How to Be a German: Adapt to Attitudes and Values

In this article, we’ll discuss 10 tips for adjusting to German culture. Whether you’re coming to Germany for the first time or have lived here for some time, these tips will help you get used to your new routine, find new friends, and ultimately feel more comfortable in your new environment. Even if you come from a country with a vastly different culture, these tips can help you make the most of your time in this beautiful European country.

1. Learn the Language

The first tip that can benefit anyone living or studying in Germany is to learn German. If you are preparing to move to Germany, you can take classes online or do some self-study before you arrive in the country. However, if you’re already here, learning the language is relatively easy, whether you immerse yourself and practice every day, get a language partner, or take classes at your local university.

While many Germans speak English, especially in bigger cities, it’s still important to learn the language to help you get used to your new life. The more German you understand, the more you’ll be able to appreciate certain aspects of the culture, daily routine, and German history and traditions.

Learning German will significantly enhance your experience while also demonstrating respect for German culture to everyone you encounter.

2. Strive to Be on Time

If there’s one thing Germans are known for, it’s punctuality. Being organised and arriving on time is necessary in Germany and essential to many German citizens. This applies to professional and academic commitments, including social gatherings. For those looking to better adapt to German culture and traditions, do your best to be on time for all appointments, meetings, and social gatherings.

Not only will this help you make friends and make a great first impression with people you meet, but it will also help you integrate into the German lifestyle. It shows that you value the other person’s time and that you are organised and respectful. In professional settings, being late can be seen as unprofessional and might affect your reputation.

3. Respect the Rules and Laws

The rules and laws in Germany are critical to understand if you’re looking to adapt to the German lifestyle. German citizens adhere to rules and regulations and respect the laws of their country, and they will also expect you to do so. If you’re studying or working in Germany, you’ll need to learn more about Germany’s unique laws and rules and how they pertain to you.

The Grundgesetz (German Basic Law) is a great place to start to help you become aware of German laws. With 19 different articles as part of their fundamental rights, you’ll learn what everyone living in Germany—regardless of citizenship—is entitled to. In addition, make sure you’re always following traffic rules, queueing up in lines, and respecting public spaces, including throwing away trash and recycling. Germans take recycling very seriously!

4. Don’t Be Afraid of Directness

While living in Germany, you might have noticed Germans are very direct when speaking to one another. It can be a little different for people who come from other countries where the expectation is to save face and avoid direct confrontation.

To truly ensure that you adapt to living here, be transparent and honest and avoid being elusive with those you interact with. If you’re indirect in your communication, it can be off-putting to some.

Being direct will ensure that you make great relationships with Germans and have smoother social interactions, no matter who you may be interacting with. This can be a bit of a culture shock for those who come from countries where indirect communication is a little bit more common, but with time, you’ll become acclimatised.

Even if you are not as direct as the Germans, a little bit of adaptation can help you adjust easily!

5. Embrace German Cuisine

One of the most important things you can do if you’re looking to acclimatise to German culture is to embrace German cuisine. German cuisine is among one of the most unique in the world, from sauerkraut to sausages to Schnitzel.

There is an abundance of delicious meals to try, and you’ll be missing out if you don’t integrate yourself into the German way of life.

Whether you’re here for a semester or living here long term, learning to cook some of the meals yourself or finding restaurants that serve delicious German delicacies can help you become more comfortable living here.

You can even take some cooking classes if you wanted to learn from the locals. In doing so, you’ll grow a stronger appreciation for German culture, which will make you more grateful for your new lifestyle.

6. Participate in German Cultural Events

German cultural events are a must for those truly looking to immerse themselves in German culture to become as adapted as possible!

From Oktoberfest to other local regional festivals, there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to get involved in German culture.

Be sure to set aside time to participate in many of these German traditions because you’ll learn a great deal about German history and traditions and grow more accustomed to the German lifestyle.

Aside from cultural festivals, you can also visit museums and art galleries to truly surround yourself with German culture and all that it offers. The more you learn, the more comfortable you’ll become living here in Germany.

7. Respect People’s Privacy

Germans are also relatively reserved and private regarding their personal lives. This may be what causes many people to feel culture shock, as Germans tend to be more reserved around those they don’t know.

To adapt, consider people’s personal space, avoid asking intrusive questions, and be kind and courteous to others.

Over time, as you become more connected to students or colleagues, you’ll foster closer relationships with others, and some of this reserved nature will dissipate. Yet, it’s still important to respect people’s privacy, as they will always respect yours while you’re living in Germany.

8. Always Come with Gifts

As you begin to make more friends in Germany, one of the most important cultural traditions to adapt to is always coming with gifts to someone’s house.

This may be custom in your own culture, too. In German culture, coming with gifts, whether it be flowers, wine, chocolates, or local food from your own country, makes an excellent first impression and is usually expected.

It’s essential to ensure that you don’t come with the wrong gifts, as items like perfumes, clothing, or other more personal presents can be considered too personal. Understanding this custom can help you adapt to Germany while you live here, and it can help you create incredible friendships with locals as you familiarise yourself with the German lifestyle.

9. Take Sundays Off

One of the great benefits of taking time to adapt to the German lifestyle is having Sundays off. Since the 1950s, shopping and most residential tasks have been nearly impossible on Sundays due to shops being closed for a required day off throughout the country.

So, if you want to live like the Germans do, take Sunday off, and enjoy some outdoor recreation, such as museums, swimming pools, or other tourist attractions.

It’s also a great time to visit family or friends because everybody will have time off and likely be at home resting and recovering before the start of the work week.

This could be a massive adjustment for those who are not used to German culture and traditions, but ultimately, adapting to this practice will provide you with more time to relax and enjoy Germany, especially if you’re only here for a short-time and have plenty of cities that you want to explore.

10. Practice Self-Care

For those who arrive in Germany and experience a significant amount of culture shock, one of the best things you can do as you adapt to German culture and traditions is to take time to prioritise self-care.

It’s always best to try and prepare ahead of time for a big move abroad, especially if you must learn the German language and more about the German lifestyle. However, for those who are already here and experiencing culture shock, don’t be afraid to take time off for yourself.

The more time you take to take care of yourself, the better you’ll feel and, ultimately, the more adapted you’ll become over time. As much as we may want it to take as little time as possible, adjusting to a new lifestyle can be pretty difficult. So, take the time to get outdoors, practice self- care with an evening at home, or even visit friends.

摘要

Adjusting to German culture can be difficult, especially if you come from a country where the culture differs significantly. However, with these 10 tips, you can take time to truly adapt and become more appreciative of your new life in Germany. From embracing German cuisine to learning the language to adjusting to specific rules and regulations and the value of punctuality, you can take steps to become integrated into German culture while enjoying all the benefits and delectable treats that come with living a German lifestyle.