Germany is a nation with a rich historical past and strong cultural norms, which might be alarming to outsiders. 

Some contend that the whole of a culture's practices can be used to characterise it. The customs, attitudes, and even peculiarities particular to a group of people with a shared origin can seem alien to outsiders. 

Naturally, Germany is included in this remark. Germany, a wonderful nation with breathtaking scenery and the most castles, welcomes about 20,000 new international students annually. 

Even though everyone is exceptionally kind, culture shock is standard for foreigners who move to an area with a different culture.

German culture is frequently thought of as being organised and punctual, but there is much more to it than that. The German way of life is a world of colour and crazy with more thrill than you can imagine. 

Germany is a highly open and hospitable nation that provides outstanding academic opportunities to people worldwide. 

However, it has its quirks, including customs, habits, and traditions that people from other countries could find exceedingly strange and fascinating. 

In this article, discover the most strange German traditions you can experience if you relocate to Germany.

Here are the top 10 cultural shocks an overseas student could experience while studying in the land of poets and philosophers.

Clean, clean, Super Clean and People smoke indoors

German streets are clean in every nook and cranny. The locals work hard to keep their surroundings tidy and hygienic. 

OCD individuals would fit in well in Germany. Nobody dares to destroy the environment unintentionally. Even the older woman with the hunched back would sweep the street in the wee hours as you slept through the alarm and went back to sleep.

In all federal states, smoking is technically prohibited in public spaces, although there are specific rooms and regions where it is allowed. 

Although few exceptions and regulations differ by state, smoking is typically not permitted in private workplaces, public spaces, buildings, and institutions (such as schools, hospitals, and airports). 

For instance, Berlin allows smoking in designated sections entirely separate from the general public in nightclubs, restaurants, and bars and in establishments smaller than 75 square metres.

Bacon Everywhere

Germans adore bacon, which is widely consumed in Germany. Simple meals and potato salad contain bacon. Bacon bits may also be used to decorate dumplings.

Labels for the Rules

Germans take social norms and proper behaviour very seriously. They aren't afraid to reprimand people for their actions in public. Social transgressions like chatting too loudly in public are regarded very seriously. Misconduct is not acceptable, and neither is ignorance.

Always arrive on time for a meeting or a new acquaintance! Germans are renowned for being on time, so even a brief delay can annoy them. 

Call ahead and explain your circumstances if you'll be even a little late. Remember that "halb acht" means "half past seven," not "eight," as well.

The love of order among Germans is another issue. "Ordnung muss sein," as the idiom goes, "there must be order." This colloquial statement has been so embedded in the German mentality that it has come to represent their way of life at home and has become a cultural cliché for Germans everywhere.

No guidelines for lines

You might be shocked that Germany is lax about waiting in lines. Yes! Nobody waits patiently in line for a turn. Others can ignore you and proceed as if you don't exist. To gain your chance, you must push through the crowd; otherwise, you will stand still indefinitely. So please hurry up and get your favourite dish before it's all gone!

Customer service unavailable

Germany's lack of customer service can be a significant culture shock for international students. Germans tend to be independent and less concerned about providing excellent customer service. Everything you require, including installing Wi-Fi, dining out, and other favours, must be done independently. Any regular citizen can get new services or special services. Tipping is an intelligent move to get anything done, though.

Complete closure on Sunday

The fact that everything is closed on Sundays might surprise you. Because Sundays are a public holiday, no shops or marketplaces are open. In general, working adults and students stock up the day before. However, switching your attention to other daily responsibilities is relatively easy. Laundry, housecleaning, and getting ready for the upcoming week's outfits are a few of the doable jobs to save until Sunday.

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Polite and hospitable

The kindness of Germans can come as another culture shock to international students studying there. The people of Germany are kind and inviting to visitors. Your neighbours will provide a warm welcome to you. You can even receive an unexpected dinner invitation from someone. They might also aid in settling down. So if you frequently miss home, German benevolence is to blame.

No Speed Limits

The absence of a speed restriction in Germany is a significant culture shock for visitors. There are no speed limits or other restrictions on the broad sections of German roadways. In Germany, hanging out with buddies on the motorway is not a good idea. The fast cars might look at something other than the other people on the road. A fast Porsche will likely blast it off. Therefore, exercise additional caution while driving and follow the fundamental laws.

Full-Furnished Apartments

Students get a significant culture shock when the former house owners leave behind their kitchen cabinets, electrical appliances, and other comparably weighty objects. Newcomers to the nation could find this culture shock to be indigestible. Rarely do people leave behind personal possessions. Additionally, neither the two automobiles' garages nor closets exist.

Germans are Traditional and old-fashioned.

In Germany, the style and customs of the 1980s are still trendy. People wearing acid-washed deleted jeans and bullets might astound you. The local carnival and events proudly celebrate the 1980s with themes based on them. David Hasselhoff from Baywatch continues to be adored in Germany due to his superb acting and musical abilities.

Moving abroad and participating in a study abroad program are attractive opportunities to immerse in another culture fully. 

Many people long to engage in other nations' customs, cuisine, and cultural practices.

A crucial component of developing into a well-rounded and open-minded person. 

You start to see everything you come across through a new lens as you see individuals who live differently than you and begin comprehending the thinking and processes underlying their cultural practices.

Immersing yourself in a new culture will make you more understanding, accepting, and empathetic towards all you contact.

What else needs to be said? Pack your luggage and prepare for the journey of a lifetime if you are ready for all of Germany's incredible experiences and rich culture.