10 Shocking Cultural Differences for Americans in Germany

Moving to a new country always comes with its fair share of culture shocks, and Germany proved to be no exception for American journalist Rachel Stern. In her decade-long journey as one of the 120,000 Americans living in Germany, she encountered numerous unexpected surprises. Let’s delve into the 10 Shocking Cultural Differences for Americans in Germany

1. No Tap Water Culture:

• • In the US, tap water is a staple in restaurants, freely and generously served.
  • Germany, however, embraces a different approach. Asking for Leitungswasser might not get you the expected result, as it’s customary for customers to pay for drinks, even water.

2. The Concept of “Feierabend”:

• • After her first day at a German office, Stern encountered the phrase “Schönen Feierabend,” initially thinking it referred to a national celebration.
  • It turned out to be a cherished term for the end of the workday, focusing on personal time without the burden of work emails.

3. No Air Conditioning:

• • A surprising absence of air conditioning in German offices challenged Stern during the summer.
  • Contrasting with the US, she contemplated the sensibility and environmental friendliness of the German approach.

4. Generous Paid Sick Leave:

• • Germany’s six weeks of fully paid sick leave, in stark contrast to the limited five days in the US, astonished Stern.
  • The cultural acceptance of taking sick days for minor illnesses was a refreshing departure from the American work ethos.

5. Smoking Culture:

• • Stern, accustomed to California’s anti-smoking culture, was taken aback by the prevalence of smoking in Germany.
  • The sight of people openly smoking on the streets, coupled with to-go beers, provided a cultural shock reminiscent of a bygone era.

6. Unpredictable Opening Hours:

• • The convenience culture of 24/7 accessibility in the US clashed with Germany’s businesses, which often closed unexpectedly.
  • Factors like weather and employee availability played a role in determining when shops would open or close.

7. Dining Etiquette:

• • Stern’s experience in a German pizzeria highlighted the distinct dining habits, such as using utensils for even finger foods.
  • The contrast between American casual dining and the meticulous approach of Germans left a lasting impression.

8. Manual Cars as the Norm:

• • Germany’s love for manual cars surprised Stern, leading to a lengthy wait for an automatic rental.
  • While automatic cars are on the rise, Germany’s preference for manual transmission stands in stark contrast to the US.

9. Pharmacy-Only Drug Purchases:

• • Stern observed a unique aspect of drug purchases, where over-the-counter or prescription drugs could only be obtained at pharmacies with specific opening hours.
  • This differed significantly from the US, where drugstores offer a wide range of pharmaceuticals.

10. Abundant Parental Leave:

• • Stern, reflecting on her experience as a parent in Germany, appreciated the generous parental leave policies, including a year of paid leave.
  • The contrast with the limited parental leave options in the US, coupled with additional benefits like Kindergeld and free daycare, left her pleasantly surprised.

Rachel Stern’s journey in Germany has been marked by these cultural nuances that challenged her American expectations. These insights into German life offer a fascinating glimpse into the differences that make expat life both surprising and enriching.

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