1. Don't joke about Hitler
Let’s start with something simple but important. It is illegal to raise your hand and say “Heil Hitler” in Germany. Violators will be arrested and fined. Also, praising or joking about Hitler and fascism is considered extremely bad form in the eyes of the locals. If you want to be funny, choose other topics to talk about!
2. Avoid talking about war
Germans don’t like to talk about wars. Most Germans avoid discussing conflicts that don’t happen in their country. This is because children are taught about Germany’s role in past wars.
There will be some people who are interested in this topic but not many. So to avoid offending others, you should put aside the war stories for now.
3. Don't talk about money
Money is also a sensitive subject in Germany. It is considered rude to ask someone how much they earn. Don’t ask about their house, car or vacation expenses. And if you are well off, don’t brag or show off too much. However, if a German talks about money with you, it shows that they consider you a close friend.
4. Don't wish happy birthday before the day
Wishing someone a happy birthday early in Germany is considered unlucky and should be avoided. Although Germans are not superstitious, they do have some taboos. It is best to wish someone a happy birthday on the right day, or a little late is fine. This applies not only to birthdays but also to important days such as weddings and graduations.
5. Be careful with immigration issues
The topic of immigration in Germany has been hotly debated in recent years, but in the country itself, people feel uncomfortable talking about it. You will probably meet people who are willing to help immigrants and those who are not at all supportive. There are also some people who are not really against immigrants but disagree with the policies that are being implemented. Unless you are asked, you should not start a conversation by stating your opinion on Germany's immigration policies.
6. Don't be late
Germans value time very much so you should remember not to be late. Whether it is an important meeting, a date or just a casual gathering, you should arrive early or on time to avoid making a bad impression on Germans. However, note that trains in Germany will not be as punctual as you expect, Germans complain about this a lot.
7. Avoid making noise on Sundays
Sunday is a day of rest in Germany. You should not do noisy activities such as cleaning, drilling or listening to loud music to avoid disturbing your neighbors. In addition, stores are closed on weekends, so buy supplies and food in advance to avoid shortages of food and necessities.
8. Don't walk in bike lanes
In Germany, many people use bicycles as their main means of transport to work or school. Therefore, the streets will have lanes reserved for these two-wheeled vehicles. Please respect cyclists and do not encroach on their lane. In return, cyclists are not allowed to ride in pedestrian lanes. If you do not see a bicycle lane sign, you will have to ride in the shared lane with other vehicles.
9. Don't cross the street before the light turns green.
Crossing the street at a red light is not only dangerous for yourself but also leaves a bad impression on the locals. Especially, you should not run a red light in front of children even when there is no traffic.
10. Don't drink beer without clinking glasses
Remember to clink glasses with the person next to you before drinking beer. And remember to look the person in the eye to show your sincerity. Although it is not a big gesture, if you do not clink glasses, Germans will remind you and proactively clink glasses with you.
