5 Everyday Culture Shocks in Germany Every Expat Experiences

I have been living in Germany for almost a decade and I still get surprised from time to time. If you are an expat in Germany or thinking about moving here, here are 5 everyday culture shocks I have personally experienced and still notice today. These are small things, but they shape everyday life more than you might expect.

1. Why German Trains Are So Silent

   
   My first train ride in Germany felt almost unreal. I genuinely thought I had entered a special quiet wagon, but it turned out the entire train was silent. A group of tourists chatted normally while a German woman next to me searched online for “why are Americans so loud in public spaces.” I laughed at the moment, but after years here, I finally understand it.

   Germans love calm public spaces. Loud conversations feel unnecessary, and people try not to disturb others. Once you get used to it, the silence on trains actually feels relaxing and makes traveling much easier.
   
   

2. Why Germans Stare and What It Means

   
   Small talk is not very common in Germany. You usually will not chat about the weather or random topics with strangers. But Germans still communicate in their own quiet way.

   They do it with eye contact. Long stares from an older lady in the train or a neighbor watching the street from the window are completely normal. It is not meant to be rude. It is simply a silent way of acknowledging others.

   Over time you get used to it. These days I wave at my neighbor when he looks out of his window and he waves back. Once, during a long train ride, I even got a middle-aged woman to talk to me for half an hour. For Germany, that feels like a little victory.

3. Why Everything Is Closed on Sundays in Germany

   
   Your first Sunday in Germany may feel strange. Shops closed. Streets empty. No grocery shopping. No noise. Just stillness.

   German Sundays are dedicated to rest. Almost everything stays closed and the whole country slows down. At first it feels confusing, especially if you come from a place where stores open every day. But with time, this quiet day starts to feel comforting.

   Plan your shopping ahead, enjoy a long walk, rest at home or meet friends. Once you get used to it, Sunday becomes your weekly reset.
   
   

4. How Recycling Works in Germany
   
   

   Recycling in Germany is something every expat googles at least once. I remember seeing several bins and having no idea where to put anything. It felt like a small challenge every day.

   Here is the simple version:

   • Brown is for organic waste.

   • Yellow is for packaging.

   • Black is for everything else.
     

   Each city has slightly different rules, so searching once helps a lot. After that, it all becomes routine. And if you stand in front of the bins confused, you are definitely not alone.

5. Why German Bread Is Such a Big Deal
   

   Bread is a surprisingly important part of life in Germany. Before moving here, I only ate white bread. I do not even consider that real bread anymore. Germany has thousands of types of bread and each bakery has something new to try.

   Trying different Brötchen, Vollkornbrot or Roggenbrot becomes part of everyday life. And if you ever correct someone who calls toast “bread,” congratulations. You are slowly becoming German.

These are the 5 culture shocks I still notice after years of living in Germany. They are common for many expats and newcomers who want to understand everyday German habits better. Which ones have you experienced and do they still surprise you today?