As a student studying abroad in Germany , do you know about German traditions? Germany is not only famous for the legendary Oktoberfest festival but also known for many special traditional customs that attract people from all over the world!

I. German customs and traditions

Oktoberfest , also known as Wiesn , known as the October Festival, is a German tradition, famous for its two-week-long festival that invites international visitors to sip local beer and enjoy traditional German flavors.

But, Germany also has some other little-known customs that are equally interesting! Let’s find out about these interesting things with My Career!

1. The first day of school hat? Schultüte

The school cap is a German tradition that began in the 19th century. It is a bag made of plastic or paper. It is shaped like a large, long cone. School caps are given to children by their parents on the first day of school after kindergarten.

According to German beliefs, after a long vacation, going back to school is too much for children. Therefore, German parents often fill Schultüten with candy and school supplies and let their children bring them to school with their friends to celebrate the beginning of going back to school. At that time, German children often compete with their friends to get the Schultüte with the most candy.

In fact, this is a way to “entice” children to accept going back to school after the summer vacation. Going to school and also getting to bring lots of candy like this is something that all children love. At the same time, this is also a way for German parents to encourage their children’s learning spirit.

2. New Year’s Eve fireworks

You might think that fireworks are all over the world on New Year’s Eve. However, you should know that Germans take New Year’s fireworks very seriously. On December 31st ? or sometimes a few days before ? 90% of the population between the ages of 5 and 95 turn into pyrotechnic experts and start shooting fireworks in every imaginable direction at any time of the day or night.

The custom of celebrating New Year’s Eve with fireworks originated from the beliefs of pre-medieval people. They believed that setting off fireworks to make loud noises would ward off evil spirits and bring good luck in the new year. 

However, nowadays, fireworks are too familiar to people in Germany and fireworks displays are now just performances to make New Year’s Eve more fun. Amidst the noisy fireworks, you will also hear the church bells ringing around midnight.

3. “Dinner for One” on New Year’s Eve

Another fun German New Year’s tradition is called “Dinner for One”. Have you ever heard of this? The British comedy was filmed in 1963 and has been shown on television every New Year’s Eve since then ? a total of over 231 times to date. 

If you want to impress a German friend, just try incorporating the famous phrase “The same procedure as last year?” into a conversation.

The skit holds the record for being the most rerun TV show in the world, but has never been broadcast in the UK or the US. The reason for its success in Germany remains a mystery, and you should try to discover it when you study abroad in Germany!

4.  Lead cooking

Germans tell their fortunes for the new year by smelting lead on New Year’s Eve.

You haven’t really immersed yourself in German culture if you haven’t melted lead. Called “ Bleigiessen ” (pouring lead), this New Year’s Eve custom involves heating a small piece of lead in a spoon held over an open flame and then dropping it into cold water. 

Its shape will reveal your fortune for the new year. An eagle means good things for your work, a ball signals good luck “rolling” your way, flowers for new friendships and an anchor shows you may need help. The shape of a cross is unlucky, it means death.

5. Mardi Gras 

When it comes to traditional German festivals, it is impossible not to mention the colorful images on the streets of Germany every Mardi Gras. When you hear the word ?carnival?, you may first think of Rio de Janeiro and Venice , but don’t forget that Germany is also a country with a very unique festival culture!

The traditional German holiday season, also known by other names depending on the region, such as Fasching in East Germany, Bavaria or Fastnacht in Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse or Saarland, begins exactly on November 11 at 11:11 a.m. and culminates on Shrove Monday, which usually falls in February or early March.

Ash Wednesday is two days later, and the season ends on that day. The celebrations are strongest in Cologne, Mainz and Düsseldorf, but other parts of Germany also celebrate on the days surrounding Shrove Monday. Then there are festive parades and people celebrate together all over Germany.

6. May Dance

The parties that take place on April 30th each year are called ?May Balls?. This ritual originated from Walpurgisnacht or Hexennacht (?Witches Night?), a night to ward off evil spirits and welcome the arrival of spring. Nowadays, most clubs and bars host special parties, and people often hold parties around open fires in parks.

The first of May is also celebrated in Germany because it is Labour Day. In Berlin, for example, many protests take place and the Kreuzberg district in Berlin turns into a huge street festival with outdoor stages where free concerts are held.

7. No dancing

Tanzban means ?dancing ban? in English. The word is used to describe the fact that dancing is banned by the government on certain holidays. Dancing is often banned on Christian holidays such as Good Friday and on days of commemoration such as the Day of Mourning, which commemorates victims of war or oppression.

This ban on dancing affects public dancing events. In practice, this means that some dancing venues ? such as dance clubs ? must close during this time. For example, in Berlin, clubs are not allowed to open between 4pm and 7pm on Good Friday.

II. Traditional German holidays

Germany is a country with many different cultural aspects. Learn about German traditions and festivals, some of which have been cultivated for centuries! These are associated with many different customs from region to region. 

1. Christmas

Christmas is of course the biggest holiday of the year. Traditionally, a fir tree is decorated with colorful balls, under which are placed gifts for family members and friends. On Christmas Eve, depending on the region, Germans choose what food to eat. 

There is a long-standing tradition in the North and West of Germany that a carp is first swum in the bath and then slaughtered in the kitchen. It is then cooked to the delight of the family members. In other regions, Christmas goose is more common. However, it is not usually eaten until Christmas Day.

2. Easter

Easter is the second biggest Christian festival. Germans also put a lot of emphasis on culinary experiences. It is also said that the Easter Bunny steals eggs from hens, paints them bright colors and hides them in gardens or around people. On Easter Sunday, people have to search for these little gifts.

3. Oktoberfest

Of course, Oktoberfest in Munich should not be left off this list. It is the world’s largest folk festival and you should visit for the colorful lights, carousels, live bands and of course the beer tents. 

Up to six million tourists from Germany and abroad flock to Munich during this time and drink large mugs of beer to their heart’s content. Locals often dress in traditional costumes such as dirndls for women and lederhosen for men.

4. Kiel Week

A great experience in Northern Germany is the ?Kiel Week?. This sailing regatta has been held in Kiel every year since the end of the 19th century. It is one of the largest sporting events in the world. At the same time, the people of Kiel celebrate a folk festival with an exciting cultural programme featuring international artists. Up to three million visitors visit the Kiel Week every year.

There are actually still many traditional German customs that have not been listed in this article. And these are waiting for you to discover ahead. If you want to know more interesting information about Germany and studying in Germany, follow My Career now!

See more: Study in Germany: Explore the city of Munich with My Careerer

See also: Discover German tastes to become a true German