The Double Standard in German Culture: Things Germans Do but Hate When Foreigners Do the Same
Living in Germany as a foreigner means adapting to cultural norms and social expectations. Germans are known for their love of rules, order, and efficiency. However, there are certain things that many Germans do themselves but are quick to criticize when a foreigner does the same. This double standard can be frustrating, especially when locals break the very rules they insist others follow.
Here are some of the most common things Germans do but hate when foreigners do the same:
1. Being Late in Germany – A Foreigners’ Problem, Not a German One
Germany is famous for its punctuality, and being on time is seen as a sign of respect. If a foreigner arrives late to a meeting, an event, or even a casual coffee date, they might get an annoyed look or a lecture about how important punctuality is in Germany.
But the reality? Many Germans show up late too! It’s not uncommon for locals to arrive 5–10 minutes late for social events, university lectures, or even work meetings. And let’s not forget Deutsche Bahn’s constant train delays. Yet, when a foreigner is late, suddenly it’s a big deal.
2. Being Loud in Germany – Germans Can, But Foreigners Shouldn’t
Germany has strict noise regulations, and being loud in public spaces or at home during “Ruhezeiten” (quiet hours) is a major cultural faux pas. Foreigners who speak loudly in a restaurant, on public transport, or in their apartments often get shushed or reminded to be more respectful.
However, Germans are just as guilty—especially at football games, Oktoberfest, Karneval, or in beer gardens. Late-night street celebrations are common after big football matches, and public drunkenness during festivals is widely accepted. The double standard? When a German is loud, it’s called “celebrating.” When a foreigner is loud, it’s called “being disrespectful.”
3. Jaywalking in Germany – Rules Are Rules (Except When Germans Break Them)
Jaywalking is technically illegal in Germany, and foreigners who cross the street on a red pedestrian light often get scolded by locals—even by complete strangers! Germans will remind you that following traffic rules is a sign of a civilized society.
Yet, if you observe closely, many Germans ignore red lights when no one is watching, especially at night. But if a foreigner does the same, they’re immediately reminded: “In Germany, we follow the rules.”
4. Speaking English in Germany – “Learn German” (But Germans Love Speaking English)
Many Germans expect foreigners to learn German quickly and often become impatient when someone struggles with the language. Phrases like “Du musst Deutsch lernen!” (You must learn German!) are common when a foreigner relies on English.
But here’s the contradiction: Many Germans love practicing their English, especially in big cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, or Hamburg. In some workplaces, English is the preferred language, and even some Germans refuse to speak German because they enjoy using English. Yet, if a foreigner doesn’t speak perfect German, they’re told they need to “integrate.”
5. Cutting in Line in Germany – Germans Always Wait Their Turn (Except When They Don’t)
Germans are known for their sense of order, and standing in line properly is considered a social rule. If a foreigner tries to move ahead in a queue, even by accident, they’ll quickly hear an angry “Hier gibt es eine Schlange!” (There is a queue here!).
But watch what happens in a supermarket when a new cashier opens—many Germans will rush to the new checkout, cutting ahead of others. The same happens at airports, train stations, and bus stops. Suddenly, the “we wait our turn” rule doesn’t apply.
6. Breaking Traffic Rules in Germany – Germans Drive Fast but Expect Foreigners to Follow the Rules
Germans love to remind foreigners to obey speed limits, use turn signals, and drive cautiously. Traffic rules are taken seriously, and even minor mistakes can result in scolding from other drivers.
But the same Germans who insist on strict driving rules will drive at 200 km/h on the Autobahn, overtake aggressively, or refuse to stop for pedestrians. The contradiction? Foreigners must follow the rules, but for Germans, there’s always an exception.
7. German Bureaucracy – “Everyone Must Follow the Rules” (Unless You Know Someone)
Germany is infamous for its bureaucracy, and foreigners are often told they must follow every step, submit every document, and wait patiently. If a foreigner tries to speed up the process, they are reminded: “That’s not how things work in Germany.”
Yet, many Germans use personal connections to get things done faster—whether it’s finding an apartment, getting a visa appointment, or even bypassing waiting lists. For Germans, networking is normal. For foreigners, it’s seen as “cheating the system.”
8. Recycling in Germany – Germans Love Rules, But Not Everyone Follows Them
Germany has one of the strictest waste separation systems in the world, and foreigners who throw something in the wrong bin may get a lecture on how “important” recycling is in Germany.
However, even many Germans find the system confusing and don’t always separate their waste correctly. If you watch closely, you’ll see locals throwing trash into the wrong bins—especially in busy areas like train stations or public parks. But when a foreigner makes a mistake? Suddenly, the environment is at risk.
9. Cash Payments in Germany – Germans Prefer Cash, Until They Travel Abroad
Many Germans prefer cash over card payments, and foreigners who try to pay with a card in a small shop might be met with an annoyed look. Germans often say, “Cash is safer and more practical.”
But the moment a German travels abroad, they complain about how backward Germany’s cash culture is. Suddenly, they love contactless payments and find it annoying when a shop doesn’t accept cards.
10. Taking Long Vacations in Germany – Foreigners Are Lazy, But Germans Take Six Weeks Off
Germans value hard work and efficiency, and if a foreigner prioritizes work-life balance, they might hear comments like “In Germany, we take our jobs seriously.”
However, Germany has some of the best vacation policies in the world—most employees have five to six weeks of paid leave, plus public holidays. And during the summer? Offices are half-empty because Germans take long vacations.
When a foreigner takes time off, they’re not working hard enough. When a German does it, it’s “well-deserved rest.”
Final Thoughts: The German Double Standard
Germany is a country of rules, but those rules aren’t always followed equally. Foreigners are expected to strictly adhere to German customs, while Germans often bend the same rules when it suits them.
This isn’t unique to Germany—it happens in every culture. But understanding these double standards can help expats and visitors navigate German society more easily, with a mix of patience, humor, and cultural awareness.
So next time someone tells you “In Germany, we do things this way,” just remember: it might not apply to everyone equally.
FAQ:
Why do Germans criticize foreigners for using Bürgergeld while many Germans receive it too?
Germany has a well-structured social welfare system, including Bürgergeld (formerly Hartz IV), which helps unemployed residents. While some public discussions focus on foreigners using these benefits, statistics show that the majority of recipients are actually German citizens.
Is punctuality a strict rule for everyone, or are foreigners held to a higher standard?
Punctuality is highly valued in Germany, especially in professional and formal settings. Arriving late to work, appointments, or social events is often considered disrespectful. However, in many situations, not all Germans are perfectly on time.
Do Germans really follow noise regulations?
Germany has strict quiet hours, but events like Oktoberfest and football matches are loud and widely accepted. The difference is that loudness is tolerated in specific cultural settings, while daily life generally prioritizes quietness.
Do Germans really follow traffic rules?
Many Germans follow traffic rules, but some jaywalk when convenient. Foreigners are often more noticeable when breaking rules, as following them is a strong cultural expectation in public spaces.
Why do Germans love speaking English but expect foreigners to speak German?
Germans enjoy speaking English, but they also expect foreigners to learn German for integration. In business and social settings, English is common, but in official processes, German is preferred.
Is German bureaucracy harder for foreigners than for locals?
German bureaucracy is difficult for everyone, but locals often have connections or experience to navigate it more easily. Foreigners face additional challenges like language barriers and long visa processes.
Do Germans expect foreigners to work hard while taking long vacations?
Many yes! Germany values work-life balance, with long paid vacations. However, foreigners may feel more pressure to prove themselves in the workplace, even though Germans also take time off.
Do Germans really care about the environment?
Germany promotes sustainability, but many Germans still drive large cars and take frequent flights. Environmental ideals exist, but daily habits don’t always align perfectly.
Why does Germany criticize Trump while the AfD is growing?
Germany officially opposes extremism, but dissatisfaction with mainstream politics has led to the rise of the AfD. This reflects political divisions rather than hypocrisy.
