There are many similarities between Americans and Europeans. Still, some things Europeans have and do make no sense to their neighbors across the pond. This was the topic of discussion in one online forum, where one user asked Americans to share some of the craziest things they learned about European practices.
Homes Without Kitchens
“In Germany, apartments don’t normally come with a kitchen,” shares one user. “It’s purchased/installed by the tenant. Sometimes, you luck out, but not usually.”
Many other users were shocked by this, with the comment receiving over 10,000 upvotes.
No Air Conditioning, But No Insect Screens?
In the United Kingdom, it’s pretty common to reside in a home without air conditioning. After all, the weather doesn’t typically require it.
One commenter says he understands why UK homes do not have air conditioning; however, he could not understand why the windows do not have insect screens. He explains, “No air conditioning – sure, fine. But then, no screens on your windows, so all the bugs get in?”
Another commenter agreed, saying that having no ACs forced people to open their windows.
The Act of Staring
“Germans have a real big problem with staring like I owe them money,” states one user. Another commenter aimed to shed some light on this. He explained, “Different cultures put different emphasis on eye contact. In some, it’s rude to make eye contact. In others, it’s a sign of attention, and not giving eye contact to someone speaking would be very rude.”
Several other users agreed that Germans were very attentive in conversation, which could be the reason for the extreme eye contact.
Two Faucets
“Speaking of British bathrooms, what’s up with having two faucets at your sink?” asks one user. I don’t want separate hot and cold water; I want them combined!” While this is true of older properties in the UK, more modern homes have avoided this trend.
Sparkling Water
One user says, “It’s not that it makes no sense, but I’ve always been curious how carbonated water became the default in many places.” This seemed to be a question many others have on their minds, with the comment receiving over 7,000 upvotes.
Lighting Up Everywhere!
Many users found it shocking that many European countries allow people to smoke everywhere, even in restaurants! One commenter agreed, remarking that you can still find an ashtray at every table in Austria!
Daily Trips to the Grocer
“It makes sense to me, but it still seems marvelous that in France (other places, I’m sure, but I learned this in French class), it is common to buy groceries every day. You may wake up and go to the bakery for freshly baked bread or stop by for fresh produce on the way home to make dinner.”
The Poop Shelf
“The poop shelf in Dutch/Belgian toilets,” shared one user. Many didn’t believe this was true and thought the initial commenter was joking, until another stepped in to explain. “Instead of poop going straight down into the water, there’s a shelf so your poop lands on it, in case you want to inspect your poop. It gets pushed off by the water when you flush. Not everyone has one, though; I think most toilets are the modern kind nowadays.”
Driving Times
“It’s always baffled me that some Europeans consider a half hour’s worth of driving a long time. That wouldn’t even get me out of the area I’d consider local!” shares one user who is used to longer commute times.
Bathroom Light Switches Outside the Bathroom
Having bathroom light switches outside of the bathroom was another thing that an American found strange about Europeans.
Another user explained that it has to do with electrical regulations not allowing electrics within a certain distance of a water source.” They go on to explain that it stops people with wet hands from getting electrocuted: “You are allowed a pull chord light switch inside the bathroom as you’re pulling the chord and not actually touching anything with electricity going through it.”
Charging for Bathrooms
“Charging for bathrooms and charging for water (at restaurants) are both things that I would have expected Americans to do, and Europeans be the ones making fun of it,” shares another user. This comment was liked thousands of times by others in the forum.
A Month-Long Vacation in the Summer
Having a month-long summer vacation is not something Americans are familiar with, particularly as many only have ten days off in a year. Another user commented that you can even choose when to take it, with many European employees taking 15 days one month, then another 15 throughout the year – and that is besides all the national/local holidays.
No Cappuccino After Noon!
One user asked why he can’t have a cappuccino after noon. An Italian in the forum replied and said that you can indeed have a cappuccino after noon. However, it’s just not done in Italy. A cappuccino is a breakfast drink.
He explains that Italians often have a sweet pastry and milk in their coffee for breakfast. After breakfast, they don’t typically drink milk at all. If they need coffee, they will have an espresso.
Renting for Life
Another commenter was surprised that in Europe, it’s common to rent for life and never consider buying. “I saw this in Germany. I know it’s becoming the norm in the US, too, but it just seemed weird to me the first time I visited 30 years ago that most Germans rented their entire lives and never even thought about buying a house.”
Calling the 2nd Floor the 1st Floor
This was a confusing topic for a few of the commenters. However, it seems that the correct way to name the ground level varies from one European country to another, as well as differing from the US to Europe. Various commenters from across Europe shared how they refer to it in their country.
15 Italian Luxury Brands Worth Owning
17 Luxury French Brands That Belong In Every Wardrobe
The Top 20 Most Instagrammable Restaurants in London
Japanese Tea Ceremony Etiquette And What We Can Learn From It
