The Truth About German Efficiency
Before moving to Germany, I believed the classic stereotype. Germans are super efficient, always on time, and everything works perfectly.
After living here for years, I can say it’s a little true, but only a little.
Is German Efficiency a Myth?
If you ask 100 people what they think about Germans, most will tell you the same thing. Punctual. Organized. Efficient.
And honestly, when it comes to personal behavior, this is true. If you meet a German, they will probably show up on time and run a meeting very efficiently.
But systems in Germany? Government offices? Public services?
Totally different story.
Send a document to a government office and don’t expect a quick answer. You might wait three years for a reply. I wish I was joking.
Public transportation is also not as perfect as people think. Deutsche Bahn being on time is such a rare event that we call it a miracle. Sometimes, even a “small” delay means one hour.
So yes. Germans as people try to be punctual and efficient. But public systems do not work with the same energy.
Understanding German Bureaucracy
German bureaucracy is one of the hardest things to deal with when living here. It feels like a sport that no one wants to play, but everyone must.
Last week, I renewed my residence permit. I had three panic attacks before even applying. And I’m not exaggerating.
It’s not just the number of papers. It’s the randomness.
They once asked me for a document from an internship I did in 2016. Why? No idea.
And when a German official says, “There is nothing we can do,” they really mean it. Nothing can be done.
After a few years, you start learning survival skills:
Never throw away a letter
Always keep copies
Expect delays
Search online or ask a lawyer when confused
This is simply how it works.
Germany’s Digitalization Struggles
This was the biggest shock for me after moving to Germany. The country is known for fast cars and strong engineering. I expected a tech-forward society. I was very wrong.
I’ve lived in the UK, Turkey, and Finland. Germany is the most old-school of all.
Email? Does not count for official matters.
If you want something done, you must send a physical letter. Important documents need a signature. And replies come by post. Always.
And yes. Fax still exists here. In 2025.
One time, I changed my address online. They sent me a letter saying they couldn’t find my address for the address change. They mailed that letter. About my online form. To my new address.
I still have no idea how that made sense . 😂
What Life in Germany Really Looks Like
Germans as individuals are punctual, reliable, and organized.
But the systems around them are slow, old-fashioned, and full of paperwork.
If you plan to move to Germany, don’t let the stereotype fool you.
Learn the system. Keep every paper. Send things by post. Be patient. Very patient.
