Clichés vs. everyday life and hot small talk topics

 

 

 

Relocation within our own ranks

As a relocation company, we are also inevitably international, of course. One of our employees from France spent some time with us in our main office in Bonn. She reports on her experiences in everyday working life in Germany.

 

Les tribulations d’une Française en Allemagne

Now that I’ve unpacked my suitcases back in France, it’s time to share my impressions of Germany. You might be thinking: another article about the cultural differences between France and Germany? More clichés and familiar stories? But no! Not this time. Let’s take a look at a typical day and be surprised – just like Germany surprised me.

 

The legend of German punctuality

On the way to work, arriving at the train station, the first famous German cliché that I had never doubted before bursts. The infamous German punctuality? A myth! The display boards proclaim delays of five, twenty, sixty minutes, or even “train canceled.” I’m wondering whether the German railroads have improved the reputation of the French SNCF…

So, if you arrive late with a helpless shrug and say: “Excuse me, the train again…” you will be met with an understanding nod, even from the otherwise so punctual Germans.

 

Small talk tip: Complaining about the “Deutsche Bahn” is also a popular small talk topic! You can’t go wrong, and you’ll be part of the group straight away because everyone can tell a story…

 

Developing country – digitally

As I arrive at the office, I find a fax—yes, a fax. In a country known for its high-tech exports, I expected modernity. But the reality shows a different side: outdated infrastructure and a clear lack of digitalization. Terms such as “digital developing country” and “fax country” reflect this need to catch up. No “start-up nation” à la française.

 

Small talk tip: Digitalization is a controversial topic. While some people can talk for hours about how outdated and complicated everything is, there are also those who love their fax and would never voluntarily swap it for digital files.

 

Lunch break

Lunchtime. At 12:30, my stomach starts to growl, but nobody moves. So I hesitantly ask: “What about lunch?” Incredulous looks follow. “Lunch? Are you hungry? There’s a bakery downstairs.”
Finally, I venture into the restaurant on the corner. The French often dismiss German cuisine as not very refined, but there are many tasty specialties!

The prices are also tasty, unlike in many French bistros. Here in Germany, you can get a “formule entrée-plat” (starter and main course) for less than 20 euros on every corner.
The food is delicious, but my plate arrives but without bread. All right. Maybe I’m being too French.

There’s another surprise for dessert: no card payment. While in France even the smallest baguette is paid for without cash, Germans often still use cash. Fortunately, my colleagues had warned me.

 

Small talk tip: Lunch break culture can vary significantly between industries and companies. There’s everything from hard-working desk diners to staff canteens or extended lunch breaks. You can also experience everything from bringing your homemade lunch to going to a restaurant. Just ask your colleagues what is customary in the company.

 

“Feierabend” – an untranslatable concept

Back in the office and back at work, the end of the working day approaches eventually. A word that has no French equivalent: It’s time to go home. Or is it time to celebrate? Literally, “Feierabend” translates to “celebration evening.”

On the way home, I treat myself to a break in a patisserie with old-fashioned charm, large cream cakes, and classic filter coffee.
Attention coffee connoisseurs: always order espresso instead of coffee. Otherwise, you’ll get a rather watery brew.

After enjoying a slice of cream cake, it’s time to go shopping. Small butchers or cheese dairies? Not a chance. Supermarkets dominate, the range of artisan and specialist stores is limited. These are usually located in the city center or the countryside. Usually, it is also worth looking for hidden gems on Google Maps.

 

Small talk tip: It is also always worth asking colleagues who know the area and can recommend one or two specialty stores.

 

When I finally get home, I switch on the news. Strikes at Deutsche Bahn have been announced for tomorrow. Are the Germans going French? Is this European integration in action? And if the railroads go on strike, is it really worse than on regular days?

Questions about your relocation to Germany? Do not hesitate to contact us; we are here for you! You can find more information about our Germany-wide service here.