Values You Will Learn While Studying in Germany
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Updated on: Jan 2023
Studying abroad is one of the most exciting adventures you can take. And if you’re considering studying in Germany, you’re in for a treat! Not only will you get a world-class education, but you’ll also be exposed to a completely new culture with unique values that will shape your personal growth. For Malaysian students, this is a golden opportunity to broaden your horizons. Plus, you’ll learn some things that you just can’t get from textbooks.
So, what values will you pick up while studying in Germany? Let’s dive in!
1. Punctuality: "If You're Early, You're on Time!"
In Malaysia, it’s common to show up a little late – no big deal, right? In Germany, though, time is taken very seriously. Being late is seen as disrespectful, and you’ll quickly learn that “five more minutes” doesn’t exist in their vocabulary. If your class starts at 9:00 AM, you better be there by 8:55 AM at the latest.
Example: Imagine you’re meeting your German friend for coffee. You arrive at 3:00 PM, thinking you’re fashionably on time. Your friend is already there, sipping their coffee, and gives you a side-eye. “Late again?” they might ask. Oops!
2. Independence: "You Can Do It!"
In Germany, people take responsibility for themselves, and this means you’ll quickly learn how to manage your own schedule, finances, and daily tasks. Whether it’s finding a place to live or navigating the public transport system, you’ll become more self-reliant than ever before.
Example: In Malaysia, it’s common to ask your parents for advice or help with almost everything. In Germany, however, you might find yourself Googling how to open a bank account or even how to cook a decent meal (hello, instant noodles!). Soon enough, you’ll be living like a true adult.
This value of independence will give you a boost in all areas of life. Not only will you become more organised, but you’ll also feel a sense of accomplishment. You’ll look back and think, “I didn’t know how to cook before, but now I make a mean schnitzel!”
3. Efficiency: "Work Smarter, Not Harder"
Germans are known for their love of efficiency. Whether it’s work, studying, or even doing errands, they’re all about getting things done in the most effective way possible. You’ll learn to be more focused, cut out distractions, and use your time wisely.
Example: You’re at the university library and can see your German classmates working with laser-like focus. They don’t check TikTok or XHS every five minutes or get distracted by cat videos. You, on the other hand, are trying your best, but the temptation of social media is just too strong. Eventually, you’ll realise it’s better to lock your phone in your bag, finish your work, and enjoy your free time later – all while getting your assignments done faster than you thought possible.
Learning efficiency will help you succeed in both your studies and your future career. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and you’ll thank Germany for teaching you that lesson.
4. Sustainability: "Save the Planet, One Reusable Bottle at a Time"
Germans are seriously into sustainability, and this is a value you’ll pick up whether you like it or not. Recycling is not just a hobby – it’s a way of life. You’ll be shocked to see how seriously they take sorting rubbish into different bins: plastic, paper, glass, and organic waste. There’s even a bottle deposit system where you get money back for returning empty bottles!
Example: In Malaysia, you might throw your plastic bottle in any trash bin without much thought. In Germany, however, you’ll quickly learn that there’s a specific machine where you return your bottles for a refund. So, you’ll end up carrying your bottle around until you find a place to recycle it (which might feel a bit inconvenient at first, but you’ll get used to it!).
By the time you leave Germany, you might find yourself recycling more in Malaysia and encouraging others to do the same. Who knew a trip to the supermarket could make you feel like you’re saving the planet?
5. Directness: "Say What You Mean, and Mean What You Say"
One of the most notable cultural differences between Germany and Malaysia is how direct Germans are in communication. In Malaysia, we tend to be more polite and roundabout with our words, often saying things like, “Maybe we can consider…” or “I was thinking that perhaps…”. Germans, however, prefer to get straight to the point. If something’s wrong, they’ll tell you.
Example: Imagine you’re working on a group project with German classmates. If they don’t like your idea, don’t expect them to sugar-coat it. Instead of saying, “Maybe we could improve on that,” they’ll say, “This idea doesn’t work. Let’s try something else.” At first, it might feel a little harsh, but you’ll soon appreciate the honesty. It helps you grow and become better at what you do.
This directness will help you in your studies and in your future career. You’ll learn to be more confident in expressing your thoughts and ideas clearly, which is a valuable skill in any setting.
6. Respect for Rules: "Yes, There Are Rules, and Yes, You Should Follow Them!"
Germans love their rules. Whether it’s crossing the street (you must wait for the green light – even if no cars are coming) or making sure your paperwork is 100% correct, rules are taken seriously in Germany.
Example: In Malaysia, you might bend the rules a little (like crossing the street when it’s red if there are no cars). In Germany, you’ll quickly realise that even if the streets are empty, you still have to wait for the green light. At first, you might feel a little rebellious, but after a while, you’ll get used to it.
7. Planning Ahead: "Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail"
In Germany, planning ahead is essential. Germans love to organise their schedules, whether it’s for a holiday, work, or even just everyday tasks like grocery shopping. If you don’t plan, you’ll often find yourself in a tricky situation, and that can be stressful.
Example: Let’s say it’s a long weekend in Germany, and you’re looking forward to having a quiet day at home. But suddenly, you realise you’re running low on groceries – and when you head to the supermarket, it’s closed! In Germany, most shops, including supermarkets, close early on Saturdays and are completely shut on Sundays and public holidays. That’s when you realise you should have planned ahead and stocked up the day before.
In Malaysia, it’s easy to just pop out and grab something from a convenience store at any time, but in Germany, you’ll quickly learn to plan your grocery shopping around those closures.
8. Being Financially Savvy: "A Euro Saved is a Euro Earned"
Germans are known for being careful with their money, and if you want to survive (and thrive) in Germany, you’ll have to get wise about your finances. You’ll quickly learn how to budget, find the best deals, and avoid unnecessary spending.
Example: In Malaysia, it’s easy to splurge a little here and there, whether it’s a nice meal at a restaurant or an impulse purchase from Lazada. In Germany, however, you’ll start comparing prices, hunting for student discounts, and maybe even cooking at home more often (goodbye, expensive takeaways). You might start using budgeting apps and realise just how much more money you can save when you’re a little more conscious about where your money goes.
Being financially savvy will make you more responsible and help you live comfortably without going overboard.
Conclusion
Studying in Germany is not just about hitting the books – it’s about growing as a person. The values you pick up, from punctuality and efficiency to sustainability and directness, will help you navigate both your studies and life in general.
Sure, you might miss the laid-back vibes of Malaysia at first, but you’ll come to appreciate the skills that Germany teaches you. So, pack your bags, grab your reusable water bottle, and get ready to become a more efficient, financially savvy version of yourself. And remember: when in doubt, just follow the rules – they’ve got a great system, after all!
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