When talking about Germany, we instantly think about modern and safe roads, the best cars in the world, cosy Biergartens, picturesque castles, and tech innovations. All these are the results of vast developments and research in the technology and engineering field of the country. However, it has a treasure of so many things beyond imagination.
From culture, daily life to schooling, food, and drink, the country will leave you awestruck. Whether you are moving to Germany, or already an expat living there, knowing the traditions and culture can ease your stay.
In this post, we will highlight some of the strange and interesting facts about Germany you might be interested to know. So, let’s dive into it!
Interesting Facts to know about Germany
Germany is a hub of many amazing things that are out of the norm. If you are moving to Germany, it is vital to know the rules and lifestyle to make your move and stay easy and comfortable. The following are the interesting facts you should know about Germany.
Kids Receive Cone Filled with Toys and Candy on the First Day of First Grade
Germany has followed a tradition called Schulte since the 1800s. In this tradition, kids will receive a giant cone loaded with toys and candies to celebrate the ‘Seriousness of Life.’ This giant cone eases the stress of children being in a new environment.
Drinking alcohol publically is Legal.
Don’t be surprised if you see adults and teenagers drinking alcohol publically. In Germany, it is legal. Unlike in many countries, drinking alcohol in public is legal in Germany. In fact, you can see people drinking beer openly, especially in summer. No need to cover the bottle; just open the cap and start enjoying it. By the age of 14, children are allowed to consume wine or beer with their legal guardian or parent’s supervision.
No weird name Accepted by the Government.
Believe it or not, but if your name is weird or unusual, German law won’t accept it! Sounds weird? Well, according to the law, a person’s name should be gender-neutral but if it doesn’t, Standesamt or the civil registration office can refuse the name. Changing and reapplying can be an expensive process; so many parents opt for typical names like Sophie, Stephan, etc.
Sundays are Closed
Germany is almost closed on Sundays. However, you could only see small shops in gas and train stations. There is a religious reason behind it, as Sunday is a Lord’s day for Germans made for rest only.
Today, many people take it as a secular tradition of spending time with their families. Germans follow the “no work” rule quite seriously. So, if you see empty roads on Sunday, don’t be surprised.
German Worship Football
Yes, you read it right. For Germans, soccer or football is more than just a sport. Fans of different clubs have enmity with each other, and it, in fact, affects their relationships. In Munich, getting tickets for the game is not easy, and if you get one, you are definitely the luckiest person. When Bayern Munich has a game, you can see the team supporters wearing Red.
Wishing Birthday in Advance can bring Bad Luck.
There is a saying in German – Du sollst den Tag nicht vor dem Abend loben. It means you should not appreciate the day before night. According to Germans, you should not be sure of something until it actually happens, if you do so, odds are, it won’t happen. So, if you wish someone in advance, the person could die or won’t have a happy birthday.
Christmas in Germany
In Germany, Christmas starts on the first Advent Sunday, i.e., 4 Sundays before Christmas. On this day, the family lit 4 red candles to decorate An Advent wreath. These candles are lit until the announcement of Christ’s birthday. Advent calendars are filled with chocolates or sweets. The first door opens on December 1st, whereas the biggest door opens on December 24th.
Instead of Santa Clause, Christkind (The child of Christ) comes on Christmas with gifts. Christkind comes on December 24th instead of 25th, which means children in Germany got their presents 12 hours earlier.
Prison Escapes are forgiven by the German law
Germany sees prison escape quite differently. Breaking out of jail is not unlawful. But if you are unlucky and caught by authorities, you will be thrown back to prison. But if a prisoner escapes from the prison without being caught, he is no longer subjected to German law. The law explains that ‘freedom’ is a basic human instinct, which is not a crime.
No Student Tuition Fee in College
This is one of the most bizarre things in Germany. In the country, the college tuition fee is free for local students and all international students. There are also many U.S students looking for admission to the top-rated and best German universities. With no student tuition fee, students can save thousands of dollars which they can use anywhere.
Beer Love and Cuisine
Germans love beer, eat sausages and make a variety of bread. According to a report, German drinks a bathtub of wine, beer, spirits and sparkling wine. After the Czech, they are the second-largest beer consumer in Europe.
When it comes to German cuisine, Wurst (Sausages) made of beef, veal, or pork is quite popular. On the other hand, the bread-baking tradition is something Germans take pride in. You can find different shapes and sizes of bread- white, black and more.
Each bread type has different tastes and names. You can find multiple choices in traditional food, vegan, and vegetarian. On Christmas, a roast goose is a traditional dish served with red cabbage.
World’s Fourth Most Popular Expat Destination
Germany attracts skilled workers from all over the world. In fact, Migration Policy Institute and OECD both ranked Germany as the number second destination for expats. Most immigrants in Germany are from Europe, including top nationalities Italian, Polish, and Turkish. When it comes to pursuing a professional career, Germany is among the top countries. With more than 170 nationalities working in Germany, the top jobs in demand are IT jobs, Scientific Research, and Engineering.
Undoubtedly, Germany is home to many strange and exciting cultures. If you are an expat looking to make life easier in Germany, MW Expat Solution can help. We are a team of English speaking advisors helping expats in Germany navigate through the maze of insurance, savings, and investment products.
Our multicultural and multilingual trained team of managers and consultants helps expats with all social security solutions. To know more about expat insurance, healthcare insurance, and more, get in touch with us today and let us make your stay in Germany easy and worthwhile.