Understanding German Culture: Feierabend, Sundays and Daily Life
Moving to Germany means adjusting to a new rhythm of life. From strict rules regarding Sunday shopping to unique cultural concepts that define the work-life balance, here is your guide to understanding the nuances of daily life in Germany.
Work-Life Balance: The Feierabend
One of the most important concepts to understand is Feierabend.
What is Feierabend?
If you are wondering about the concept of Feierabend, it literally translates to “celebration evening.” In practice, it means the end of the working day and the beginning of your leisure time. When a German colleague says “Schönen Feierabend,” they are wishing you a pleasant evening off. Germans value the separation of work and private life. Because German workplace culture highly values direct efficiency and clarity, employees work hard during office hours, but once Feierabend hits, you are not expected to answer work emails.
Sunday Rest (Sonntagsruhe)
A major shock for many expats is the German Sunday.
Are shops in Germany closed on a Sunday?
Yes, almost entirely. Because of a law called Ladenschlussgesetz, supermarkets, retail stores, and shopping malls are closed on Sundays to guarantee a day of rest for workers.
- Does this apply everywhere? Yes, this law applies nationwide, not just in specific cities like Dresden.
- Sunday exceptions: If you desperately need groceries, the only exceptions are gas stations, pharmacies (for emergencies), and small supermarkets located inside major train stations or airports.
- In general, you should plan ahead and do all your shopping by Saturday evening.
Groceries and the Pfand System
Grocery Shopping
Aldi and Lidl are institutions in Germany, which invented the hard-discount supermarket model. Because of intense competition, the average cost of groceries in Germany is surprisingly low compared to neighboring countries like France or Switzerland.
The Pfand Deposit
When you buy a plastic bottle or can in Germany, you will pay a small surcharge at the register. This is the Pfand deposit. You get this money back (usually €0.25 per plastic bottle) when you return the empty bottles to a reverse-vending machine at the supermarket. Don’t throw them away!
The Radio Tax (GEZ / Rundfunkbeitrag)
The GEZ (now officially the Rundfunkbeitrag) is a mandatory broadcast fee. Every household in Germany must pay €18.36 per month to fund public television and radio, regardless of whether you own a TV or radio. What if I move mid-month? The fee is calculated per full calendar month. If you are registered at an address for even one day of the month, you usually owe the fee for that month.
Wedding Traditions: The Polterabend
Polterabend is a loud and chaotic German wedding tradition. The night before the wedding, friends and family gather and smash porcelain (like old plates and cups) on the ground. The saying goes Scherben bringen Glück (shards bring luck). The bride and groom then have to sweep up the mess together, symbolizing that they can work together through difficult times.