Das Bisschen Haushalt Macht Sich Von Allein
The German saying "Das bisschen Haushalt macht sich von allein" (That little bit of housework does itself) is often used ironically. In reality, keeping a household running smoothly in Germany, like anywhere else, requires effort and organization. This article provides practical information for expats, newcomers, and anyone seeking a realistic overview of managing a German household.
Waste Management and Recycling
Germany is renowned for its comprehensive recycling system. Understanding the system is crucial for avoiding fines and contributing to environmental protection. The basic principle is source separation, meaning you separate your waste into different categories before disposal.
The Different Bins:
- Gelbe Tonne/Gelber Sack (Yellow Bin/Yellow Bag): This is for packaging made of plastic, metal, and composite materials (e.g., Tetra Paks). Look for the "Grüner Punkt" (Green Dot) symbol on packaging, which indicates it belongs here. Examples include yogurt containers, aluminum foil, tin cans, and empty detergent bottles. Make sure items are empty before disposal.
- Blaue Tonne (Blue Bin): For paper and cardboard. This includes newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and writing paper. Remove any plastic film or tape. Large cardboard boxes should be flattened.
- Braune Tonne/Biotonne (Brown Bin/Organic Waste Bin): For organic waste. This includes food scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, and yard waste. Use paper bags or compostable liners for easy disposal. Never put plastic bags in the Bio tonne.
- Restmülltonne (Residual Waste Bin): For everything that doesn't belong in the other bins. This includes things like diapers, cigarette butts, vacuum cleaner bags, and heavily soiled paper towels. This is typically the bin with the least amount of waste after proper sorting.
- Glascontainer (Glass Containers): Public containers, usually found on streets, are for glass bottles and jars. These are further divided into:
- Weißglas (White Glass): Clear glass.
- Grünglas (Green Glass): Green glass.
- Braunglas (Brown Glass): Brown glass.
Your local municipality (Gemeinde or Stadt) provides information on the exact schedule for bin collection and the location of glass containers. This information is often available online or at the local town hall (Rathaus). Apartment buildings usually have designated areas for the different bins.
Pfand (Bottle Deposit):
Many beverage containers (plastic and glass bottles, and some cans) have a Pfand (deposit). This is usually €0.25 for plastic bottles and cans, and €0.08 or €0.15 for glass bottles. You can return these to most supermarkets and receive a refund. Look for the Pfand symbol, usually a small recycling arrow with the deposit amount.
Cleaning and Household Products
Germans generally take cleanliness seriously. There is a wide range of cleaning products available in supermarkets (Supermärkte) and drugstores (Drogerien). Common products include:
- Allzweckreiniger (All-purpose cleaner): For general cleaning of surfaces.
- Badreiniger (Bathroom cleaner): For cleaning bathrooms, especially removing limescale.
- Küchenreiniger (Kitchen cleaner): For cleaning kitchen surfaces and removing grease.
- Glasreiniger (Glass cleaner): For cleaning windows and mirrors.
- Waschmittel (Laundry detergent): Available in liquid, powder, and tablet form. Choose the appropriate type for your washing machine and clothes.
- Geschirrspülmittel (Dish soap): For handwashing dishes.
- Spülmaschinenreiniger (Dishwasher cleaner): For cleaning dishwashers.
When using cleaning products, always follow the instructions on the label and wear gloves if necessary. Be mindful of the environment and choose eco-friendly products when possible. Pay attention to proper ventilation while cleaning.
Laundry
Most German homes and apartments have a washing machine (Waschmaschine). Many apartment buildings also have a communal laundry room (Waschkeller) with washing machines and dryers (Trockner). If you use a communal laundry room, you may need to reserve a time slot. Coins or a prepaid card are often required to operate the machines.
When doing laundry, sort your clothes by color and fabric type. Use the appropriate detergent and washing cycle. The washing machine will have different settings for cottons, synthetics, delicates, and wool. It's important to follow the instructions on your clothing labels.
Line drying (Wäscheleine) is common in Germany, especially in smaller towns and villages. Many homes have a drying rack (Wäscheständer) or a clothesline in the garden or balcony. If using a dryer, be aware that it can shrink some fabrics.
Grocery Shopping
Germany has a wide variety of supermarkets and grocery stores, ranging from budget-friendly discounters like Aldi and Lidl to larger supermarkets like Rewe, Edeka, and Kaufland. Turkish supermarkets and international food stores are also common in larger cities. These stores offer a variety of products from different countries.
Grocery stores are generally open from Monday to Saturday. Most are closed on Sundays, except for some bakeries and gas stations with small convenience stores. Plan your shopping accordingly.
It's common to bring your own reusable shopping bags (Einkaufstaschen) to the grocery store. Plastic bags are usually available for purchase, but they are often subject to a fee. When buying produce, you usually weigh the items yourself and attach a price sticker before going to the checkout.
Cooking and Meal Planning
Germans typically eat three meals a day: breakfast (Frühstück), lunch (Mittagessen), and dinner (Abendessen). Breakfast often consists of bread, rolls, cheese, cold cuts, jam, and coffee or tea. Lunch is often a warm meal, eaten either at home or at work. Dinner is usually a lighter meal, consisting of bread, cheese, cold cuts, and salad.
Many Germans enjoy cooking at home. Popular German dishes include Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, Bratwurst, and Kartoffelsalat (potato salad). There are many German cookbooks and websites available online if you want to try your hand at German cuisine.
Meal planning can help you save time and money. Plan your meals for the week in advance and make a shopping list accordingly. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and reduce food waste. Consider using seasonal and local produce for cost-effectiveness and freshness.
Household Appliances and Maintenance
Most German homes are equipped with basic household appliances, such as a refrigerator (Kühlschrank), stove (Herd), and oven (Backofen). It's important to maintain these appliances regularly to ensure they function properly.
Regularly defrost your refrigerator and clean the oven. Clean the lint filter of your dryer after each use. Descale your kettle and coffee machine regularly to prevent limescale buildup. Check and replace air filters in your ventilation system as needed.
If you encounter any problems with your appliances, consult the user manual or contact a qualified technician for repair. Don't attempt to repair appliances yourself unless you are qualified to do so.
Home Security and Insurance
Germany is generally a safe country, but it's still important to take precautions to protect your home from burglary and theft. Make sure your doors and windows are properly locked when you leave the house. Consider installing an alarm system or security cameras.
It's also important to have adequate insurance coverage for your home and belongings. Common types of insurance include:
- Hausratversicherung (Household contents insurance): Covers damage to your belongings from fire, water, theft, and vandalism.
- Haftpflichtversicherung (Liability insurance): Covers you if you cause damage to someone else's property or injure someone. This is considered crucial in Germany.
Compare different insurance policies and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Rules and Regulations
Be aware of German rules and regulations regarding noise levels, quiet hours (Ruhezeiten), and waste disposal. Noise levels should be kept to a minimum during quiet hours, which are usually between 1 pm and 3 pm and after 10 pm. Avoid mowing the lawn, playing loud music, or doing other noisy activities during these times. Adherence to these rules contributes to neighborly harmony.
Familiarize yourself with local ordinances regarding waste disposal and recycling. Failure to comply with these ordinances can result in fines.
By understanding and following these practical tips, you can successfully manage your household in Germany and make your life easier and more enjoyable. While "Das bisschen Haushalt macht sich von allein" might be a myth, with a bit of planning and effort, you can definitely master the art of German household management!
