Culture & Traditions

A Brief History of German Culture

Long before Germany existed as a nation, Germanic tribes lived along forested rivers and trade routes, fiercely independent and often at odds with their neighbours. When the Romans pushed north into what’s now western and southern Germany, they built roads, forts, and cities along the Rhine. You can still trace that legacy in Cologne’s Roman walls and the ruins scattered throughout Bavaria and western Germany. Eventually, these Roman legions were defeated by Germanic tribes during the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD, when Roman expansion was halted east of the Rhine. 

What followed was a long patchwork era of independent principalities, kingdoms, and free cities. Medieval market towns thrived, castles crowned hilltops, and Gothic cathedrals were built in Cologne, Ulm, and Freiburg. It wasn’t until 1871 that Germany unified under Prussian leadership, quickly becoming an industrial powerhouse. The 20th century brought catastrophe—World War I, the rise of Nazism, World War II, and the Holocaust—now confronted through memorials and museums across the country.

The Cold War split Germany in two, a rupture made painfully tangible by the Berlin Wall. Reunification in 1990 ushered in today’s Germany: forward-looking, self-aware, and more likely to express pride through well-run cities and impeccable craftsmanship than flag-waving—except, perhaps, during football season.

German Traditions and Social Norms

Spend time in Germany and one thing becomes immediately clear: punctuality isn’t optional. Being on time is one of the most important social customs in Germany, rooted in the country’s industrial past, Prussian traditions of order, and a broader belief that time is a resource not to be wasted. Travellers are expected to follow suit, whether that means arriving early for a train departure or a tour of Berlin’s sights, such as the Brandenburg Gate and Berlin TV Tower.

Germany’s respect for structure extends to downtime. Sundays are legally protected rest days (Sonntagsruhe), when most shops close entirely. Restaurants, cafés, and museums remain open, encouraging people to enjoy their leisure time. Quiet hours (Ruhezeit) are also strictly observed on Sundays and nightly from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 or 7:00 a.m. Loud music, late-night parties, or even tossing glass bottles into recycling bins can earn you disapproving looks or even a fine. 

Greetings follow similarly clear rules. A friendly hallo (hello) when entering a shop is expected, as is saying tschüss (goodbye) and danke (thank you) when leaving. You can also use Guten Morgen (good morning) before 11:00 a.m., Guten Tag (good afternoon) during the day, and Guten Abend (good evening) after 6:00 p.m. A brief, firm handshake with eye contact is standard, while hugs are reserved for close friends. Formal titles, such as Herr (Mr.) and Frau (Ms./Mrs.) with surnames, are used until you’re invited to address someone by their first name.

For more on German etiquette and rites, check out our Inside Travel Tips.

German Celebrations, Holidays, and Festivals

Among the most joyful traditions in Germany are its holidays and festivals, moments when structure gives way to celebration. These events offer some of the most immersive German cultural experiences—and a lively answer to what Germany is known for culturally.

Oktoberfest, which takes place annually in September or October, is one of the best times to visit Germany. Originating in Munich in the early 1800s, the famous festival celebrates Bavarian culture with brass bands, parades, and classic German food and drink, including bratwurst, pretzels, and beer. Locals and travellers alike don Dirndls and Lederhosen, gathering inside vast beer tents where one-litre servings of Märzen or Festbier fuel sing-alongs, oompah music, and cheer. 

Christmas traditions in Germany are equally beloved. From Dresden’s historic Striezelmarkt to Berlin’s neighbourhood stalls, Christmas markets are a seasonal rite of passage. Expect glowing lights, hand-blown ornaments, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and mugs of steaming Glühwein (mulled wine). The Advent season begins four weeks before Christmas, with wreaths lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas Eve, the main day for family gatherings, gift-giving, and festive meals.

Then there’s Karneval, Germany’s version of Mardi Gras. Celebrated most famously in Cologne, Düsseldorf, and other Rhineland cities, it’s a colourful mix of parades, costumes, and street parties. Festivities peak in the week before Ash Wednesday, though the “fifth season” of carnival officially begins on November 11. Costumes range from jesters and witches to hyper-local themes, making it one of the most playful and regionally distinct German festivals and holidays.

German Music, Art and Architecture

German music, art, and architecture rank among the country’s most enduring contributions to the world stage. Germany is, after all, the birthplace of the three Bs: Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, the composers who defined the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras. Today, classical music remains deeply woven into daily life, whether heard at Hamburg’s sculptural Elbphilharmonie, Berlin’s Philharmonie, Munich’s opera houses, or at festivals across the country.

Architecturally, German cities are like a living timeline. The Cologne Cathedral reflects the Gothic era, while Baroque and Rococo splendour is showcased in Dresden and Munich. Not far from Munich in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle looks straight out of a fairytale and even inspired Walt Disney. Berlin tells a different story, with historical legislative buildings such as the Reichstag sitting alongside modernist housing estates and bold contemporary design. Bauhaus architecture devotees should head to Weimar, while Hamburg’s UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt, the world’s largest historic warehouse complex, reveals the city’s maritime past.

With more than 6,700 museums, Germany offers one of Europe’s richest cultural landscapes. Institutions like Berlin’s Museum Island, Munich’s Deutsches Museum, Dresden’s Green Vault, and Nuremberg’s Germanisches Nationalmuseum underscore a national commitment to creativity, education, and public discourse.

Everyday German Culture You’ll Experience When You Visit

A work-hard, play-hard mindset shaped daily life in Germany. Locals are productive and efficient during the workday, followed by quality leisure time spent with family and friends or enjoying the outdoors. That might mean cycling through city parks, hiking the Ravenna Gorge in the vast Black Forest, or settling into a shaded beer garden, where long communal tables invite conversation over locally brewed lagers.

Food rituals anchor the day. Lunch is traditionally the heartiest meal, while afternoons are reserved for Kaffee und Kuchen, a cherished pause for coffee and cake that is both social and restorative. Sustainability is another daily constant. Recycling is taken seriously, with clearly labelled bins and bottle-return systems that ensure communities are kept clean.

You’ll quickly learn that communication tends to be direct and clear. Germans value honesty over polite small talk. It’s not meant to be rude, just practical. Once you understand these core German customs and etiquette, the country feels easy to navigate and surprisingly welcoming beneath its orderly surface.

Embrace Germany’s Culture With Goway

Our Destination Specialists bring clarity, care, and depth to experiences that demand context—and Germany has many. With the right expert, your trip will be judiciously paced, thoughtfully guided, and tailored to your interests, whether they’re historical, cultural, or culinary.

A tour focused on World War II history might include a visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site guided by an accredited expert trained by the memorial itself. Instead of navigating Berlin’s Cold War history on your own, you might explore the former Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, and hidden memorials on a private, context-rich tour that brings history into sharp focus.

In Bavaria, that same insider access could mean sipping beer with locals in Munich’s historic beer halls, or joining a brew master for a private tasting paired with stories you won’t find in guidebooks.

With local insight and thoughtful planning, Germany reveals itself not as a checklist of sights, but as a layered experience designed just for you. 

Let us craft your cultural itinerary with immersive experiences and expert insight.
 

FAQ

What is the visiting etiquette for Germany?

The phrase "a place for everything and everything in its place" summarizes the German outlook on life. Germans follow a rules and process-based approach to living their lives. The Germans appreciate those who follow the rules and will let those breaking them know the error of their ways. For instance, jaywalking is illegal in Germany and can carry a fine but can often also carry a firm verbal reprimand from a local or at least a look of disapproval. 

Germans appreciate punctuality and will generally arrive early to social engagements. Hence, it's best to ensure that you are on time when it comes to things such as restaurant reservations or meeting a German friend for coffee or a drink. Sunday is a quiet day in Germany, and most general stores will be closed, however, restaurants and bars will generally remain open.

When entering a German's home, you are expected to take off your shoes. Many Germans own a pair of slippers, known as hausschuhe, for wearing around the house and depending on your host, you may even be given a spare pair!

What is Germany best known for?

Germany is known for a variety of different topics, from its turbulent history, dating from the Prussians to WW2, to the fall of the Berlin wall, to its enormous automotive industry with the likes of VW and BMW, and so much more. Some of history's greatest thinkers, such as Einstein or Kant, have been German.

A land revered for its rich folklore and fairytales, Germany boasts some of Europe's most beautiful and awe-inspiring castles, from the enchantment of the Hogwarts-esque Burg Eltz in Western Germany to the castle which inspired Walter Disney, the majestic Neuschwanstein Castle, which can be seen during a day trip from Munich.

German beer has also rightfully gained a reputation as some of the very best in the world, partly due to the 1516 law, known as the Rheinheitsgebot, meaning that beer can only contain 4 ingredients - water, malt, hops and yeast. 

What are the traditional customs in Germany?

Traditional German customs and etiquette emphasize order, respect for rules, and directness. Punctuality is key, as being on time is considered polite and professional. Travellers should avoid being loud in public, follow traffic rules (including waiting for the light to turn green, even if there are no cars), and properly dispose of trash. Social rituals include greeting with a firm handshake and eye contact, saying hello (hallo) and goodbye (tschüss) when entering and leaving shops, and using formal titles and last names until you’re invited to use first names

What are Germans like socially?

Due to their history, Germans place a strong emphasis on privacy and may initially be somewhat reluctant to disclose much personal information about themselves. However, as they grow more familiar and comfortable with someone, they tend to open up more, and the conversations will flow. 

Friendships with Germans are often robust and long-lasting, as they place a high value on concepts such as loyalty and dependability. Most Germans live in apartments rather than homes, so having a good friend close by to help you move your furniture is highly appreciated.

The German stare is a common phenomenon, particularly on public transport. This may be slightly uncomfortable for some, but rest assured that no malice is intended; the Germans are just naturally observant and curious people. When it comes to topics of conversation, it is advised to avoid topics such as politics or religion. German history should be cautiously approached.

What language do Germans speak?

The national language of Germany is, of course, German. Different regions may speak with a different dialect; for instance, a Bavarian person may sound quite a bit different to someone from further north, such as Hamburg, although increasingly, many Germans now speak a common dialect known as Hochdeustch (High German). 

English is widely spoken and understood, and many Germans use it as a second language, particularly in large cities. Minority languages like Danish, Sorbic, Turkish and French can also be heard.

What is considered rude in German culture?

Being late, littering, cutting in line, ignoring public order rules, and making jokes or insensitive remarks about World War II are major faux pas in Germany. Speaking loudly in quiet zones or failing to address people by their title and last name can also come across as impolite. German people value their personal space and privacy, so it’s best to avoid overly familiar gestures with strangers.

What holidays do Germans celebrate?

Germany celebrates a mix of Christian, regional, and national holidays, alongside major festivals like Oktoberfest and Karneval (a.k.a. Fasching). Advent traditions are widely observed, with festive Christmas markets and local culinary specialties.

How does German culture differ from other European countries?

German culture is renowned for its focus on structure, efficiency and direct communication, more so than in neighbouring countries like France and the Netherlands. At the same time, Germans balance work with leisure, often enjoying beer gardens, local festivals, and outdoor activities with family and friends. Privacy tends to be valued more in Germany than in other European countries, with a strong distinction between private and public life.