Ugly Tourists in Germany: How to Upset Germans

Germany is a wonderful country to visit with the top of the line museums, quaint half timbered houses, and food galore! However when you visit Germany there may be a few things that will upset your local German friends that you might not know about. Here are ways that tourists and non-Germans can really upset Germans in Germany.
Filmed in Freiburg, Germany

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Copyright Mark Wolters 2022

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[SchwarbageTruck]

One of my friends who studied abroad in Germany put the whole "Germany =/= Bavaria" thing this way: Going to Berlin and expecting to see people day-to-day wearing lederhosen and drinking big tankards of beer is like going to NYC and expecting to see people in cowboy hats and boots doing cool lasso tricks

[jojoin]

The only trouble I had in Germany was at the Mineralbad in Stuttgart. I am an older woman and have agility issues with my hands and I was having trouble inserting a ticket to go through the turnstile. The man behind me got upset and I hear the famous, "HALLO!!!". I turned around and politely asked if he could perhaps help me, while showing him my hands. His face turned red, put the ticket in the machine for me and then apologized. I have been all over Germany since then and have had nothing but kindness shown to me when asking for help.

[dpelpal]

Years ago I did the backpacking thing all over Europe and the Balkans. Germany and Austria were the only countries where people would literally see me with my backpack and walk up to me and say things like "Are you ok? Do you need a place to stay? How are you enjoying your trip?" Seems like amost every one of them had backpacked somewhere in the world before, and were literally genuinely trying to help. It was a big, big, BIG sigh of relief after leaving Italy, which I found to be quite the opposite.

[lynnburgardt-ybvm]

I was a foreign exchange student from the US when I was 16 and I was housed in Bavaria. I have never felt more comfortable and welcomed, the people were so friendly and helped me with my German, and were so patient and wonderful. I hope to make it back to Germany one day, it is fantastic!!

[thee]

I am German, I am always impressed Wolter, how good you capture the German behavior and thinking without getting into stereotypes. Well done!

[englishrose]

I am German and I am so grateful how respectful you present this. Thanks for that. Great stuff👍👍🙏

[aljawad]

Here are a couple of things I learned when I lived in Germany. Avoid any “noisy” house chores on a Sunday, and avoid giving birthday wishes BEFORE the persons birthday.

[EvaCornelia]

As a German, I was taught that waiters in North America don't earn as much and need the tips, like the tips are expected and part of their income, whereas in Germany waiters earn more and a tip is always voluntary or polite and not expected as part of their income.

As for sharing food at a restaurant with others, thank you for this explanation. I once was in a restaurant in Canada with a few people from all over the world, the plates were put on the table and everyone took whatever they wanted. I was greatly confused and overwhelmed, didn't know what I am supposed to eat or what was expected from me, and I also thought we should have agreed upon sharing the bill before ordering so much food. I'm not greedy, but I didn't have overflowing financial resources at the time and would have liked to know how much I would be supposed to pay in the end. I should have asked and shared my uncertainties, but for whatever reason I wasn't able to. So thanks again, this explanation helped.

[ahlivetuhsidamaro]

I think I’m really going to LOVE visiting Germany! Everything you said that angers them angers me. I love punctuality, recycling and NOT sharing my food.

[vryday]

As a German, I can say that you absolutely nailed us (at least my parents and grandparents) and I loved the way you explained everything with examples. Dankeschön! And have fun in Germany. :)

[MrGrumpy]

As an American that has lived in Germany for 3+ decades I would like to point out that only ONE TIME have I received any anti-American/anti-foreigner comments. When my German language skills are not up to the task the Germans are very willing to help explain things in English. Thank you to any Germans reading these comments! I do feel welcome in your country!

[theassening]

Germany:
I order my food
I order my beer
I drive my speed (within the rules)
I come in time, so
I can expect everyone in time
sounds good to a finn, we have similar rules
I must visit, I want to drink beer and see castles, churches and museums

[jj-bvui]

Im autistic and have always done well in Germany ^_^
Thank you for your good content!

[CaribouEno]

The "don't be late" part is extremely important in case you have a job interview in Germany (native German here, born and grew up in Germany before moving to the US). When you get an invitation letter/notice for a job interview or a round of interviews starting at 10am (10 Uhr!), then be there at latest 9:45. You may have to get your visitor badge and escorted to the interview room etc. Offen they offer you water and coffee. But be IN THE ROOM at 10.If using public transit, take a connection earlier. When arriving by car know where you can park and do not try to save ten Euros for the parking garage to drive tens of minutes to find a free spot. No one will accept that excuse.
Good employers will reimburse you all those fees for your application in Germany, included the parking ticket of the garage next to the employer's office.

[bobfognozzle]

My wife and I just returned from three weeks driving through northern Germany. We set the navigation systen to avoid A-bahns (mostly). We were treated like guests by everyone we met. Without exception, every encounter was great. I spent my covid confinement studying German…every day. I practiced and listened and really worked at pronunciation. While there I spoke German at every opportunity. While some Germans recognized that I was not a native speaker, many continued the conversation in German and even helped me along. As you said, we did not cross the street without the permission of the ampelman and did drive fast but always to the right on the A-bahn and in general followed German rules of polite. While this was not my first time in Germany, it was my best!

[TimCowdell]

My wife and I lived in Flörsheim, near Frankfurt for a couple of years and absolutely loved it.
We've lived in Belgium, the Philippines, Panama, all over the U.S. and now Alaska. And we've
subscribed to the old saying, "when in Rome, act like the Romans". and it works pretty well.

[davewhitehead]

I'm from the UK and have lived in Germany for 26 years and you are SO spot on here. You had me nodding again and again (particularly as I have taken on all these traits myself!). When my Dad comes and suggests we all share food, both my German wife and I (and particularly our son!) will give the evils. You just don't. Full stop. The "Hallo" is something I always listen out for when I'm unsure whether I've picked up all my groceries or change....fear of God moment, invariably. Well done on this video! (First saw your video on Toronto...where my wife currently is now!) Love your style, honest, down to earth and respectful.

[BlueSaints]

The only time you can get away with being late in Germany is when you're using Deutsche Bahn. 😂

[wingedhussar]

Another important thing:

Don't be too loud in restaurants and on public transportation. Some American tourists behave as if they were the only people in the restaurant or on the bus. Of course this doesn't mean that you must be silent, but just keep the volume of your voices normal.

Another thing is: Don't let your children run around and climb on chairs and tables in restaurants. In the USA, this kind of behavior is tolerated, in Germany, it really can be a problem for other guests.

[NALFVLOGS]

Great Video as always, Mark! I'm an American living in Germany the last 6 years and I'm with you on all points. Keep the great content coming, man.