Cultural experiences in Germany

Kaffee und Kuchen

Coffee and cake is a tradition in Germany that finds people taking time out during the afternoon to relax and spend time in conversation. Whether working during your service term or at home with your host family, everything stops around 2:30 or 3 p.m., so relationships can take priority. People commonly share coffee or tea and cake or cookies.

Enjoying nature

While cars are the primary mode of transportation in the United States, life in Jena slows down. Walks with host families on Sunday afternoons into the rolling hills that surround Jena, as well as hiking and biking, all of which commonly replace driving, provide for spending time in nature and appreciating God’s creation.

Organs

Tradition, history and music are three elements Germans value and which are often intertwined. During WWII, many churches were damaged, along with the traditional organ. Many people dedicate themselves to repairing these important pieces of German culture. Weekly organ concerts at churches are common and sound traditional notes through historic pipes.

Confirmation

Within the Protestant church, confirmation is an important event when 15-year-olds become members. The event is celebrated both at the church and at home, where the newly confirmed are bestowed with gifts at a large celebration.