A few things unique to most German houses: German Houses have features that may differ from houses in other countries, from specialized kitchen tools to large book and file collections on the shelves of the library. Here are some of the most common examples…
- A variety of gadgets for dealing with boiled eggs
A German breakfast often includes boiled eggs. As a result, most German kitchens have a variety of special cups for carrying eggs. These special cups are sometimes come with special “egg” spoons and cans of salt. They also have specialized tools for cracking eggshells.
- Empty bottles: saving money and protecting the environment
You may see a large collection of glass and plastic bottles in a German house. This is because they take recycling very seriously, especially glass and plastic bottles which come with a financial incentive for recycling. These bottles carry an extra tax that is paid at the time of purchase. Germans can get that tax refunded by bringing them back to the supermarket.
- Kitchen Towels: everywhere!
While the use of kitchen towels is not limited to Germany, you will find that German kitchens have an amazing array of them. If you enter any German kitchen, you will probably find a plethora of towels of various ages hanging all over the place. This is considered more economical and environmentally friendly than using paper towels.
- Cleaning tools are always ready!
If you have a drink during a visit to a German house, do not worry if it spills. The appropriate cleaning tools and products will be at the ready for whatever you have stained. There will be specialized products for glass, tiles, ceramics, wood, metals or anything else.
- An impressive library!
Germans are usually reserved, unless it comes to their books. Almost every German house boasts a huge and varied collection of books written by classical, historical and/or German philosophers in a library that often covers the wall from the floor to the ceiling.
- Files for years of paperwork!
In addition to their book collections, Germans find additional space in their libraries to keep their important documents, including certificates, tax returns, contracts, bank statements, and insurance papers. Of course, all these files are arranged and sorted appropriately. You will often find groups of folders designed specifically for this task.
- Covering windows: protection from the morning sun and the curiosity of neighbors
Germans are known their appreciation for privacy, which is apparent by looking at their front windows (but not through them). Many families have metal window coverings called “Rollden”, which unroll to cover the entire window. They protect the house from the sun early in the morning and shield the room from prying eyes of neighbors and passers-by.
- House Shoes: Comfortable and attractive
In many countries, people take off their shoes when they enter the house, but Germans take this to another level. They keep a huge pile of “Hausschuhe” (house shoes) by the door, arranged in a variety of sizes and styles, for family and guests alike.
- Bed covers: practical thinking before romance!
German families prioritize practicality over romance, especially when it comes to blankets. A bed designed for two often sports a blanket for each side. After all, why share one blanket when each person can have their own?
