Wishing someone “Happy Birthday” in advance brings bad luck? 9 things you don’t know about German culture

By Rita

Germans have long been known for their precision and pragmatism. People often associate Germany with beer and Mercedes-Benz, but a HuffPost article titled “Things You Don’t Know About German Culture” might change your previous perceptions. Here’s what the report says.

▲ How much do you know about German culture besides beer and Mercedes-Benz? (Photo / Darzhi / Illustration)

1. On their first day of first grade, German children receive a conical gift bag
This gift bag is called a “Schultüte,” and it usually contains toys and candy. Its history dates back to the 1800s, symbolizing that the child is entering a “serious phase.” Similar traditions can also be found in Austria and the Czech Republic.

▲ Schultüte (Photo / Wikipedia)

2. It’s not illegal for teenagers to drink in public
In fact, Germany has very relaxed drinking laws. Teenagers around the age of 14 can drink freely in front of their parents without facing any punishment.

3. University education is free
A few months ago, Lower Saxony was the last German state to abolish university tuition fees. In Germany, even international students don’t have to pay tuition.

4. Civil registration offices can reject overly unusual baby names
According to German law, a newborn’s name must indicate their gender. If it doesn’t, the authorities have the right to refuse registration. Because reapplying incurs high fees, names like “Michael” or “Maria” are commonly used—they’re the safe choices.

5. Prostitution is legal
As early as 2002, Germany incorporated this age-old profession into its legal framework.

6. All shops are closed on Sundays
Except churches and brothels. Sunday is also known as “Quiet Day.” If you choose to renovate your house or make loud noises on this day, beware—it’s against the law.

7. The Chancellor has her own Barbie doll
When Barbie maker Mattel celebrated its 50th anniversary, it launched a doll modeled after German Chancellor Angela Merkel, complete with her signature short haircut and suit.

8. The government covers sex services for people with disabilities
This is a welfare benefit provided by Germany for people with disabilities.

9. Wishing someone “Happy Birthday” in advance brings bad luck
There’s a German saying: “Du sollst den Tag nicht vor dem Abend loben,” which means “Don’t praise the day before evening”—in other words, don’t talk about things before they happen. Wishing someone a happy birthday ahead of time implies the birthday may never come, or more precisely, something unfortunate might happen to them.

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