Table of Contents
Some common stereotypes about Germans include their love for beer, their reputation for being hardworking and punctual, and their affinity for cars (Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Porsche are manufactured here so that鈥檚 kind of a given). 馃槉
But there鈥檚 so much more to explore about German culture and way of life, and we鈥檙e here to take you on a tour. Before we do so, here are some quick facts about Germany:
Germany: Quick Facts
- Germany has a population of approximately 84.7 million people.
- Germany is a federal parliamentary republic and comprises 16 federal states. Consequently, cultural characteristics are shaped by its different regions and cities.
- The native language and the most spoken language is German.
- Germany鈥檚 capital is Berlin. Other major cities include Hamburg, Munich, and Cologne.
German Language
Language is often the first thing people think of when considering a country鈥檚 culture. As you may have guessed it, German is the primary language spoken in Germany, spoken by 95% of the population.
German is known for its long words (the longest is 79 letters) that are a result of joining nouns together. The alphabet consists of 26 Latin letters, plus its three characteristic umlauts (盲, 枚, and 眉) and the eszett (脽).
There are countless regional German dialects like Bavarian and Saxon, but the German state officially recognizes these four minority languages:
- Upper and Lower Sorbian
- Romani
- Danish
- North and Saterland Frisian
Apart from minority languages, you鈥檒l hear plenty of other languages spoken by the various communities with a migrant background.
Religion
According to a , the predominant religion in Germany is Christianity (), of which around 20% identify with the Catholic church and 24% with the Protestant or Evangelical church. At 4%, Islam is the second-largest religion in Germany. The remaining 5% belong to smaller religious groups in the country.
As in many countries of the world, religious affiliation in Germany is in decline. A significant portion of the population鈥35%鈥攊dentify as having no religion or describe themselves as agnostic.
However, Christianity is deeply rooted in German culture and continues to shape it to this day. You鈥檒l notice religious influence the most during holidays like Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, etc.
Cuisine & Food
Traditional German cuisine is all about hearty and comforting meals. Specialties vary regionally, but succulent meats such as pork and veal are often the star.
Some typical German meat dishes include Bratwurst (a type of sausage), Schweinshaxe, (pork knuckle), Schnitzel, and Frikadellen (German meatballs). They鈥檙e often paired with sides such as a potato salad, fermented cabbage, or Spaetzle (soft egg noodles).
And let鈥檚 not forget the country鈥檚 love affair with bread and pretzels鈥攖hey鈥檙e one of the . There are nearly 10,000 master bakeries across the country. Simply follow the delicious scent of freshly baked rye bread (Roggenbrot), whole wheat rye bread (Vollkornbrot), rolls (Br枚tchen), or small pastries (Kleingeb盲ck) to find them.
You鈥檒l find a lot of delicious desserts in Germany as well. Sweet delights such as the Schwarzw盲lder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cake), Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), Lebkuchen (gingerbread-like cookies), and Stollen (Christmas fruit-bread) are a must-try!
German Drinking Culture
Beer is the undisputed king of beverages in Germany. There are, after all, entire festivals dedicated to it. To put it in perspective, visitors consumed a staggering 7 million liters in just 16 days of the Oktoberfest beer festival in 2024.
The country also has a long tradition of wine production, particularly in regions like the Mosel Valley, best known for its Rieslings. If you鈥檙e into spirits, you鈥檝e likely heard of J盲germeister, the famous German herbal liqueur.
If you don鈥檛 drink alcohol, fret not. Most establishments offer non-alcoholic drinks, including the refreshing Apfelschorle, a mix of apple juice and sparkling water. There is also a considerable coffee culture around the country, especially in large cities where you can find both quaint caf茅s and international chains.
Fashion and Clothing
Each region in Germany has its unique traditional costumes, such as Bavaria鈥檚 Lederhosen for men (leather trousers ending just above the knee) and the Dirndl dress for women (featuring a bodice, blouse, full skirt, and an apron). These are typically worn during carnivals and festivals.
In their day-to-day, Germans usually opt for casual and comfortable outfits. These can include the jeans and T-shirt combo or a casual dress paired with sneakers or other comfortable footwear.
During winter, most layer with a sweater or hoodie and a thicker jacket. The casual dress code often extends to office wear, with most office dress codes being business casual in non-costumer-facing jobs.
For formal events like weddings, funerals, or business meetings, Germans wear formal attire鈥攕uits for men and dresses, pantsuits, or skirt suits for women.
Holidays and Traditions
There are nine public holidays in Germany, as well as other regional holidays. The majority of them are Christian celebrations observed by those who are religious (and enjoyed as a day off from the rest); others mark significant historical or cultural events.
Some important ones include:
New Year鈥檚 Day (Neujahrstag)
As in many countries, January 1st marks the new calendar year. Germans celebrate this day with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings. They wish each other 鈥淔rohes Neues (Jahr)!鈥 (Happy New Year!).
Good Friday (Karfreitag), Easter Sunday (Ostersonntag), and Easter Monday (Ostermontag)
The Friday before Easter marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. During Easter Sunday, families gather for a meal, children hunt for Easter eggs and collect sweets, and in some regions, they light big bonfires (Osterfeuer). Easter Monday is mostly spent relaxing.
Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt)
Forty days after Easter Sunday, Ascension Day marks Jesus鈥 ascension into heaven. This holiday is observed by Catholics in Germany through church services and family gatherings. Father鈥檚 Day (Vatertag) also falls on the same day, so many German fathers celebrate it by getting together for walks in nature while carrying handcarts (Bollerwagen)full of beer.
Day of German Unity (Tag der Deutschen Einheit)
On October 3rd each year, Germans celebrate the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990. This historical day is marked by patriotic events around the country, including a three-day festival in Berlin around Platz der Republik and the Brandenburg Gate.
Christmas Day (Weihnachtstag) & Boxing Day (Zweiter Weihnachtstag)
Christmas Day falls on December 25th each year and is one of the most popular festivities in Germany, even among the non-religious. Germans usually spend the day with loved ones, exchanging gifts and eating delicious meals.
The day after is called Boxing Day or the second Christmas Day. It is mostly a day of relaxation, recreation, and quality time with loved ones.
Sports and Leisure
Sports and outdoor activities are important components of the German lifestyle. A estimates that there are around 90,000 sports clubs and 27.4 million club memberships in Germany. A significant portion of the population鈥攁bout 33.2%鈥攁ctively participates in such clubs.
Among sports, football (soccer) reigns supreme as the nation鈥檚 favorite, especially on a professional level. The German Bundesliga鈥攖he professional association football league鈥攄raws massive crowds and enthusiasm. However, basketball, handball, volleyball, tennis, ice hockey, and athletics are also quite popular.
Walking and hiking are other favorite pastimes, to the point that . Plenty of people also enjoy cycling and skiing, thanks to the country鈥檚 beautiful landscapes and well-developed infrastructure.
Festivals and Celebrations
Whether it鈥檚 a traditional folk festival or a modern event, people in Germany love to come together to celebrate with music, good food, and dancing. Festivals frequently include live music performances, traditional cuisine, colorful parades, and busy street markets.
Here are some of the most popular festivals & celebrations in Germany:聽
Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) 鈥 Berlin
Another annual event, Berlinale is a major film festival that showcases around 200 films of different genres and formats. It gathers film professionals and enthusiasts from all over the world.
Cannstatter Volksfest (Stuttgart Beer Festival) 鈥 Stuttgart
This three-week folk festival in Stuttgart is one of Germany鈥檚 largest, taking place around late September until mid-October. There are a lot of beer tents, a spectacular parade on the first Sunday of the festival, trader鈥檚 market stalls, live music, and more.
Carnivals (Karneval/Fasching) 鈥 Nationwide
Carnivals are a long-held tradition in Germany dating back to the Middle Ages. The festivities were later adopted into the church calendar to celebrate six weeks before Easter, before the period of fasting (Lent).
You鈥檒l find these festivities across each region of Germany, each with its unique costumes, colorful parades, and traditions. The Rosenmontag parade in Cologne is one of the largest and most popular carnival celebrations.
Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsm盲rkte) 鈥 Nationwide
Very few countries do Christmas markets like Germany. Each year, from the end of November to the last days before Christmas, colorful stalls are placed in town squares to offer festive ambiance, delicious Gl眉hwein (mulled wine), roasted almonds, Bratwurst, and more. Many of them also sell handicrafts that make for lovely gifts. Some of the most-visited markets are those in Nuremberg, Dresden, and Munich.
Oktoberfest 鈥 Munich
Indisputably the most popular event in Germany, the Oktoberfest in Munich is the largest beer festival in the world. Millions of visitors each year visit the festival for the local beer, Bavarian cuisine, and carnival rides.
Reeperbahn Festival 鈥 Hamburg
One of Europe鈥檚 largest club festivals, the Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg is the place to be for music acts, conferences, and art exhibitions combined into one.
German Literature
German-speaking authors have gifted us classics such as Goethe鈥檚 鈥淔aust鈥, Kafka鈥檚 鈥淭he Metamorphosis鈥, Mann鈥檚 鈥淭he Magic Mountain鈥, and Hesse鈥檚 鈥淪iddhartha鈥, to name a few.
Plus, did you know the first-ever magazine was printed in German? The 鈥淓rbauliche Monaths-Unterredungen鈥 was issued monthly from 1663 to 1668.
Reading is still a cherished pastime for many Germans, albeit not as popular as before. In 2022 alone, 64,000 new book titles were published in Germany. The country is home to the world鈥檚 largest book fair, the Frankfurt Book Fair, which attracts publishers and literary enthusiasts from all over the world.
Music
Traditional German music and dance vary from region to region, but two prominent genres include Volksmusik (literally: music of the people) and Oompah. You鈥檒l be able to enjoy this type of music at most folk festivals (including Oktoberfest) and fairs.
Volksmusik is common in the Bavarian Alps. Songs often have lyrics pronounced in thick regional dialects and are accompanied by instruments such as guitars, mandolins, accordions, and flutes.
Oompah music, on the other hand, is characterized by a steady beat (Oompah being the word describing the sound) of a deep brass instrument such as clarinet, trombone, trumpet, or tuba, together with other instruments such as accordions, drums, and clarinets.
Schlager is another 鈥渢ypisch Deutsch鈥 music style often considered folk music due to its popularity. However, its simple and catchy melodies and lyrics are more representative of pop music. They鈥檙e a festival favorite as everyone gets wasted and belts out the lyrics, despite many Germans finding it cheesy.
Traditional music certainly holds a special place in German culture, but classical music from the country鈥檚 legendary composers truly changed musical history. Germany was home to composers like Beethoven, Bach, Schumann, and Strauss, to name a few. You can listen to performances of their work on the many concert stages and opera houses across the country, such as the Berlin Philharmonic or the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg.
Art
German art has developed alongside the history of the nation. Each piece left traces of the past, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, Romanticism, and Modern Art Neo-Expressionism.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, the German Renaissance produced some of the most influential artwork and artists. Albrecht D眉rer is considered the greatest German Renaissance artist. He was known for exploring and perfecting various forms of art, including oil painting, printmaking, engraving, and writing.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, German Romanticism reflected an attempt at escaping an increasingly industrialized world. Paintings often portrayed natural landscapes and incorporated mystical elements. It鈥檚 impossible to talk about this period without thinking of masterpieces such as Caspar David Friedrich鈥檚 鈥淲anderer above the Sea of Fog鈥.
Germany is also home to influential art movements like the Bauhaus, Expressionism, and Dadaism. These revolutionized design, challenged artistic norms, and left a lasting impact on the global art scene.
Here are some of the most famous works by German artists:聽
- 鈥淐hrist Among the Doctors鈥 鈥 Albrecht D眉rer (1506)
- 鈥淩hinocerus鈥 鈥 Albrecht D眉rer (1515)
- 鈥淭he Ambassadors鈥 鈥 Hans Holbein the Younger (1533)
- 鈥淲anderer above the Sea of Fog鈥 鈥 Caspar David Friedrich (1818)
- 鈥淭he Monk by the Sea鈥 鈥 Caspar David Friedrich (1818)
- 鈥淪treet, Berlin鈥 鈥 Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1913)
- 鈥淭he Elephant Celebes鈥 鈥 Max Ernst (1921)
- 鈥淭he War鈥 鈥 Otto Dix (1929-1932)
- 鈥1024 Colours鈥 鈥 Gerhard Richter (1973)
Architecture
From ancient Roman structures to modernist architecture, Germany is a dream destination for architecture enthusiasts. There are 52 UNESCO-protected sites in Germany, many of which are architectural structures.
You鈥檒l find several of these sites in Trier, Germany鈥檚 oldest city, founded around 16 BC during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus. The Porta Nigra (city gate), R枚merbr眉cke (Roman Bridge), and Trier Imperial Baths are just a few of the Roman traces left in the city.
The later Romanesque style is seen in the sturdy structures of the many religious buildings of this period. The Speyer Cathedral is a perfect example and the largest remaining church of this architectural style.
Speaking of large cathedrals, the Cologne Cathedral is among the largest in Europe. The construction of this 157-meter (515 ft) tall Gothic architectural structure dates back to 1248, but it took until 1880 for Germans to see its completion. Its twin towers and spires are typical of this style.
Gothic architecture is one of the most prevalent styles in many regions across the country. Brick Gothic is especially popular in northern Germany, as seen in L眉beck鈥檚 Marienkirche (St. Mary鈥檚 Church) and the Holsten Gate. Timber-framed houses are another characteristic of this late-medieval style. There are over 1,300 such houses in Quedlinburg, one of many German towns that adopted this style.
The Renaissance inspired majestic castles and palaces like Heidelberg Castle and the Munich Residenz. The Baroque style also left behind remarkable buildings characterized by beautiful frescoes. The W眉rzburg Residence and Dresden Zwinger鈥檚 complex are a must-see to explore this style.
Other Neo-classical, Modern, and Post-modern architectural structures harmoniously coexist with the ancient.
Some buildings and structures that are a must-see in Germany include:
- Reichstag Building (Berlin) 鈥 The building of the prior legislative government turned seat of the Bundestag is a mix of Renaissance, Neo-Renaissance, and Baroque.
- Elbphilharmonie (Hamburg) 鈥 Must see for its flowing roof & vineyard-style halls (Postmodern architecture).
- The city of Rottenburg ob der Tauber 鈥 For postcard-worthy medieval architecture and half-timbered houses.
- Cologne Cathedral 鈥 This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a perfect example of Gothic architecture.
- Aachen Cathedral 鈥 This Roman catholic cathedral dating back to the year 805 is a mix of Carolingian, Romanesque, and Gothic styles.
- Unit茅 d鈥橦abitation of Berlin 鈥 Brutalist apartment building (1958) by the famous Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier.
- Berlin鈥檚 Museum Island 鈥 This amazing complex connecting five museum buildings is a treat for city planners (and all art enthusiasts).
- W眉rzburg Residence 鈥 This German Baroque-style palace is a feast for your eyes.
- Brandenburg Gate (Berlin) 鈥 This Neoclassical monument was inside the border of the former Soviet sector during the Cold War. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, what was a former symbol of division now represented freedom and unity.
What Are Germans Like?
Germany is home to more than 84.7 million people with different traits and personalities, as well as varying characteristics tied to each region. However, there are some traits that many Germans share:
Law-Abiding and By-the-Rules Citizens
Germans are sticklers for laws, rules, and order. In fact, Germany ranked 5th in the world in the .
People coming from countries that are more 鈥渓aid-back鈥 may sometimes feel like Germans are making a fuss over small rule breaks that don鈥檛 hurt anybody. However, this is a value that has been instilled since early on and is very much considered a pillar of German society.
If you鈥檙e being inconsiderate, say if you鈥檙e talking out loud on public transport or walking on the bike lane, don鈥檛 be surprised if someone calls you out on it!
Rules are rules鈥攖his German kid telling his father to stop at a red light is the perfect example.
Personal Wellbeing & Family-Centered Values
Individualism is prevalent in Germany in the sense that people spend a lot of time tending to their hobbies and interests in their free time, but for most Germans, quality time also includes time spent with family.
A good work-life balance and a minimum of 20 vacation days a year (excluding national holidays) ensure this. In addition, there is a combined 36 months of parental leave for working mothers and fathers, child benefit (Kindergeld) 250 euros a month per child, income tax relief, and other forms of support for people with children.
Tendency to Avoid Small Talk and Pleasantries
about how Americans commonly use 鈥淗ow are you鈥 as a greeting, and everybody answers that they鈥檙e fine. In Germany, however, this is an actual question for someone you care about, so you can expect a sincere answer about how they are.
In terms of the way they communicate Germans are seen as direct and less prone to small talk or polite chit-chat. In business contexts, say in emails, they use a formal and structured communication style, and they prefer keeping everything documented鈥!
German humor is also an acquired taste for many. It is usually dry, sarcastic, and there鈥檚 a lot of satire and irony. For people from other nationalities, it can be tricky to tell whether a German is making a joke or being serious.
Social Etiquette in Germany (Dos and Don鈥檛s)
From knowing how to politely greet elders to choosing an appropriate gift, it鈥檚 nice to know the dos and don鈥檛s of a new culture. Here are some tips on social etiquette in Germany:
Greetings and Politeness
In Germany, a friendly 鈥Hallo鈥 (hello, informal) or 鈥Guten Tag鈥 (hello, formal) is customary when entering a shop, office, or someone鈥檚 home to acknowledge the other person. However, if you don鈥檛 really know the person, small talk is not necessary.
When you鈥檙e leaving a place, it鈥檚 nice to say 鈥淎uf Wiedersehen鈥 (formal)聽 or 鈥淭sch眉ss鈥 (informal) for goodbye. Addressing people correctly is equally important in social interactions. When learning German, there are two forms of the pronoun 鈥測ou鈥:
- 鈥Du鈥 is informal, used to address friends and family
- 鈥Sie鈥 is the formal option, used with strangers or to convey respect. It is also used when addressing multiple people (plural).
Using 鈥淏itte鈥 (please) when making a request and 鈥淒anke鈥 (thank you) when expressing gratitude is expected and appreciated in everyday exchanges.
German Work Culture
The country has a reputation for strong work ethic and fairly strict workplaces, however, it also has some of the best work-life balance and social security policies among European countries.
Germans set clear boundaries between their work and home lives. They even have a special word鈥斺淔eierabend鈥濃攖o denote the end of the work day.
On average, people in Germany work around 40.5 hours per week, which is somewhere in the middle
Gift-Giving
Gift-giving is common in Germany for occasions like birthdays and Christmas. However, most people prefer receiving something modest and thoughtful rather than an extravagant gift.
Flowers are a popular and well-received gift in Germany, especially when visiting someone鈥檚 home. Other 鈥榮afe鈥 gifts include chocolates, alcoholic beverages, and food delicacies (especially if you鈥檙e coming back from traveling). As in any other culture, you have to be mindful of the recipient and your relationship.
Dining Etiquette & Tipping
Dining out is somewhat expensive in Germany, so many only go out to eat once in a while rather than every day. Most people prepare food and eat in the comfort of their homes. If you鈥檙e eating with someone, you typically kick off the meal with a 鈥淕uten Appetit鈥 (enjoy your meal). After finishing your meal, a simple 鈥淒anke鈥 (thank you) is enough to show your appreciation to the host.
In restaurants, casual spots let you pick your table, while fancier places may seat you. When you鈥檙e ready to order, a raised hand or 鈥淓ntschuldigung鈥 (excuse me) gets the server鈥檚 attention. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up is usually more common.
Weddings
If you鈥檙e invited to a wedding in Germany, be sure to RSVP promptly. As for attire, guests usually dress formally鈥攚omen in dresses (avoid white) and men in suits. If you鈥檝e been to a U.S. wedding, the style is quite similar.
The most common gift for a wedding in Germany is cash, often put in a nice envelope or creative packaging (look up 鈥淕eldgeschenke Hochzeit鈥 for ideas). During the festivities, embrace the fun by raising your glass with a cheerful 鈥淧rost!鈥 for toasts. And don鈥檛 be shy to hit the dance floor鈥揋ermans love to dance at weddings.
Funerals
Funerals are dignified (and highly regulated) rituals in Germany. Depending on the deceased鈥檚 and their family鈥檚 wishes, the funeral follows Christian or secular traditions.
Christian funerals include a church service, often with an open casket, followed by burial or cremation. Secular funerals follow similar procedures, without the religious elements.
Germans wear dark and conservative clothing at funerals. If you want to offer condolences to the grieving family, saying 鈥淢ein Beileid鈥 (my condolences) is appropriate. You can also bring flowers such as a wreath or a bouquet to show your sympathy.
Behavior in Public Spaces & Culture Shocks in Germany
Here are other some cultural aspects to consider in Germany and avoid potential culture shocks:
Strong sense of community | Germans have a strong sense of community and look out for one another. For instance, if you spot a lost item hanging from a tree, it was probably a thoughtful gesture by someone who put it there so its owner could see it. |
Public transportation | When using public transportation, queue up and let others exit before boarding. Always buy a ticket and validate it before entering public transport. Ticket inspectors occasionally check them鈥攊f it鈥檚 not validated or you don鈥檛 have it with you, you鈥檒l be fined. Priority seats are reserved for the elderly, pregnant, disabled, and injured persons, so it鈥檚 expected to offer them your seat. |
Respect for order & quiet hours | Germans value order and quiet, especially in public spaces and residential areas. Keep noise down and respect personal space. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6/7 am on weekdays and Saturdays, and all day on Sundays. |
Sorting trash & recycling聽 | Recycling in Germany is a big deal. There are specific bins for paper, plastic, glass, and more. Improper sorting can lead to fines, so recycle responsibly! |
Supermarket checkouts | In Germany, supermarkets don鈥檛 have dedicated baggers so you have to pack your groceries yourself鈥攁nd if people are behind you, you have to master the skill of doing it quickly! Plastic bags are banned, so bring reusable ones or buy them. Payment is typically by cash or card. |
Mail & paperwork are alive and well | Despite being one of the world鈥檚 strongest economies, Germany is still skeptical about fully digital processes. Expect to receive important documents such as contracts, health insurance information, etc. via mail. Many processes such as registering your address, applying for a residence permit, etc. will also require a lot of paperwork and physical forms/signatures. |