Experiencing Nine Significant Culture Shocks Upon Return to Home from Holidays in Germany

Experiencing Nine Significant Culture Shocks Upon Return to Home from Holidays in Germany

In the heart of Europe, Germany stands as a land of rich history, robust traditions, and unique cultural practices. But for those who have called Scotland home, the transition to life in Germany can be a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.

After moving from Aberdeen to Berlin in 2017, I found myself navigating a world where the familiar was often replaced by the unfamiliar. One of the first differences I noticed was the calmness that enveloped Christmas shopping in Germany. Shops would close for half a day on Christmas Eve and remain shut on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, a stark contrast to the bustling crowds and non-stop retail rush I was accustomed to in the UK.

Another noticeable difference was the road crossing etiquette. In Scotland, I was used to waiting for the green traffic light before crossing the road, but in Germany, this practice is less common. Instead, pedestrians often follow a more cautious approach, waiting for a clear gap in traffic before making their way across.

When it comes to ordering a drink at a pub, the system in Germany is more akin to that in the UK, with the use of the "pint" and "half pint" system. However, asking for a "small beer" or "a big beer" is not part of the German vernacular.

The opening times of businesses during the Christmas holidays also differ significantly between the two countries. In the UK, shops and establishments often extend their hours, while in Germany, they follow a more traditional schedule, closing to allow families to spend quality time together.

One aspect of daily life that took some getting used to was the prevalence of cash transactions in Germany. Compared to the UK, where card payments are more common, Germany still leans towards the use of cash.

But perhaps the most striking difference I encountered was in the realm of social interactions. The friendly banter and casual chit-chat that are commonplace in Aberdeen were less prevalent in Berlin. I found the direct communication style and the insular nature of social connections surprising and, at times, shocking.

Yet, there were aspects of German culture that I grew to appreciate. The tradition of daily home airing, known as Lüften, was a refreshing practice that promoted a sense of cleanliness and freshness. The tap water in Scotland, cold, fresh, and with a superior taste to the hard water in Berlin, was another comfort I missed.

Living abroad for years can make one accustomed to the way of life and customs of their new home. However, returning to Scotland brought its own set of reverse culture shocks. The friendly social connections I encountered were a pleasant surprise, a stark contrast to the more reserved interactions I had grown accustomed to in Berlin.

In conclusion, the journey from Scotland to Germany, and back again, is a testament to the rich tapestry of cultural differences that exist within our world. It serves as a reminder that, while we may share similarities, our unique traditions and practices help shape our identities and experiences.

In Germany, the Christmas shopping experience is calmer and quieter compared to the UK, with shops closing for half a day on Christmas Eve and remaining shut on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The road crossing etiquette is also different, with Germans following a more cautious approach and waiting for a clear gap in traffic before crossing. The system for ordering drinks in German pubs is similar to that in the UK, but asking for a "small beer" or "a big beer" is not part of the German vernacular.

In contrast to the UK, daily life in Germany leans towards the use of cash transactions, and the tradition of daily home airing, known as Lüften, is a refreshing practice that promotes a sense of cleanliness and freshness. Despite the initial culture shock, there were aspects of German culture that I grew to appreciate.

However, returning to Scotland brought its own set of reverse culture shocks, as the friendly social connections I encountered were a stark contrast to the more reserved interactions I had grown accustomed to in Berlin. In conclusion, the journey from Scotland to Germany and back again is a testament to the rich tapestry of cultural differences that exist within our world. It serves as a reminder that, while we may share similarities, our unique traditions and practices help shape our identities and experiences.

Additionally, the lifestyles in both countries offer choices in different areas such as fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, travel, education-and-self-development, and entertainment. These differences and similarities in various aspects of life make a seamless blending of cultures truly fascinating and enriching.

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