• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Social Life in Germany

Behavior

The Germans are very well aware of the world around them as well as the differences in opinions and behaviors. Because of this they are quite understanding of various cultures and foreigners so odd behaviors are generally accepted (but not encouraged).

Your behavior should begin with modesty as being loud, rude, showing off wealth, or dressing provocatively will get you stares. Likewise, placing yourself above others or boasting is viewed negatively.

As a visitor to Germany, just try to follow the lead of the locals by dressing in like manner (see below for details), dining in the local etiquette (see our Germany Dining & Food Page), and avoid sensitive conversation topics, such as politics, finances, and business unless initiated by your local counterpart.

Dress

Despite German stereotypes the world over, the traditional dress of Germany was quite diverse and based regionally. In fact the country wasn't even unified until the late 1800s; each of these independent states had various dialects, cultures, and dress, although most had similarities. None-the-less, today when most people think of German traditional dress they immediately think of lederhosen and dirndls.

Lederhosen means "leather trousers" in German and these pants were worn by men, particularly in Bavaria. They only reached to about the knees and often include straps that reach over the shoulders. For the women, a dress called a dirndl was the most popular clothing, again in Bavaria. These dresses consist of a blouse, skirt, and apron, plus a set of strings called a bodice to hold all parts together (although today this may be absent in favor of buttons). The dress and apron vary in length, but the sleeves were generally on the shorter end; however, the dirndl varied based on season as they tended to be a bit heavier and darker in color during the winter months.

Today this traditional Bavarian dress has caught on beyond just Bavaria, but is generally only worn for special events, such as Oktoberfest, or in touristy breweries in Munich. Even in Bavaria though, nearly every German today wears modern western-styled clothing day to day.

As a visitor to Germany you are free to wear nearly any western-styled clothing you desire. Just try to dress for the weather and the occasion. In general, the Germans are very diverse so all clothing options will be seen, but in order to avoid offense, if in doubt dress on the more modest side. Lastly, sunbathing naked or women going topless is only allowed on some beaches and parks, some of which can be found in cities; always know if this is allowed prior to doing so.

This page was last updated: November, 2013