When moving to a new country, it is important to keep in mind that its people have a different lifestyle than your own. Therefore, adapting to that lifestyle and embracing it will improve your everyday experiences. Trust will be built with locals, your exposure to a new culture will be profound, and you’ll be able to make a new place a home away from home.
When it comes to Germany, everyday life is based on the rhythm of punctuality, structure, and eco-friendly habits. From quiet Sundays and being on time to correctly sorting your recyclables, these cultural practices shape the way German society functions. There is a risk of staying inside your own bubble at an international school. Therefore, it is important to engage with local customers, speak German, and become part of the German community. We will get to the specifics of Bremen, a culturally rich, mid-sized northern German city—so don’t be surprised if you hear “Moin!” wherever you go.
Punctuality and Efficiency
Timeliness is a sign of respect and reliability. Lateness is often frowned upon, so make sure to be on time for your appointments and meetings, as they follow precise timing.
Public transport is your best friend. Trains, buses, and trams follow tight schedules, which will work in your favor when you need to get somewhere on time. Make sure to plan. You can use the DB or VBN Fahrplaner apps to track your transportation and prepare for any unexpected delays.
Recycling and Sustainability
Germany cares a lot about recycling and sustainability. In fact, it leads to global recycling, with 66% of waste processed. There is a color-coded bin system that you must follow:
- Blue: paper/cardboard
- Yellow: plastics/packaging
- Green/Brown: organic waste
- Gray/Black: residual waste
The Pfand system is another sustainable practice you should follow. These are bottle deposits returned via machines at stores, so make sure not to throw away your bottles—whether plastic or glass. It’s important to learn your bin schedule and sort waste properly, also sorting food residue. Incorrect sorting can lead to fines or complaints from neighbors. Most dorms and apartments display signs to guide students on how to separate their waste correctly. Public glass recycling stations require you to sort by color, white, green, and brown. “Sperrmüll” (bulk trash) pickup days are announced by the neighborhood. This often creates informal chances for free furniture swapping.
Sunday Rest and Order
Sundays are for resting and relaxing. Most businesses, shops, and supermarkets are closed, so don’t try to go shopping at Waterfront or Weserpark, which are Bremen's local malls. There are quiet laws that prohibit loud activities, such as blasting music or mowing the lawn before 8 AM or after 8 PM. However, if you don’t want to stay at home on a Sunday, you can still take a walk in Bürgerpark, sit along Schlachte, or find a community event to join.
Greetings and Social Etiquette
Some key phrases you should know are “Guten Tag” (Good day), “Bitte” (Please), “Danke” (Thank you), and “Entschuldigung” (Excuse me). When it comes to formality, use “Sie” with strangers, authority figures, and older people. You should wait for permission before using the informal “du”.
In Bremen, locals greet one another with the word “Moin!”. It can be used anytime, for friendly and informal conversations with, for example, classmates, neighbors, and even bus drivers.
Dining and Social Customs
Again, being punctual is of utmost importance, therefore, you should always arrive slightly early, about 5-10 minutes before, as lateness is impolite. People value their time and like to use it efficiently, so should you.
In restaurants, servers don’t bring the bill automatically to you. Use the phrase “Die Rechnung, bitte” (The check, please) to order the bill. When paying for it, keep in mind that 5-10% tips are expected. You can say “Stimmt so” to let them keep the change.
Let’s not forget about the tasty traditional German food:
- Bratwurst: Classic grilled sausage, often with mustard and bread.
- Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage, commonly served as a side dish.
- Sauerbraten: Marinated pot roast, a national favorite.
- Spätzle: Soft egg noodles, especially popular in the south.
- Pretzels (Brezeln): Iconic German baked bread, salty and chewy.
Bremen Specialties:
- Bremer Knipp: Oat and pork sausage dish, served with potatoes and pickles.
- Kohl und Pinkel: Kale with smoked sausage, a wintertime Bremen staple.
- Labskaus: Hearty mash of beef, potatoes, and beetroot, topped with a fried egg.
- Bremen Klaben: Rich Christmas fruit bread with raisins and nuts.
And of course, the top restaurants to try them:
- Bremer Ratskeller Am Markt 11, 28195 Bremen
- Schüttinger Gasthausbrauerei Hinter dem Schütting 12/13, 28195 Bremen
- Gasthof zum Kaiser Friedrich Hohe Str. 40-44, 28195 Bremen (Schnoor district)
- Runken Eck Osterstraße 30, 28199 Bremen (Viertel)
In the beginning adjusting to life in Germany, a new country, might feel overwhelming. There are a lot of new habits, rules, and even ways to say hello, that need getting used to. However, if you open your mind and embrace your curiosity, your everyday life can start to feel more familiar. From sorting your trash the right way, to learning how to sit down and relax on Sundays, adapting to the small things the German society goes by, will help you feel more at home.
The more you take part in local customs, the more rewarding your experience will be. Just give yourself time to learn, enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. What once felt foreign to you, will feel like your own nature, and before you know it, you will be living the German lifestyle.
Viel Erfolg und viel Spaß in Bremen!
