You might think that Germans are too factual and boring to believe in superstitions but we are not. In fact, there are many many superstitions that we take painfully seriously. Here, I will shed some light on 10 of them to help you avoid stepping on anybody's toe.
1. "Happy Birthday"
We will start with the most important superstition that we believe in religiously. Do not wish anybody a "Happy Birthday" before it is their birthday, because we believe that it brings bad luck to do so. If you attempt to wish "Happy Birthday" to a German even an hour before the clock strikes 12 you will hear a very disturbed: "No, no, don't say anything yet!" The reasoning here is very sound: You don't want to jinx anything. Cant celebrate reaching a certain age if you haven't reached it yet!
2. Cheers
If you are out for drinks in a German company and it is time to cheer make sure you look every person you are clinking glasses with into the eyes! If you don't we believe (and will voice that belief loudly) that this will lead to seven years of bad sex and who wants that?!
3. Oversalted food
If a German ruins food by oversalting it we believe it is a sign they are in love. Do not think that this superstition is limited to hobby chefs. Not at all! If you order food in a restaurant that is too salty you better believe a German will shout out: "The chef is in loooooovvvveee!"
4. Sneezing
Another very weird superstition we believe in has to do with sneezing. We believe that a sneeze is a sign that someone else is thinking of you. However, some Germans don't stop there but further, believe that a sneeze is a sign that someone else is thinking of you but is kissing someone else. I know it's weird but what can you do.
5. Chimney sweep
The next superstition is a lot more sensible than the previous ones ;-). We do believe that seeing a chimney sweep brings luck so you better keep your eyes out for one.
6. Bird poop
On the same note: Having a bird poop on you also brings luck. I feel like that superstition has more believer in big cities where there are many many many doves and the risk of getting pooped on is very high but I'll take it.
7. The first night in new places
The next superstition has to do with seeing into the future. According to German superstition, you get a chance to do that on your first night in a new apartment. We believe that whatever you dream of on the first night in your new place will come true. In my personal experience, this superstition has not proven to be right but maybe it's just me.
8. The correct way to cut cake
This next superstition is not only surprising but also comes with a big gulp of sexism. It is said that if you (I believe the "you" has to be a female "you") are given a piece of cake it is of the utmost importance that the cake piece is standing upright when it is put on your plate rather than on its side. If it is on its side you are predicted to get an evil mother-in-law....
9. "Polterabend"
If you get married in Germany a crucial part in getting ready is the so "called" Polterabend. This event takes place the night before the wedding. At the Polterabend the wedding guests break porcelain to bring luck to the couple's marriage. The belief in the effectiveness of this custom is expressed by the old adage: "Shards bring luck" (Scherben bringen Glück). If you have some old plates that you never knew what to do with get yourself invited to a German wedding and impress with your cultural knowledge!!
10. The correct way around ladders
I will end this collection of weird superstitions with one that makes sense - somewhat - and is likely to have its origin in plain logic: Don’t walk under a ladder to avoid bad luck! I’m pretty sure this superstition was started by someone who had a ladder fall upon them and I wouldn’t be surprised if other nations share this very sensible “superstition.”
So there you have it. Ten German superstitions that you might want to know if you plan to interact with us.
What are your favorite German superstitions? Please share below!
If you like our blog, please share and subscribe! If you have an interesting story re German(y) or would like to get interviewed we would love to hear from you!
Commentaires