Foundations of German living

Welcome

Some basic information provides initial orientation and an overview of living together in Germany.

Opportunities opening up in the corona crisis

What opportunities is the corona crisis opening up for you? How can followers of Jesus Christ handle this crisis? And why is much of their response embedded in German culture?

Freedom and rules

Rules and regulations belong to Germany: Most people follow them voluntarily and are respected for doing so.

Trust and honesty

For Germans honesty and trust are important values in their everyday life. In both public and private relationships trust can grow when you're open and honest.

Social equality and greeting customs

Man and woman are equal before the law. This has effects on everyday life, for example things like public behaviour and greeting customs.

The family as a pillar of society

Find out more about family life in Germany as the family is the centrepiece of society. The roots of the family can also be found in the Bible, and the family is specially protected by Germany’s laws.

Punctuality and appointments

For many Germans punctuality is a virtue – a behaviour that shows respect for the other. It's especially important when dealing with official appointments.

Separating rubbish in Germany

Why waste bins in Germany have coloured lids and what kind of rubbish goes in which bin.

Saving resources

For people in Germany it’s important to act responsibly towards the environment. Therefore they often try not to waste resources like water, electricity, fuel for heating or foods. Here are some ideas about how to save those resources.

Sport as a leisure activity

Sport is a popular leisure activity in Germany. Find out how playing sports with others can help you socialise and feel at home in Germany.

Recognising trauma and seeking help

More people than you think have experienced trauma and need help. Even helpers without professional training can support such people and accompany them on their way to recovery. After all, there are signs of trauma you can see in yourself and others.

Loneliness

Everybody needs relationships with other people. If these relationships go, the outcome can be fear and loneliness. Here are some ideas about how to overcome periods of loneliness.

Germany's grieving culture

In Germany there are specific traditions of how to interact with grieving people and express your condolences. These traditions help in expressing sympathy to and respectfully meeting grieving people.

Dealing with grief

The loss of an accustomed habitat or a loved one is hard to deal with. Yet it is important to face up to the grieving process. But ultimately, only the living God can truly provide lasting consolation because he has come close to us in Jesus.

What you should know about the Christian faith

The Christian faith belongs to Germany and Europe. Here you will find a brief summary of what Christians believe.

The Reformation – Martin Luther and the world’s most powerful message

Martin Luther wanted to lead the Church back to its roots and the true Christian faith. Unintentionally, this initiated a Reformation that radically changed and has shaped both Germany and Europe.

Christmas in Germany

As a Christian festival, Christmas is deeply rooted in German society. For many people, it is the most important time of the year and is associated with numerous customs and traditions.

Easter - a major festival

Easter is one of the most important festivals in Germany with several days off. Learn more about Good Friday and Easter Sunday and about the backgrounds, customs and traditions to the Easter festivities.

Ascension Day

Ascension Day is a festival with various meanings in Germany. Christians remember that Jesus went from earth to heaven. But some people also celebrate Father's Day or Men's Day.

Pentecost in Germany

In Germany Pentecost is one of the festivities that gives us an additional public holiday. But in contrast to Christmas or Easter there are not many traditions associated with Pentecost.

Public holidays in Germany

Special historically important events are celebrated as public holidays in Germany. Most people don’t have to work on those days and can spend time with their families.

How families in Germany celebrate special occasions

Everybody is valuable and loved in God’s eyes. That’s why in Germany occasions such as birthdays, baptisms or weddings are celebrated and presents given to the person in question. Find out why these celebrations are so important and how you should respond to an invitation to attend.

Carnival in Germany

“Helau” or “Alaaf” are some of the strange shouts you’ll hear in Germany during the carnival season. You’ll also see lots of people dressed up in costumes in the carnival regions where this colourful spectacle is an integral part of local cultural traditions.

Integration

Finding a new home in a strange country and becoming a recognised and appreciated part of society is a big challenge. Here you can find some advice on how to achieve this goal as quickly as possible.

Education and schooling

Free schooling in Germany enables all children to get a good education and enjoy the same chances of a successful working life.