Language selection

Display and barrier-free access

Dark Mode

Enlarge text

deutschland.de in sign language

In focus:

Day-to-day life in Germany

How do people in Germany live, how do they celebrate, what is family life like, what is their living accommodation like, what do they eat and what do they drink? Are you interested in people’s day-to-day lives in Germany? Here we offer some interesting insights.

Day-to-day life in Germany — © Adobe/Stock

Food and drink in Germany

beer

Germany’s most popular beers

Pilsner or wheat? Germany is seen as the country of good beer. Here are the regional specialities.

Kultur zum Essen: Deutschland ist bekannt für die Vielfalt seiner Brote.

German bread - world famous and diverse

There are more than 3,000 different types of bread in Germany. Learn some fascinating facts and figures about German bread culture.

For many people, the Christmas goose is an absolute must.

Eating Christmas: Three Traditional German Dishes for December

One thing a German Christmas should always conjure: food, and plenty of it.

So schneidet man den Baumkuchen laut Konditoreien nicht an.

German cake is an international hit

What actually is Baumkuchen? Why does it enjoy such popularity internationally? Where does its name come from? Find out all about the cult cake here.

Dinner plate with the flag of Germany on it.

A culinary journey

What do people from Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia or Rhineland-Palatinate eat? Typical dishes that were created under the influence of neighbouring countries.

Sind die Deutschen wirklich so verrückt nach Kaffee? Ja!

Soft spot for tradition

Coffee and cake are an integral part of everyday life in Germany? Read here how much truth there is in this cliché – and how it came about.

Die deutsche Küche bietet für jeden Geschmack etwas.

A culinary tour of Germany

From Weisswurst sausage to gherkins from the Spreewald: let us take you on a tour of German cuisine highlights.

Sustainability

Frau sortiert zuhause aus

#LivingResponsibly

Be kind to the environment - here’s how!

Cycling to work, buying regional fruit and vegetables and using green electricity - we present some great ideas for how to make your day-to-day life more sustainable.

Score: 0

0

Restmüll (Graue tonne)

Verpackungen (gelbe Tonne):

Biomüll (braune Tonne)

Altglas-Container (Blauer Container)

Altpapier-Container (Grüner Container)

In Deutschland sind Mülltrennung und Recycling sehr wichtig.

How does waste separation work in Germany?

The land of colourful bins: Germans sort their waste carefully – and turn it into new products. A short guide.

Ankathrin Förster mit der Wurmkiste

Worm box and sustainable bank account

Meals, clothing, travel: Ankathrin Förster and her family live sustainably wherever possible.

Verpackungsmüll belastet die Umwelt.

Clever ideas for less waste

Coffee to go and takeaway pizza generate a huge amount of waste. Deposit schemes for packaging show that there’s a more ecofriendly way.

Regionale Lebensmittel landen in der Erntekiste

Off to the fields

Die Kooperative in Frankfurt supplies city dwellers with organic vegetables – and motivates them to go out into the fields themselves.

Auf Helgoland können Besucher Babyrobben beobachten.

Travelling for nature lovers

Seals, stars and a special overnight experience: we present three examples of how sustainable holidays in Germany can be unforgettable.

Dieses Haus besteht unter anderem aus Stroh.

Eco-conscious construction with clay and straw

A house made of straw? Absolutely! The people of Sieben Linden build using natural materials – and in a way that’s especially sustainable.

Do you know about sustainability?

Who agreed the 17 sustainability goals?

What is one of the three pillars of sustainability?

Oops, take another look:

The global community has set itself ambitious goals for sustainable development. Together with its partners, Germany is contributing to change.

Find out more

Geben die Linie vor: die 17 Ziele der Agenda 2030

Which sector produces the most greenhouse gases in Germany?

Oops, take another look:

The global community has set itself ambitious goals for sustainable development. Together with its partners, Germany is contributing to change.

Find out more

Geben die Linie vor: die 17 Ziele der Agenda 2030

Oops, take another look:

The global community has set itself ambitious goals for sustainable development. Together with its partners, Germany is contributing to change.

Find out more

Geben die Linie vor: die 17 Ziele der Agenda 2030

How much electricity was generated from renewable energy sources in Germany in 2024?

What is “Earth Hour”?

Oops, take another look:

The global community has set itself ambitious goals for sustainable development. Together with its partners, Germany is contributing to change.

Find out more

Geben die Linie vor: die 17 Ziele der Agenda 2030

Oops, take another look:

The global community has set itself ambitious goals for sustainable development. Together with its partners, Germany is contributing to change.

Find out more

Geben die Linie vor: die 17 Ziele der Agenda 2030

You really are a sustainability expert!

The global community has set itself ambitious goals for sustainable development. Together with its partners, Germany is contributing to change.

Find out more

Geben die Linie vor: die 17 Ziele der Agenda 2030

Oops, take another look:

The global community has set itself ambitious goals for sustainable development. Together with its partners, Germany is contributing to change.

Find out more

Geben die Linie vor: die 17 Ziele der Agenda 2030

Oops, take another look:

The global community has set itself ambitious goals for sustainable development. Together with its partners, Germany is contributing to change.

Find out more

Geben die Linie vor: die 17 Ziele der Agenda 2030

Oops, take another look:

The global community has set itself ambitious goals for sustainable development. Together with its partners, Germany is contributing to change.

Find out more

Geben die Linie vor: die 17 Ziele der Agenda 2030

Oops, take another look:

The global community has set itself ambitious goals for sustainable development. Together with its partners, Germany is contributing to change.

Find out more

Geben die Linie vor: die 17 Ziele der Agenda 2030

Oops, take another look:

The global community has set itself ambitious goals for sustainable development. Together with its partners, Germany is contributing to change.

Find out more

Geben die Linie vor: die 17 Ziele der Agenda 2030

Oops, take another look:

The global community has set itself ambitious goals for sustainable development. Together with its partners, Germany is contributing to change.

Find out more

Geben die Linie vor: die 17 Ziele der Agenda 2030

Travel and accommodation in Germany

Video

ICE

Getting around in Germany

From visa to voltage: Useful information and important telephone numbers for travellers in Germany

JDH

Youth hostels in Germany

The youth hostel is an idea “made in Germany”. Germany’s youth hostels offer guests stays in special places.

Die DJH freut sich auf die Weltkonferenz der Jugendherbergen 2024.

Youth hostels – a meeting place to relax and engage in dialogue

A German educator had the vision of a youth hostel more than a hundred years ago. Today there are more than 400 such facilities in Germany.

Khaled Elbarbary vor idyllischer Schwarzwaldkulisse

Castles and cars: expats offer travel tips

People who are new to Germany are curious to find out more about the country. We asked three expats about their favourite places and travel recommendations.

49 € Ticket

Deutschland-Ticket

One ticket for the whole country.

The Deutschland-Ticket: one single ticket is valid for local and regional travel by bus and on the rails across the whole of Germany for €49 a month.

Jugendherberge Beckerwitz - Hostels

Accommodation in Germany

There are many ways to bed down for the night. What would you care for: a five star hotel, a family pension, a farm or a youth hostel?

Music and new friends

treffen

Living in Germany

How and where can I get to know people?

New to a German city? We'll show you the quickest way to make contacts and where you can meet people.

Auf Partys laufen Songs, die über Social Media zum Hit werden.

Techno, rap, pop

This is the music German teenagers listen to

Music is a vital element in the lives of lots of young people. Here you can find out which music genres are particularly popular among young people in Germany.

Hörtraum: Gitarrenklänge, dazu das Rauschen von Wind und Wasser.

Delightful sounds

What Germans like and don’t like to listen to – a foray into some of the tops and flops of the worlds of sound

Family, children and housing in Germany

So wohnen Deutsche: Das deutsche Durchschnittswohnzimmer.

Housing Living Discovering German living rooms

How do people in Germany live? And is there a typical German living room? Take a look here!

Selbstbewusst: Kinder wissen, was sie wollen

What makes children tick?

These ten facts show you how children in Germany live, what they like, are allowed and want to do, and what they spend their money on.

Jugendliche — © Adobe Stock

Quiz

What do you know about young people in Germany?

How many people aged between 15 and 24 are there living in Germany?

Jugendliche — © Adobe Stock

Which values are most important to young people?

Jugendliche — © Adobe Stock

What do young people in Germany see as the major issue?

Jugendliche — © Adobe Stock

What percentage of young people believes that Germany offers them every opportunity to achieve their life goals?

Jugendliche — © Adobe Stock

Which social platform is the most popular with Generation Z?

Jugendliche — © Adobe Stock

In Germany, over ten million children and young people are members of a sports club. Which is the most popular sport?

Kinder legen Hände übereinander zum Schwur — © iStockphoto/dsy88

There are almost three million university students in Germany. — © ShutterStock

Young people in Germany

Find out more

Children in Germany – quick facts

10.5 million children

currently live in Germany.

6

is the usual age at which kids start school.

18

is the age of legal majority.

72 percent

of children live with both parents in the same household.

24 percent

have no siblings.

40 percent

of children under five come from a migrant background.

Life in the city and in the country

Alleen sind ein Markenzeichen Brandenburgs.

Where the countryside lives and breathes

Many Germans dream of country life. Here we present three regions that are popular for very different reasons.

Landleben

Yen for country life

Most people in Germany live in cities, but many are drawn to the countryside. Seven facts about a trending topic.

Would you prefer to live in a big city or a small town?

How important is a vibrant nightlife to you?

Which party are you going to?

What do you do in your free time?

You’re a good fit for Leipzig!

Leipzig

Leipzig

What kind of character do you like a city to have?

You’re a good fit for Frankfurt!

Frankfurt

Die Skyline von Frankfurt am Main

You’re a good fit for Berlin!

Berlin

Berlin

What kind of character do you like a city to have?

You’re a good fit for Cologne!

Cologne

Der Kölner Dom ist für viele das Herz der Rheinstadt.

You’re a good fit for Hamburg!

Hamburg

Hamburg und die Alster – immer eine Reise wert

Rather a city with international flair or regional charm?

You’re a good fit for Munich!

Munich

Frauenkirche mit Alpenpanorama

What do you find appealing about a town or city?

You’re a good fit for Stuttgart!

Stuttgart

Schlossplatz in Stuttgart

You’re a good fit for Dresden!

Dresden

Die Kulturstadt Dresden bietet einzigartige historische Bauwerke.

Rather by the sea or in the mountains?

How do you get around the town?

What appeals to you more?

You’re a good fit for Bremen!

Bremen

Bremen: Partnerschaft mit Izmir als Zeichen der Solidarität

You’re a good fit for Münster!

Münster

G7-Außenminister treffen sich in Münster

What do you do in your free time?

You’re a good fit for Kiel!

Kiel

Kieler Woche

You’re a good fit for Schwerin!

Schwerin

Ein Ort zum Feiern: Weltkulturerbe Schweriner Schloss

What is important to you in a city?

You’re a good fit for Heidelberg!

Heidelberg

Die deutsche C40-Stadt Heidelberg

What appeals to you more?

You’re a good fit for Magdeburg!

Magdeburg

Magdeburg

You’re a good fit for Erfurt!

Erfurt

Erfurt

What kind of character do you like a city to have?

You’re a good fit for Freiburg!

Freiburg

Freiburg cathedral: Repairs over

Where would you prefer to live?

You’re a good fit for Konstanz!

Konstanz

Konstanz

You’re a good fit for Erlangen!

Erlangen

Erlangen

Quick facts

77 percent

of Germans live in cities or urban areas.

15 percent

of Germans live in villages with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants.

79 large cities

are to be found in Germany. These are cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants.

4 very large cities

with over a million inhabitants are to be found in Germany: Berlin (3.5 m), Hamburg (1.7 m), Munich (1.4 m) and Cologne (1.05 m)

9 people

live in Germany’s smallest independent municipality, Hallig Gröde.

44 percent

of Germans would prefer to live in the countryside.

How to – tips for day-to-day life

Waleo teilt ihre Erafhrungen als Expat in Deutschland.

Five things I would have liked to know as an expat

Waleo is an expat from Nigeria – she shares her experiences and gives important tips to anyone wishing to move to Germany.

Dos and don’ts in Germany: being late? Don’t even think about it.

Typically German? These nine things really don’t go down very well in Germany. A tongue-in-cheek warning.

Die meisten Menschen in Deutschland leben zur Miete.

How to find a flat in Germany

Rent, ancillary costs, internet access: find out, what you need to look out for on your search for a place to live.

Ärztliche Leistungen bezahlen in Deutschland die Krankenkassen.

Who pays in the event of sickness?

In Germany, health insurance companies pay the costs of healthcare - you will find answers to your questions here.

Feyza Bayraktar in der türkischen Metzgerei Tuna

Daily life for a Muslim in Germany

Muslims are the second-largest religious group in Germany. Feyza Bayraktar and Erdin Kadunić talk about how they practise their faith.

Tourist looking at Berlin city map

Seven things you must do while in Germany

Experience, try and enjoy: things you really shouldn’t miss out on doing when you come to Germany.

Facts and figures about day-to-day life in Germany

Deutsche sind sehr vielfältig. Doch wie sind sie im Durchschnitt?

Facts about Germany

How do Germans live?

How do average people in Germany live and work? How old do they get? How much do they earn? We have all the facts and figures.

Fast drei Millionen Menschen in Deutschland studieren.

Facts and figures

Young people in Germany

Facts and figures: How many young people live at home? How many are doing an apprenticeship? Answers to the six most important questions about young people.

Blindenleitsysteme ermöglichen eine selbständige Mobilität.

Inclusion in facts and figures

How many people with a disability live in Germany? How are they supported? Facts and figures about inclusion and participation.

Freiwilliges Engagement gibt es auch bei der Feuerwehr.

Democracy in action

Millions of Germans get involved in voluntary work in their free time - facts and figures about their commitment.

Quick facts

61 per cent of young people in Germany

are optimistic about their personal future.

90 per cent

believe that family and children should not get a raw deal at work.

64 per cent

of young people would like to have children later on.

89 per cent

consider it especially important to have good friends.

64 per cent

attach importance to respect and order.

31 per cent

of the 14 to 17 year olds in Germany are interested in politics. 

68 per cent

of 14 to 17 year olds consider democracy the best form of government.

Ostsee

Travel in Germany Facts and figures Holidaying in Germany

Key facts and figures about this travel destination in the heart of Europe

Das Handy der Babyboomer: die Telefonzelle

Business researchers identify four different groups in today’s working world. Four generations in a nutshell.

Quick facts

41 million

women live in Germany – two million more than men.

83.2 years

is the life expectancy of women in Germany.

75 percent

of women aged 20 to 64 work.

50 percent

of university graduates in Germany are women.

44 percent

of Germany’s government cabinet are women.

1.6 children

are brought into the world by each woman in Germany, statistically speaking.

Motorways in Germany

Durch Deutschland ziehen sich 13.000 Kilometer Autobahn.

Faster and faster

The German autobahn – a long-distance road with a worldwide reputation. Read here what is legend and what is truth.

Celebrations in Germany

Oktoberfest: eine riesige Party

Day-to-day life in Germany

Festivals and traditions

Oktoberfest – Munich’s world-famous beer festival

Visitors pack the beer tents to drink and celebrate at the “Wiesn”, while fairground rides, live music and a lively atmosphere add to the fun. Find out more about the world’s biggest traditional fair.

Karneval in Deutschland

Carnival curiosities

A glossary for the carnival season in Germany

Fireworks

Silvester How do Germans celebrate new year‘s eve?

The end of the calendar year is approaching, and you want to celebrate “Silvester” (New Year’s Eve) like the Germans do? Traditions in Germany.

Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt

Christmas markets

Magical Christmas markets

Germany’s cities are filled with the glitter and aromas of Christmas. Six popular German Christmas markets – and what makes them so special.

Wie deutsche Weihnachten feiern: Alles was ihr über deutsche Weihnachtstraditionen wissen müsst.

How Christmas is celebrated in Germany

Spending Christmas with the Germans: Which rituals are important and why potato salad is part of a traditional celebration.

Weihnachtsmärkte gibt es in der Adventszeit überall in Deutschland.

Tips from expats

Expats experience the Advent season

How do German Christmas newbies feel? Expats talk about their experiences.

... and what about love?

407.000 Paare haben 2017 in Deutschland geheiratet.

Weddings in Germany

Celebrating weddings is still very popular in Germany. We present an overview of traditional customs and some surprising facts.

Hand in Hand: Die Lebensformen werden pluraler

In love, engaged, married

Does the old tradition 'in love-engaged-married' still apply? What kind of relationships do people in Germany have today? 10 facts.

Anziehungskraft: Die Deutschen finden vieles attraktiv

Openness in sex, fidelity in partnerships: science journalist Christoph Drösser on the love lives of the Germans.

Freedom

Demonstration

Berlin’s May 1 rituals: a single day, five different realities

On the May Day public holiday, many people in Germany take to the streets to demonstrate for workers’ rights and social justice. How differently this day is experienced in Berlin.

Mehrere junge Männer und Frauen in Polizeiuniform stehen auf einer Treppe. Einer der Männer trägt einen Turban.

Freedom Religious faith A police officer wearing a turban - allowed?

Jaspinder Singh wants to wear his turban while on duty as a police officer - and has met with resistance. What is more important: religious freedom or state neutrality?

Maryam Mardani in Berlin. Die Journalistin lebt seit 2013 im Exil in Deutschland.

Freedom Journalist Mardani “I couldn’t get rid of this feeling that I had to censor myself”

Censored in Iran, free in Germany: why it took the journalist Maryam Mardani some time before she could understand this freedom - and what she learnt about herself in the process.

Schnitzel & Smalltalk

Garden fence diplomacy

Where freedom smells like barbeque

Learn what freedom means in practice and why in Germany it is often a matter of negotiation over the garden fence.

Meinungsfreiheit ist in Deutschland ein hohes Gut.

Where do the limits on freedom of expression begin?

Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Germany – but it still has its limits. Putting this much-debated issue into context.

Karnevalswagen mit Kanzler Merz

Artistic freedom

Satire in Germany: as provocative as possible, please

Mockery and malice: artists in Germany have plenty of opportunities to critically engage with politics and society.

In Deutschland steht das Versammlungsrecht im Grundgesetz.

Freedom of expression

“Loudly and peacefully”

Why demonstrate? Three people explain what prompts them to take to the streets - and what the right of assembly means to them.