Chapter 1 – Public Life

  • “Guten Tag” (Good day) and “Auf Wiedersehen” (Good bye) are common greetings. Saying “Guten Tag” is common when you meet a person or a small group of people. For example in small shops or the doctors’ waiting room say “Guten Tag” to greet the people who are already there. You can greet people on the street in small villages in the same way.

  • Smiling in public is fine and quite acceptable, it is not considered to be flirting, even if you are talking to a stranger. People are just being friendly and welcoming when they smile.

  • People in Germany value their personal space and privacy, so they can sometimes appear distant. For example, it is quite normal to sit next to a stranger on a train for hours and only say hello and goodbye. Most people prefer to sit on their own on public transport.

  • For privacy and quiet, people usually close their doors, e.g. in offices and at home. You should knock on the door before you go in. Usually you will then be made welcome and asked to come inside.

  • Sunday is a quiet day. Almost all shops are closed and few people go to work. Neighbors might complain if you make a noise and disturb them on a Sunday, e.g. if you mow the lawn or put new shelves on the wall. People in Germany also expect there to be no noise at night while they sleep. ‘Sleep time’ is between 10 pm (22.00) and 6 am (06.00).

  • Urinating in public can be an offense. Public toilets (WCs) are available in most places. WCs usually have toilet paper, but not a bidet. It is perfectly OK to throw toilet paper into the toilet. Don’t throw it into the waste bin. However, you should throw sanitary pads or tampons into the bin not into the toilet. There’s usually a toilet brush next to the toilet: use the brush to clean off any marks you’ve made. Make sure you leave the toilet clean and dry. Therefore, it is advisable to use the toilet in a sitting position. Where no urinal is available, this applies for men, too. For reasons of hygiene it is expected that you wash your hands before you leave the toilet.

  • In public, particularly on public transportation, it is considered rude to have long, loud conversations. Conversations and phone calls are rather made in a quiet voice.

  • On public transport special seats are reserved for the elderly, sick, and pregnant women – and there are spaces for buggies and wheelchairs. People usually try to leave these places free or move aside if they are needed.

  • On escalators, people usually stand on the right and walk on the left.

  • If you need help, you can ask any adult person: Most people are usually friendly. You shouldn’t approach children without permission from their parents.