A few unconventional yet fundamental household essentials are necessary for a smooth beginning in your new German residence.
When you relocate to a new place, German house or apartment And when you decide to host a housewarming party, the initial gift you might get is typically bread and salt.
The traditional German present aims to guarantee that the newly established home has ample provisions and abundant taste! This age-old custom not only signifies abundance but also represents wealth, steadiness, and unity. The offering might include items such as honey, candles, or perhaps even a small broom.
You may also get a distinctively German household item called an Eiderschalensollbruchstellenverursacher, or more conveniently referred to as an eggshell breaker.
The lengthy compound word literally means "eggshell pre-determined breaking point causer." It's a rather technical way to explain a vital German breakfast gadget that ensures maximum enjoyment of a soft-boiled egg.
Avoid entering a German home with your outdoor footwear; instead, take off your shoes and put on a pair of Hausschuhe, which are essentially house slippers. These homes typically feature central heating, yet the slippers tend to provide warmth and coziness thanks to their well-designed rubber soles for both durability and comfort.
In the kitchen, preparing a great meal requires top-notch German-made knives. While sharp Japanese blades are nearly as effective, they tend to be pricier.
Cities such as Solingen in Germany, known for the renowned Wüsthof chef knife brand, have been producing knives with enduring sharpness through skilled craftsmanship for hundreds of years.
Previously, before knives came into use, they crafted swords that were greatly prized by European warriors throughout the continent.
When it comes to tidying up the typical German household, vinegar stands out as an essential tool. In contrast, people from other nations often stock their cabinets under the sink with various cleaners like creams and bleach for tasks involving floors, kitchens, and bathrooms.
However, German households frequently use a multipurpose vinegar-based cleaner—occasionally infused with raspberry flavoring. Although vinegar can combat limescale and even urine stains, it remains fairly natural and free of chemicals.
In the bedroom, it may come as a surprise for some to find two individual single blankets or duvets on what is typically considered a double bed. The German approach emphasizes restful sleep and personal comfort over sharing a blanket that could end up being monopolized by their sleeping partner during the night.
This article was adapted from an episode of "Meet the Germans."
Author: Stuart Braun
