Things not to do as a Foreigner in Germany?

We decided to ask as many foreigner's in Germany, on what you should not do when living in Germany. Yes us foreigner's make a lot of mistakes but now know what you shouldn't do when living here.

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Instagram @yourtruebrit

[itszepp]

For me as a German, it really pisses me off when people are too noisy on public transport or block the sidewalk because they are walking way too slow + need the entire space.

[mucknog]

I've heard the 'don't ever jaywalk' on several videos about Germany. I am German, and trust me, almost all of us jaywalk. There is only one unwritten rule about jaywalking. Don't jaywalk when children are present.

[TheOzelot]

I feel like the biggest rules that I see a lot of foreigners breaking is being noisy in public. A lot of Germans hate it, when people talk loudly on the train, bus, but also in restaurants, malls etc. The second one would be standing in the way, or failing to make space for people that want to pass by.

One thing about these rules tho: The video was filmed in Munich. In Berlin you would get totally different answers to these questions from people I feel like. Different parts of Germany can be very different when it come to which rules they follow and which they don't. I think Bavaria is generally one of the most law abiding states in Germany, with Berlin and parts of NRW probably being the least.

[utterfailure]

Disposing your garbage properly is really important. Don't throw it on the street and/ or leave it just anywhere. The rules for correct recycling will vary from city or "Landkreis".

Another issue is loitering and noise level especially in public spaces (parks, lakes, in front of supermarkets, etc). People appreciate and demand their "Ruhe und Ordnung". They won't shy away from contacting police and/ or "Ordnungsamt".

[tycdeutscher]

For anyone who may have missed it:
the the window display depicted Queen Elizabeth II rolling in her "grave" in between England's two latest prime Ministers

[TheEnginator]

In Germany, it's cool that most people watch out that no children are nearby when crossing the red light to not be a bad example, because children cannot assess the distance and speed of an approaching car.
I also heard that crossing the street on red light has no fine or punishment for pedestrians, except if it causes an accident. Well, a police officer once saw me cross the red light and just stared into my face, shaking his head. 😅

[annalina-we]

I think another one is that we've been taught that it's respectful to be quiet on public transport so I get annoyed really easily when people start facetiming their friends and family loudly while sitting next to me on a train - please just use headphones!

[juliushauck]

Boy, that's a good point. Being touchy might indeed be considered as flirting, as being touchy isn't something usual in Germany. So if people here are getting touchy, it might be indeed have an intention. I didn't think about that until now.

But I like those pragmatic answers 😀

But I guess if you are polite, not too intrusive and if you try to follow the rules you're good. We tend to be reserved, so some people tend to get overwhelmed quickly, but if you consider that you shouldn't have issues.

[compostboomtron]

As a Brit looking to move to Germany, this video has got me so hyped about adapting to the many rules I must follow 👊

[kingj]

“You can’t argue on the street and hit someone”

Bruh come on 💀

[tombeton]

Do not stay on the cycle path, cyclists are very aggressive.

[SteuerM]

Once I was in a hurry to catch the train, so I jaywalked right in front of a mother and her little child. When I was close to her, the mother said loudly: "Look darling, that´s how one of these people look like who are killed in traffic."

[dominoplay]

1.people loudly talking, screaming on the phone
2. People watching videos, youtube online in public transportation without headphones
3.walking in thr middle of the sidewalk, not right, not left, so everybody has to squize or pardon thrmselves to get by
4. Crossing the red light
5. Entering U bahn without letting passengers first get out, and actually give them space to do so
6. Getting into a bus and going all the way in so the rest of us can fit
7. Throwing trash or cigarettes on the floor
8. Public toilets, is there really a need to acting like you are in a barn?!
9. Cutting lines anywhere
10. Loud music, gathering with people in buildings without prior notice

....
And Im a Balkan girl, born and raised, but today living in Germany. The only place I was at peace was Tokyo, Japan. There is something to be learned from Japanese, and that applies to everyone

[KairaisnotaLiopleurodon]

Lol bro you are such a good interviewer. You bring such a fun and humble energy, I can see even the most shy of person enjoy having a quick chat with you. Love watching these!

[PeterPups]

Well, I wouldn't say that NOBODY waits in the middle of the night at a deserted street just because the traffic-lights are red BUT I'd consider it quite uncommon in Germany. We teach it to our children though, because we want them to live.

[Ostfriese]

The rules in Germany can get out of hand, to be honest, but they hold society together and make sure things go in (mostly) predictable lanes. This is quite an achievement if you ask me.

[urli]

I think the first turkish guy made a really true observation about us germans: we follow the rules but sometimes we want to breake them, we just need somebody who breaks them first and then we follow. Very smart guy.

[moodindigos]

What most people get wrong is thinking that we just blindly follow rules just for the sake of it or because we love rules per se.
In reality we see it as a sign of respect - yeah I could for example cut in line to get on a bus quicker or listen to loud music late at night - most Germans don't though because others have been waiting for the bus, too or might have had a hard day and really need that quiet time.
Not fillowing the rules is usually seen as selfish and inconsiderate of others.

[dixqlyv]

Whenever you go and live in a new country you will notice rules that you are not used to and they will stand out in your mind. You are less likely to notice if rules from your home country do not apply.

[eminbugrasaral]

Thank you for not putting everything I said during the interview. 😂 And, thank for this lovely video. I like it. ❤🎉