How to Be More German (Without Moving to Berlin) 🇩🇪
- Sarah
- Jul 5
- 3 min read
8 Surprisingly German Things You’re Probably Not Doing (Yet)
Think learning German is all about vocabulary lists and grammar drills?Think again.
There’s more to becoming “German” than just mastering der, die, das
It's a mindset. A rhythm. A lifestyle.
Whether you're learning German for fun, for work, or for your next Berlin adventure, here’s how to think, live, and act a little more like a native - all without leaving Dublin (or your couch).
1. Show Up Early. Always.
Germans value punctuality like it’s a sacred tradition.Being even five minutes late isn’t fashionably casual - it’s unhöflich (rude).
Want to impress your German boss, friend or teacher? Arrive early and look relaxed about it.
German Tip: “Pünktlichkeit ist die Höflichkeit der Könige.” – Punctuality is the politeness of kings.
2. Learn the Art of Saying “Doch”
One word. Four letters. Infinite power.
Doch is your secret weapon to contradict something without sounding rude.
“Du sprichst kein Deutsch.”
“Doch! Ich spreche Deutsch! Ich lerne bei GermanMind!”
Mastering doch means mastering German confidence.
3. Have Coffee and Cake at 3 PM
It’s called Kaffee und Kuchen, and it’s a ritual. At 15:00 sharp, friends, families and even office teams pause the day to sip coffee and enjoy a slice of cake; usually with real whipped cream and no guilt.
Try saying “Ich liebe Käsekuchen” – it might open doors.
4. Be Precise (Like, Really Precise)
Germans love structure. Precision is not just a cultural trait - it's a value.
When giving directions, explaining rules, or planning a party, be clear, concise, and accurate.
Want to sound more German? Ditch vague words like maybe, sort of, or kinda. Say what you mean - exactly.
5. Obsess (a Little) Over Word Order
In German, word order isn’t optional - it’s the engine of the sentence. Putting the verb in the right place is like putting the wheels on your car. Get it wrong, and the sentence won’t drive.
Example:
❌ Ich gehe heute nicht ins Kino weil ich bin müde.
✅ Ich gehe heute nicht ins Kino, weil ich müde bin.
Rule: In subordinate clauses, the verb goes to the end. Every time.
6. Take Recycling Seriously
In Germany, throwing a yoghurt pot in the wrong bin could spark a national debate.
Paper, plastic, organic waste - there’s a colour-coded system for everything.
Start practicing with “der Müll”, “die Tonne” and “trennen” – German for rubbish, bin, and separate.
7. Know the Beer Etiquette
No one says “One beer, please”.Say: “Ein Helles, bitte” (a lager). Or “Ein Weizen” (wheat beer). Or “Ein Radler” (beer + lemonade).
Clink glasses with eye contact, always say “Prost!” and never refill your own glass first.
8. Adopt the Direct (But Honest) Communication Style
Germans may seem blunt at first - but it’s not rudeness. It’s honesty.
There’s no need to sugarcoat or over-apologise. Say what you mean, respect the facts, and you'll fit right in.
“Ich glaube, das ist nicht korrekt.” can mean “You're wrong” – but in a helpful way.
So… How German Are You Already?
Becoming more German doesn’t mean giving up who you are - it means learning a way of life that values honesty, structure, curiosity, and Kaffeezeit.
At GermanMind, we don’t just teach the language.We teach the lifestyle.
Ready to Start Your German Journey?
Whether you're learning online or at our school in Dublin, our next courses are open now.From grammar to culture – we’ve got you covered.
📩 DM us or visit www.germanmind.ie to learn more!!
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