My First Culture Shocks in Germany
Who knew living in Germany would be a box of many surprises for me? When I first moved to Germany, I thought I knew what to expect. But nothing really prepared me for the little daily shocks that made me stop and think, “Wow, this is different.”
I remember my first Sunday here, I was ready to run errands, only to discover that all the stores were closed. Like, every single one. You know, coming from Nigeria, where stores are almost always buzzing, the idea that everything could shut down on Sundays felt like stepping into another world.
Then there was this thing called Ruhezeit, the quiet hours: no vacuuming, no loud music, no drilling during those sacred times. I’m not going to lie, it felt strange at first, but I slowly learned to appreciate the respect for peace and quiet.
And don’t get me started on German grocery store counters. The speed at which you have to pack your groceries before the next person’s items come flying down the belt? Let’s just say it was a crash course in efficiency.
Those were the early culture shocks for me. But over time, all of these experiences shaped me little by little. They didn’t just change my habits, they changed my mindset. Here are seven ways living in Germany has changed me as a person and as a mom.
1. I’ve Become Super Punctual
If there’s one thing Germany will teach you quickly, it’s punctuality. Back home, being five or ten minutes late wasn’t such a big deal. But here? You can’t get away with that. Whether it’s a doctor’s appointment, kindergarten pick-up, or even meeting a friend for coffee, punctuality is taken seriously.
Now, you can never catch me late for anything. I’ve adjusted my routines, set alarms, and learned to always leave the house earlier than I think I need to. At first, it felt rigid, but now it feels like respect both for other people’s time and for my own.
2. I Communicate More Directly
German directness is legendary, and it has rubbed off on me. At first, it felt a little blunt, or even harsh. But living here has taught me to be more straightforward. People literally say what they mean without sugarcoating it, and I’ve learned to appreciate the honesty.
Now, whether I’m speaking with a teacher, a doctor, or even a neighbour, I find myself getting straight to the point. It saves time, reduces misunderstandings, and honestly, it’s refreshing. I never thought I’d say this, but I’ve grown to prefer this style of communication.
3. I Move Faster and Walk Really Fast
One of the biggest surprises? Speed. Germans move with a sense of urgency, and it has rubbed off on me. I bag groceries at lightning pace. I walk faster than I ever have in my life (sometimes I even surprise myself). And when it comes to errands or appointments, I get things done quickly instead of dragging them out. Maybe it’s all those grocery store counters training me!
But honestly, I’ve come to like this faster pace. It makes me feel efficient, and with three kids, efficiency is everything.
4. I’m More Explorative With Food
Food was another area where Germany surprised me. At first, I longed for the familiar comfort of Nigerian meals, and I still do. But over time, I’ve opened myself up to trying new things, from different breads and cheeses to Turkish dishes and even quirky German specialities.
Now, I actually enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and mixing flavours from both cultures. It’s made me a little more adventurous, and I love that my kids are also growing up exposed to a wider variety of food than I ever had at their age.
5. I’m More Independent and Confident
This has probably been the biggest shift for me personally. Living in Germany with no extended family around, no village to lean on, forced me to rely on myself. From navigating paperwork in a foreign language to taking my kids everywhere on my own, I had to step up.
It hasn’t always been easy, but it has given me a confidence boost. I’ve become independent in ways I didn’t know I could be. Germany has a way of teaching you not to rely too much on anyone else, and though it’s tough, it’s also empowering. And now, that independence has also shaped how I parent, including how I make time for simple, mess-free activities with my kids.
6. I’m More Environmentally Conscious
Back home, recycling wasn’t really part of our daily lives. But here in Germany, it’s second nature. Sorting plastics, paper, and glass into different bins is just what you do. And I’ll admit, at first, it was overwhelming trying to figure out what went where, and I felt it was just unnecessary extra work.
But now? I actually enjoy it. I save recyclables, I reuse bags, and I try to be more conscious of waste. It’s one of those small but powerful mindset shifts that I’m grateful for.
7. I’ve Become Bilingual (Well, Almost)
Living in Germany has also changed the way I speak. Somewhere along the line, I became bilingual. or at least bilingual-ish. I find myself mixing English and German in the same sentence without even realising it. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes it’s confusing, but it’s also a reminder of how far I’ve come.
Language is still a challenge, but I can see how much I’ve grown. It’s something I never would have experienced if I hadn’t moved here.
Final Thoughts
Living in Germany as a Nigerian mom hasn’t always been easy. Although I didn’t move here as a mom, I became a mom here; however, the culture shocks were real, and the adjustments were sometimes exhausting. But little by little, this country has changed me in how I live, how I think, and even how I raise my kids.
From punctuality to independence, from recycling habits to food adventures, these changes are part of my life and story now. And while I’ll always carry my Nigerian roots with pride, Germany has shaped me in ways I never expected.
If you’re an expat mom or just a mom navigating life in a new culture, I hope you see yourself in some of these changes. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll be reminded that while change is hard, it can also be growth.