Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Germany
Thinking of moving to Germany? It’s an exciting adventure, but there are a few things you might want to know to make your transition smoother. Here are some insights based on my personal experience that I wish someone had told me before I made the leap.
Sundays Are for Rest
One of the first surprises I encountered was that almost everything is closed on Sundays. This means no grocery shopping, no mall trips, and very limited dining options. Plan your week accordingly so you’re not caught off guard!
Although now I wish The United States would slow down and take a day for family and friends. I think a lot more people would be happier knowing that there’s one day out of the week that they can chill and hangout.
If you need a laugh check out my Instagram Reel.
Shopping Tips
Speaking of shopping, here are some tips:
- Bring a Coin for Your Cart: You’ll need a coin (usually a 1 Euro or 50 cent piece) to unlock a shopping cart.
- Closed, the stores will all be closed on Sundays!
- You’ll have to pack your own groceries at the store.
- Use Reusable Bags: Stores don’t provide plastic bags for free, so bring your own reusable bags.
- Cash Many smaller restaurants and shops don’t accept credit cards. Always have some cash on hand to avoid any inconvenience.
- You can’t purchase any medicine at stores other than the pharmacy.
- Don’t forget to pay for parking! Most parking in Germany you have to pay for.
- Make sure to check it’s not a German holiday! I don’t know how many times I’ve attempted to go to the store only to find out that it’s a holiday! All stores will be closed on most holidays. Please note that each state within Germany also has it’s own holidays on top of the regular German holidays too.
Language Barriers
Good news! Most Germans speak excellent English, especially in urban areas. While learning basic German phrases can be helpful and appreciated, you won’t struggle too much with communication.
The Autobahn
Driving in Germany is a unique experience, especially on the autobahn where there are stretches with no speed limits. Drive safely and be prepared for cars zooming past you at incredible speeds. I think this was one of the wildest culture shocks when we moved to Germany. I will add that Germans are some of the best drivers in Europe!
Recycling
Germany is big on recycling, and it’s something that has profoundly changed my perspective on waste. You’ll find multiple bins for different types of recyclables, so get used to sorting your trash meticulously. You can also get ticketed for not recycling your trash correctly, I once found a man in my trashcan in Slovenia with a clipboard looking to make sure I was sorting my trash correctly.
Magical Christmas
The festive season in Germany is nothing short of magical. Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and a festive atmosphere straight out of a Lifetime movie await you. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss. You honestly cannot go to enough Christmas markets in Germany! My favorite thing to do at Christmas markets is collect the Christmas mugs (I have so many) these mugs are things that I will forever keep and will use many years from now and have stories to tell.
Follow the Rules
Germans are sticklers for rules and regulations. Whether it’s about quiet hours or jaywalking, it’s important to adhere to local norms and laws. Over time, I’ve grown to respect and appreciate this structured way of life. I love order, I love everyone folllowing the rules, and I love that crime is low.
Comfort in Your Own Skin
I love how everyone in Germany and Europe is comfortable with their skin! It’s not uncommon to see old ladies in two-piece bathing suits or plus-size ladies in two-piece bathing suits loving life.
It did take me some time to get used to the saunas being textile free and the changing rooms being gender-neutral, but over time, I’ve really grown to appreciate this, and I wish that Americans could also get comfortable with being comfortable in our own skin.
