Before planning a trip to any country, you must know the rules and regulations of that particular country. There are certain unique rules pertaining to some places. Some actions, which are perfectly normal in other destinations, may be considered offensive in a particular country. Here are the top 10 things not to do in Germany; please note these points when you plan a trip to Germany in the future.
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TOP 10 things not to do in Germany
1. Jaywalking
One of the major tips for traveling in Germany is that you should avoid jaywalking at all costs. Jaywalking is the process where you don’t pay heed to the traffic lights, and cross the roads. When you cross the roads even before the traffic lights turn green, it is considered a serious offense in Germany.
Even if the roads are empty, you should always wait for the pedestrian signal to turn green before you can cross the road. You might see many people waiting at the signal patiently for the traffic light to turn green. So, when you jump the queue and cross the road at the wrong time, you should be prepared for the angry looks of the other people.
2. Showing any form of Nazi symbol
We all know that the Germans are not very proud of their Nazi history. Therefore, when you are there, you should refrain from exhibiting the Nazi salute, holding the Nazi flag, or showing any form of Nazi symbol. Please abide by this rule at all costs.
If you are spotted holding any Nazi symbol or doing the Nazi salute, you can be put in jail. Sometimes, you may also have to pay exorbitant amounts as fine. An insider tip would be not to mention even the word, Hitler, anytime during your conversations to avoid any kind of conflict.
3. Discarding bottles
If there is one country that is serious about recycling, it is Germany. You should remember not to discard empty water bottles, soda bottles, or any other bottle when you are here. Almost all shops charge you anywhere between 8 and 25 cents extra when you buy bottled drinks. However, you can get this money back when you return the bottles to your nearest shop.
It is not necessary that you have to return the bottle only to the place where you originally bought it from.Please follow the recycling system in Germany, and don’t do anything offensive when you are here.
4. Walking on bicycle lanes
One of the most important things to know before going to Germany is that you should never walk on the lanes meant for bicycles. These lanes are dedicated to cyclists for a reason. Please don’t disturb them, as you can end up getting hit by one of the fast-moving cyclists on this lane. When you walk on lanes dedicated to them, cyclists get highly offended, and can even abuse you.
5. Wearing your shoes while entering someone else’s home
It is indeed a great moment when a native German invites you over to his home. However, please don’t spoil the occasion by wearing your shoes when you enter his home. According to German tradition, people always remove their shoes while entering their homes or the homes of guests.
So, before entering someone else’s home, please ask if it is okay for you to keep wearing your shoes or if you should remove them. Asking is always better than doing something that will end up offending them. If you are wondering, what not to wear in Germany, we hope you got your answer from this point.
6. Being late
Did you know that Germans are sticklers for punctuality? Whenever you have to attend a personal or professional meeting, you should always make sure that you reach at least 10 to 15 minutes early, as Germans don’t like it if you are late. One of the most important of the top 10 things not to do in Germany is being late.
Please plan your trip and leave from home accordingly, after considering the time that might take in traffic jams. This will ensure that you reach your destination on time. When you are late, you are wasting others’ time, which Germans cannot tolerate.
7. Pointing a finger to your head
If you are a person who uses your hands a lot while communicating, you should take care of this point. Please remember that you never point a finger to your head during conversations. This is a very offensive behavior in Germany.
It is because pointing a finger to one’s head, according to Germans, means that you are calling the other person crazy or stupid. Though you may not intend to say that, your non-verbal communication is enough to insult the Germans. So, refrain from this action, when you are in Germany.
8. Ticket less travel
Germany is well-connected, thanks to an excellent public transportation system in the form of trains, buses, trams and more. You can even freely visit the bus and train stations to look at the paintings on the walls or just to take some rest.
However, if you intend to use public transport for your commute, you should buy a ticket for your route. Though ticketless travel is illegal in all countries, Germany takes its laws very seriously. If you are caught traveling without a valid ticket, you may have to pay a fine of around 60 euros.
9. Not respecting quiet hours
In Germany, quiet hours are taken very seriously. On Sundays and public holidays, you have to respect the quiet hours, and refrain from doing anything noisy. You should refrain from playing loud music, drilling or vacuuming your house during these days.
If you search for “traveling in Germany – dos and don’ts” on Google, you will come across this point.If your activities disturb your neighbors, they can file a police complaint against you, so please remember to respect the quiet hours.
10. Not giving respect to others while talking
Germans are very polite to each other; therefore, they expect the same behavior from you. One of the top 10 things not to do in Germany is to chew gum or keep your hands in your pocket while talking to someone. This can translate to rudeness, and the Germans might think that you are impolite to them when you display these behaviors. If you enjoyed this article so far, then you need to check this one: top 10 Most Unusual Foods that Only Exist in China
Conclusion:
Germany is a country with a rich culture and history, but it also has some unique social customs and expectations that visitors should be aware of. The top 10 things not to do in Germany mentioned in this article provide helpful tips to avoid offending locals and ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
From avoiding jaywalking to respecting personal space, these cultural nuances can be subtle but important to follow. By being respectful, considerate, and open-minded, visitors can make the most of their time in Germany and appreciate all that this fascinating country has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
what do they call pastors in germany?
In Germany, pastors are called “Pastor” or “Pfarrer” in German. These terms are used interchangeably to refer to Protestant ministers who lead a congregation. In Catholic churches, the equivalent title is “Pfarrer” or “Priester”.
is kratom legal in Germany?
Kratom is currently illegal in Germany. The import, sale, and possession of Kratom are prohibited. Violators may face fines or imprisonment.
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Hello, and welcome to my blog! My name is Idammah, and I am the founder of this site dedicated to exploring the world's mysteries, uncovering fascinating facts, and delving into science's weird and beautiful aspects. I have always been fascinated by the unknown and the unexplained, and I love nothing more than digging deep to find the answers to some of life's greatest mysteries. Whether it's exploring the depths of the ocean, investigating ancient civilizations, or unraveling the mysteries of the universe, I am always on the hunt for new knowledge and insights. As a self-proclaimed weirdo and science enthusiast, I believe that there is always more to learn and discover, and I am constantly seeking out new and exciting ways to expand my understanding of the world around me. Through FoxPeek blog, I hope to share my love of all things strange and wonderful with like-minded readers and inspire others to embrace their inner curiosity and seek out the world's mysteries for themselves.
