This post is all about the biggest culture shocks any American will experience in Germany.
You’re about to head off on an adventure to Germany, and you’re probably wondering what big differences you’ll notice between life there and in the U.S. Don’t worry—you’ve come to the right place! I’m here to share 20 key cultural differences you’ll likely experience during your time in Germany.
When I first traveled to Germany, I was both nervous and excited, wondering what surprises were waiting for me. One of the first things that really stood out was how seriously Germans take punctuality. Trains and buses actually run on time, and people stick to their schedules—it was such a change from what I was used to, coming from a place where running late is pretty normal!
These cultural differences made my trip to Germany unforgettable. They opened my eyes to a new way of living and helped me adjust to the local culture. So, as you prepare for your own journey, be ready for some interesting experiences and embrace all the unique aspects of German life!
20 Culture Shocks Any American Will Experience in Germany
1. No AC
This was BY FAR the biggest culture shock I experienced.
After researching I found out only 1/8 homes have AC – based on my experience that is completely true. We had to open up the windows in the AirBnb and just let the air come in. This was okay during the day but at night, the blankets might as well not be there.
2. No ice
If you want ice in your drinks, you need to ask and even then, only expect a few cubes.
Ice is not common in Germany but due to the amount of tourists visiting Berlin every year, they will give you a few.
3. Most restaurants don’t have a hostess so just sit down
4. Paper towel dispenser
Germany doesn’t have your typical paper towel dispensers. Instead of pulling paper away and wiping your hands with them, you pull it out and then wipe your hands all while it gets sucked back up and dries to get reused again.
5. You can walk anywhere and feel safe
I was truly shocked at how safe I felt going out at night. (Still, always be aware of your surroundings wherever u go!!)
6. Ashtrays at every table
You can find cigarettes at every corner of Berlin and because smoking is so common, you will find ashtrays at almost every single table there.
7. People smoking everywhere
8. Beers everywhere
9. People are very casual
10. You will see German language but normally with English right below it
11. People eating alone at restaurants
12. No tap water… don’t know why?? They will just bring you a bottle
Tap water is not a thing here. I’m not certain of the exact reason why but if you ask for water at a table they will bring you either distilled water or sparkling water (yes you will get charged per bottle).
13. Different phone numbers (ie. different area code)
This one felt naive to forget but every country has a different area code so make sure if you try to call someone you include the area code or it won’t go through.
Plus, when we made friends in Germany, they were not able to text/call us.
14. Toilets are different.
I was thinking about taking a picture of the toilets in Germany but it felt weird. So instead just be aware that the toilets are different.
15. Commas instead of decimal places for money. (Ie 24,00 instead of 24.00)
On every receipt and price tag, you will find the price listed with a common instead of a decimal place to show the less than 1 value.
16. $1 and $2 are in coins instead of bills.
In Germany, do not be quick to get rid of your change because those can be worth €1 or even €2.
17. Elevators have the ground floor as “E” and then 2-3-4. Instead in America, it’s G than 1-2-3
18. napkins are rare
This one still confuses me. You can find about 4 napkins on the table if you dine in but that’s it unless you ask for more. If you get take-out food; don’t expect any napkins.
19. Price Tag Includes Tax
An amazing part of Germany is their prices already have the tax included so no more having to guess how much cash you need.
Side note: Almost all German stores take credit/debit cards.
20. Different Units Of Measurement
The US is the only country in the world to still use the metric system so make sure you write down the conversions and know them off the top of your head.