Nine unexpected differences experienced upon returning home from a holiday in Germany
In the heart of Scotland, the city of Aberdeen is known for its friendly and engaging locals who often strike up casual conversations with strangers. However, for one author who moved from Aberdeen to Berlin in 2017, the change in culture was quite stark, leading to a series of culture shocks.
Living in Berlin, the author found the direct communication and efficient bureaucracy a stark contrast to the British way of life. The author also had to adapt to the local habits, such as the practice of Lüften, or airing out homes by opening windows, a common practice deeply ingrained in German society.
The Christmas/New Year period was particularly challenging, with the author experiencing reverse culture shock as they returned to Scotland. The UK's bustling Christmas Eve, filled with last-minute shopping, present wrapping, and even leaving a carrot out for Rudolph, was a stark contrast to the calm approach in Germany, where the main Christmas celebration takes place on the 24th of December.
The author also noticed differences in social interactions and behaviour. Germans often find British social manners and interactions peculiar or sometimes difficult to interpret after being accustomed to German directness and formality. Conversely, the British may find the Germans blunt or rude, but these cultural expectations differ greatly.
The author also found differences in everyday bureaucracy and communication. Germans are used to their efficient, rule-based systems and clear formal communication, while the UK's different administrative or service approach, sometimes perceived as more informal or less predictable, can cause discomfort upon return.
In terms of daily life, the author noted differences in food customs, household etiquette, and other norms. For example, the tap water in Scotland, known for its fresh and cold taste, was a welcome change from the hard water in Berlin. Similarly, the UK's system of ordering drinks, based on pints and half-pints, contrasted with the less common "small beer" in Germany.
However, these reverse culture shocks are not one-sided. Years of living abroad can change a person, and the author found themselves adapting to the habits they picked up from living in Germany, such as waiting for the green traffic light to cross the road.
Despite these differences, mixing Christmas traditions from Germany and the UK can give you the best of both worlds. While fireworks are not a big thing in Berlin, with a peak on New Year's Eve, the author found joy in the UK's Christmas Eve traditions, filled with last-minute shopping, present wrapping, and a carrot for Rudolph.
In conclusion, moving between countries can lead to a series of culture shocks, but these experiences can also offer a unique perspective on the world. The author's journey from Aberdeen to Berlin and back again has given them a deeper understanding of the differences and similarities between German and British cultures.
The author's lifestyle in Berlin, including the practice of airing out homes (home-and-garden), was a stark contrast to their previous life in Aberdeen. Upon returning to Scotland during the Christmas/New Year period, the author experienced reverse culture shock, finding the UK's busy Christmas Eve customs (travel) significantly different from the calm German approach (lifestyle).
