What’s a “Typical German”??!!

20. October 2025

In this blog post, our marketing intern Elina shares her interpretation of what “typical German” means and how she actually sees Germans after living in Germany for 2 years.

“I guess everyone who moves to a new country forms a certain idea of the people living there. So, terms like “typical X” definitely have a right to exist. The only question is: to what extent do we allow these perceptions to influence how we interact with locals?

If I were to answer what “typical German” means to me, I would describe 4 scenarios that, in my opinion, shape this image:

Germans at work
Germans in private life
Germans on a hike
Germans at a folk festival

Germans at Work

The so-called reservedness and coldness that many internationals mention can indeed be noticed in professional settings. At work, Germans draw a clear line between business and private life. The main focus is on discussing the topic at hand and making a detailed plan to achieve a common goal, rather than building personal connections. Germans tend to plan meticulously and only start once they feel 100% prepared.

Germans in Private Life

For internationals, making friends with Germans can sometimes be challenging, as they often prefer to stay within their established circles. If you’re not close friends yet, conversations usually revolve around shared topics like work or studies. Germans typically socialise by cooking together or meeting at a café or bar for a beer.

Germans at Folk Festivals

And then there are the true folk-festival enthusiasts. The Germans who cannot show up at the festival without their traditional clothes. The Germans for whom drinking five 1-litre glasses of beer at once is not a sign of alcoholism, but a way of preserving tradition. These Germans at the festival turn into the most talkative and merry nation I have met. They know almost every song played by the bands. The Germans who never dance in their lives suddenly break into a dance.

Germans on a Hike

On a hike, however, Germans can be surprisingly friendly. In Bavaria, people greet every passerby with a cheerful “Servus” and easily start small talk. Their outfits tend to be quite similar – hiking shoes, a Jack Wolfskin jacket and pants, a headband, and sometimes trekking poles. Lunch is usually enjoyed at a “Gaststätte” up in the mountains.

Now you know the 4 scenarios that could embody “typical German” behaviour. BUT. Every scenario has its exceptions — and here are the ones I have personally experienced:

My German colleagues are extremely nice people. They are always willing to help and open to discussion. When they ask “Wie geht’s?”, they are genuinely interested in how I am doing. Yes, we do not automatically become friends, but I have noticed that many colleagues meet up after work. They go to concerts together or meet at cafés.

Almost all my friends here are Germans, and we can talk about anything. I am often amazed by how deep our conversations can be, even if we’re not the closest of friends. Evenings with Germans are usually relaxed. When they have free time, they truly embrace it — taking things slowly, enjoying a beer or a cappuccino. Yes, work or studies might come up, but they rarely dominate the conversation.

When it comes to folk festivals, I know Germans who don’t drink alcohol, don’t wear traditional clothes, and attend simply to meet their friends. I’ve also noticed that not everyone is cheerful at these events. There’s a darker side, too — festival grounds can sometimes turn into places where it’s apparently acceptable to use the open space as a toilet or to vomit.

As for hikes — I also know Germans who aren’t that enthusiastic about them. And should they join one, they look like they are going on a photo shoot in the mountains.

I believe there is a place for the concept of the “typical German”, and that it doesn’t necessarily have negative connotations. It simply helps to form an initial impression. The question is how open we are to broadening this image, contradicting it, and accepting the diversity of people and scenarios.”

Also interesting...

Book blurb New Zealand – My Adopted Home: A cross-cultural trainer’s personal portrayal of New Zealand and Germany – and what it’s like to live between two worlds.

5. November 2021

Kiwiana, jandals, sunnies, barefoot in the supermarket, breath-taking landscapes, friendly people, wingless birds, no poisonous animals – how could you...

How can your Sales Team rock the next trade fair?

25 years of ti communication – raise your champagne glasses, because we’re celebrating for a good cause!