What things are illegal in Germany?

What all things are banned in Germany?

Showing the Nazi salute, or any other Nazi symbol, flag, or slogan for that matter, is prohibited. It's not only considered gravely offensive but is outright illegal. Any violation can result in steep fines and up to five years in prison if you're caught.

Do and don'ts in Germany?

Can you hug in Germany?

Close friends may hug to greet and younger people may kiss one another on the cheek. "Guten Tag" (Good day) or “Hallo” (Hello) are the most common verbal greetings used in Germany.

Is it rude to stare in Germany?

Once the shock of people staring a little longer than expected wears off, it becomes clear that staring in Germany is actually a sign of politeness in certain circumstances. Staring into the eyes of others is an important part of saying 'prost' (cheers) before drinking a beer or a glass of wine.

Illegal Things in Germany | Things not to do in Germany | German Laws

What is offensive in Germany?

Basic Etiquette

It is rude to chew gum or keep one's hands in one's pockets whilst talking with someone. Cross your legs by putting one knee over the other. It is impolite to rest your feet on furniture. Tight punctuality (Pünktlichkeit) is expected in most professional and social situations.

How to not look like an American in Germany?

Are drugs legal in Germany?

Use of drugs is not mentioned as an offence. Unauthorised personal possession and purchase of drugs are criminal offences punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

Is marijuana's legal in Germany?

Cannabis in Germany is legal for certain limited medical contexts, but illegal for recreational usage, though possession of minor amounts is not always prosecuted. As of 2022, approximately 4 million adults in Germany use cannabis.

Can you smoke in Germany?

Under federal law, smoking is restricted in indoor workplaces and public places. Smoking areas may be permitted on means of transport where it is possible to have “physically separate units” (e.g., rail or passenger ships); however, smoking is prohibited on transport such as streetcars, trolleys, buses, and taxis.

Are edibles legal in Germany?

Flower, capsules, sprays and drops would be allowed, but edibles would be prohibited. Synthetically produced cannabinoids would not be permitted. Germany's sales tax would be applied to recreational cannabis.

What not to wear in Germany?

Is German hard for Americans?

With plenty of straightforward rules, German is not actually as hard to learn as most people think. And since English and German stem from the same language family, you might actually be surprised at the things you pick up without even trying! And on top of it all, it's definitely a useful one, too.

What happens if an American marries a German?

If a U.S. citizen marries a German citizen, he or she does not acquire German citizenship, nor does the German citizen acquire U.S. citizenship. If you wish to live in the United States after marrying, the U.S. spouse will need to apply for an Immigrant Visa on behalf of the foreign spouse.

What does 3 fingers mean in German?

When counting, the thumb is always the first digit and represents number one, followed by the index finger (2), middle finger (3), ring finger (4), and finally the pinky finger (5).

What is the middle finger in Germany?

It's regarded as an insult punishable by the law. Under German's insult law, using curse words and insulting gestures like the middle finger and sticking out the tongue is illegal. The gesture is known as flipping someone off and is a phallic symbol used in the past to belittle and insult somebody.

What does Thumbs up mean in Germany?

Germans may appear reserved and unfriendly until you get to know them better. Never put your hands in your pockets when talking with someone. "Thumbs up" gesture means "one" or is a sign of appreciation or agreement.

Is Germany US friendly?

Today, Germany is one of the United States' closest and strongest Allies in Europe. U.S. relations with Germany are based on our mutual and vital relationship as friends, trading partners, and Allies.

Is driving in Germany like America?

WIESBADEN, Germany -- Driving on German streets is very similar to driving in the U.S. most of the time. However, some small differences can complicate the lives of American drivers in Germany.

How not to look American in Europe?

Are shorts acceptable in Germany?

Avoid. Shorts (these are becoming more common with the younger crowds, but you'll most likely see more skirts, dresses, and capris.) Shoes that are even SLIGHTLY uncomfortable (there are a lot of cobblestoned streets and you'll be doing a LOT of walking. DO NOT put beauty over function!)

What are some taboos in Germany?

Can Customs see edibles?

Although they can detect food items, airport scanners cannot tell if they are edible. Whether the airport security staff considers the edibles to be suspicious varies. The edibles' packaging and odor could be giveaways. The edibles will appear in the scanner with the same orange color as every other organic material.

Can you smoke anywhere in Germany?

People may smoke in nightclubs, restaurants and bars in a designated smoking area, which has to be completely separated from public areas. Smoking is permitted in one-room bars smaller than 75 square metres. Smoking only permitted in establishments that either doesn't sell food or only sell “cold food.”