Cultural Differences Between the USA and Germany
*Updated March 25, 2025
The USA and Germany are two of the most powerful countries in the world, yet they have very different cultures and political systems. The apparent similarities between these two countries are primarily their prosperous economies and the high standard of living enjoyed by the average citizen.
What’s on this page?
01 | Germany’s sense of order
02 | Credit card and cash payments
03 | Efficiency and Punctuality
04 | Public transportation
05 | Working hours
06 | Public Nudity
07 | Customer Service
08 | Moving to Germany
Germany’s sense of order
Germany is famous for its orderliness, which is evident in its citizens’ daily activities. They believe in an unwritten path in society that everyone must follow judiciously, termed “Ordnung.” The phrase “Ordnung muss sein” literally means “there must be order.” This principle is incorporated into every activity they participate in, especially in business.
A famous saying regarding “order” in German culture is “Ordnung hat Gott lieb” (Orderliness is next to Godliness). Germans believe that life becomes simpler and less complicated with order; therefore, they view anyone living a chaotic life as lacking order.
This sense of orderliness contrasts sharply with American culture. Americans are known for their carefree lifestyles and general laissez-faire attitude. They love to question the status quo and will fight for their beliefs.
Credit card and cash payments
For a long time, Germans have preferred using cash for most of their payments. In their culture, cash is king, and they have maintained this preference for years. Compared to other countries in the European Union, Germany is known for its love of cash payments, with many Germans even preferring to pay large sums in cash.
However, this trend is changing somewhat due to the global pandemic, which has led many people to adopt cashless systems for their transactions. Research shows that, unlike Germans, Americans perform more transactions using credit cards or cashless systems than with cash.
America is almost a cashless country, so if you are an American moving to Germany, you might want to exchange your cards for some cash.
Efficiency and Punctuality
In terms of working culture, Germans are known for being hardworking and making the most of their opportunities. Punctuality is a notable hallmark of German culture. They take punctuality very seriously, with a saying that goes, “It is better to be five minutes early than one minute late.”
When you schedule an appointment with a German, say at 2:00 PM, expect them to arrive before that time or exactly on time. They strive to be punctual and expect the same from others. In German culture, being late to a meeting or appointment can be seen as rude, which may come as a cultural shock to foreigners.
In the USA, punctuality and efficiency are also important, but they are not as strictly enforced as in Germany. While there is a high value placed on being efficient and punctual in the USA, it is often more flexible.
Read more: 12 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Germany
Public transportation
Germany boasts one of the best transportation systems in Europe. Public transportation is key and heavily relied upon by its citizens. With a vast array of transportation options, it is easy to live in any of the big cities without needing a vehicle.
The culture of punctuality is evident in public transport as well. Germans often greet everyone, including children, they encounter on public transportation. They also prefer to pay in cash when using public transport, with credit card payments being less common.
Working hours
Working hours in both cultures depend on whether the job is full-time or part-time. In Germany, a full-time position averages 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. According to research from 2011, Germany had one of the lowest working hours among 26 countries. In recent years, working hours in Germany have become more flexible.
The number of people working part-time has increased, allowing individuals to earn a living while pursuing other important activities. Businesses in Germany often offer more flexible hours for new employees.
In the USA, working hours also depend on whether the position is full-time or part-time. It is more common to see people working extra hours, with an average of 20% of American adults working more hours than their German counterparts. The law provides for various working hours and accommodates those who wish to work more to earn additional income.
Public Nudity
Public nudity is part of German culture, with little regard for nudity except in extreme cases where complaints arise, making it illegal. This culture is particularly evident in certain areas, such as beaches, where people can walk about completely naked without concern.
While this practice has decreased in some parts of Germany, it can still be observed. In the USA, exposing certain parts of your body can lead to arrest, especially if it offends the general public.Public nudity is part of German culture, with little regard for nudity except in extreme cases where complaints arise, making it illegal. This culture is particularly evident in certain areas, such as beaches, where people can walk about completely naked without concern.
While this practice has decreased in some parts of Germany, it can still be observed. In the USA, exposing certain parts of your body can lead to arrest, especially if it offends the general public.
Customer Service
Customer service in Germany is generally less emphasized than in America, where poor customer service can lead to losing business. So, do not be surprised or take offense if you find yourself searching for a waiter in a German restaurant to be acknowledged. In Germany, be prepared to ask assertively for everything you need.
It’s worth noting that Americans are known for their excellent customer service, often going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.
Moving to Germany
If you’re moving from the US to Germany, there are a few things you should know about the main cultural differences between the two countries. Being unaware of these differences can lead to embarrassment and may damage the first impression people have of you.
Want to start on the right foot? The first thing you should know is that you NEVER call soccer “soccer.” It’s football. It has been for ages. Now that we’ve covered this important lesson, it’s time to explore more cultural differences between Germany and the US.
