Experiencing Nine Unanticipated Adjustments Returning to Home from a Holiday in Germany
As a Scottish author who moved from Aberdeen to Berlin in 2017, I've experienced a series of culture shocks. From direct communication to everyday customs, life in Germany has proven to be a fascinating contrast to my homeland.
One of the most noticeable differences is the way people communicate. Germans are known for their straightforwardness and honesty, a stark contrast to the friendly social connections I've grown accustomed to in Scotland. In Berlin, casual banter and friendly chit-chat are not common on a day-to-day basis, and it took some time to adjust to this new communication style.
Another significant difference is the approach to daily life. In Berlin, living can train you to be cautious about traffic lights, as they are strictly enforced. This is a stark contrast to Scotland, where traffic laws are more lenient.
One of the most intriguing cultural practices I've encountered is the German tradition of airing out homes, known as Lüften. This involves regularly opening windows to prevent dampness and improve indoor air quality, a practice that is less common in the UK. In Scotland, tap water is amazing, cold, fresh, and tastes better than the hard water in Berlin, which is often a source of surprise for many visitors.
Shopping habits also differ between the two countries. In Germany, shops and supermarkets close for a half-day on Christmas Eve and fully on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, while their UK counterparts close only for Christmas Day. The main Christmas celebration in Germany is on December 24th, with gift-giving and the decoration of the Christmas tree taking place in the evening. In the UK, the main celebration is on December 25th, with morning gift-giving and festive meals being the focus.
Fireworks are not a big thing in Berlin, and they can culminate in an all-out wild party on New Year's Eve. This is a stark contrast to the UK, where fireworks are more commonly used on Guy Fawkes Night (November 5th) and during specific events rather than seasonally.
Paying with cash is less common in the UK compared to Germany. The UK has rapidly adopted contactless card payments and mobile payments, resulting in less cash use. In Germany, cash is still preferred for privacy and budgeting reasons, and the shift to cashless options has been slower.
Ordering a drink in a German pub can be confusing for a visitor from the UK. In Germany, asking for "a small beer" is not the common way to order. Instead, the "pint" and "half pint" system is used. This can be a source of amusement for locals, as they watch tourists trying to navigate the unfamiliar system.
Living abroad has changed my way of life and customs, and I've learned to embrace the differences and appreciate the unique aspects of both cultures. Despite the culture shocks, I've come to love Berlin, and I'm eager to continue exploring and learning about its rich history and customs.
My new lifestyle in Berlin, particularly the home-and-garden tradition of airing out homes, known as Lüften, presents a stark contrast to my experience in the UK. Additionally, travel within both countries reveals distinctive shopping habits, such as the closure of UK shops on Boxing Day, while German shops remain closed on Christmas Day.
