• Learning the language: The language is an important building block for everyday life in Germany. That's why it's important that you work with real willpower to learn German well and fluently - regardless of your age. Without the language, you will always be perceived as "different". If you are still learning, tell those around you that too. They will see that you are trying and will be patient with you.
  
  
• Facial expressions and smiles: A friendly smile is often the first step to building trust. Even if it may not always be easy for you after difficult experiences, try to smile. It shows others that you are open and peaceful.
  
  
• Voice and manner of speaking: A soft and friendly voice makes it easier to get to know people. Make sure you speak in a friendly and calm manner - especially at the beginning when you meet new people. A high or soft voice often seems more inviting, while a deep or very loud voice can seem intimidating.
  
  
• Body language and demeanor: In Germany, a rather calm demeanor is appreciated. Don't walk too confidently or with your legs apart; this can quickly seem intimidating, even if you don't mean it that way.
  
  
• Volume: Quiet is very important in Germany, especially after 10 p.m. in residential areas. Make sure you speak and laugh quietly. In the evening, the music in an apartment should also be quiet.
  
  
• Order and cleanliness: Cleanliness and a well-groomed appearance are highly valued in Germany. Therefore, make sure you have clean clothes, combed hair and a well-groomed appearance. A tidy apartment is also taken for granted.
  
  
• Spelling in written communication: When you write messages or emails, pay attention to correct spelling. Apps and online translators such as Google Translate can help you with this. This shows that you respect the German language and use it carefully.
  
  
• Regional diversity: Germany consists of 16 federal states and each region has its own peculiarities. In Hamburg, for example, people greet each other with "Moin", while in Bavaria traditional clothing such as lederhosen is often worn at festivals. Find out about regional differences in order to better adapt to the respective culture.
  
  
• Use free online guides: Online programs like ChatGPT offer you valuable support with questions about everyday life, social issues or legal matters. However, be aware that such programs can also make mistakes. For important topics, it is best to do additional research yourself.

• Punctuality: Punctuality is very important in Germany and is considered a sign of respect and reliability. If a meeting has a specific time agreed upon, you are expected to arrive on time. Even being a minute or two late can seem rude. Exact expectations may vary depending on the occasion, but in general it is better to arrive a few minutes early to be on time.
  
  
• Respect for personal freedom: In Germany, personal space is highly valued. Unlike in some cultures where interference is perceived as care or interest, here it is often seen as an unwanted influence. Therefore, it is advisable to respect decisions and personal space differently and only interfere when you are asked to. This helps to maintain a good relationship with others and to be perceived as respectful.
  
  
• Rule of law in court: In Germany, courts decide independently and impartially. This applies to both parties. You can trust that you will experience a very fair and just trial compared to anywhere else in the world. As a general rule, Germany is a fair and honest country that treats both sides equally. However, there is no guarantee that this will always be the case. Foreigners, especially asylum seekers, may find it difficult to make ends meet financially, as they often have little money. In court, you or a lawyer must stand up for yourself. That's why it's important to take court proceedings seriously and to be well represented - both by a competent lawyer and by having sufficient financial means. If you get into legal trouble, hire a lawyer if possible. If you are penniless, search the internet yourself or ask a GPT-based artificial intelligence for advice.

• Respect all people: In Germany, it is a basic principle that everyone can live as they want. This means that people can have different genders and lifestyles. For example, there are men who identify as women and people who live homosexually. Even if this diversity may be less common in your home country, it is important to accept and respect this in Germany. If you value respect and acceptance yourself, you should show this to others as well. Prejudices against other ways of life often lead to prejudices against foreigners. Mutual tolerance is therefore an important building block for peaceful coexistence.
  
  
• Equality for women: Women in Germany have equal rights and hold responsibility in important social and professional positions. It is not unusual to have a woman as a boss and her performance and competence are valued just as much as those of men. If you have difficulty accepting this internally, it can have a negative impact on your career advancement, as equality is taken for granted here.

• The Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany:
  The German Basic Law is the constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany. It sets out the basic rights of citizens and the structure of the state and was introduced in 1949 to ensure democracy, peace and the rule of law. The first 19 articles are devoted to basic rights and provide protection and freedom for all people in Germany. These include freedom of expression, freedom of religion and the right to life and physical integrity - the foundations of German society. These basic rights are permanently protected and cannot be changed.

• Five important features of the Basic Law compared to other constitutions:
  

• Inviolability of human dignity:
  Human dignity comes first in the German Basic Law (Article 1) and is unchangeable. Even changes to the law do not abolish this principle, which gives it special protection in Germany.
  
  
• Comprehensive basic rights for everyone:
  The basic rights in the Basic Law apply to every person in Germany, regardless of their nationality. In many other countries, basic rights are often less detailed and only apply to a limited extent.
  
  
• Federal system:
  Germany is a federal state, divided into 16 federal states, each of which has its own laws and parliaments. The division of powers between the federal government and the states is laid down in the Basic Law. In centrally organized countries such as France, however, there are no strong regional parliaments.
  
  
• Eternity clause:
  Article 79 paragraph 3 of the Basic Law contains an "eternity clause". Certain basic principles, such as fundamental rights and the federal state structure, may not be changed. This form of permanent protection is rare worldwide.
  
  
• Parliamentary system and election of the Federal Chancellor:
  In the German system, the Federal Chancellor is elected by the Bundestag and not directly by the people, as is the case in presidential systems such as in the USA. In this way, the executive power in Germany remains more closely tied to parliament.

These peculiarities show how unique the Basic Law is in international comparison and how firmly the protection of fundamental rights and the federal state structure are anchored.

• Religious diversity: There is a great deal of religious diversity in Germany and everyone has the right to freely choose and practice their faith. The most common religions are Christianity, Islam and Judaism. There are also many people who belong to Hinduism, Buddhism or other faiths. Churches, mosques, synagogues and temples as well as other prayer rooms are available to maintain religious traditions. Freedom of religion is an important fundamental right and is strongly respected in Germany. The decision not to belong to any religion is also recognized and is part of German society.
  
  
• Judaism in Germany: Judaism enjoys high respect and recognition in Germany. The Jewish community is a highly valued part of German society, and religious diversity is seen as a valuable asset. Germany places great importance on respecting all religions - even if there are differences from your own cultural experiences. Respecting Judaism and its traditions is not just a matter of decency, but also an expression of the shared values of tolerance and equality. Living together harmoniously requires understanding, reconciliation and the recognition of other faiths. More than 6 million Jews were murdered during the Nazi era. Germany's past has created a deep awareness of the importance of protecting Jews. This respect helps build bridges between cultures and promotes an open, diverse society in which everyone feels safe and welcome.
  
  
• Sacred things include:
  • The Torah: Judaism's holiest scripture, which contains the laws and teachings by which Jews live. It is the central part of Jewish faith and practice.
  • Belief in God: Monotheistic belief is fundamental in Judaism. Jews believe in an all-powerful and all-knowing God who created the world and is in relationship with people.
  • Observance of Mitzvot: There are 613 commandments (mitzvot) that guide Jewish life. These commandments encourage moral behavior, ethical action and a close relationship with God.
    
    
• Major holidays include:
  • Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year is a time of reflection and new beginnings. It is celebrated with the sound of the shofar (ram's horn), which symbolizes the call to repentance. Families come together to enjoy festive foods, including apples with honey, which symbolize a sweet new year.
  • Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement is the highest holiday in Judaism and is dedicated to introspection and repentance. On this day, Jews fast, pray, and ask forgiveness for their sins. It is a time of spiritual renewal and personal growth.
  • Sukkot: This harvest festival celebrates the harvest season and commemorates the desert wandering. It is celebrated in a sukkah (booth), which symbolizes the transience of life. Families spend time together in the sukkah, eating and praying there, which promotes community and gratitude.
    
    
• Love and peace instead of hate: You may have experienced criticism of other religions or discord in your home country. Hate can have a strong attraction. Don't let yourself be carried away by such influences or feelings. When you feel anger or rejection, try to focus on love, care, gratitude and positive things. There will always be people who spread hate or behave unfairly. But there are many more people who do good and promote charity and respect. Sometimes the world may seem unfair to you - and sometimes that's true. Maybe you've also experienced painful losses. You often see bad things on the Internet and it's not always clear what is true and what isn't. Some information and images may be deliberately spread or manipulated. That's why it's important to look closely at everything. Religions don't wage wars - people do. Conflicts have existed throughout human history. Find your way to free yourself from hate and work for charity and peace. Hate has led to terrible events time and time again in the past, as history has taught us countless times.
  
  
• Hate and war are the main reasons for asylum: Hate and war in your homeland are the reasons for your asylum. These conflicts not only bring death and destruction, but also damage the economic, social and moral stability of a country. You may also be persecuted for other reasons, such as your political views or religion. Do not allow the hatred or the war you left behind to continue to dominate your thoughts. You are safe in Germany.

• Show willingness to help: A good way to make contacts and gain recognition is to actively offer help to others. For example, if you see a colleague carrying something heavy, politely ask if you can help her. But make sure you ask for permission first and respect her decision.
  
  
• Volunteering: There are many opportunities to volunteer in Germany. In your area, you are sure to find projects or organizations where you can help. Even small gestures like picking up garbage in the park are valuable, because cleanliness is highly valued in Germany. Such commitment is honorable here. Have the courage to get involved and implement new ideas.
  
  
• Join clubs: Clubs are an important part of everyday life in Germany and offer you the opportunity to get to know people with similar interests. Whether it's sports, music, volunteer fire service or children's aid - most club members volunteer and enjoy sharing their free time. Some clubs, such as music or sports clubs, are very open and welcoming, while others, such as hunting clubs, are often more traditional and a little more reserved. Choose an association that suits you and your interests.
  
  
• Visit language cafes: In many cities there are language cafes where volunteers help asylum seekers learn German. You can go there for free, improve your language skills and make contacts. Such cafes are a great place to practice the language and meet new people at the same time.

• Possible conflicts in Germany: Most people in Germany are peaceful and open. However, there may be a small group of people who have prejudices against foreigners. Even if only 1% of the population thinks this way, there could still be 100 people out of 10,000 people with whom a conflict can arise. That is why it is important to be prepared and know how to deal with such conflicts.
  
  
• Expectations of life in Germany: Germany has welcomed many people with good intentions in recent years. It is a great country that is generally open and helpful. Despite this, there are now more and more critical voices towards refugees, as some feel that Germany's willingness to help is being exploited. This negative attitude can also arise towards you, even if you are honest and respectful as a refugee. It is important to be aware that you are often seen as a guest in Germany and may have to return one day when your asylum ends. If you are lucky, you will be granted the right to stay, but if not, it is helpful to be able to trust in fate.
  
  
• This is how conflicts often arise: In Germany, conflicts are usually handled indirectly and carefully. People rarely talk openly about problems and often "wait them out". Those who have good contacts can have an advantage, even if they are not right. Unlike in some other cultures where open exchange is valued, too much openness in Germany is sometimes perceived as aggressive. It can help to resolve conflicts calmly and objectively.
  
  
• Conflicts between Germans and foreigners: If there is a conflict between a German and a foreigner, the foreigner can be in a weaker position, even if he is right. Some people may try to put pressure on you. Be prepared for this and stay calm.
  
  
• Avoid conflicts: Try to avoid conflicts as much as possible. Even if it is difficult, hold back in problematic situations. Observe how other people react. Those who approach conflicts calmly and self-controlled are more likely to be respected. Seek direct conversation with the person concerned and remain objective.
  
  
• Golden rule for feedback: If you want to give feedback, do so carefully. The following steps can help:
  • Only describe what you observed without judging. Example: "I noticed that your face looks angry."
  • Explain how you felt. Example: "I had the feeling that you might be angry and was afraid."
  • Express what you want. Example: "Next time, feel free to tell me directly if you are angry."
    
    
• Avoid written conflicts: Anything you put in writing can be used against you. If possible, avoid resolving conflicts by text message, letter or email. Personal conversations are usually better and safer.
  
  
• Personal contact is often better: Many people in Germany have no prejudices against foreigners, but they could be influenced by their environment. A foreign-sounding name can unfortunately trigger prejudices. If you are looking for an apartment or a job, try to introduce yourself in person. A friendly handshake, a smile and openness can often help to overcome reservations.
  
  
• The advantage of good preparation: In Germany, it is important to prepare well for conversations and appointments. Write down what you want to say and bring all important documents with you. Show that you are structured and reliable - this will open up many possibilities for you.