Last year I studied abroad in Berlin and lived with a host family from March to August. In the span of 6 months, I learned that I needed to shake up my American customs in order to live like a true Berliner. So here’s a list of the 3 things we really need to do here in the US.
Taking off Shoes
This is a universal custom that other countries like Germany have implemented into their daily lives and that is taking off your shoes at the front door. It keeps your home clean and doesn’t track in dirt from outside. Admittedly, it took me some time to get used to but I just left my house slippers by the front door so I could slip into something more comfortable. And my room was always spotless!
Plastic Bags
This one is not only cost effective but will also save the planet. We need to stop using plastic and paper bags at the supermarket. In Germany, you were expected to bring in reusable tote bags and if you happened to not bring one in, you had to pay for a bag. It really makes you think about the unnecessary waste we produce.
Efficient Transit
Yes, we have Amtrak and Megabus but have you been on a Deutsche Bahn? These trains are comfortable and can take you anywhere in Germany for a reasonable and great price. I went from Berlin to Prague in under 5 hours and it was a beautiful and scenic route.
Germans just get somethings very right and we need to start learning from them.