Tradition in Germany goes way back in centuries, and there are some customs even Germans have no clue what they’re about; nonetheless it doesn’t indicate that they mean less to them. Groundless comments on Germans being formal and difficult to make friends with, having no sense of humor and no compassion whatsoever for the “others” is vague and profoundly untrue.
People in Germany are very fond of their routine, they love to go to work and WORK by all means but if you disturb their peace and quiet while they are at rest, you have done some serious damage. Also, RUHEZEIT!
Yes its true Germans are straight forward; they seem to lack a censorship mechanism on their tongues so they just spill their guts out. Furthermore, honesty is considered a virtue not a sin so who is I to blame them.
Otherwise, being among friends in this country is cherished and nurtured with love and respect, Germans are considered family people, and a true friendship is nothing less than a family.
In big cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt or Cologne going out is considered a ritual exclusively on the hot summer days when Mediterranean temperatures are over 30C so cold beer, hot babes and superb music is the remedy and THE one way ticket to drunkenville; however, in the cold winter days Germans prefer to meet at dinner parties between friends and colleagues inside their flats or out in the suburb garden sites, where there’s no less alcohol but a whole lot of chit chat and mingling leading to interesting relationships.
One other thing, the weather dictates your looks and your layers…AND THE SHOES. Fashion is so very fashionable in this city and the rule is there are NO rules therefore rule your own colors and layers, careless yet authentic.
Fashion is a rather wide horizont so lets explore it another time, shall we?
If ever invited to a dinner party, remember to bring flowers, shake hands; they are not keen on hugging particularly not the first time you meet them, PLUS remember to make efforts on learning a few German words.
It’s very common to be leading a conversation where you tend to speak a broken German while they respond in English yet still encourage you to continue with German. It’s kind of a win-win situation, you get to engage in the crowd and also improve your German while you earn their respect.
Don’t expect to be stared at no matter how extravagant your looks are, this can only happen in the far rural tiny villages. They don’t get to see many tourists so curiosity might overcome their manners. In Berlin, the city of geeks and freaks u’d be just another brick in the wall.
Greet and be greeted, strangers in the streets the elevator or at the supermarket tend to bow their head or say guten tag as they pass you by so it’s very rude if you choose to ignore and walk away. A good day’ killed no one thus smile and salute, its humanly.
Applauding your colleague after a brilliant presentation at work or the university is a no go; they might be offended since clapping hands is reserved for theatre while success is greeted by knocking on the desk using your knuckles.
Last but not the least, say cheers and look your friends in the eye while clinking glasses otherwise myth says you’ll be doomed with seven years of bad sex.
A little diversion, though…
Sports play a vital role in people’s lives in Germany which ironically defies their eating habits. Around here people tend to feed high on carbs and protein, drink a whole lot of alcohol quite carelessly might one say however daily exercises and jogging, or outdoor sports in general always find the place on their agenda. Staying fit is fun, they say…