CULTURE SHOCKS: Study Abroad in Germany! ⚡️ (berlin)

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As you guys can probably tell, I love Germany. Berlin is one of my favourite cities in the world and I feel so grateful that I got to live there! 💌 Here are some of the culture shocks I experienced as a British person in Berlin, Germany. These are only my personal experiences and obviously shouldn't be generalised to all of Germany :) i hope this helps you if you're moving to Berlin! ✨
Timestamps:
00:00 Studying Abroad in Berlin (intro)
1:44 Sundays - supermarkets closed
2:32 Sundays - day of rest.
3:24 Public Transport Ticket Checks
5:38 German Language + German Rap
9:03 Dark Rooms in Clubs
9:47 Cash Culture
10:09 Recycling
10:34 Pfand
11:40 Thrifting on the Street
12:10 Beauty Standards
12:58 Fashion
13:18 Bureaucracy
13:38 Tap Water
13:59 Christmas Markets
14:15 Similarities in Culture
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FAQ:
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if no one has told you today, you are enough. 💛

[@ih5592]

It’s always so funny and interesting to hear other people talk about your own country. It makes you see „normal“ things from a different perspective😁 And I think I can speak for most Germans, when I say that no one really ever gets used to the lightspeed at supermarket checkouts😄

[@UnJadedJade]

I’m so glad it’s not just me being slow !! 🤧 I feel you with reflecting on what you’ve taken to be “normal”! I’m excited for my international friends to show me new sides to England x

[@maddanna08]

so true!! i’ve always lived in germany and i feel so much anxiety at supermarket checkouts😂

[@FaithInEveryone1]

It's funny, all the things Jade mentioned is the same as what happens in Belgium 😂 Aside from the rap music or dark rooms maybe. I never knew our nationalities were so alike.

[@tina.InTheSkyWithDiamonds]

True.

[@pangaea5258]

As a Dutch person I've always wondered, what's up with all the graffiti?

[@madscha5918]

So interesting to hear as a German I just wanted to drop a little lifehack if you can't keep up with the cashiers at the supermarket: put your fruit and vegetables last on the checkout tape because these take longer for the cashiers to scan because they often have to type in a number first and weigh them so you got a little time window to pack up your other groceries before you have to pay :)

[@Sophie-cm2un]

Yes and some people just pack their groceries before paying. They are annoying, though.

[@onyx2944]

Wow, I am from Germany and I really haven't thought of that yet! Thank you! I will definitely think of that my next time grocery shopping.

[@20KingofKings10]

@@Sophie-cm2un I pack first before paying too lol. I dont wanna get rushed/stressed just because someone behind me doesnt have patience. It's actually a great way to practice patience. When I was traveling abroad in australia one time an old lady had like a life conversation with the cashier and I just had like 3 items. Those moments are perfect to see the humor in life. And if you really have to be quick because of emergency or appointment there is always the way to open the mouth and ask politely with respect :)

[@EvaAntonia1]

Oh, thank you, I`m from Germany but haven`t thought about that yet :)

[@soylara6650]

works with bread as well!! :))

[@31337flamer]

5:15 as a german you would have written an angry letter to the Bus-Service and explained your situation and of course the incompetence of the "Kontrolleur" in detail :D if it was not intentional there is still the chance to not pay the 60€ .. happened to me also you are not the only one

[@Biepsi]

Deutsche Bahn Eskapaden, die gefühlt jeder durchmachen müsste 😂 hab's damals einfach nicht bezahlt und 2 Jahre Post vom Rechtsanwalt bekommen, war dann bei 543€, irgendwann bekam ich keine Post mehr 😂

[@alihorda]

oh yeah, I was fined for apparently buying the wrong ticket (the same I used for months without problems), but since I was late for work I didn't have the time for explanations, after work I went to the customer service but I couldn't even pay the fine because the fine lady decided she doesn't know English, tried in German with no success. so I said fuck it and paid via bank transfer. such pitiful people

[@7own878]

Was as a student in Berlin. I had no idea how the Fahrkartensystem worked and I basically bought tickets for each day, but I did not devalue them. The Kontrolleur was nice enough to explain to me how it works and make me devalue the cards for the days I had already stayed.

[@Pascal_Mueller]

This is because you have to pay during the 5 minutes before your train goes. Deutsche Bahn itself said it.

[@borismirkalt8049]

in berlin gibt es echt noch fahrkarten kontrollen ? ich hab seit jahren keine mehr gehabt

[@haidouk872]

As a French, I have never truly lived in Berlin or in germany, but I have met a good amount of Germans in their 20s, like me. And I must say that Germans, atleast of this generation, really are among the greatest buddies to hang out with. The way I see it, their attitude is a kind of paradoxical mix of self-discipline and laid-backness. They will stress you out by sorting and planning everything out before you gonna do an activity or go somewhere. But then, they magically switch into the chillest and relax mood you've ever seen. They can spend 2h chilling with some beers, doing absolutely nothing, while giving you the impression that they have everything under control. That's just amazing ahahah

[@estherbosbach377]

the efficiency of relaxation

[@user-ok1vf6qx4k]

I so agree with You!

[@emmybarbieful]

Next time you’re in Berlin and the ticket machine doesn’t work: write down the number of the ticket machine, and date/time/bus details and you can get the 60€ fine refunded :)

[@user-sm3xq5ob5d]

In Bonn the ticket checkers insert a ticket themselves in the validating machine to see what date and time is printed on the tickets and whether there is ink in them. But they don't check the vending machines as a routine. If you are standing at the vending machine and can show it doesn't work they are not supposed to fine you the 60 Euros. Same when you enter at a station where the machine does not work. But then you have to go throught he process as mentioned above.

[@chrstiania]

everytime I take the ubahn in cologne I buy the tickets on the train just on the off chance it's broken. happens regularly enough take a picture of the machine and enjoy my free ride.

[@OleFromTheNorth]

If the ticket machine didn't work its very likely because the people checking the tickets disabled it. You need to go to the machine immediately or they're getting blocked. Otherwise people would stand next to the machines and get their tickets once the ticket checkers show up. Sorry you got caught.

[@alihorda]

that's why I use app to buy ticket, to avoid unnecessary headaches

[@elenalda24]

I was in a similar situation once (ticket machine was not working). Made of photo of the machine number with my phone and explained the situation to the controllers. They thanked me for letting them know and informed their colleagues to get the machine checked/fixed :)

[@annaluisa6623]

I'm from Frankfurt. I've never heard of those dark rooms. But I've never been to Berlin before.. I've been to England and Ireland a couple of times and at first it was so weird to me that shops were open on sundays (it still feels wrong to me). I actually avoided buying anything on sundays there cause I felt bad for people that had to work :'D

[@n_other_1604]

People do work on Sunday in Germany too, so do you feel sorry to buy something in Cafe? I used to work every other week in Germany on sunday, because people like to get their online bought packages on monday ... not to spaek of hospitals, police, restaurants & cafes.

[@annaluisa6623]

@@n_other_1604 I know I didn’t want to elaborate. I work on sundays myself. It just felt wrong getting my groceries on sundays when I could’ve gotten them on any of the 6 days before. I just think about the debate of opening shops on Sunday in german too. I just think like “let them have their day off”. I admit it might not make sense to other brains. But it does make sense to mine 😅

[@clocked2466]

Gibts auch bei uns... z.B. in Mannheim die Jails.

[@annaluisa6623]

@@clocked2466 das ist ja auch eher ein kink club. Weiß nicht, ob sie in Berlin in so was gegangen ist.

[@melodicminor1]

@@annaluisa6623 Staff would still have a day off, just not a Sunday-

[@rashomon351]

One remark with regards to the "Pfand" thing, just to clarify, because this seems to be an issue also many germans don't get: you don't need to bring back your bottle to where you bought it. You can claim back your Pfand/deposit from any shop, that sells the same brand or item. It's a zero sum game throughout the whole trading chain. That's the beauty of it ;)

[@MissFancyplantss]

I bring my Aldi water bottles to Kaufland all the time, so it doesn't even matter if they sell it there too or not 🤷‍♀️

[@Rougecoat13]

To make it more precise, any store that sells One Way bottles (25 cents) needs to take any of those kind back, no matter the brand or item. The only exception here is stores under 200m². They are only obligated to take back what they actually sell. Multi-Use bottles, however, are different the store only needs to take back those they also sell, though most big chains just accept anything with the symbol on it.

[@carolinkudlinski9033]

But Aldi for example doesn’t take all of the bottles.

[@doppelkammertoaster]

Funny enough though I had bottles not being accepted in Edeka, because the market itself did not sell it, but maybe that changed by now

[@somethingsomethinglastname9206]

i often give them to homeless people who like to collect the bottles to get the Pfand

[@DRayCoRpro]

As a german I can confirm that most things are true almost everywhere, except the dark rooms in clubs and the putting your stuff on the street, I think that's more a Berlin thing or a big city thing. Also Berlin is quite different from the rest of Germany. And yes, German Rap is pretty cool and also quite diverse

[@clocked2466]

Denkt man... aber dark rooms gibts auch in anderen Städten Köln,Mannheim etc. .... Nur die Kombination zwischen Darkroom und Technoclub ist in Berlin einmalig. Dark Rooms sind in der Schwulenszene sehr verbreitet.

[@davegl9305]

german rap is cringe af and full of muslims, not diversity. Muslims. Diversity would be if there were a few asian or black rappers too, but 90% of "german" rappers are inmigrants or the children of inmigrants from the middle east.

[@numivis7807]

@@clocked2466 Hamburg has techno clubs with dark rooms too :)

[@marc6344]

@@numivis7807 ah nice, didnt know that. PAL or Südpol?

[@numivis7807]

@@marc6344 definitely pal, not quite sure about südpol

[@juleg6928]

Im german, and this felt like a love letter. Thank you for the kind words on this country. I'm also from Berlin and its great to have / have had you here. ☀️

[@nelefrenz6383]

I feel the same. I live in Berlin as well and watching your video made me smile :)

[@suckersklub82]

Fun fact: "umbrella" is not a "random word", it's Italian/Latin for "little shade" - so also something very literal, except it refers to the sun, not to the rain. 🤓

[@sebastianrutkowski7316]

just like 'parasol'.

[@holler8hermann58]

@@sebastianrutkowski7316 Or paraplü (parapluie)

[@sebastianrutkowski7316]

@@holler8hermann58 yet this one is 'for rain',right?

[@holler8hermann58]

@@sebastianrutkowski7316 yep

[@SilviaLoveAndLetLive]

I’m Italian and didn’t know that, awwww 😆

[@o.b.7217]

Dark rooms are definitely a thing. However: only in clubs with a strong focus on sexual activities. You won't accidentally stumble into one in any "normal" club.

[@kragth]

Ok, where can i find some?

[@o.b.7217]

@@kragth "where can I find some?" --- Google is your friend.

[@Jaburu]

@@o.b.7217 I googled and it seams to be gay clubs?

[@kefahatumi9095]

dark rooms in clubs = mostly Berlin

[@o.b.7217]

@@kefahatumi9095 "mostly Berlin" --- As already mentioned in the title of this video.

[@GetGermanized]

The cashiers are often actually pressured by their bosses to speed things along for various reasons. One of the main ones obviously being profit. They also frown upon employees opening too many tills at once since these supermarkets are often very understaffed. A friend of mine works at a well-known supermarket chain and has told me some unbelievable stories 😅

[@veronika6173]

YES! I work for Netto and we need to reach a certain amount of items in a certain amount of time AND reach a certain amount of Profit in a certain amount of time

[@strongpowerty9377]

@@veronika6173 what happens if you just dont?

[@melodicminor1]

That's disgusting, bordering on slave labour. I wouldn't last a day.

[@MannIchFindKeinName]

@@strongpowerty9377 sooner or later you leave. Same in Callcenters. If you cant get to the numbers in the first place, its very likely to not even get over the try-out period (6 month most often; can be prolonged if both parties think it might work with some extra training-time). After that you just change the employer and start "over again" until you find something that sticks/got enough training to make it work.

[@simplysinging6911]

When you said Glühwein you sounded just like a native speaker!😊 I would love to hear more German from you in one of your videos!

[@UnJadedJade]

THIS MEANS SO MUCH thank you!!

[@getthepointx]

@@UnJadedJade Yes, your pronunciation in general is extremely great. You've mastered the sounds so well, was a pleasure listening to you.

[@i-am-your-conscience]

@@getthepointx Well, I never remember any video where it wasnt an absolute pleasure to listen to her. The 700.000+ subscribers dont come from nowhere

[@davegl9305]

It's a matter of time until Glühwein gets forbidden in public spaces. Muslim activists in germany are already protesting against the public consumption of alcohol. Germany is slowly loosing its culture and its sad.

[@vornamenachname1572]

@@davegl9305 that's some fucking bullshit 🤦😂

[@yukidoit]

As a German myself I feel like Germans are more work-driven, hence have their Sundays of otherwise they would all be workaholics! Having studied for 4 years abroad, Germany does feel like a culture shock to me again I must say. My outlook on Germany might be a bit negatively distorted by now 😆 But I am glad you enjoy our country!

[@unicornsquatbae7430]

If you don't mind me asking, where did you study abroad? And thank you for the insight, I find this very interesting from the American perspective!

[@yukidoit]

@@unicornsquatbae7430 the Netherlands :)

[@ilikegreenteaverymuch4173]

@@yukidoit if you don't mind me asking, was studying there expensive? i'm from Lithuania and currently trying to decide where i want to study. the Netherlands and Germany are both options, but i'm worried that i won't be able to afford it :/

[@yukidoit]

@@ilikegreenteaverymuch4173 it’s around 2000€ per year. But studying in an international city is well worth it in my honest opinion. Groningen is also pretty cozy, people call it the small Amsterdam.

[@ilikegreenteaverymuch4173]

@@yukidoit thanks!! :)

[@joki8148]

The ticket checkers scammed you here, and it pains me to say that there's a good chance they only did that because you're a foreigner and they thought they would get away with it. If their own machine is broken, they are only allowed to charge you the regular ticket price and certainly not throw you off the train. I do generally avoid buying any tickets on the train myself because what you describe happens disturbingly often (they don't take care of their vending machines) and I would much rather not go through the stress of arguing with a**hole employees...

[@Staronat]

They officially abolished the option to buy tickets on the train last year, so the ticket checkers don't have to give you a ticket, even if the machine is broken. They can say you could have bought it online or from the "Schalter" etc. Of course you can argue with the company afterward to reopen the case but they are allowed to charge you the same way as if you didn't want to buy a ticket and are illegal on the train. That's also exactly why, because people are trying to use the broken machine-thing or "I wanted to buy a ticket on the train" as an argument to take the train without a ticket, every time until they are caught.

[@sgtpain5173]

@@Staronatyou're wrong when the Machine in the train is broken,you must only pay the regular price. When you dont have a option to buy a Ticket on the station,you must search for the conductor. That is for Trains.Maybe the S-Bahn handle this a little bit different.

[@sgtpain5173]

The Ticket checkers have a very Bad Reputation in Berlin,they have many Times Problem with the Police. On the other Site the official train staff members in Uniform ,they checking Tickets too are helpful and doing a good Job to 99%

[@adraname358]

😂 you are correct they cannot fine you but your tactics is wrong. Have à ticket you need to stamp, check if the machine is working, if it is stamp your ticket. If not, don't and enjoy the free ride 😁oh fir additional safety, go ti the driver and say: the machine is nit working - he will tell you you can travel for free..of course that is in rural places where there is no machine in the station

[@Yawnpawn1]

Absolutely right. There's no way you don't get your money back if you file for a complaint.

[@Roger-np3wi]

Mark Twain once said, "The German language should be gently and reverently laid down with the dead languages, for only the dead have the time to learn it." And the German writer Erhard Blanck said, "Because the English language is altogether less expressive than German, it may also simplify everything."

[@klausschumacher7126]

The life is too short to learn German....😃

[@melodicminor1]

Hm, I disagree with Mr Blanck. I'm bilingual, I wonder how deeply he has immersed himself into the English language? I totally love his aphorisms, though, and thus, I must disagree with Mr. Twain also :)

[@florianmeier3186]

As if English would be simple if you look closly enough... By the way German is not exceptionally complecated. Articles and cases exist in most European languages and some have even more. Also Slavic languages are complicated and I would not call French an easy language. Hungarian or Finnish are also not simple as they are quite distinct from other European languages and hard to imagine to learn a language with completely different background like Arabic or a Chinese language. Compared to that German should be rather easy for English natives as it has much in common. Maybe only Dutch is easier.

[@OliveraDarko]

Girl, I’m currently trying to master supermarket packing and I must say it’s a STRESSFUL SITUATION. The day I leave Berlin I hope to be a fast professional packer. That’s literally my goal in life. 😓😂

[@UnJadedJade]

Omg I’m so glad you relate 😂🥲 I believe in you!!

[@OliveraDarko]

@@UnJadedJade I’d be lying if I said I don’t tend to go to the self check out section so I can take my sweet ass time and not get bouts of anxiety each time I’m trying to buy groceries 😬😂

[@user-sm3xq5ob5d]

@@hovawartfreunde4599 I put the rectangular boxes and cartons first (milk, flour, frozen veggies etc.). Then potatoes and other robust fruit and veggies and sliced sausage and cheese. The last items are delicate fruits and eggs and bakery items. With that order I can pack neatly cartons, and lay anything else in the order it passes through on top.

[@klauskruger6187]

Are you crazy? Just put it back in the cart, go to the table and pack it in peace.

[@e.458]

The trick is putting it on the belt in the right order. Heavy items first then the stuff that will survive being tossed in the cart at the end delicate things (bananas, ...). Take the cart outside and pack there in peace.

[@meenatural4502]

German here. I think you made a pretty good round-up :D - The cashiers are still too SLOW for us Germans. We still complain and look for the fastest queue. - Yes, sundays are holy. I hope that it will stay that way. There are some attempts to change that. - It's true about the cash culture. We Germans always get nervous when we don't have cash in our pockets. - I didn't know that thrifting on the streets was a German thing. I always get some nice and useful things there. - I stopped wearing makeup two years ago and I'm happy with it. - Yes, the tap water thing. We really should change that ASAP. - The fact that Brits and Americans are indirect is really difficult for us Germans. It's confusing. We never know where we stand with you guys.

[@felixmidas3245]

6:00: "When they throw in some weird tenses, nominative, dative..." Nominative and dative are cases and you have them in English as well, you just don't often notice them because they are usually all the same.

[@AmandaWeldon]

The intro absolutely sent me hahah I love your storytelling Jade always so captivating. Loved this video! Keep them coming!

[@veronika9464]

You're like: German is so hard it has 3 articles. When I was learning German i was so happy that it has only that and that it kind of makes sence, because in my language (I'm Czech) it's like 10 times more comlicated. 😅

[@SRBOMBONICA86]

Lmfao yes ,same for me as Serbian ,German is easy

[@MoritzAdler]

Loved this video, this is soo accurate. I'm German and have lived abroad for 12 years now (in Zurich, Dublin, Tokyo, Singapore). This is spot on. Really shows a depth of knowledge and interest in the culture. Great that you went beyond the stereotypes (and yes: many are indeed true :) ).

[@bec1631]

Supermarkets in the UK are so chill! They even wait for you to place all your items on the conveyor belt before the start scanning. It makes the shopping experience so much better. I am almost worried that I get used to it and will cry in panic the next time I go back to Germany and do my grocery shopping..

[@pashvonderc381]

Love shopping in the UK, like you said it’s a real chill, no stress at the checkout, it’s a “ alright love how ya doin’ ? “ type thing and then you come back to DE and it’s back to the lightning ⚡️ speed ( BlitzSpeed ) of packing your stuff before the next customer’s stuff is mixed in with yours…

[@Anna-rc3kj]

jade just puts me in a better mood, my productivity level goes through the roof, my kindness level goes through the roof, SHE'S AN ANGEL I SWEAR

[@annasophie7299]

Your description is so, so accurate haha :) I have been living in Berlin for 1 1/2 years and I LOVE this city! Lots of love! x

[@laraczenskowski9362]

I‘d love listening to you regularly on a podcast ☺️ Your view on things is so refreshing and positive! Thank you for your videos!

[@anne_bckmnn]

In my town supermarkets are open on Sundays during the “tourist season” (~April to October). They do this so tourists can shop their groceries even when they arrive on a Sunday and I think this might be pretty exclusive for my area. It’s called ✨Bäderregelung✨ if you want to look it up :)

[@jonasballer6348]

Hey Jade :) You are a real inspiration in what you do and how you conquer your life but maybe even more outstanding is the fact that you just seem like someone you would want to have in your circle. You are nice and friendly but you also want to achieve something in your life. And on the other hand you are so amazed by this life that you just send out beams of positive energy. I think that's what makes your videos so Special ;P Greetings from a German studying Psycho & Philo in Vienna😘

[@TravelingisFREEDOM]

This seems to be a very charming place, I hope I can visit sometime in the future when all this is over. Seeing and sharing places like this is why I love traveling and make videos so much! And please keep up the great job! Subscribed!!

[@timbuttner5274]

As I'm living in Berlin for 5 years now, I feel every second of this video :D Great content :)

[@SamElle]

OMG I HAD THAT SAME EXPERIENCE AT THE GROCERY STORE AT BERLIN!!! IT GAVE ME SO MUCH ANXIETY

[@nufilietreuti1533]

Hey Jade! I think all your study experiences are extremely interesting. As far as I'm informed you got around quite many places. Would love to hear a summary of all the places you've stayed at, what were highlights for you, which places you prefere, how you got along with the different lessons and languages. Maybe some advice for people who just finished school. That would be so amazing! Love from Germany 💕

[@popi2662]

Im a French girl living in Berlin since more than 2 years and I experienced almost everything that u did, I love this city as well, thx for the refreshing content ☀️

[@Hannah7--]

I'm from Germany (Bavaria) and it's really interesting to see someone from another country talking about things that are unusual for them because almost everything you've mentioned in this video are (obviously) normal to me!

[@jackiek5632]

Even the dark room in the clubs? Because I never heard about anything like that :,D I'm also from Bavaria

[@otsukaharu4501]

@@jackiek5632 Ich mein, es ist halt auch Bayern, da ist sexuelle Freizügigkeit nicht so gern gesehen. Außerdem denk ich, dass das eben nur auf einige wenige Clubs in Großstädten zutrifft. Aber idk

[@baracincurova8593]

Coming from a part-time cashier in Lidl in Czech republic... can we also close all shops on sundays? When it was implemented here for a while during lockdown, despite crazy saturday crowds (that weren't really helping with covid 😅) I really liked the idea of a day that actually allows people to rest and focus on themselves. At least a bit. Oh and a great video, as always! I really like watching this kind of content. 😍

[@XynxNet]

I hope you get a closed sunday, too. It is really great for families.

[@slouberiee]

Mně by volné neděle taky nevadily, sice o víkendu nepracuju, ale člověka by to netáhlo do obchodu, ale byl by doma nebo venku :)

[@AsterFoz]

But you know all cinemas, restaurants, gas stations etc. are open on sundays? People work there too. Those people are not worse than cashiers in Aldi so close everything or open everything instead of dividing people in groups who 'deserve' it and who don't.

[@baracincurova8593]

@@AsterFoz Oh I definitelly did not mean to say only cashiers deserve it or something. I was just hooked on the idea of all people having a set day off to enjoy without realizing this... but I understand that some places are open and some just have to be open, like hospitals, hence it cannot really be fair... 😞

[@official_dns]

wow this was so calm… so chill to watch🥰

[@MonsterMohnschnecke]

I love how the comments are full of tips on how to make packing up your items quicker at the supermarket :D If I have a bit more stuff I always take an Einkaufwagen (shopping trolley) so I can just get my stuff and roll it to one of those benches/ table thingies/ literally any corner where I have space to pack everything into my bag.

[@joanavb7364]

You´re such a lovely person Jade

[@suzan6592]

in which city are u studying :)

[@joanavb7364]

@@suzan6592 in Tilburg :)

[@berlinervorstadt]

I’ve lived in Berlin my whole life and you nailed it with your descriptions. You made me laugh pretty hard at some points :D

[@MrKevman68]

Loved, loved your insights and observations! Thank you for the video.

[@BlissLovePeace]

very refreshing video. Thx Jade!

[@pocketadventures]

Oh, that thing with recycling the bottles and getting your money back - we do that in The Netherlands too! It's so normal to me! So it's a bit of a meta-culture shock for me that they don't do that in the UK apparently haha xD

[@sofiavonreedtz7017]

Im moving to Berlin this autumn to take a cource in German for 2 semesters, but also to get to know the city 😊 As I come from Sweden there is a few similarities to the culture, especially the language, but I'm still so excited to experience Berlin in its essence of internationality and coolness 😎 its been soo fun seeing your experience being there during this year ❤ xx

[@ohauss]

Just don't order "öl" :) In Sweden, it may be drinkable, in German, it means "oil" :P

[@susannabonke8552]

Hi Sofia, Berlin is loud and annoying sometimes but truly interesting. You'll find a niche for every personal orientation.

[@susannabonke8552]

@@npineapple3077 believe it or not, lots n lots of people really enjoy the City districts such as Schöneberg, Tempelhof etc. Wittenau is a very crazy place, some 3 blocks ahead it's calm again.

[@jasmink6593]

Such a cool video and I love the way you presented it. Keep it up, you're such a good storyteller

[@thedarkside7508]

Your supermarket experience is very interesting to me. It made me remember how I had to learn to pack my stuff in quickly and how that caused me stress in the beginning. Now, as a mom of two, I'm so quick I wait for the cashier.

[@lenajlassi1462]

Hi Jade! I'm moving to Potsdam, Germany (this Sunday!!) to start my PhD in Astrophysics after doing my master's at Bath University (I'm originally from France ), so this video has GREAT timing. It was great listening to your insights, it has made me excited and scared and I can't wait to discover German culture myself :) It was also really interesting to hear your experience as a Brit in Germany considering I've had my own culture shocks moving abroad to England haha!! Also, I can relate to your way of viewing the world and life so it was comforting to watch this!!

[@anne_bckmnn]

I study in Potsdam too! :)

[@anne_bckmnn]

Let me know if you have any questions :)

[@kesha775]

Hey Jade, I'm from Cologne and just got stuck on the tap water part. It's actually illegal for restaurants, cafes & bars to refuse giving you free tap water (unless it's undrinkable ofc, which is usually not the case though). The German word for tap water is Leitungswasser, maybe it was the language barrier and that's why they refused :')

[@jackiek5632]

I am from Würzburg and I heard that it is illegal as well but they mostly refuse to give out free tap water in clubs/restaurants/bars. I just checked if there is really a law saying that they have to give it out for free but that doesn't seem to be the case (or do you have a source? I'm really curious about this :) ). So maybe they are just super friendly in Cologne? :)

[@arnikakiani8014]

@@jackiek5632 There is no law, but there is an EU directive that 'recommends' that restaurants provide tap water for free or for a very small service fee. The directive doesn't have to be implemented until January 2023, though. Lots of restaurants provide tap water for free on their own accord.

[@ravanpee1325]

You don't pay for the water, but for the service

[@TottiShares]

I'm from near hamburg and while I know tap water is illegal to withhold they always do! I ask about tap water and they're like "oh we don't do that"

[@ravanpee1325]

@@TottiShares Yeah, it's considered cheap behavior like not tipping in the US

[@doniatl5033]

im moving to germany (Wiesbaden) in 2 weeks and this video made me less anxious about it :) i can't wait to experience the same culture shocks you had!

[@tpwk2874]

Hahah really excited to watch this as a German 🤍🤍

[@murielbielka9218]

Haha, I'm German as well and i can only agree

[@xandra3984]

Same: half-German so I’m looking forward to seeing the aspects I recognise!🥳

[@rebeccahardy5216]

Hi Jade, I really appreciate your insight into German culture :) I want to go to Germany for study abroad next year so this was sooo helpful!

[@UnJadedJade]

awhh I’m so glad! 💐 I remember watching SO many of these types of videos before moving to berlin! you’re going to have such a wonderful time

[@rebeccahardy5216]

@@UnJadedJade definitely Berlin for sure! I am just really intrigued with the History! Also not to mention the food! And the christmas markets :)

[@pangaea5258]

Not sure Berlin does a good job at representing "German culture".

[@rebeccahardy5216]

@@pangaea5258 obviously it has it's bad history, and it's not just Berlin I would like to go :)

[@gizemozturk5196]

all of what you said was just so incredibly accurate (except the dark rooms lol idk bout that one) and I love you so much for your realistic evaluation of everything

[@PennyEffect]

I saw your stories when Vee came to visit you in Berlin. I fell inlove with both of you, sincerely inspiring and just GIRL POWER energy ❤❤❤❤

[@salaciouscrumb1747]

It’s a choreography: You put the items on the conveyer belt in the order that you put them in your bag or back back. Whilst the cashier scans the items you start putting them in the bag. After the cashier scanned all the items and has announced the price, you casually pack another 2 items in the bag. Then you say how you’d like to pay. Paying contactless via card affords you another couple of seconds. Whilst the payment is being processed you pack the remaining items. The cashier then offers you the receipt. You accept or decline, and put the last 1-3 items in your bag if there are any left at this point.

[@gredan150]

Agreed! it is a bit like a national sport for some extra adrenaline ^^

[@lotte7587]

your first story = true story! my sister and me always got into a little fight when it came to pack the groceries. so, I invented a system that makes it easier for me to throw the groceries into my bags AS FAST AS I CAN while being able to sort them. the system requires 100 % concentration - no interference (helping hands from my sister) is allowed! happy grocery shopping!

[@jonathanappleby9593]

Lol just do it slowly. What's going to happen?

[@mathephysikutz2961]

@@jonathanappleby9593: You will lose a big part of your stuff to the person behind you.

[@noahluppe]

that's why I like supermarkets with a separate bagging area, so I just throw everything back in the cart or basket, pay and can sort it into my bag while the next customer is at the register.

[@SilviaLoveAndLetLive]

😆

[@jonathanappleby9593]

@@mathephysikutz2961 what does that even mean? Ahaha. I never let other people's stress become my own. If they have stress they should just open another till or have more selfcheckouts. I'm not going to get involved in their little game of efficiency. Been in Germany 6 years, yet to have any issues with people stealing my food.

[@veiza7430]

In my opinion, the Fahrkaftenkontrolleure (the people that check your ticket) were taking advantage of you being a foreigner. The machines in the Ubahn are there for a reason and if they're not working, it isn't your fault and you shouldn't be held accountable. I would've argued with them for eternity if they were making me pay 60 Euros for something that wasn't my fault. Also a little tip for german rap: Nura She raps about political issues, at least from the songs I know of. And German love the song Bruttosozialprodukt for parties haha About recycling: You can get penalties of up to 80€ if you don't sort it correctly :D Never heard of the Darkrooms before though, lol.

[@marr-rie4448]

uhh yes for the Fahrkartenkontrolleure and Nura!!

[@mariekehoyer3264]

they're not even allowed to charge you if the machine's not working

[@user-es7ui5mc1m]

yeah, you're supposed to buy them from the Kontrolleur if the machine isn't working - although it is possible that she couldn't explain the situation well and they thought she was doing it intentionally.

[@xtrfyzr]

Wenn der Automat nicht geht musst du halt zur nächsten Station gehen. So ist das und nicht anders. Behinderte und Senioren sind nicht ohne Grund vom Fahrpreis befreit bzw. Haben eine Monats oder Jahreskarte.

[@agatash2283]

Agree, in Australia, if the ticket machine doesn't work - you don't pay.

[@solokom]

I already watched other videos by expats/int.students on every single topic mentioned in this video (apart from the dark rooms, maybe). But you present them in such a funny and charming way that it was still worth watching. :)

[@Lina-pk2ip]

I’m moving to Munich next year and honestly came back to this video for advice 😅😅😅 thank u for sharing your honest raw feelings!!✨✨✨💕

[@peter_meyer]

Munich is a completely different ball game.

[@TheLeaveTaking]

I must say I love the fact that Sundays are really treated like days of rest in Germany, without consumerism and shopping. That's one thing I really love about my country; we are preserving some of the old traditions. As you say it's rooted in Christianity so I don't really understand how supposedly Christian countries like the UK don't rest on Sundays. 🤔😁

[@AsterFoz]

No shopping on sundays... just ordering tons of food. :)

[@klausbeeblebrox64]

It's quite new to actually rest on Sundays. In my Grandparents village everyone had to work then as usual, because crops and livestock don't care if it is Sunday

[@alfrredd]

extreme capitalism I guess.

[@davegl9305]

Preserving traditions in germany??? yeah, muslim traditions maybe.

[@TheFren]

I just wish they would make an exception JUST for supermarkets

[@emmazichelouis4213]

I hope you can go to Bayern some day! It's quite different than other parts of Germany (though you could say that about every region, Germany is so diverse!), and it's insanely beautiful and interesting! Lovely video

[@Sakura-zu4rz]

❤❤you are vital 🤤❤❤Your channel is literally my comfort place. You make me so happy. Love you 🤗❤

[@miltiadistheofanis5537]

I'm moving to Berlin for an internship in a month and your videos are super helpful!

[@DemetriPanici]

I've always wanted to visit Germany! I'm sure it was a really cool experience!

[@UnJadedJade]

You have to visit some day Demetri!! 🌟 catch me potentially moving there haha

[@josee2000]

I would love to hear about your experience finding an apartment in Berlin. I'm moving to Germany soon and the idea of finding an apartment is quite daunting (especially since i'm currently in a different country).

[@km-kl3lg]

Look for WGs/Wohngemeinschaften. The housing situation in Germany, especially in bigger cities such as Berlin, is not easy at all at the moment. (Or hasn't been for years, rather) It's hard to find an apartment and often quite expensive living on your own.

[@rondoflicflac]

Would love to visit Germany someday!! Great video Jade💜✨

[@cbbrownclaire62]

Jade, I lived and studied in Germany when I was your age back in the 1980s. It was exactly the same then!! I could not get used to all the shops being shut on a Sunday evening then, with the addition of the shops closing at lunch time on a Saturday!!! I think that has changed now...I love the German language and literature, and studied at University in London and in Munich.

[@WillsCamera]

JADE AHAHA I literally just uploaded the same video and I cannot express how terrifying the German Supermarket Experience is !! so cool how there's so many differences between north & south germany 🤍

[@imstargazing9120]

its so interesting to watch this as a German because all the things you´ve talked about (except the dark room lmao) seem so normal to me but seeing you talking about it form your perspective is so refreshing! It makes you look at the things differently :) I also have to recommend you my favorite German singer Lina Larissa strahl, her lyrics are so wonderful and touching :) lots of love to you jade!!

[@Yawnpawn1]

How many Germans don't see dark rooma as total degeneracy?

[@CheesyElla]

as someone that has been born & raised in Berlin + is around your age (and according to your stories etc. frequents similar areas in Berlin) this was really interesting. thanks for the insight! :) also totally agree with the tap water thing in restaurants - when I lived in Norway and the US I could always get tap water for free, but not here. the cash thing also frustrates me a lot bc I rarely use it/want to use it. and the sparkling water thing is true - a lot of Germans loooove sparkling water. I really don't but that's just preference I suppose

[@juuus2764]

actually you can ask anywhere for tapwater and they cant charge you anything. Its a EU law, that you get it for free. You just have to ask for TAP-water otherwise they get you some special pricy water

[@CheesyElla]

@@juuus2764 I should've worded this in a better way. Yes you can get free tap water if you ask at restaurants, but they sometimes refuse (had that happen) OR they're just like "uhh we can't do that/don't want to do that??" / just being a bit non-cooperative with the whole thing bordering on being rude. Like they could just give me the water, but they just don't want to. Even if you ask nicely. Or they do, but act like it's the worst thing in the world. BUT a difference is cafes - you can usually get free tap water at any cafe if you just ask & they won't act like that. Espressohouse has a whole water station where you can just get unlimited tap water if you're at the coffeeshop.

[@user-sm3xq5ob5d]

I think if you ask for "Wasser" then they assume bottled water. And that will cost you. So better make sure to ask for "Leitungswasser". If they start to act up I would order nothing and ask just for a glass. Then I'd go to the restroom and pour me a water there. That'll tell them not to mess with me.

[@ravanpee1325]

You pay 20% of the bill as tip, so of course the tap water is included

[@Cupcakiiiii]

To be fair drinks have the highest margin and many restaurants make most of their money with them. Also a lot of Germans do not tip at all while in other countries it's obligatory to tip. I personally find it kinda rude asking for tap water as your only drink. Kinda the same as bringing your own drink😅

[@jackiek5632]

OMG I'm from Germany and I have never heard about a dark room in a club :D I'm from Bavaria and we definitely would not have that here. I've also been to Berlin in a few clubs and never seen it but probably it's been the most touristy clubs so they wouldn't have it I guess. That is just so weird, I would feel so uncomfortable hahaha :D I've also never seen a ticket checker being dressed normally and closing all the doors in the bus. I guess they know what they are doing up there in Berlin :D it's really funny though, to hear about the culture shocks and to see Berlin from your perspective :)

[@aureliav.6691]

ich glaub sie meint wenn die türen schließen wie sie es immer tun, wenn der bus/ die bahn losfährt und omg teilweise sind die so casual unterwegs und so jung ich oder haben wie nh pärchen gewirkt was weiß ich

[@ravanpee1325]

Sind nur bestimmte Szeneclubs die etwas Swingeratmossphäre haben wie das Berghain

[@susannabonke8552]

They don't lock up the bus, that part was dramatizing for the effect. Doors close by button or automatically.

[@susannabonke8552]

@@ravanpee1325 Dafür halt extrem berühmt.

[@susannabonke8552]

@@aureliav.6691 DEN Job will nicht jeder machen, der ist nervig. So sehen die Kontrolleure auch aus (, teils ungepflegt ). Berlins hässliche Seite.

[@user-yv2zp1ps9j]

When I was watching ur video I had a feeling like I was listening to my friend after a long parting. My mood has lifted because of ur emotions and their influence to me

[@veke2001]

I love seeing this video as a German hahaha. I might be doing my semester abroad in South Korea. So I would be really interested in this kind of video about Korea. Love your videos!:)

[@Wenixi]

I spent my exchange in Germany 9 years ago and funny to see that not being able to pay with card thing hasnt changed a bit. 😅 Was also hard for me as a Finn, as our country was highly electrified already then, and I forgot about carrying money with very easily.

[@ranuschkaaa]

For me, It was a shock when I noticed that the inspectores on the train had changed their strategy, wearing everyday clothes instead of their usual uniform, just so as not to attract attention immediately. Because in the past it was always the case that most people who did not have a ticket on the train got off immediately when they saw inspectors, so that they do not have to pay a penalty because they did not have a card with them. But the fact that inspectors now always wear everyday clothes instead of their uniforms has made it more difficult to see who is a controllor and who is not.

[@EdytaHetman]

Having moved to Berlin from Poland, I had all the same culture shocks. In first months I was often going hungry as I also forgot to do my shopping in time (in Poland supermarkets were opened not only on Sundays but often till 10pm on workdays) or not having cash to pay for a breakfast 🤦🏻‍♀️😉 but I absolutely love it here. Great video by the way :)

[@maraglod4642]

i'm moving to berlin soon this is so exciting and this video made me even happier ahahaha

[@Celtravels]

As a german.. I HATE our gorcery shopping experience like guuurlll im tryna have a chill late night shopping time but NOPE my items go WOOOSHHHH as soon as they touch the conveyer belt 😭😭😭😭 then again I worked as a cashier myself and they tell you to be fast 🤡

[@miriamgotz1156]

I have a bit of the opposite experience.. I went from Germany to study in the uk. Was absolutely amazed how slow supermarket’s can be, actually relaxing… and it needed some getting used to paying with card all the time.

[@davegl9305]

German supermarkets are oversaturated with muslims and people from the balkan. It's a real stress to go shopping for groceries.

[@numivis7807]

@@davegl9305 very weird comment

[@MannIchFindKeinName]

@@numivis7807 typical for the crowd that "doesn't want everything to be politicized" ;)

[@barbsmart7373]

@@davegl9305 If I was ever unfortunate enough to experience going through a German check-out, I would be just like one of the people from the Balkans or who happen to belong to the Muslim faith. I would be extremely slow and therefore a cause of stress for anyone with your level of patience. New Zealanders are fairly laid back and aren't inclined to be hyperactive at checkouts. To the contrary, we often smile and may have a few pleasant words to say to our checkout staff. They are valued and have fairly uncomfortable, monotonous jobs. They are ordinary people, just like the rest of us. The least we can do is to be a friendly face, to smile, or to say "thankyou". We can think to comment on their names, ask them how their day is going, or something else. Interesting little conversations occur in those few seconds. We don't think of it as smalltalk. We know it is aroha. Nothing fake about our korero. As Jacinda describes it - it is being "kind". Standing in line sometimes takes longer when an elderly person pays for their groceries. Elderly people are precious members of our communities and receive respect and patience as they are the slowest ones among our people. Where you buy groceries do you have elders who move slowly or is it truly Muslims and people from the Balkans who are slow? We know that just a few friendly words can help us all feel good. Supporting others is a Kiwi thing more than efficiency of time. Kohahitanga helps our unity and manaakitanga is how we care for others. I am just describing some values in NZ. "E tu" means "Stand up". I am standing up against your racism, Bro. Many of us are still dumbfounded, and are still recovering from the superiority, entitlement, dehumanization, loss and horror in our pasts. Please people, whoever you are, please press like if you know that none of us are part of any superior group. E tu. Respect others who are different to us. Enjoy diversity. Our borders are open now. We will do that for any of you.

[@barbsmart7373]

You have experienced and embraced different customs. Ka pai.

[@ValeeRocco1]

Loved your video! I have lived here in Berlin for about a month and gotta say the biggest culture shock (I come from Latin America 😅) was the efficiency of the health and police system, my little sis fell from like 9 meters, it was horrible and super shocking but man these people are fast! In like 10 minutes they came, had her stabilized on a stretcher and talking with them meanwhile the police were asking us for what had happened and our IDs. Just 😙👌🏻 cheffs kiss of professionalism and efficiency

[@realtimestatic]

My right ear really enjoyed this vid!

[@robertstolte9422]

I’ll never forget standing at the till and confidently asking for a sack to take home my items. Instead on saying ‘Tuten’ I said ‘töten’… totally different word! At that moment I realized that culture shock was totally transferable as I noticed how shocked the cashier was.

[@tpwk2874]

✨The German rap✨ gotta love it Saying this as a German I needed some time to get into it but now I’m really feeling it and I love seeing foreigner‘s reactions to it hahah

[@UnJadedJade]

catch me vibing to “unterwegs”, a BOP 🤌

[@tpwk2874]

Oh yes I love that one! Or some good old RIN songs like “dirty south” 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@realestatedeals1864]

I am glad that you acknowledged that the colour of your skin gives you a different and perhaps more pleasing experience. Thanks for that.

[@eagle1de227]

You have such a marvelous voice. It's very pleasant to listen to. Thank you very much for this video

[@femmedenoir3852]

It's really interesting how other countries see Germany, but I have to say that Berlin is really like another world in Germany. I'm from Bavaria and there are some things that are even for me strange to hear :D

[@maceyxu3669]

I’ve always wanted to visit Germany…so many stories and history there…must be a great place to visit and to feel where history take place…from a igcse history student

[@nini-ic7is]

I've been living in germany for a year now and it has been amazing ✨

[@melodicminor1]

That is so true. I came back to live in Germany after having spent two thirds of my life in Britain, and in comparison I can say that supermarket checkouts here are a stressful experience. In addition to everything being rushed through the scanner, there is also often not enough room for the items after the scanning, so that a few times I've had items land on the floor, including a jam jar once which broke and left a mess. I really miss Tesco!

[@thorralf]

Thanks for your perspective... Directness comes from the notion of honesty and being true - right in the face. The other way around is like Cornish people we met are very friendly and warm. Londoners seem to have no time and are "anonymous"... Stereotypes - I know... You have to visit Cologne! Cologne people are loud like Italians, very warm hearted and relaxed.

[@w_julia]

Still blows my mind that other countrys aren't completely closed down on sundays 😂 here in Austria it's basically the same, if not worse than in Germany - our supermarkets close at 7:30pm during the week, and on satureday at 6pm

[@SilviaLoveAndLetLive]

This is a very interesting video! Well done

[@FynnDynamite]

Keep Sundays #entspannt. That Sundays everything is closed is the MOST IMPORTANT THING ever. I would fight so much to keep it this way. German Sundays are the best.

[@circlinq]

Omg Jade I'm an English teacher in Germany (I'm German teaching it as a foreign language) and one big goal is to have students learning intercultural competence. A really common example for that is how us Germans have to be SO careful with how direct we are when we travel to the UK or the USA (shoutout to the Americans who will get an honest answer to their constant "how are you". We don't know you don't actually wanna know 😭) 😂 This always ends up being an example in class of something we have to be mindful of during a school exchange. So hearing you say that made me giggle

[@marr-rie4448]

the supermarket situation: I can relate!! I live in Vienna, and it's almost the same here, my fear of the situation grows as I advance to the cashier ;) Funny sidenote: I tend to pay in cash at the supermarket also because I can use the time the cashier spends on sorting the money in for grabbing my items :D

[@lumina9995]

I really can't get the fear... You're the customer and in a position of power!🤔 What can happen?

[@n_other_1604]

Just take & keep the basket or shopping cart & throw it in there to pack your bag afterwards & also put the stuff they would have to weigh at the end. I actually thaught grocery shopping in the UK was stressfull too because I felt weird to say yes when thes ask if I wan't it to be packed so I did it myself & you even have to be quicker as far as I remember.

[@ganimagalaktika5720]

High quality input. Thank you.

[@josipralinosi5479]

Hahaha I remember being so amazed by that free tap water thing when I spent my first week as an au pair in Ireland since it's really uncommon here in Germany :D It's just so much better because for the first time I didn't have to make the choice whether I wanted a drink to not be thirsty anymore (and the choice is water 99% of the time) or something with a great taste that I can enjoy without worrying about getting hydrated enough. So funny to hear your perspective on things I've always considered to be normal 👌🏻

[@pixamys3047]

Hi Jade, love your videos! I am german and I never experienced public transport ticket checks the way you described. It was shocking to hear. Must be a Berlin thing xD This was so interesting to watch!

[@otsukaharu4501]

Gibts in München auch, und ich glaube, dass es eigentlich recht normal in den meisten Großstädten ist 😅

[@pixamys3047]

@@otsukaharu4501 Ohh interessant😅 Ich lebe in Nrw und hier habe ich es selbst in den großen Städten wie zB Düsseldorf noch nicht erlebt. Aber ich war noch nie in München, und in Berlin war ich auch nur einmal mit der Bahn unterwegs.

[@Lena-ww1fe]

ooooh I'm so excited for what you're gonna say about this xD greetings from Bamberg, Germany edit: damn, so many true things, I know exactly what you mean! Also, I loved the Hamburg scenes, I used to live there and I love the city :)

[@UnJadedJade]

hallo!! haha thank you so much for this. Hamburg is so gorgeous 🥺✨ would love to visit Bamberg one day x

[@fratguner8701]

loved the fact that you chose your sponsor based on an app that you already used before you got the deal. respect. See you in berlin :D

[@RAPHAEL_DIARY]

i can listen to ur vioce all day. DAMM!!! SOO SWEETTTTTTT

[@energyhealing11]

Hahaha 😂…. That’s so true! I’ve been to Canada the last 3 months and it felt like Canadian cashiers take freaking forever and it triggered me so much until I realized that Germany is just crazy fast 😂