When visiting Germany, it is important to be aware of a few things. First, you should be aware that German law places a high premium on respecting personal privacy, including laws that restrict publication of photos taken in public spaces.
So, be sure to check with people before taking pictures in public.
Second, be aware that Germany has one of the most stringent drinking laws in Europe. There are stiff penalties for anyone caught drinking alcohol in public or driving after having consumed alcohol, no matter what your age.
Third, take some time to familiarize yourself with German cultural norms. Germans are known for punctuality and are generally more reserved in social situations than people from other countries. It is important to respect the quiet atmosphere prevalent in Berlin and other German cities.
Finally, be aware of key security issues when visiting Germany. Crime rates in Germany are relatively low, but you should still be vigilant with your personal belongings and keep an eye out for pickpockets in busy areas like train stations or tourist attractions.
What are things to avoid in Germany?
So as to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
First and foremost, under no circumstances should a visitor partake in illegal drugs. Possession, purchase, and use of narcotics are all considered crimes and are punished severely; even something as minor as possessing marijuana can result in a prison sentence.
Second, visitors to Germany should be aware that certain crimes like pickpocketing and scamming are prevalent in certain cities, so it’s important to always stay vigilant and aware of one’s surroundings.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and leave all valuables at home or hidden out of sight.
Third, try to avoid certain public displays of fondness. Even though Germany is considered quite liberal, engaging in public displays of affection that are considered excessive by German standards can lead to unwanted attention and potentially a fine.
Fourth, visitors to Germany should exercise caution when photographing strangers and military establishments. Photography is allowed — in fact many tourist attractions encourage it — but if one is considering taking pictures of strangers without their permission, it’s important to be aware that it is considered impolite and may lead to a need for an apology.
If the stranger appears to be associated with a military establishment, avoid taking pictures altogether.
In addition, be aware that begging is not tolerated in Germany. While panhandling is illegal, there is an exception for charitable organizations who are allowed to stand in public places and ask for donations.
As a tourist, it is important to recognize the difference and not inadvertently contribute to illegal activities.
Finally, while Germany tends to be a very tolerant and multicultural society, never forget that it is still a foreign country and the laws and customs are different. Be sure to follow all applicable laws and regulations, and always be respectful of the German people and their culture.
With a bit of common sense and respect for the culture, visiting Germany can be an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone.
What is considered disrespectful in Germany?
In Germany, certain behavior or comments can be viewed as disrespectful. This includes talking loudly or aggressively in public as this is seen as inappropriate. It is not uncommon for people to avoid direct eye contact when speaking as it can be seen as overly aggressive.
It is important to be aware of personal space and to not stand too close to another person. Some German people can come off as blunt or direct when speaking or offering criticism, so it is important to not take this personally.
It is also considered rude if someone interrupts another person or shouts over them to get attention. Compliments are generally appreciated in agreement forms such as “Danke Schön” ( Thank you very much).
This can be difficult for visitors to Germany as certain sensitivities may not be as well known. Additionally, when at a restaurant,it is polite to remain seated until everyone is finished eating. Lastly, it is considered disrespectful to chew gum or smoke in public.
Overall, it is important to remember to be courteous, respectful and mindful that certain behaviors may be considered rude in Germany.
How to not look like an American in Germany?
In order to not look like an American in Germany, follow these tips:
1. Wear muted, neutral colors. The Germans prefer more neutral fashion. Avoid bright neon colors and large logos.
2. Focus on comfort and fit. Germans prefer to dress nicely, but still be comfortable. Ensure all your clothing is tailored well and fits you properly.
3. Incorporate some German brands. Look for German brands, such as Dirndl, Lederhosen and Reiterhosen when getting dressed. Add details like pins or a signature scarf to help complete the look.
4. Get your hair and makeup right. Germans prefer to stick with a natural look when it comes to makeup. Hair should be well-kept, but not overly styled.
5. Accessorize with purpose. Accessories are also important in German fashion. Women can add a cross-body bag, Kippa hat or a nice statement necklace. Men can opt for sunglasses, a watch or a trench coat.
By following these tips and incorporating appropriate fashion items, you should be able to blend in and not look like an American in Germany.
Can you hug in Germany?
Yes, you can hug in Germany. It is important to remember, however, that Germany has different social norms and expectations regarding physical contact which can be very different from those in other parts of the world.
Most Germans prefer to keep physical contact to a minimum and would generally not be comfortable with a hug unless the situation is intimate and familiar. While hugs may be seen as a sign of affection and friendship, it is better not to assume that people will be open to it.
Respect for personal space is key in German culture, so if someone does not seem comfortable with physical contact, it is best to exercise caution and abide by their wishes.
Does Germany allow freedom of speech?
Yes, Germany does allow freedom of speech and expression. The German Basic Law protects freedom of speech, the press and other media, peaceful assembly, and the right to form associations. Article 5 of the Basic Law states that everyone has the right “to freely express and disseminate his/her opinions in speech, writing and pictures and to inform himself/herself without hindrance from generally accessible sources”.
However, certain kinds of speech, such as hate speech, are prohibited in Germany. The Federal Constitutional Court, in its 1983 decision, defined hate speech as “all publicly made statement of insults, contempt, defamation and malicious joy over the misfortune of others, which attack characteristics of protected groups”.
This includes statements made in the media or online, as well as in one-on-one conversations.
In addition, Germany has laws prohibiting Holocaust denial, and the display of Nazi symbols such as the swastika and Nazi salutes. Penalties for violating these laws can include fines, imprisonment, and/or deportation.
On the whole, however, Germany does protect the right to free speech and expression, and it is one of the most open and liberal countries in the world in terms of these rights.
What human rights are being violated in Germany?
In Germany, a number of human rights are regularly violated. Perhaps the most common and significant of these is the right to freedom of expression and assembly. In recent years, Germany has passed laws that limit the right to protest, and has been accused of stifling freedom of speech on a variety of topics, including issues relating to immigration, as well as topics related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
In 2017, German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for an end to protests that promoted “hatred,” a ban widely seen as a violation of the right to demonstrate.
There have also been reports of violations of the right to a fair trial. In 2019, the German government sought to pass legislation that would make it easier for local prosecutors to order preventive detention for those accused of a crime, without the need for a court order.
Critics argued that such a law could lead to abuses of power by providing authorities with the ability to deprive individuals of liberty without proper due process.
Another serious concern is discrimination against minorities, particularly immigrants, refugees and ethnic minorities. Despite laws that protect racial, ethnic and religious minorities, there is still a strong culture of prejudicial attitudes towards these communities in Germany, and research has found that they experience a disproportionate impact of xenophobic and racist abuse.
In addition, violations of children’s rights are also of concern. There have been reports of children being forcibly removed from the families they were born into, often in the context of immigration disputes, and of children being held in indefinite detention in refugee camps in violation of international standards.
Furthermore, there is a need to strengthen protections for children against child labor, exploitation and abuse.
Overall, it is clear that Germany has a record of human rights violations that must be addressed if the country is to truly guarantee the civil and political rights of all its residents.
Is kissing in public allowed in Germany?
In Germany, kissing in public is generally allowed, depending on the situation. In most cases, kissing in public is considered socially acceptable. For example, couples who are in a relationship will often kiss in public when greeting each other or sharing an intimate moment.
That said, kissing in public should still be done with respect for one’s surroundings, especially if the situation is not appropriate, such as in places of worship. It is also important to note that kissing in public should not be overly intimate or sexual in nature and should not be done in a way that is likely to make other people uncomfortable.
Additionally, Germany has specific laws in place regarding public displays of affection, so it is best to be mindful of local customs and laws before engaging in any public displays of affection.
Do and don’ts in Germany?
Visiting Germany for the first time can be an exciting, yet potentially overwhelming experience. Of course, it’s important to know what to expect and take into account the customs and do’s and don’ts of the country.
Here are some of the main do’s and don’ts when visiting Germany:
Do’s
– Pay respect to the German customs and traditions.
– Greet people with a firm handshake and make eye contact.
– Speak confidently and clearly, even if you don’t speak the local language.
– Be courteous to others and avoid becoming loud or aggressive.
– Eat local foods, such as bratwurst, schnitzel, pretzels and sauerkraut.
Don’ts
– Don’t be too casual, as Germans can be quite formal.
– Don’t talk too much about yourself.
– Don’t talk about politics or religion, especially in public.
– Don’t openly criticize the country or its customs and traditions.
– Don’t be overly friendly or touchy, as Germans don’t appreciate physical intimacy in public.
Overall, it’s important to be both respectful and courteous when visiting Germany, as any behavior which is considered rude or not in keeping with their culture, like not getting approval from your host before entering their home, may cause offense.
It’s also important to do your research beforehand and familiarize yourself with German culture to ensure you have a positive experience.
Are Germans nice to American tourists?
Yes, Germans are generally friendly and hospitable to American tourists. Germans are culturally sensitive, and typically display an attitude of hospitality and respect towards visitors. There is an emphasis on courtesy, which most Germans find to be very important.
It is common to hear Germans wishing visitors a good stay and offering assistance. It is normal to see German people go out of their way to help newcomers, no matter their nationality.
Many Germans also speak a decent amount of English – often enough that it may even be possible for those with limited language skills to get by. All of these elements make for a welcoming atmosphere for most American tourists.
Of course, tourists should strive to observe local customs and etiquette, as any culture can have unique expectations from visitors. Taking the time to learn about German culture and customs can help ensure a pleasant experience in Germany.
What Cannot bring to Germany?
There are several items that you cannot bring to Germany when travelling. These include:
1. Weapons and firearms: possession of firearms and ammunition is strictly prohibited and can result in severe penalties.
2. Narcotics and drugs: possession of narcotics and drugs is illegal in Germany, and the severity of the penalty depends on the quantity and type of substance.
3. Pornographic materials: importing, reproducing or distributing pornographic material is not permitted in Germany.
4. Cultural artifacts: it is illegal to take any archaeological or cultural artifacts out of Germany without permission from a lawful representative of the cultural authority in the respective region.
5. Endangered wildlifeSpecies: it is illegal to import or export endangered species. It is also illegal to trade any products made from them.
6. Counterfeit goods: it is illegal to import or export counterfeit goods or copies of copyrighted materials.
7. Endangered or Protected Species of Animals: it is illegal to take endangered or protected species of animals into another country without an appropriate export permit.
Why can’t you do anything on a Sunday in Germany?
In Germany, Sundays are traditionally dedicated to rest and relaxation. This is why major stores and markets are usually closed on Sundays, and commercial activities are strongly discouraged. This is also why shopping on Sundays is not permitted according to German law.
Many people in Germany view Sundays as a day of rest, a chance to spend time with family and take a break from the stresses of everyday life. For Christians, it’s also a day dedicated to prayer and worship.
Aside from visiting one of the churches located in each city, or a few of the select stores that are open within certain localities, there is not a wide variety of activities that you can do on a Sunday.
But either way, shopping is not likely to be one of them.
Is it rude to stare in Germany?
It is considered rude to stare in Germany, especially if you are staring at someone for an extended period of time or in an aggressive manner. It is considered a sign of disrespect and can make people feel uncomfortable.
The same is true for pointing and whistling at other people. Staring can be interpreted as a sign that someone is paying too much attention to another person, or is expressing disapproval or a lack of respect.
Generally, it is considered polite to avoid staring at other people.
What is the biggest problem in Germany?
The biggest problem in Germany is likely a matter of opinion and can vary depending on the person. In general, however, the two most oft-cited issues are the rising cost of living and the integration of immigrants.
Germany has experienced an influx of immigrants since the 2015 migrant crisis, and many citizens worry about the resources and acceptance for all the new members of the German community. Additionally, the cost of living in Germany has increased, particularly in the larger cities, making it difficult for some to make ends meet.
The lack of affordable housing is frequently cited as one of the major sources of hardship, as well as the rising cost of food and other necessities. With political instability in some parts of Europe, economic inequalities also pose a major challenge for Germany.