Experiencing Nine Surprising Adjustments When Returning to America from a Holiday in Germany
In 2017, I embarked on a journey that took me from Scotland to Berlin, a city brimming with history, culture, and unique customs. The transition was not without its challenges, as I soon discovered.
One of the first things I noticed in Berlin was the approach to road safety. Unlike in Scotland, Germans do not run across the road when there is a gap, but wait for the green traffic light. This disciplined attitude, while ensuring safety, was initially surprising.
Another cultural shock came in the form of direct communication, bureaucracy, and naked sauna culture. Berliners are known for their straightforwardness, a stark contrast to the more indirect communication style I was accustomed to in Scotland. The paperwork and red tape involved in certain processes also took some getting used to.
After several years, I became accustomed to the way of life and customs in Berlin. However, returning to Scotland during the Christmas/New Year period brought about a new set of reverse culture shocks.
One of the most noticeable differences was the frequency of casual banter and friendly chit-chat. In Scotland, people engage in such interactions more frequently than in Berlin. The relaxed approach to time and scheduling was another area where I found myself adjusting. I was used to Germany's punctual and structured lifestyle, and the relatively informal social conduct of the UK was initially disconcerting.
Another difference I noticed was in consumerism during Christmas. While Germany feels a bit more pared back, the UK seems to embrace the festive season with more gusto, particularly in terms of decorations and shopping.
In terms of daily life, I was surprised by the friendly interactions I encountered in Scotland. Conversations with strangers were common, a stark contrast to the more reserved nature of Berliners. I also noticed that in Scotland, people pay with card more often than cash, while in Germany, cash is still commonly used.
One aspect of life in Scotland that I found refreshing was the availability of high-quality tap water in restaurants, cafes, and bars, a practice that is less common in Germany. In contrast, in Berlin, the tradition of opening windows for ventilation, known as Lüften, is deeply ingrained in society and is even written into rental contracts.
While specific studies on German reverse culture shock from the UK were hard to come by, general patterns from expatriate experiences suggest that adapting back to Germany’s rigidity from the UK’s relatively informal social conduct can be a challenge. The cultural contrast in language use and social etiquettes might also be a source of surprise or discomfort for returning Germans.
For more precise insights into Germans’ reverse culture shock from the UK, specialized expat forums or sociological research on German-UK expatriates would be valuable sources. The currently available data is limited and anecdotal, but it offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of cultural adjustment.
In conclusion, navigating life in Berlin and Scotland has been an enlightening journey, filled with cultural surprises and adjustments. Each city offers a unique perspective and way of life, and understanding and appreciating these differences is an essential part of the expatriate experience.
In light of my experiences, I found that the lifestyle in Scotland is more informal and conversational than in Berlin, which can be seen in the high frequency of casual banter and friendly chat between strangers. On the other hand, home-and-garden practices in the UK during Christmas season are more vibrant and commercial, compared to the relatively pared-back approach in Germany. Furthermore, travel experiences have shown me that among these two cities, the UK exhibits a greater use of card payments, while in Germany, cash remains prevalent.
