a meal out without feeling rushed, but I try to plan ahead with a reservation to ensure I save a table just in case. 

08. Always carry cash (& coins!) 

Whether at a döner shop, parking garage, flea market or other store, it is always helpful to carry cash, including coins! Certainly, many areas except credit or debit cards, however cash is still the preferred (and sometimes only) payment method for many shops. Likewise, be prepared to receive change for anything under 10 Euros in coins as the 1 or 2 euro coins are used in replacement of bills. 

09. Shop ahead for Sunday & holidays 

Another common cultural difference between the States and Germany is the expectation for shops, grocery stores and most places other than gas stations to be closed on Sundays and on holidays. As long as you shop ahead, you can fully embrace this integrated downtime to get outside, recharge, go to church and visit with others. 

10. Listed prices show sales tax included 

Unlike shopping in American stores which add tax when you check out and the tax is listed as a separate line item on receipts, prices listed when shopping in Germany already factor in taxes and therefore don’t show them separately. 

11. Get outdoors – no matter the weather 

There is a common saying in Germany that says “es gibt kein schlechtes Wetter, es gibt nur schlechte Kleidung” or “there is no bad weather, only bad clothing”. With this in mind, be prepared to get outside regardless of the weather! Rain, shine, wind or snow, expect to find people out biking, jogging, shopping or going about their daily business, half of the time without even an umbrella! 

12. Lookout for bikers

Seeing that bikers are common in Germany regardless of the weather, be on the lookout for them while driving, especially when turning right, as bikers have the right of way! It now has become a habit to look over our shoulder every time before turning to yield in the event that a biker is riding down the bike path. 

13. Red, Yellow, Green 

In the same vein, it was so funny to see traffic lights change from red to yellow to green, not only from green to yellow to red. In the States, it is common for the traffic light to turn yellow before turning red to demonstrate the need to slow down before the light turns red, “prepare to stop” if you will. While this is also the same here in Germany, most street lights (and even some pedestrian / bike signals) will additionally turn from red to yellow to green, to indicate that a driver should take their foot off the brake and “prepare to go” when the light turns green. Should you linger a bit too long, you must just get a “friendly” reminder from the car behind you.  

14. The Autobahn does have speed limits 

For many of our American visitors, it has come as quite a disappointment to learn that the “Autobahn” is not a free for all interstate with no rules or speed limits along the entire thing. While there are sections of the autobahn that do not have any speed limits, autobahn simply means highway or “automobile track” and therefore does have speed limits in many sections, especially when nearing exits, towns, traffic, construction or when wet. Many of the speed limit signs are posted or digitalized to allow the addition or change of a speed limit whenever necessary, so while you can expect to push the pedal in many areas, don’t expect to just drive all out on your entire trip. 

15. No passing on the right when driving the Autobahn

In addition to the varying speed limits on the Autobahn, it also varies from US interstates by the rule that you are not allowed to pass on the right and instead must move into the left lane in order to pass. This rule is actually quite appreciated, because although there are sections of the highway that are speed limitless, the “no passing on the right” rule prevents cars from swerving around one another recklessly. And if you do decide to press the pedal to the metal in the far left lane, be sure to watch your review mirror carefully as German and Italian power cars can catch up in a hurry and will ride your bumper until you change lanes to let them pass. 

16. Embrace the package goosechase 

To me, one of perhaps the most unusual differences between the US and Germany has been the expectation of receiving packages. Now, I will readily admit that I have not spent a wealth of time in apartments in the US, however here in Germany, receiving a package in the mail can become a bit of a goosechase. Normally, the mail will drop a letter in your box, however a package (from the postal service, Amazon or another delivery service) will sometimes be left inside on the stairs, with a neighbor, at your door or down the street in a delivery drop box. It’s always a bit of a mystery how and when to receive a package. 

17. When it comes to apartments (& other buildings), start counting levels with 0 

From hotels and business buildings to apartments, German building levels start with counting at 0 or the erdgeschoss “ground floor” instead of saying the first floor like in America. From there, the 1st floor or 1. OG “Erstes Obergeschoss” is the usual 2nd floor in the US. Our apartment in Germany is technically the 3rd floor, however to Americans, it would appear as the 4th. 

18. Remember last nameS 

When you decide to visit a friend’s apartment, it is always crucial to find out 3 pieces of information: their address (of the building), their floor level (as mentioned above) and their last name. Upon arriving at the building, you will find a telecom ring system with all the tenants last names listed. To enter the building, ring your friend’s last name so that they can buzz you in to unlock the main door. From there, you can travel to their floor level and ring their apartment. Many times Charlie or I have shown up at a friend’s apartment building only to begin searching for their contact in our phone to remember their last name to be sure we rang the right bell! 

19. An apartment “shell” looks different 

While you may never need this tidbit of an everyday difference if just visiting Germany for a week or two, it certainly is helpful to know if you are looking to move! When apartment searching in the States, you can typically expect an apartment shell to include a kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms with all pieces necessary. On the flip side, as I mentioned in my post, Top Tips For Finding An Apartment As An Expat In Germany, many German apartments do not come with kitchens or lights permanently installed and instead provide the option of buying the lights and kitchens off the previous tenant or installing your own. This certainly helps with individual customization of your space, however if you would like a kitchen installed in particular (as we did since lights are a bit easier to change), make sure to add that necessity that to your search requirements. 

20. “Luxury” windows are standard (and LOVED without AC) 

When I first moved to Germany, I was amazed by the high quality, “luxury” windows that are in almost every German hotel, home, apartment and office. Windows that not only swing open, but also fully lean with multiple interior layer options for noise resistance and external roll down shutters. And while these windows would normally cost a small fortune to install in the US and are very common over here, I have come to love them for yet another reason: they are the AC. Unlike the US, especially the South, where air conditioning is loved and used the majority of the year, most German homes and apartments do not include air conditioning . Therefore the necessity of windows and shutters to open, tilt lean, roll up/down and close to properly cool the house is an absolute must. In the long run, I would likely choose AC over amazing windows (especially in South Carolina!), however for now, and in the more temperate climate of Munich, they are a delight. 

21. Both an adapter & converter might be needed 

Whether traveling or moving abroad as an expat, be prepared to bring both an adapter AND even possibly a converter with you for your technology. While we prepared really well with a variety of plug adapters that adapt US plugs for EU outlets, we did not prepare so well with converters. Most US households run on 120 V power, while German households run on 220V. High end phones, laptops and other technology products frequently are rated to run on an electrical range from 110V to 240V and therefore will work in both locations and will only need a plug adapter. That being said, small appliances or cheaper appliances (especially those found at TJ Maxx etc.) are typically only rated for one electrical system or the other, and instead will burn out if used with the higher power. A power converter can convert the needed power to prevent this issue, but certainly is worth checking into or verifying with the labels of your small appliances. We unfortunately learned this lesson the hard way! 

22. 1 King = 2 Twins 

Lastly, though certainly not least, expect a difference in bedding! I would say that 95% or more of the German hotels we have stayed at typically determine a king bed as two twins attached together, while a queen is one complete mattress. Similarly, regardless of a king or queen bed, you can expect to be given two separate twin comforters (and no top sheet). For Americans in Germany, this certainly can come as a surprise and I have had conversations with several who mentioned that it was! Our favorite travel hack that Charlie and I have found though to simulate one larger duvet comforter (and not feel like we are in two separate twin beds) is to turn and layer the two twin comforters horizontally along the bed so that we at least can be under the same blankets, even if they aren’t one piece. 

Final Thoughts

Whether discovering travel blanket hacks, dining differences or autobahn rules, discovering the everyday differences between the US and Germany helps us dive deeper into an understanding of the uniqueness of each culture, while also allowing us to operate more smoothly in our day to day routines! After almost a year, many of these items I rarely even think about as differences now, however I particularly was surprised by the two comforters, package receiving and apartment level counting changes when I first moved. But which difference did you find most surprising? Let me know in the comment section below and be sure to save this post to remember for your future travels. Whether you use these details during your travels to Germany or just want to compare cultural tips, I hope they help give a greater understanding of things to be aware of, look out for and ways for operating in Germany!  

Happy traveling!

Chloe

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