How to blend in in Germany

To live in another country, managing the language and the slang, knowing the customs of your own country but also of your new country – an expat’s dream.

But how, in the case you’re living in Germany, would you blend in so much that you pass as „basically local“? I accumulated some examples to give you a guideline through most common situations in daily life:

1. Follow visible systems

If there’s a structure, follow it:

• Stand right / walk left on escalators

• Wait for the green light

• Stay out of bike lanes

-> Rule of thumb: If everyone is doing the same thing, copy it. (Or risk the „German stare“)

2. Default to quiet in public

Especially in:

• Trains (like the S-Bahn)

• Buses

• Waiting areas

Keep:

• Phone calls short and quiet

• No speaker audio

-> You don’t need to be silent - just don’t dominate the space.

3. Always have some cash

Even in places like Berlin:

• Small shops may be cash-only

• Card might have minimum limits

-> Safe move: carry €20–€50.

4. Master the supermarket checkout sprint

This is a real skill.

• Put items on the belt quickly

• Have payment ready before it’s your turn. Don’t start searching for your purse only in the moment the cashier tells you the amount to pay.

• Pack fast - or move aside to pack. (Or attract sounds in your back as if you were in a stable of angry horses. As well as the German stare ;-) )

-> Bonus tip: bring your own bag, as they are not free.

5. Respect personal space

• Don’t stand too close in line

• Avoid sitting right next to someone if empty seats exist

-> Germans value physical breathing room.

6. Don’t overdo small talk

In everyday situations:

• Keep things short and functional

• A simple “Hallo” / “Danke” is enough. Germans don’t start a conversation with „How are you?“ That sounds too close if not akward here.

-> Friendly ≠ chatty here.

7. Learn quiet hours (Ruhezeiten)

Typically:

• After ~22:00

• All day Sunday

Avoid:

• Loud music

• Vacuuming

• Drilling

-> This one earns instant neighbour approval.

8. Treat bike lanes like roads

Bike lanes = not optional space.

• Don’t walk in them or get a fast course in German curses.

• Look both ways before crossing

->Cyclists expect predictability.

9. Public drinking is fine—but behave

Having a beer outside is normal.

But:

• Stay controlled

• Don’t be loud or messy

->It’s about moderation, not prohibition.

10. Sort your trash properly

Recycling matters.

Typical categories:

• Paper

• Plastic/packaging

• Glass (often separated by colour)

• General waste

-> If unsure, watch what neighbours do.

11. Don’t panic about “the stare”

If someone looks at you:

• Quick self-check: “Am I breaking a norm?” "Am I supposed to do / to leave something here?"

• If yes → adjust

• If no → ignore

-> It’s usually not personal. See my article about the German stare here.

12. Plan for Sundays

In most of Germany:

• Shops are closed

• Only essentials (like some train station stores) are open

-> Always shop on Saturday.

The core mindset of it all:

If you remember just one thing:

-> Be predictable, considerate, and efficient as well as punctual.

That’s it. You don’t need to “act German”—just:

• Follow the flow

• Respect shared space

• Keep things orderly

  
  

Relocating and building a life abroad often brings unique challenges and opportunities. Through my articles, I share reflections on these experiences. If you would like coaching support during your own journey, please feel free to contact me.

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