2. When the clocks hit the minute
Germans are renowned for their punctuality. On time in German means being 15 minutes early, and being late can be considered disrespectful. In both academic and professional contexts, punctuality is anticipated when attending classes, meetings, or social events. Therefore, it is advisable to plan accordingly and aim to arrive a few minutes in advance.
3. Paperwork can be arduous
Germany’s bureaucracy can be daunting for international students, with a lot of paperwork involved. You can expect a lot of official letters in your mailboxFrom residence registration to health insurance and university paperwork, it requires patience and attention to detail.
Thus, it's time to summon all the form-filling skills you endured during your schooling into practice. Also, you can seek guidance from university advisors or peers who’ve navigated the system before you.
4. Spotless Roads and Streets
Littering is an offensive crime in Germany. Citizens take immense pride in keeping their surroundings clean and are often seen diligently sweeping sidewalks or picking up stray pieces of litter. If you happen to see a plastic bottle left on the road in Germany, most likely it is to support the homeless, as they can collect money or vouchers by returning recyclables to vending machines. It's a unique way of combining recycling with social support.
5. Germany is closed on Sundays
It might come as a shock to many, especially for students hailing from bustling cities where everything is accessible 24/7. Nevertheless, everything is closed on Sundays in Germany. Sundays are considered a public holiday in Germany, meaning all stores and markets are closed. As a result, students and professionals typically stock up on essentials the day before.
6. No Customer Service
Germans value self-reliance, so Germany has minimal focus on customer service. Whether it’s bagging your own grocery items in the shopping mart or moving your own furniture you’re expected to manage it yourself. So you better learn to Pivot !
7. Keep the change
In this era of tap and swipe, Germany remains largely a cash-driven society. Starting with some major shops, Many small stores, cafés, and even some restaurants prefer cash-only payments. As a student, it’s a good idea to always keep cash and a handful of change with you, which can come in handy, preferably if you are using public transport.
8. Furnished Houses
Germany does offer fully furnished apartments, and many international students utilize this option, particularly for short-term stays or when seeking immediate accommodation. When previous tenants move out, they often leave behind items like kitchen cabinets and electrical appliances, which is usually a welcome surprise for students, as it saves them the hassle of searching for essential appliances.
9. No small talk
Germans are pretty straightforward, which may come across as blunt. They are not rude, just direct. They value clear communication and prefer to get to the point without unnecessary small talk. This directness can sometimes be a surprise for those from cultures where more indirect or polite speech is common. It's important to understand that their approach is simply a matter of efficiency, not disrespect.
10. The Quietest hours
Germany enforces strict noise regulations, especially during quiet hours (Ruhezeiten) from 10 PM to 6 AM on weekdays and all day on Sundays. During these periods, noise must be kept to a minimum, which includes avoiding loud music, vacuuming, or using cranky washing machines. This may come as a surprise to students from cultures with more relaxed noise rules. It's important to respect these quiet hours, as violating them can result in complaints or fines.
To get the gist of it, when you are packing up for overseas education in Germany, it is essential to possess the lore about living conditions. So do your research, plan ahead, and prepare to be amazed by the innovative environment. Though the process seems to be overwhelming, ‘In Germany’ our comprehensive Guide can assist you to ease the process - check out to bring you german dream a reality . viel Gluck !