The rules around what you wear in saunas in Germany are very different from the UK (stock image) (Image: Getty)
There will always be a degree of adaptation required when relocating to a foreign country, or even when simply visiting. But some differences can be more unexpected than others. One British woman who now lives in Germany has revealed a number of things she was surprised by when arriving in her new home – including one which she said « would put most Brits in a coma ».
Livi, an actress from Devon, shared the culture shocks she had encountered since moving to the European nation in September last year. And one involving the dress code in saunas took her by complete surprise.
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Writing in a TikTok video, she said: « I can’t take photos of this for obvious reasons, so here’s a fun wooden spoon I found instead. I know the ‘dress code’ is the same in other European countries, but not in Britain (and I think it would put most Brits into a coma). »
One commenter requested further information, saying: « Wait can u elaborate on the dress code in saunas? What’s so different? » Livi replied: « You’re naked in German saunas! »
German travel website Staycation Collection explained more, saying: « It might seem like a shock at first, but in Germany, wearing swimwear in a sauna is considered to be unhygienic, hence why nudity is required. Saunas are a strangely sexless place. Of course, there are individual exceptions, but if you feel bothered or excessively stared at, you should report it; sauna owners want their spaces to be free and not places where you’re made to feel uncomfortable. »
Livi also revealed numerous other cultural differences she had encountered since relocating to her new country. Among these was the presence of cigarette vending machines on streets and in bars, reports the Mirror. « I don’t smoke so I have so many questions about how these work, » she said. « How do they ID you??? They only keep cigarettes behind the till in the UK. »
Similarly, she expressed astonishment at discovering vending machines dispensing alcohol, alongside how remarkably inexpensive beer is. According to price comparison website Free Price Compare, the average cost of a pint in Germany stands at £3.87, in contrast to £5.50 in the UK.
Another aspect which left Livi astounded was the speed motorists drive at on the Autobahn, or motorway. « The Autobahn. Just… in general, » she said. « You’re doing 130kmph and there’s STILL a BMW flashing its lights at you. »
While an advisory restriction of 130kmph (80mph) applies to certain stretches of the Autobahn, other sections have no limits in place, according to the RAC. Germany additionally implements minimum speeds, requiring vehicles to maintain at least 60kmph (37mph) in the slow lane of six-lane carriageways, and 110kmph (68mph) in the fast lane.
Additional surprises Livi mentioned included how substantially more retailers and establishments remain shut on Sundays compared to the UK, along with the ‘Pfand’ scheme. « You pay an extra €0.25 for each bottle/can and then bring back empties to the supermarket for food vouchers, » she said.
« Yeah, good for the environment, but also we do have to travel around with bags full of plastic bottles and cans. » The vouchers provided through the system can also be exchanged for the cash value. This is akin to schemes operated by some companies in the UK in the 1960s and 70s. A similar scheme is being introduced in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland in 2027.
Commenters added their own perspectives. One stated: « Also a Brit who moved to German countryside and it’s an absolute culture shock in every way. I miss how nice people are back home too, everyone’s so cold and unfriendly here. »
In response, another person said: « As a German living in the UK, I absolutely get this. Everyone’s so friendly in shops, in service in general here. P***** me off every time I go back home and everyone is sooo grumpy and unfriendly. »
And another penned: « We Germans sometimes need a bit of time. Being superficially friendly with people we don’t really know isn’t exactly our greatest strength. But once we get to know someone better, things usually change – and if they don’t… well, then we probably just don’t like you. »
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