Don't be "politely late" because you might miss the ceremony. Be at the wedding early.
--Hannah
150
In public transportation, the space reserved for the handicapped, elderly, and strollers are there for a reason. Don't take it up if you have no business being there.
--Rawiyah
101
Don't make any noise on a Sunday. For example: don't drill holes in the wall, don't play loud music, don't mow the lawn! It's actually illegal!
--Edwin
90
Do not address people you do not know, especially older people, in the familiar "du" and do not use their first names. It is "Sie" and the formal Herr/Frau + surname for anyone older, in a professional setting such as government offices, etc.
--Rikki
80
Don't tip unnecessarily. A few Euros for decent service, maybe round up the bill to to the next 5€, and if the service was average or below don't hesitate not to tip at all. German service staff get reasonable pay and don't rely on tips to survive.
--Edwin
70
Do not cross the street if the traffic light for pedestrians is in red! It is very common in other countries to do so, as you might just check out for cars and ignore the traffic light. It does not work like that in Germany and somebody could even say something about it in not a very nice way
--Cocoo
30
Don't toast with water in your glass!! It is said that will bring bad luck, maybe even death.
--El Toro
10
Do not be shocked when Germans start talkint to you in English right as they see you. Germans like practicing their English whenever they have the chance, so if they realize you aren't fluent in Deutsch, they will switch to English. As they say, "If you want to learn German don't go to Germany"
--Cocoo
11
When entering a home remove your shoes at the entrance as it is considered polite to leave dirt outside the house. Unless your host specifically says it is ok to leave your shoes on.
Most people in Germany remove their shoes and wear house slippers or as they say in German "Hausschuh".
--EA
70
Always wait for people to get off the bus, tram, or train before you get in. Also, queue up like everyone does and enter in an orderly fashion.
--Rawiyah
50
There are often two wedding ceremonies on different days. A weekday ceremony at the town hall, and a church wedding on the weekend. Sometimes not everyone invited to the ceremony will be invited to the reception meal, so there might be cookies at the church afterward with a dinner a few hrs later.
--Christine F
30
When clinking glasses and cheering in Germany it is considered important to look into the other persons eyes.
--Chris
20
Don't expect ice in your drink and there are usually no free refills. Also no free water. If you want water, ask for a bottle of "still" water, the default is "gassy" water.
--Christine F
10
Try to go to a bakery early on the morning, the just baked breads are delicious! Usually eaten with butter, cheese, sausages, jam or chocolate
--Cocoo
10
You need to hurry up on the supermarket line. People always seem to be very fast at the supermarket lines and while paying and expect to you do to the same. So pack up your things as fast as you can.
--Cocoo
10
Gifts aren't super extravagant. For holidays or birthday a body lotion, fragance or something like that is more than enough. Some chocolates are always nice with the gift.
--Cocoo
00
Most people take their shoes off when they come into their house, so if you go to someone else's house, be prepared to be walking around on socks!
--Cocoo
00
Try to pay attention about the different trash cans for recycling. Germany takes it very seriously.
--Cocoo
