Welcome to the land of pretzels, beer, and precision engineering! If you’re an Indian planning to live in Germany or have just arrived, you’re in for a rollercoaster of adventures and culture shocks. Fear not; this post is here to help you navigate the delightful chaos that is life in Germany.
10 things that you should know
- Embrace the ‘Pünktlichkeit’ (Punctuality) Culture
Germans are known for their clockwork precision, and being fashionably late is a big no-no. If a meeting starts at 3:00 PM, you better be there at 2:59 PM or face the wrath of the punctuality gods. Do not get offended, if the meeting has already started as you were late or the meeting is abruptly ended as there is a next meeting to attend. - The Art of Queueing
Indians are no strangers to queues, but in Germany, it’s a sacred ritual. Whether it’s at the grocery store or public transport, learn to stand in line and respect personal space. - Don’t Fear the Language Barrier
German can be intimidating, but don’t let that deter you. Most Germans speak English, and learning a few polite phrases in German will earn you a smile and respect. Duolingo, anyone? If you intend to stay here long, learn the language as early as possible. It will help you in your social life. - Recycling: The National Sport
Germans take recycling seriously, and there’s a bin for everything. It’s like a high-stakes game of ‘Where does this piece of trash belong?’ Master the art, and you’ll feel like an environmental superhero. Don’t take this for granted, or else be ready to pay the fine by the authorities. - Learn to Love the Autobahn
Germany’s highway system, the Autobahn, is famous for its speed limit-free stretches. Buckle up and enjoy the thrill of zooming down the road at your own risk. Also, be mentally ready for some fines as there are laser-based speed detectors. I have seen many Europeans also paying fines due to this. Invest in an app (I don’t know the name) which alerts before the speed detectors are approaching. - Beer and Sausages Galore
You’ve heard about Oktoberfest, but Germany offers a cornucopia of beer varieties and sausages. Embrace the beer culture, try the local brews, and don’t miss out on bratwurst and currywurst! I personally miss Indian food but the good thing is – I am a good cook and so is my wife! So all sorted. - Weather Roulette
German weather is unpredictable. You might experience all four seasons in a single day. Invest in a sturdy umbrella, and a good winter coat, and learn to say, “I didn’t sign up for this” with a smile. Tip – The Indian (even Delhi) winter clothes won’t work here. So don’t waste your luggage space for that. You need to buy from Germany to enjoy (not only survive) the winters. - Join the Local Clubs
Germans love their clubs and associations. Whether it’s a sports club or a hobby group, joining one is a fantastic way to make friends and integrate into the community. - Public Transport is King
Germany’s public transportation system is efficient and widespread. Get yourself a monthly pass, and you’ll have the whole country at your fingertips. I have survived the last three years without a car and have travelled to 10+ countries. - Travel Within Europe
Germany’s central location in Europe makes it an excellent base for exploring neighbouring countries. Weekend trips to France, Italy, or the Netherlands? Yes, please! - Indian Grocery
There are many Turkish and Asian shops across Germany where you can find most of the Indian Grocery. We prefer online shops like Jamoona.com to purchase heavy items like atta, rice, etc. They are also available locally.
Welcome to Germany
Living in Germany as an Indian expat can be a whirlwind adventure, but it’s also an opportunity to learn, grow, and experience a vibrant culture. So, embrace the punctuality, navigate the recycling bins, and enjoy the bratwurst – Germany has a lot to offer, and your journey here promises to be one filled with memories, laughter, and the occasional perplexed glance from a local. Prost! (Cheers!)
If you want to know more about Living in Germany, add the topic in the comments. I will write a post on it
