Mengintip Alasan Toko-toko di Jerman Tutup Sabtu dan Minggu: Apa Kata Mereka?

Jakarta, IDN Times - Untuk mereka yang baru tiba atau pelancong di Jerman, menemui toko-toko tertutup sepenuhnya pada hari Minggu dapat menjadi suatu hal yang membuat bingung. Tak masalah betapa mendesaknya keperluan Anda, hampir seluruh aktifitas berbelanja perlu ditahan sampai hari Senin.

Di sisi lain dari aturan itu, terdapat dasar sejarah, budaya, serta hukum yang signifikan. Mengapa Jerman sangat tegas mengenai pelarangan berbelanja pada hari Minggu? Untuk mengetahuinya lebih lanjut, baca uraian selengkapnya!

1. Keaslian peraturan penutupan toko pada hari Minggu

Dilansir The Local Germany Prinsip Sonntagsruhe yang berarti "istirahat hari Minggu" sudah menjadi elemen tersendiri dari kehidupan sosial di Jerman dan tertulis pula dalam undang-undang dasar negeri tersebut (Grundgesetz).

Pasal 140 yang belum dimodifikasi sejak tahun 1919 menyatakan bahwa "Minggu dan hari-hari libur resmi yang diterima dalam masyarakat dilindungi secara hukum sebagai waktu istirahat serta pengembangan batiniah."

Meskipun demikian, kebiasaan tidak melakukan pekerjaan di hari Minggu telah ada lama sebelum undang-undang tersebut dikeluarkan. Ide tentang hari ketujuh sebagai waktu istirahat berasal dari kitab suci Perjanjian Lama, dan pada tahun 321, Kaisar Romawi Constantine mengumumkan hari Minggu sebagai cuti resmi di seluruh wilayah Kekaisaran Romawi.

Sejalan dengan berjalannya waktu, banyak negara-negara di Eropa mulai bertahap mengurangi pembatasan pada aktivitas bisnis di hari Minggu. Namun demikian, Jerman masih menetapkan aturan tersebut dengan sangat kaku sampai saat ini. Kemungkinan adanya perubahan dalam jangka pendek kelihatannya akan sulit dicapai karena larangan itu diberlakukan atas dasar pertimbangan agama serta untuk melindungi hak-hak para pekerja.

2. Ada beberapa pengecualian di bidang-bidang tertentu.

Secara umum, undang-undang di Jerman melarang semua jenis pekerjaan pada hari Minggu dan tanggal merah nasional. Namun demikian, UU tentang Jam Kerja mengatur beberapa pengecualian tertentu.

Beberapa bidang yang diizinkan untuk terus berfungsi termasuk pelayanan darurat dan penjagaan, rumah sakit, tempat perawatan, aktivitas seni dan atletik, serta sektor pariwisata.

Satu pengecualian jelas adalah warung roti, yang boleh dibuka hingga maksimum tiga jam pada hari Minggu. Karena alasan itu, baris antrian seringkali muncul di depan gerai tersebut di pagi hari, sementara banyak orang mencari Brötchen segar.

Penerapan peraturannya sungguh tegas. Ada insiden di mana sebuh warung kue dipersoalkan lantaran menghidangkan pelanggan setelah lewat dari jam operasional yang diperbolehkan di hari Minggu.

Di sisi lain, toko ritel tidak tercantum dalam daftar pengecualian. Hanya ada satu lubang hukum yang dapat mengizinkan mereka beroperasi, yaitu melalui verkaufsoffener Sonntag atau hari belanja khusus yang sangat diatur tersebut.

Tiap wilayah di sebuah negeri memperbolehkan buka lapak selama 4 sampai 8 hari Minggu setahun, asalkan itu terkait dengan suatu acara khusus, misalnya adalah festival lokal, bazar masyarakat, ataupun pesta perdagangan.

Di samping itu, membuka toko pada hari Minggu sebaiknya sungguh-sungguh ditampilkan sebagai pengecualian, serta keputusan yang telah disahkan dapat dicabut oleh pengadilan apabila dipandang bertentangan dengan peraturan.

3. Seberapa ketat penegakan aturannya?

Pedagang yang tidak menghentikan aktivitasnya di hari Minggu bisa terkena denda sebesar 500 euro sampai dengan 2.500 euro. Akan tetapi, pelaksanaan pengenaan sanksi ini cukup bervariasi antara satu daerah dengan daerah lainnya.

Misalnya di Berlin, banyak sekali Spätis (toko kelontong malam) yang masih buka pada hari Minggu. Meskipun aturan resmi melarang kegiatan ini, pihak berwenang lokal umumnya lebih mengizinkannya daripada wilayah lainnya.

Di negeri bagian Bavaria yang terkenal konservatif dan memiliki latar belakang Katolik yang kuat, peraturan itu dilaksanakan dengan lebih ketat dan konsistensi.

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Reviving 'Lohengrin' for the Liceu: Katharina Wagner Shares Its Deep Significance

Being named Wagner can be simultaneously a boon and a burden, acknowledges the great-granddaughter of the renowned German composer.

Katharina Wagner states that she has learned to cope with both the advantages and disadvantages inherited from her renowned ancestor.

A distinguished artistic director in her own merit, Wagner is set to showcase 'Lohengrin'. Barcelona’s Teatre Liceu from 17 -30 March.

This operatic love story revolves around its titular protagonist and draws inspiration from an old German medieval tale. A enigmatic rider appears via a vessel steered by a swan to aid Elsa von Brabant, a high-born lady facing adversity. They wed, yet he imposes a ban on questioning his past; eventually, she breaks this vow out of curiosity, causing him to depart forevermore.

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This piece is most recognized for its prelude—the famous Bridal Chorus—that frequently accompanies wedding ceremonies, along with the Grail Story. Lohengrin serves as the central figure; however, Elsa exhibits a robust personality as well.

Wagner's production in Barcelona will include an unexpected turn in the narrative, however, Euronews Culture has been bound to confidentiality...

The opera made its debut in 1850; however, Wagner couldn’t be present at the premiere because he was in exile following his involvement in the May Rebellion of Dresden, which was among the final wave of revolts sweeping through various parts of Europe in 1848.

In 1861, the composer witnessed a complete performance of his work. More than 150 years later, his great-granddaughter still feels that the opera preserves much of its initial allure. "This piece holds deep significance for numerous individuals," says Katharina when speaking with Euronews Culture from her workspace within the Teatre Liceu. She adds poetically, "One could view it like a fairy tale where the protagonist simply emerges. Yet, we see him appearing for a particular purpose."

He states, 'Don’t inquire about my identity, and don’t question my origins.' This is peculiar, wouldn't you say? The work also revolves around themes of trust; however, it’s quite odd that such questions should be off-limits. Who exactly is this individual? From what place did he originate? What schemes might he have in mind?

The artistic director holds numerous favorites from her great-grandfather’s extensive repertoire of works: "My preferences vary depending on how I feel personally. I particularly love 'Tristan and Isolde' as well as 'Parsifal.' Both pieces boast magnificent composition and splendid melodies," she remarks.

Opera enthusiasts will recognize Wagner's renowned works, yet numerous individuals might also recall the composer’s pieces from movies like Apocalypse Now , featuring the renowned Ride of the Valkyriers.

Katharina mentions that she often hears people say Wagner is known for composing lengthy operas. She expresses her wish that more individuals would make an effort to watch an opera as they offer a unique experience.

The individual, who is 46 years old, serves as the artistic director for the Bayreuth Festival, an annual event dedicated to showcasing the works of her great-grandfather. Additionally, she resides in the German town of Bayreuth, where much focus is placed on honoring the legacy of this composer.

The upcoming year will signify the 150th anniversary of the festival, promising an extraordinary celebration. This will also be the inaugural performance of 'Rienzi' at Bayreuth. Additionally, Christian Thielemann conducting 'The Ring Cycle' will be one of the major highlights.

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The festivities will commence with Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Regarding the Wagner surname, Katharina comments that it is a mixed blessing: "The issue is, when you come from that family, you have no choice over it. Certainly, at times it can be advantageous, but at others, it can be detrimental." Indeed, the Wagner name has faced backlash due to the composer’s documented antisemitism and his notorious supporter, Adolf Hitler.

In 2009, Katharina mentioned that there was a duty to address their family’s ties to the Nazis. She announced that her own personal archive as well as those belonging to certain relatives would be accessible for examination. However, private records from other branches of the family remain inaccessible to the general public.

In 1850, Wagner authored an essay titled "Judaism in Music," which was viewed as having antisemitic undertones. Adolf Hitler endorsed the Bayreuth Festival and became friends with Winifred Wagner, who was born in Britain and married to Wagner's son, Siegfried. Their relationship enabled the festival to maintain considerable autonomy throughout the Nazi era. Following World War II, Winifred Wagner faced charges for her association with the Nazis.

"Richard Wagner penned appalling essays about Jewish individuals. Naturally, I don’t endorse those opinions," states Katharina, unafraid to address her family’s troubling history: "No, I’m not hesitant when it comes to facing the past; it holds significant importance for me. Absolutely, I have no weariness regarding this matter. Not at all. Moreover, I am aware that some members of my family share this sentiment," she explains.

When it comes to music, Katharina genuinely enjoys staging operas: "It’s essential to love what you do professionally. And I certainly do. To be frank, the aspect of my job that excites me the most as a director happens during those initial meetings where we discuss our vision with just a few people," she shares with a grin.

At the conclusion of the day, all the small details and components come together, allowing us to build the stage collectively. Following that, we add the direction, vocalists, lighting, and attire. It’s quite an amazing experience. In my opinion, performing collaboratively on stage offers some of the most rewarding instances in this profession.

'Lohengrin' by Richard Wagner at the Gran Teatre Liceu in Barcelona from March 17 to March 30.

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Top 10 All-Time Bundesliga Goalscorers: From Müller to Lewandowski

German football has a vibrant history of goal-scorers dating back to the inception of the competition in 1963, including some of the very best we’ve seen.

Since then, the competition has mostly been dominated by Bayern Munich, who have won it 32 times. Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach are tied in second place with five titles each, and there has certainly been a monopoly on the league title.

That has stretched to the players as well, with four of the top 10 scorers in the competition’s history all featuring for Bayern, and some iconic goal-scorers have dominated in Germany.

Having previously focused on other top leagues in Europe, we’ve decided to look at the top 10 goal-scorers in Bundesliga history to chart and celebrate the very best names.

10. Mario Gomez – 170 goals

Having netted goals consistently for Bayern, Wolfsburg and Stuttgart, Mario Gomez had proven time and time again that he was a reliable figure at the top end of the pitch in Germany.

Throughout his entire career, he played mainly in Germany with only one stint at Fiorentina. He stood out as an intelligent and formidable forward.

He topped the scoring charts once in Germany whilst at Bayern, where, arguably, he played his best football. From 2010 to 2012, he recorded his best-ever form, as he netted a total of 80 goals in two consecutive seasons, where he was considered one of Europe’s best marksmen at that time.

Moreover, at the height of his career, he played a key role in guiding Germany to the UEFA European Championship 2008 final, securing third place in both the FIFA World Cup 2010 and UEFA European Championship 2012.

9. Dieter Müller and Klaus Алloffс – 177 goals

Both strikers began netting goals in the 1970s, and both became legends at FC Koln for their efforts.

Dieter Muller helped lead his side to one league title and two German Cups whilst becoming the top scorer in the division for two seasons in a row. His games-to-goal ratio is only beaten by the top two on this list, and with 159 in 248 games, he was a brilliant striker.

READ: The top 10 goalscorers in Europe’s top five leagues in 2024-25: Can anyone catch Salah?

Klaus Allofs boasted a similar career. While his goals came in more games at a slower rate, he won more trophies overall at multiple clubs, including being part of the West Germany side that won the Euros in 1980.

He was also a two-time Bundesliga top scorer, and while he didn’t win the title at Koln, he won the German Cup before then winning the league title at Werder Bremen with another German Cup before winning the Bundesliga as a manager after retiring.

8. Stefan Kuntz – 179 goals

While Stefan Kuntz has the worst goals-to-game ratio on the list, he was a highly respected figure who spent almost the entirety of his career in Germany.

The majority of his goals came at Lautern, but they were spread across his time at Bochum, Arminia Bielefeld, and KFC Uerdingen.

He was awarded the German Footballer of the Year award in 1991 after doing the league and super cup double with Lautern.

Looking at his best-ever campaigns, his highest tally for a league season was 22 in 34 games but he was consistently reaching double figures and wrote his name into the history books in doing so.

7. Ulf Kirsten – 181 goals

As well as featuring high on this list, Ulf Kirsten made history in his career by being the first player in history to reach a total of 100 caps playing with two different national teams (first for East Germany , then Reunified Germany ).

In addition, he was a three-time Bundesliga top scorer, a German Cup winner, a Champions League final runner-up and the 1990 East Germany Player of the Year.

All of his goals came for Bayer Leverkusen, and he stands far and away as their top club goalscorer in their history, ahead of Stefan Kiessling and Dimitar Berbatov.

6. Claudio Pizarro – 197 goals

Interestingly, Claudio Pizarro’s first and last goal came 21 years apart in the Bundesliga, which is a testament to his longevity. The Peru international played for a number of clubs, including Bayern Munich , Werder Bremen and Koln and enjoyed multiple spells for the former.

Winning 16 trophies at Bayern and the German club with Bremen, he tasted plenty of silverware across his time but his legacy is tied to the many records he manages to still hold.

Those include: having the most appearances in Bundesliga by a foreign player (490 appearances), netting the second most Bundesliga goals scored by a foreign scorer , becoming the oldest player to score in Bundesliga history (40 years and 227 days) as well as being the oldest player to score a hat-trick in Bundesliga history (37 years and 151 days).

READ MORE: The top 10 goalscorers in the history of Europe’s top five leagues: Lewandowski moves third…

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5. Manfred Burgsmuller – 213 goals

As we head into the exclusive 200-club, Manfred Burgsmuller enters the list here having netted for four separate German clubs – with Borussia Dortmund being his most successful spell.

He netted 135 of his 213 goals for Dortmund and his goal stretched from 1969 to 1990 in a long and fruitful career.

Despite netting the amount of goals he did, he was only capped by West Germany on three occasions and won just two trophies in total; both came at Werder Bremen, where he won the Bundesliga and German Super Cup.

4. Jupp Heynckes – 220 goals

While many modern fans will know Jupp Heynckes for his managerial exploits, he was a serious player in his prime, and he boasts the third-best goalscoring ratio on the list.

He netted an impressive 195 goals in 283 games for Borussia Monchengladbach during a golden era for the club.

That resulted in four league titles, a German Cup, a UEFA Cup triumph as well as reaching the final of the European Cup. He then helped West Germany secure the World Cup and European Championships, and he was a two-time league top scorer as well.

3. Klaus Fischer – 268 goals scored

Throughout his entire career, which saw him score numerous goals in Germany across four different teams, Klaus Fischer has undoubtedly become a celebrated icon in his homeland.

Although his overall trophy collection included only two German Cups triumphs at distinct clubs (Schalke and FC Köln), he boasted an impressive track record, notably at Schalke, where he scored 182 goals in 295 appearances—a feat that still stands as a club record.

Throughout his career, one notable aspect of his prowess was his skill at scoring bicycle kicks. His most celebrated moment occurred during a 4-1 win over Switzerland in an international game in 1977, where his spectacular goal won Goal of the Year honors from German TV audiences.

Later, it was voted Goal of the Decade and Goal of the Century. Additionally, he scored a famous bicycle kick equalizer in extra time during the 1982 World Cup semi-final against France, a match that West Germany eventually won in a penalty shootout before they lost in the final.

2. Robert Lewandowski – 312 goals

In terms of the modern greats, Robert Lewandowski stands tall as one of the very best. One of the best poachers we’ve ever seen, the Polish forward had quick feet, good technical fundamentals and brilliant positioning and physicality.

His ratio of 0.81 goals per game is incredible and it somehow still falls short to the great Gerd Muller. However, he was a 10-time league champion and won 25 trophies across spells at Bayern and Dortmund.

A seven-time Bundesliga top scorer, he dominated the goalscoring charts in Europe outside of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and the Best FIFA Men’s Player award in 2020 and 2021 whilst at Bayern and was robbed of a Ballon d’Or during those years as it was cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He holds many records, but his 41 goals in a single campaign remains the highest in league history in Germany.

READ: Comparing Robert Lewandowski’s stats after turning 30 with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

1. Gerd Muller – 365 goals

Even though Lewandowski might have surpassed the legendary German striker, Gerd Muller still stands out as one of the foremost goalscorers in the annals of football history, full stop.

All of his Bundesliga goals were scored with Bayern, giving him an astounding ratio of 0.85. He was the trailblazer during his tenure from 1965 to 1979, breaking numerous records throughout his time in German football.

He stands out as an exceptional athlete, being among just nine players to claim victories in the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and Ballon d'Or.

He was not only a recipient of the Ballon d'Or but also claimed the title of Bundesliga top scorer seven times. Additionally, his remarkable record includes having scored more goals than appearances made for West Germany. " Der Bomber is considered one of the genuine greats.

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Essential German Household Items You Need Now

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

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