My First Year in Berlin: Technology, Germans, and a Whole Lot of ‘Entschuldigung’

Okay, so here I am, six months into living in Berlin. It’s… intense. Beautiful, chaotic, frustrating, amazing. And honestly, a huge part of that intensity has been trying to figure out the whole human-technology relationship here, particularly as it’s experienced by the people around me. Before I came, I thought I had a decent grasp – you know, smart phones, online banking, Instagram. But the way Germans interact with technology, and the conversations surrounding it, are a whole other ballgame.

The Start of Confusion: The “E-Mail” Question

The first real wake-up call came at my new job. I was working as a translator, mostly for a small software company, and the team was incredibly efficient. Everyone was constantly emailing, scheduling meetings through Outlook, and using Slack for quick updates. I, of course, was firing off emails left and right, trying to keep up. I even started using phrases like “Per Antwort” (in response) constantly, which felt incredibly formal and a little awkward.

Then, one day, my colleague, Markus, stopped me mid-sentence. “Warum schreibst du eine E-Mail für eine Frage? Sag es einfach!” (Why are you sending an email for a question? Just say it!). He explained that in German business culture, a direct, concise question is far more appreciated than a lengthy email.

It felt so strange. I’d spent so much time crafting perfect emails, worrying about tone and clarity. Markus just wanted a straightforward answer. It was a small thing, but it really highlighted the difference in communication styles.

“Das ist doch überkompliziert!” (That’s way too complicated!)

This brings me to a phrase I hear constantly: “Das ist doch überkompliziert!” – “That’s way too complicated!” It usually arises when someone is trying to introduce a new software program, a complicated online form, or even a complicated ordering process. I was trying to order a new printer online for my apartment, and I was using the website’s chat function, typing out very detailed questions. The customer service representative, a very nice woman named Frau Schmidt, just kept saying, with a sigh, “Nein, nein, nein. Einfach den Link kopieren und an die Firma schicken.” (No, no, no. Just copy the link and send it to the company). It was so much simpler!

It made me realize that Germans often prioritize efficiency and directness. They’re wary of over-engineering solutions, which, honestly, makes a lot of sense. I learned to take a deep breath, and listen for the simplest solution first.

“Wie funktioniert das?” (How does that work?) – The Honest Questions

Another thing I’ve noticed is the willingness to ask “Wie funktioniert das?” (How does that work?) – not in a hesitant, slightly embarrassed way, but genuinely curious. I was at a supermarket trying to use a self-checkout, and a young man asked the cashier, “Wie funktioniert das Gerät?” (How does that device work?). The cashier didn’t just tell him; she patiently showed him how to scan the barcode and weigh the items.

It’s a refreshing attitude. In my home country, people tend to avoid asking questions if they think it makes them look unintelligent. Here, it’s seen as a sign of engagement and a desire to understand.

Small Talk & the Digital World

The biggest shift has been seeing how people use technology in everyday conversation. It’s not just about emails and work. I overheard a group of friends sitting at a cafe arguing about the best streaming service: “Netflix ist doch total überteuert! Ich bin bei Amazon Prime.” (Netflix is totally overpriced! I’m on Amazon Prime). Or, I saw a couple planning their weekend trip using Google Maps and sharing the route with each other. It’s interwoven into their daily interactions.

I’ve been trying to be more proactive about asking about how they use technology. “Wie nutzt du dein Smartphone?” (How do you use your smartphone?). “Welche Apps benutzt du?” (Which apps do you use?). It’s opened up a lot of interesting conversations.

My Own Adjustments

Honestly, it’s been a humbling experience. I’ve learned to slow down, to observe, and to listen more than I speak. I’m consciously trying to resist the urge to over-communicate via email and to embrace the directness of German communication. I’ve even started saying “Sag es einfach!” (Just say it!) when I’m tempted to write a lengthy explanation.

It’s also made me appreciate the value of clear, concise communication – something I’d always known intellectually, but now truly understand in practice. Berlin, and the people here, have taught me that technology isn’t just about gadgets and platforms; it’s fundamentally about how we connect with each other. And that connection, in Germany, seems to be built on a foundation of efficiency, honesty, and a good dose of “Wie funktioniert das?”

Ich denke, ich lerne noch! (I think I’m still learning!)