As I finish my fourth week in Berlin, it is hard to believe how quickly my time abroad has been moving. This week was another busy one both professionally and personally. At my internship with W3, I continued creating content, helping with internal management tasks, and learning more about the operations that keep a growing organization running smoothly. One thing I have enjoyed most about my internship is how much responsibility and hands-on experience I have been given. Every week I become more comfortable contributing ideas and working independently, which has helped me grow professionally.
Outside of work, I have continued exploring both Berlin and other parts of Germany. This week I took a day trip to Hamburg, which gave me the opportunity to experience another German city and compare it to Berlin. Hamburg felt very different, with its waterfront, historic architecture, and unique atmosphere. I also visited the DDR Museum in Berlin, which provided an interactive look into everyday life in East Germany during the War. Experiences like these have helped me better understand Germany’s history and culture while also giving me a deeper appreciation for how the country’s past continues to influence modern life.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned during my time abroad is that adaptability is about much more than simply navigating a new city. It involves learning to understand and respect cultural norms that may be very different from what I am used to in the United States. While many aspects of German culture have been easy and enjoyable to embrace, there have definitely been a few that have been more difficult for me to adapt to.
One cultural difference that continues to surprise me is Germany’s attitude toward jaywalking. In the United States, especially in cities, it is very common for people to cross the street whenever there are no cars coming. In Germany, however, jaywalking is generally viewed much more negatively. Even when a street is completely empty, most people will patiently wait for the pedestrian signal to turn green before crossing. While I understand that this promotes safety and order, I would be lying if I said it has not been frustrating at times. There have been many occasions where I have stood waiting at an empty intersection thinking about how quickly I would have crossed in the United States.
Another cultural difference that has been surprisingly difficult for me to accept is the water culture. In Germany, it is common for restaurants to charge for water, even though the tap water is perfectly safe to drink. As an American who is used to receiving free water at every restaurant, this has been a major adjustment. So far, I have mostly refused to participate and instead make sure to drink plenty of water before and after meals.
The topic has actually led to some interesting conversations with my German coworkers. Surprisingly, many of them do not fully understand why customers have to pay for water either. They have explained that it is simply the norm. They have also told me that bringing your own water into a restaurant is generally considered rude unless it is an extremely hot day. These conversations have reminded me that cultural norms are not always universally loved by the people who live there. Sometimes people follow traditions simply because they are deeply embedded in everyday life.
One of the most noticeable differences I have experienced in the workplace is the approach to clothing and professional dress. Earlier in my program, I discussed how workplace attire in Berlin tends to be much more casual than in many professional settings in the United States. The longer I spend here, the more I notice this difference.
What I find particularly funny is that people in Berlin often seem to dress more formally for casual errands than they do for work. Sweats are generally not something I see people wearing while grabbing groceries or walking around the city. At the same time, people come to work dressed far more casually than I would have expected. Over the past few weeks, my roommate and I have regularly had conversations about whether certain outfits would be appropriate for work. Many outfits seem completely acceptable by Berlin standards but would likely raise some eyebrows in a traditional American office.
For example, I debated wearing open-toed sandals to work, something I would rarely consider in a professional environment back home. Yet when I arrived, I still felt like I was dressed the same as—or sometimes even more formally than—many of my coworkers. Some of them have even told me that they intentionally dress more casually at work than they do in their personal lives. Learning to adjust to these expectations has helped me become more flexible and less reliant on my assumptions about professionalism.
Although this blog has focused primarily on cultural differences that have been difficult to adapt to, there are certainly aspects of Germany that I know I will miss when I return home. One of the biggest is the fruit. I cannot overstate how much better the fruit is here compared to what I am used to in the United States. Not only is it more affordable, but it also tastes significantly fresher and more flavorful. My nearly daily trips to REWE to pick up fruit have become part of my routine, and it is something I genuinely look forward to.
Overall, adapting to life in Germany has required flexibility, patience, and an open mind. While some cultural differences have challenged me, they have also helped me better understand the values, behaviors, and lifestyles of the people around me. More importantly, these experiences have strengthened my global competencies by teaching me how to observe without judgment, communicate across cultures, and adjust my expectations when entering unfamiliar environments. These are skills that will be valuable not only during my time abroad but throughout my future professional career as I continue working with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
