So I've compiled a list of things that are very apparently different than what we are used to in the U.S. These aren't the small things like "the toilet flusher is different" (which is true)-- these are the ones that jump out at you and tempt you to say "Well back in the States..." This isn't a complete list but it's a decent list for someone who might be planning to come to Germany for the first time.
So, here we go:
-Everything Closes Early
In the state of Bavaria, many small family owned shops close at 6 PM. All supermarkets, bakeries, and things like hardware stores close at 8 PM. Nicer restaurants are open later (the ones that have beer gardens especially are open late), but small restaurants, most ice cream cafes (of which there are plenty), and trailer-food are also closed at 8 PM. The only sustenance possible after then, without paying for a nice meal, is to go to the train station and pick up some McDonalds, or sample some of the finer assortments of the local gas station. In addition to this, EVERYTHING except for (some) restaurants is closed on Sunday and every holiday. Whereas we are used to being able to go to a Wal-Mart at any hour if need be, if you are out of food and it is after 8, a Sunday, or a holiday, you are completely SOL. I think it's important to note that this is the one thing I can say I can't stand about Germany--everything else I consider just cross-cultural differences, but I can't give them a pass on not being able to grocery shop on a Sunday. Cmon guys.-Mahlzeit!
Lunch seems to me to be the biggest meal of the day. I can't say for sure whether this is true because I haven't lived with a German family, but I can at least say that lunch is very important. You don't just have a cold sandwich and an apple for lunch--that's not normal here.-Bicycles
Everyone has one! It is the preferred mode of transportation if you don't live right downtown in a city where you can just take subways or trams. Here in Freising, it is more common usually to bike to the bank or the market than to drive your car if it is within 10 or 15 minutes by bike. This is one of my favorite things; not for any environmental reason, I just like ridin' my bike!-Public/Shared Transportation is Ubiquitous
I think this is actually commonly known that europeans utilize public transportation more than we do, but it's even more than most of us think. Even the small towns with 100-200k people have tram and intricate bus sytems. But I think the most interesting mode of "shared transportation" comes from a few websites like www.mitfahrgelegenheit.com ; Say you're planning on driving to Chicago from Cleveland, and you have 3 open spots in your car. Just put your 3 seats "up for sale," and people will call you to reserve a seat for a price (let's say 20 dollars). You may end up paying nothing for gasoline, and the other people get there cheaper than they could on their own, by plane, or another mode of transportation. It really is a great, green way of travel which I've used several times with great success!-Racial Diversity
Munich is supposed to be a very "international city," but I can say with extreme confidence that the amount of racial diversity is extremely low compared to the US. You won't find many people of Latin, African, or Asian decent. I'm not saying they aren't around, but not nearly as common as we have it in the US. This isn't implying that they are racist in some way, simply an observation.-Where the sweat pants at?
Nowhere! NO ONE where's a pair of sweat pants outside of the house here. It's actually quite amazing. If I were going to Kroger's in the States, I would have no problem going in sweat pants and a hoody. This absolutely will not see that happen here. Everyone always looks at least somewhat put-together!This is just a short list, but definitely some of the ones I've noticed the most. Let me know if there are any you've noticed whilst abroad!
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