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1. Don't joke about Hitler.
Let's start with something simple but important. Raising your hand to salute or saying "Heil Hitler" (Long live Hitler) is illegal in Germany. Those who violate the law will be arrested and fined. Praising or joking about Hitler and Nazism is also considered extremely offensive in the eyes of the locals. If you want to be humorous, choose other topics to talk about!
2. Avoid discussing war.
Germans don't like to talk about wars. Most Germans avoid discussing conflicts, even those not occurring in their country. This is because children there are thoroughly educated about Germany's role in past wars.
There will be some people interested in this topic, but not many. So, to avoid offending others, you should temporarily set aside stories about war.
3. Don't talk about money.
Money is also a sensitive topic in Germany. It would be quite impolite to ask someone about their income. Don't pry into their expenses for housing, cars, or holidays. And if you are well-off, don't brag or show off too much. However, if a German shares financial information with you, it shows they consider you a close friend.
4. Don't wish someone a happy birthday the day before.
In Germany, wishing someone a happy birthday too early is considered bad luck and should be avoided. While Germans are generally not superstitious, they still have a few taboos. It's best to wish someone a happy birthday on the actual day, or even a little later is fine. This applies not only to birthdays but also to important occasions like weddings or graduations.
5. Be careful about immigration issues.
In recent years, the topic of immigration in Germany has been widely discussed, yet within the country itself, people feel uncomfortable discussing it. You might encounter people who are willing to help immigrants and those who are not at all supportive. There are also some who aren't strictly against immigration but disagree with the policies implemented. Unless asked, you shouldn't start a conversation by stating your opinion on German immigration policies.
6. Don't be late.
Germans value punctuality highly, so remember not to be late. Whether it's an important meeting, a date, or simply a casual gathering, you should arrive early or on time to avoid making a bad impression on the Germans. However, be aware that trains in Germany are not always punctual; Germans complain a lot about this.
7. Avoid making noise on Sundays.
Sunday is a day of rest in Germany. You should avoid doing noisy activities such as cleaning, drilling, or listening to loud music to avoid disturbing your neighbors. Additionally, shops are closed on weekends, so stock up on groceries and food beforehand to avoid shortages.
8. Do not walk on the bike lane.
In Germany, many people use bicycles as their primary means of transportation to work or school. Therefore, many streets have dedicated lanes for these two-wheeled vehicles. Please respect cyclists and do not encroach on their lanes. Conversely, cyclists are not allowed to ride in pedestrian lanes. If you don't see a sign indicating a bicycle lane, you will have to ride in the shared lane with other vehicles.
9. Do not cross the road until the traffic light is green.
Crossing the road at a red light is not only dangerous for yourself but also leaves a bad impression on the locals. It's especially important not to run a red light in front of children, even if there's no traffic.
10. Don't drink beer without toasting first.
Remember to clink glasses with the person next to you before drinking beer. And remember to make eye contact to show goodwill. While it's not a big deal, if you don't clink glasses, Germans will remind you and initiate a toast.
