Culture may be generally defined as a set of belief's, perceptions, traditions, and behaviors that is learned and not passed on by birth. Some might argue that language is not a part of culture (linguistic relativity) but I tend to agree that language is an inseperable part of culture. In any event, some cultural differences that I have observed:
Elevator Etiquette
In the states, it is completely normal to walk into an elevator, not talk, stare at a wall and part ways with other occupants without a second thought. Germany is very much the same with one distinct difference which never fails. You could be in an elevator with other people having conversations. But when it's time for them to exit, they will stop and say goodbye to you. Even if you weren't talking. Same goes for the silent wallflowers of the elevator. You will always be acknowledged when they leave. A simple Tschüss or Ciao is normal.
Administration/communication
While taking care of housing forms, residency/work visa applications...the older folks are friendly and like to joke around. If you ever need help with understanding anything grab the closest German student, chances are they've studied English and can get you a hell of a lot farther than being on your own. The Hausmeister/superintendent is only available on tuesdays and thursdays from 2:30-3:30pm (14:30-15:30 Uhr). The office to get internet is only open tuesdays and thursdays from 6pm-7pm (18-19 Uhr). DSL is commonplace here because they don't want to run new (underground) lines in the city for cable/fiber.
Crosswalk Etiquette
Everyone knows what a road looks like; Germany also has designated Fahrradweg/biking lanes located adjacent to the road. Fußweg/sidewalks are where you belong. If a Unfall/accident were to occur, then it's your fault. You were in the wrong.
Do not J-walk unless you wanted to be spotted as an american. Just wait until the little green man lights up before you cross the road
Versischerung/Insurance
Health insurance...it costs (for a student) 60€/month. This is full coverage. It is amazing. Back home because I have Stage 3 Renal Failure (read: kidney disease) and Ventricular Septal Defect (murmer, valves don't close all the way, prone to infection) insurance from any of the big companies would cost about $450 per month, and then a co-pay. I hate american insurance.
Liability insurance, costs 6€/month...in case damages were incurred for some reason, and you were not at fault this covers it. You could have parked your bike on the sidewalk when some other asshole kicked your bike into the path of a porsche and ran away. After an investigation and you were found not to be at fault directly, this covers damages. This is an example and a bad one but you get the idea. At fault, your fucked. Not at fault, no problem, you have liability insurance. It covers you anywhere in europe.
Essen/Food
You generally buy what you need for the day or 2. People don't stockpile here by going to BJ's and getting a months worth of stuff. There are enough markets on every corner to just spontaneously buy milk on your walk back from anything. For more luxury items, meats and cheeses, be prepared to pay. Food isn't very expensive here, but you do get less than you're used to. 2€ would give me a package of 7 slices of salami, another 2€ would yield 6 slices of gouda cheese. I was pretty upset with my 7th sandwich.
As previously mentioned, the cheapest thing to eat at practically any given time is Döner. Think Gyro, and they do it up in many different ways. For 3,50€ you get:
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...enough said
Some pictures in Braunschweig
my view
My bathroom
Bedroom
Bikes are quite popular
Schloss
Alte Waage
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