Travel Tips: What Not To Do In Germany

I get it. It’s very scary to be in a different place and not know its rules, regulations, and what-not-to-dos. Especially if this new place is called Germany, then not knowing basic German rules can be very, very daunting. For one, no one wants to disobey German law because disobeying German law, whether you’re a visitor or a local, is just disrespectful. At the same time, no one can afford to be rude. Because being rude could result in unwanted repercussions. And does anyone have time for that? Not really. Not in this economy, nein.

But what people do have time for is knowing the what-not-to-dos in Germany. That’s because it’s also very important to know the what-not-to-dos as much as knowing the what-to-dos, be it in Germany or Mars. Are you ready to discover what to avoid doing in Deutschland, the land of cars, castles, and lots of rules?

Unsplash: Julia Solonina

1. Don’t jaywalk. Simply wait patiently while the red light is on like everyone else is doing because crossing the street against a red light could result in a fine (about 5 €).
2. Don’t ignore recycling. Make sure to properly separate, dispose of, and recycle your trash accordingly. You can check the bins for some instructions on what goes where.
   • Use the brown bin for anything biodegradable
   • Use the blue bin for clean paper and cardboard items
   • Use the yellow bin for any soft-metal and plastic containers
   • Use the gray or black bin for the rest of your trash
3. Don’t wear shoes indoors when visiting someone’s home. Your street shoes (Straßenschuhe) should be left in the front hall of the house where the other shoes are kept.
4. Don’t ever make any sort of reference to Hitler or the Nazis. This behavior is regarded as rude and illegal, and may lead to a police arrest and costly fines.
5. Don’t make noise during quiet hours (Ruhezeit period), especially on Sundays. From 10 pm until 6 or 7 am, ensure you aren't exceeding the normal volume of 50 decibels.
   • No vacuuming
   • No hammering
   • No loud music
6. Don’t be late. Don’t ever be late for anything. Appointments, social gatherings, or scheduled visits—punctuality is key.
7. Don’t walk in bike lanes. Walking on paths meant for cycling only is a traffic offense and dangerous. Walk only on the sidewalk.
8. Don’t ask for tap water in restaurants. There is generally no free tap water; specify if you want sparkling (Sprudelwasser) or still (stilles Wasser).
9. Don't expect everyone to take cards. Some German shops only accept cash. Carry some change (50 cents or 1 €) for using public bathrooms.
10. Don’t forget to buy a ticket. Not having a valid ticket for the train, tram, or bus could result in a fine of up to 60 €.