15 European Habits That Americans Found Perplexingly Bizarre | “Personal Space Doesn’t Exist in Lines (In Germany)”

15 European Habits That Americans Found Perplexingly Bizarre | “Personal Space Doesn’t Exist in Lines (In Germany)”
Cover Image Source: Reddit/skanedweller

Europeans have always been a source of fascination for Americans but the cultural differences between the two continents can sometimes be quite baffling. A study by Pew Research Center cites 5 major differences between Americans and Europeans when it comes to personal, cultural and religious beliefs and attitudes.  The study suggests that Americans and Europeans don’t always agree on questions about morality, especially on issues related to sexuality and religion is significantly less important to Europeans than to Americans. A Buzzfeed article also listed some cultural norms in America which aren't followed in Europe like putting lots of ice in beverages, and "waitstaff constantly checking on you, even if it means interrupting a conversation." (In Europe, customers are usually left in peace.) A recent Reddit thread started by u/pg-snellmann asked Americans to share their experiences and observations about the peculiar habits of Europeans. We've compiled a list of 15 standout responses that will give you a good laugh and make you question what you thought you knew about our European friends.

ADVERTISEMENT

1. Impressive multilingual skills of Ivan from Moscow

Image Source: Reddit/
Image Source: Reddit/ceyeye3219

 

ADVERTISEMENT

2. Taking flooring along in Dutch rental flats

Image Source: Reddit
Image Source: Reddit/Procatstinator

 

 

3. Fascinating absence of border checks

Image Source: Reddit
Image Source: Reddit/boundtoearth19
ADVERTISEMENT

 

4. The European culture of dinnertime

Image Source: Reddit
Image Source: Reddit/Ok_friendship2119

 

5. Soccer talk behind closed doors

Image Source: Reddit/
Image Source: Reddit/Ok_Temperature_5019
ADVERTISEMENT

 

6. Convenience or quirk?

Image Source: Reddit/SnuffTheRooster93
Image Source: Reddit/SnuffTheRooster93
ADVERTISEMENT

 

7. Anecdotes and experiences

Image Source: Reddit/kurage-22
Image Source: Reddit/kurage-22

 

8. Portable Kitchens in Germany: The Mind-Boggling Moving Tradition

Image Source: Reddit/schroedingersnewcat
Image Source: Reddit/schroedingersnewcat
ADVERTISEMENT

 

9. Comparing loud Americans and French people

Image Source: Reddit/Alternative-Donut334
Image Source: Reddit/Alternative-Donut334

 

ADVERTISEMENT

10. Enduring hot summers without air conditioning

Image Source: Reddit
Image Source: Reddit/tisfortranny

 

11. A norm in many European countries

Image Source: Reddit/
Image Source: Reddit/miss_ordered_chaos
ADVERTISEMENT

 

12. Warnings in Copenhagen's restaurants

Image Source: Reddit/skanedweller
Image Source: Reddit/skanedweller

 

13. The German experience

Image Source: Reddit/
Image Source: Reddit/SGTRhoads16

 

 

14. A time of scarcity in Europe

Image Source: Reddit
Image Source: Reddit/zazzlekdazzle

 

15. Europe's approach to restroom usage

Image Source: Reddit/
Image Source: Reddit/Leeser

 

Share this article:

 15 European habits and customs that surprised Americans