I just found this list this week about how to be German. Now, while this is just a bit of fun, I think it is spot on! These characteristics are things we have noticed about the Germans. It is what makes them lovely or annoying (depending on what you like). Some of those habits we have already got used to and have taken on ourselves as a family. http://store.hipstery.com/collections/how-to-be-german I am just going to comment on some of the things we have found to be true so far. Put on your house shoes Germans do wear slippers or house shoes whenever indoors. Kindergarten kids wear slippers. They even have pairs of slippers for guests. While we don't necessarily wear house shoes at home (we like the barefoot look), we do wear some much more often than in our previous house. Eat a long breakfast (Source: Deutsch perfekt (10/2012), Illustration : Bernhard Förth) Breakfast is a very important meal in Germany. And it is not just for the Sunday brunch (which takes the whole day)! Get some insurances Germans have insurances for everything. And a lot of people have insurance advisers. This is one we don't really understand! It comes down to being prepared and safe but we thought the Germans were sensible people! Dress seriously There is a German saying that says that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. It is true in Germany! If you are going outdoors, dress for the outdoors. You cannot overdo it in Germany: hiking boots, trousers that zip into shorts, expensive outdoor jacket,... On our daughter's list of kit needed for kindergarten was: rain jacket, rain trousers, snowsuit, etc. Obey the red man Oh dear God yes! Do not cross the road on red. You will get looks murdering you and even could get shouted at (even if there is nobody on the road). Drink Apfelsaftschorle It is basically apple juice with sparkling water. Love it! Say what you mean Germans are very direct. They will tell you if you look fat, ugly or look rough. And they will be direct about it. They will not say it in a polite way or by going around the issue. Love your car Cars are all immaculate here and relatively new. There are few beaten up old cars. Do nothing on Sundays Sundays are dead even in a city. Apparently Germans do housework in the morning and go for a walk in the afternoon. Suits me fine (apart form the housework bit).