What Living in Germany Taught Me (That Every Traveler Should Know Before Going)
Let me save you a little culture shock, some awkward stares, and maybe a few Euros by sharing some crucial things to know before going to Germany.
I lived in Germany for 7 years. Went back often for military TDYs. And now that I’m older, wiser, and finally off active duty, I travel there with my wife for fun. That mix of experiences means I’ve seen Germany from the inside and outside — and I’ve made just about every rookie mistake you can think of.
This isn’t one of those “Top 10 Tourist Must-Sees” lists. It’s the stuff people don’t always tell you. The everyday habits, cultural quirks, and head-scratchers that might throw you off if you’re not prepared.
So let’s dig in.
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1. Courtesies and Culture Shocks
Germans don’t mess around with time. If your dinner reservation is at 6, don’t roll in at 6:03. Being “fashionably late” is for weddings and Bravo shows — not dinner in Bavaria.
Formal greetings matter. Say “Guten Tag” or “Hallo,” and use titles like Herr and Frau. If someone’s a doctor (of anything), you better believe that gets mentioned.
And about small talk: don’t expect it. Germans aren’t rude — they’re efficient. A friendly “hi” from a stranger can make people wonder if you’re trying to sell them a pyramid scheme.
2. Food & Dining Lessons
Cash is king. Many small restaurants and even hotels still prefer Euros over plastic. Always ask “Karte oder Bar?” (Card or cash?) before you start your meal.
Splitting the bill? Completely normal. You just tell the server what you ordered and they’ll total it up individually. No group math, no awkward Venmo requests, no problem.
Now, let’s talk food.
There’s a lot more than schnitzel — though I’ll never turn that down. Some of my go-tos:
- Döner Kebab (a Turkish-German classic)
- Currywurst (don’t ask, just eat)
- White asparagus (when it’s in season, they treat it like gold)
And my wife? She’s still in a cold war over ice. Germans drink Cola Light (that’s Diet Coke to you and me) with zero ice. This is a wound she carries deep in her Midwestern soul. Every time she orders one, she holds out hope… and every time, she’s crushed.
3. Language Tips That Helped
You don’t need to be fluent, but learn a few basics.
- “Sprechen Sie Englisch?” (Do you speak English?)
- “Danke” (Thanks)
- “Ein Bier, bitte” (You’ll use this one a lot.)
In most cities, people will switch to English if they can. In smaller towns, a few kind words in German go a long way.
Also, don’t be surprised if someone corrects your grammar mid-sentence. It’s not mean. They just want to help — and Germans really, really like correct grammar.
Need a little help brushing up?
👉 Try Babbel (I might get a perk, you might get a free trial)
4. Travel Know-How: Don’t Overthink It
Germany has one of the best public transport systems in Europe.
Trains, trams, buses — all reliable, clean, and usually on time.
I always use the DB Navigator app to book and track train trips. It’s a lifesaver.
If you’re using a paper ticket, validate it before getting on the train. Look for the little box near the platform. Otherwise, you could be fined.
Driving is fun on the Autobahn (if you like speed), but city-to-city? Go with trains.
Also, build in some buffer time. Don’t schedule every hour. Some of the best stuff happens when you’re just wandering around a square, eating a bratwurst, and pretending not to look at the cuckoo clocks.
When I want to add a little structure to a trip without overplanning it, I book day trips and cultural tours through Viator. They’ve got options in every major city — walking tours, castle visits, river cruises, you name it.
Grandpa Bo’s Favorite Germany Tours (via Viator)
Planning your first trip or your fifth? These are the types of tours I trust when I want a little help seeing the best of Germany:
✅ Walking tours in Berlin and Munich
✅ Castles and day trips
✅ Spa and wellness experiences in Baden-Baden
✅ Christmas market excursions in December
👉 Browse Germany tours on Viator
5. Customs I Still Love (or Barely Survived)
Sunday quiet hours are sacred. No mowing lawns, no blaring music, no hammering that Ikea shelf into place.
I once knew a general who ignored this and decided to fly his F-16 anyway. The town was not amused. We all heard about it. For weeks.
And then there’s the spa experience in Baden-Baden. I walked in expecting towels and soothing music. I walked out… a different man. Why? Because everyone — and I mean everyone — was nude.
I had to completely de-robe. Scarred for life. Meanwhile, locals were sipping water and chatting like it was a PTA meeting.
But hey, when in Rome. Or in this case, the Black Forest.
👉 Book a Baden-Baden or Black Forest Day Trip
Also, prepare yourself for Christmas market fever. I’ve never seen a country transform for a holiday the way Germany does in December. It’s magical, a little cheesy, and absolutely worth the trip.
👉 Browse Viator’s best Christmas market tours
6. Stuff I Bring Every Time
Here’s my go-to list for each Germany trip:
- 👉 Top selling travel backpacks
- 👉 Compression socks for long-haul flights
- 👉 Plug adaptors that actually work
- 👉 Hotels and stays booked with Hotels.com
- 👉 Unique stays booked with VRBO
- 👉 Popular day trips through Viator
Final Thoughts
Germany changed me — in all the best ways.
It taught me to slow down, appreciate precision, and respect a well-timed train. It also taught me to triple-check whether a spa is clothing-optional before I walk in.
If you’re heading there for the first time (or the fifth), I hope this helps you feel a little more confident, a little more prepared, and a little less likely to offend someone by mowing your lawn on a Sunday.
Got a question or planning your own trip? Drop it in the comments — I’ve probably done it, botched it, and laughed about it by now.
