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Summary: Life in Germany is rule-based, and many newcomers’ problems start with not knowing these small rules: a ticket fine, a neighbour’s complaint, an unanswered letter or not sorting waste. This guide collects the most important everyday rules and habits. Details may differ slightly between cities and states.
1. Quiet hours (Ruhezeiten)
Night quiet is usually observed between 10 pm and 6 am, and complete quiet on Sundays and public holidays. In many buildings the house rules (Hausordnung) also set afternoon quiet hours. Do not hold parties, drill or run the washing machine during these hours, and agree with your neighbours before a big party. Repeated complaints can lead to a warning from the landlord.
2. Waste sorting and Pfand
- Bins: paper (usually blue), plastic and packaging (yellow or yellow bag), organic waste (brown), residual waste (black or grey). Colours and collection schedules differ in each city; check the municipal waste calendar.
- Glass: in the dedicated glass containers (white, green, brown) and not during quiet hours.
- Pfand (bottle deposit): most single-use bottles and cans carry a 25-cent deposit, and reusable bottles another amount. Return bottles to the supermarket machines and use the receipt at the checkout.
3. Public transport
In most cities ticket checks are random and there are no gates. Travelling without a valid ticket usually carries a €60 fine, and repeat offences can lead to prosecution. Validate your ticket before boarding (where required) and allow time to get to the platform; trains are often not punctual but also not extremely late.
4. Punctuality
At official, medical and work appointments, arriving late is considered disrespectful. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early, and if you are running late, call or send a message. An appointment at an office or doctor may be cancelled after a few minutes.
5. Shop opening hours and cash
On Sundays and public holidays almost all shops are closed (apart from petrol stations, railway stations and a few limited shops). Do your shopping before the weekend. Paying by card is not possible everywhere, and some restaurants and small shops accept only cash or a German bank card (Girocard); open a German bank account early.
6. Letters and deadlines
Official correspondence (authorities, insurance, tax, landlord) arrives by post. Open every official letter, read the date and the deadline, and respond; in many cases the objection period is only one month. Keep your letters, and if you do not understand a letter, get help from an adviser or a migrant counselling centre.
7. Liability insurance (Haftpflicht) and Schufa
Personal liability insurance covers damage you accidentally cause to others and is inexpensive; many landlords and flatmates recommend it. Schufa is your credit rating and is needed for renting a flat, a mobile contract and loans: flat rental guide.
8. Emergency numbers and health
- 112: fire brigade and medical emergency.
- 110: police.
- 116117: non-emergency medical service at night and on weekends.
To see a doctor you usually need your insurance card and must book an appointment: health insurance.
9. Short cultural tips
- Greeting and saying goodbye when entering a shop, a doctor’s surgery or a lift is common.
- Being direct is not rude; a clear “no” is normal.
- Parties and visits to neighbours are arranged in advance.
- Smoking and alcohol come with specific age and place rules.
Previous: your first 30 days in Germany.
Note: this article is general guidance and not a substitute for official advice. Local rules may differ. Last reviewed: October 2026.
