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We often read of things that are totally normal in America but look super crazy to the rest of the world. Like free refills, medical debts, the sheer portion sizes, you name it. But hey, the place and time is everything when it comes to which things we view as typical and which ones raise our brows.

So this time, we are setting our eyes on Europe and the weird customs, things, and manners people in its 44 countries have that look totally crazy to Americans. “What's considered normal in Europe but horrific in America?” someone asked on AskReddit, and 12.7k comments followed.

We picked some of the most telling and thought-provoking responses that prove European countries are also home to a bunch of weirdos!

#1

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Old things. Houses especially. "Someone died in this house" yeah no s**t Sherlock, this house has been here more than your country

flawed_yet_fun , Mike Report

#2

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America The metric system

rmbl88 , pxfuel Report

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Sam Yobado
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Favorite metric system quote is by Josh Bazell. “In metric, one milliliter of water occupies one cubic centimeter, weighs one gram, and requires one calorie of energy to heat up by one degree centigrade—which is 1 percent of the difference between its freezing point and its boiling point. ... Whereas in the American system, the answer to ‘How much energy does it take to boil a room-temperature gallon of water?’ is ‘Go f**k yourself,’ because you can’t directly relate any of those quantities.”

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#3

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Taking the bus. There is so much stigma around public transport in the US, especially busses, and in Europe it's just a totally normal way to get around because nobody wants to deal with driving and parking in a big city.

Also from an employer's perspective: 25+ vacation days minimum for all employees and unlimited sick days. The absolute horror.

Zack1018 , Pofka Report

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October
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This! When I was a nanny in the US, the family I worked for was always nagging me for using public transport. I never unederstood what the big deal was.

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#4

Songs with swear words being broadcasted on the radio, or swear words not being covered with a beep tone on tv. It’s always felt weird to me that Americans are all about being free and freedom of speech but then again they are scared of some stupid words.

Elisiana12 Report

#5

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Pro union laws. Pro worker labour laws. Mandatory paid vacation days (including fines for companies if the workers don't take their vacation days or get them payed out. They NEED to actually leave work legally for around 25 days per year).

AgarwaenCran , Alex Kotliarskyi Report

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LH
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rested and healthy employees = higher productivity. Who'd have thought?

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#6

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Letting kids go to school or walk around the neighborhood by themselves without supervision.

A Dutch family moved to the USA and their kids went to school on their bikes like they always do, after a while the police showed up on their doorstep and child protective services letting them know they’re being irresponsible and to not do that again.

ik101 , Elizabeth Report

#7

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Mailman doesnt leave packages unattended on your porch. He eather gives you it on the doorstep or you go get it at the post office. Much less infureating than getting it stolen or thrown accros your yard by a mailman...

haberg6 , MobiusDaXter Report

#8

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Taking of your shoes when getting home.

Fliggan , Cade Martin Report

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James016
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd rather not have muddy footprints/ dirt from outside around the house.

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#9

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America I don't know if this would horrify Americans as I've never heard it discussed, but where I live in Europe (Luxembourg), voting is mandatory and you can get fined for not voting in an election. You can still spoil your ballot, so you don't have to decide between lesser evils if you don't want to, but you have to make the effort to go to the polling station or submit a postal vote. It guarantees a high voter turnout and by extension more representative elections, coupled with a proportional voting system so we're not locked into a two-party mess like the UK or the US - not that it's without its issues of course, but I think it's an improvement.

MrLuxarina , Santeri Viinamäki Report

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#10

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Being expected to know another language other than English.

Coygon , Thirdman Report

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MiriPanda
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think they meant: While it is normal for Europeans to speak at least one language other than their mother tongue, Americans are not expected to speak any other language than English.

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#11

At least in Germany, nudity. No one cares if you're naked, no one thinks you're a sex offender, no one thinks it's even sexual to be naked unless you're actively having sex, and no one makes it weird.

You can be naked in public parks to soak up sun, on beaches, swim naked in lakes. Saunas are all naked, mixed sex areas in spas and saunas are naked with no issues and in general, it's just not an issue.

climbmea Report

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Tassenküchlein168
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least where I live in Germany it’s NOT usual to be naked in parks or bathing naked in crowded places, except they’re designated as nude areas. Topless is tolerated in most urban parks, if you don’t Walk around. Otherwise it’s a "Public nuisance", which is an administrative offense and is punished by a penalty fee.

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#12

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America From what I’ve heard, allowing retail workers to sit. I’ve heard it’s regular for people to be sitting in Europe as cashiers, but in the us it is seen as lazy. Only store I know of that allows it is Aldi and that’s because it helps their cashiering metrics.

whovian1087 , Wolfmann Report

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Natalie
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seen as lazy, huh? So the management only have standing desks?

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#13

You don't have to answer your phone on vacation.

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#14

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America The number of rooms in the description of apartments. 1 room in the US usually means 1 bedroom, a living room ,and separate kitchen. Was shocked when I realized it means everything inside one room in most European countries

coolth3 , Bromford Report

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Robert T
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the UK we normally describe properties as 1 bed, 2 bed etc. and give a separate count of other rooms. Studio is normally used to describe rooms of mixed use. So a 1 bed studio apartment will normally be a combined kitchen, living and sleeping space with a separate bath- or shower-room.

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#15

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Open borders.

Starfuri , pxhere Report

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Robert T
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember one work trip where I was in Germany, just over the border from France. All the staff were French and commuted across the border daily. Hell, we even went back across the border for lunch each day!

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#16

Not being super patriotic.

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Got Myself 4 Dwarves
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love being Scottish, I love living here, the people (mostly), the accepting and open culture, the sarcastic swearing humour, that we can take the piss out of ourselves - but I don't feel the need to fly a flag on my doorstep or cover myself in Scottish symbols and scream about my freedom and rights and chant some verse every morning - im sure there are plenty of Americans who also think that the stereotypical over the top patriotic American is as odd as outsiders do - but they do tend to be the loudest

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#17

Long paid parental leaves and month long holidays (vacations).

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WilvanderHeijden
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fun fact: These are all things that Unions achieved and next the government made them law. Some Americans would go bat shyte crazy over that. "The government has no right to force 25 mandatory vacation days on me!!!!"

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#18

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Oh man... europe has so many different countries. Something that is completely normal where I live could be frowned upon as soon as I cross the next border. But in general we tip for good service, not bc we have to. A rude waitress won't get tipped by me. Also we usually remove our shoes before we enter a home. And yep, "free" healthcare.

ghost882 , Lee Haywood Report

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Roxy Eastland
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely, what's acceptable in Spain wouldn't fly in Denmark and vice versa. All countries have their own cultures. The first time, years before the internet through reading American magazines, I came across 'Europe' being referred to as a homogeneous whole I was extremely confused. I was also highly entertained by all the adverts stating 'Everyone in Europe is using this product' for something I'd never seen in my life.

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#19

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Not giving your debit/credit card to your server but doing it yourself

Ok-World-4822 , HLundgaard Report

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Jon Steensen
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It prevents them from copying you card information and using them to commit fraud by buying stuff online with your creditcard information. In fact I think we ought to memorise the control numbers on the back of the card and then remove them for the card. Having them there is like writing the pin code on the card with a marker, it is just making abuse way too easy.

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#20

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Sitting a foot away from a complete stranger and then completely ignoring them.

skelebabe95 , TheOtherKev Report

#21

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Americans get so bend out of shape over naked children running around the beach.

On every beach in Bulgaria I've been, naked children is the norm, women sunbathing in monokini is considered absolutely normal, while naked men are okay only in the nude sections of the beaches. And every beach has a nude section.

gerginborisov , Charlottees Report

#22

Smaller food portions

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#23

Not enrolling your kid in extracurricular activities. In Europe, some kids are enrolled in a sport or club and the older ones are mostly responsible for getting there and figuring out their schedule. In America, some parents are so obsessed with kids sports that the whole family's existence revolves around it, or they get judgemental when they hear that a kid isn't involved in any sports or clubs.

cookiecutterdoll Report

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lenka
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am in the Netherlands and almost every kid I know does some kind of extracurricular sport. There are also special subsidies to make sure every kids even from low income families can participate. But we dont tend to get obsessive parents here.

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#25

Putting mayonnaise on french fries instead of ketchup.

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#26

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Almost every car having a manual transmission. when i visited ukraine, i only saw rich people with automatic cars

_doofus25_ , Rutger van der Maar Report

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Moodles
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Personally, I dislike automatics. It makes me feel like I'm driving a go kart. If you're going to drive a car...well...drive it!

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#27

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Charging for water at a restaurant.

dpstreetz , Pixabay Report

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brukernavn340
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Norway you'll get tap water when you ask for water, and that's free.

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#28

Bidets? I was born and raised in the US and I think they're efficient and far more hygienic than TP, but apparently most other dudes in this country think it's gay to clean up after your business is done lol

Vanatru Report

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Ole Peder Amrud Hagen
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only really gay thing I know is falling in love with someone of the same gender as yourself. If cleaning your ass after you've been to the toilet is 'gay' to you, you have some real issues.

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#29

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America In Germany, looking for a apartment doesn't automatically mean it will come 100% with a kitchen. 90% they don't have them in and you have to buy them yourself.

Ok_Context_732 , Marco Verch Report

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Lila Launehase
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's one of the most stupid things in Germany. The kitchen should belong to the apartment.

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Tassenküchlein168
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The most stupid point when it comes to housing are the prices for an appartement. As a guideline rentals shouldn’t be more then 30% of income, but -even in rural areas- people have to spend up to 50% or even more. It’s crazy that nobody stands up for this basic need to be affordable. I the feeling as long as there’s something "funny" in TV and Aldi is selling cheap groceries, everything is fine. #brot-und-spiele

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Caro Caro
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not normal in most European countries, not only usa.

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Francis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

when my moved from switzerland back to germany she was so frustrated. why the f do you have to buy a kitchen when you rent an appartment?

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Rose the Cook
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would someone like to explain what is meant by buying a kitchen. I hope they mean buying kitchen fittings, stove, sink etc, and finding space to install them in their apartment.

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Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I take it to mean that they consider the kitchen units and appliances to be furniture and so if you rent (or buy) an unfurnished apartment, the kitchen is just an empty room. Tennants will therefore likely have these things and move them in with the rest of their belongings. Since most kitchens are now fitted so that the units are sized and shaped to make the best use of the space in the room, this seems to be a somewhat antiquated idea.

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hobbitly
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is a German thing and its odd and super wasteful.

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Marik
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It depends - the wastefullness, I mean - I for my part never bought a new kitchen. And I owned 4 different ones. Every kitchen was used but in good shape. For 3 of them I paid the previous owner a small amount (less than 100€). All the time my main duty has been to organize the movement of the kitchen from one place to another. And just the way I got my kitchens, someone other got them from me. Since they were used by at least 2 different households I just put them up for free, to be taken by oneself - where I live this procedure is quite common and appreciated by students, apprentices & everyone with a tight budget (In my neighbourhood the old/unwanted furniture/stuff is just put on the street with a note "for free"/"works fine"/"xyz broken/missing" I never once saw something staying outside longer than 48h)

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Rissie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But that's a German thing, not a European thing. And it's rather silly because so many things are specifically made just for that space and won't be of any use in your new home.. Interesting how that is still considered standard.

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Ekaterina S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A former landlord threw the kitchen away, when we moved out... that was nuts!

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Erik Granqvist
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Swede - that is sooooo wierd. You would be breaking laws if you did that.

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Fred L.
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There´s worse though - once saw a flat coming without floor.

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KMill
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The verbiage of this is even different. In the US, a kitchen is a room and structurally part of the apartment. It can’t be brought with you or excluded any more than the roof or floor can. Kitchen appliances (refrigerator, stove, etc) are usually included with most rented apartments or houses, and sometimes, but not always, included when you buy the apartment or house. But we don’t call that a kitchen - if you say an apartment has no kitchen - that means there’s not a designated room or area to put kitchen appliances.

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lemsip
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In owner occupied homes and unfurnished rented homes the fridge, freezer, cooker and washing machine belong to the occupier who moves that with them.

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Chrissie Mörbe
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But this way you can create a kitchen after your own taste, in the style that you want. Many of the kitchens in the USA that I saw on TV seem to be rather ugly and old. IN Germany, you wouldn't have to live in such a kitchen, but you couldn buy a nicer one with more modern appliances.Also, many people have a longer-lasting lease that doesn't automatically expire, and they sell their kitchen to the one renting the flat after them.

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Katherine Heasley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the US, you can replace old appliances with new ones. If I'd had to put in my own fridge/oven/microwave/dishwasher, even my reasonably-priced apartment would've been too expensive to move into.

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Jörg Karneboge
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where is the problem? With this you can decide how your kitchen should look like, here in Germany normally you choose a flat for several years and I wouldn`t like to live with a kitchen that doesn`t fit to my things I want to have in it or in dark brown for example

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Burs
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Spaniard I always found so weird how difficult it is in other countries (like Germany) to find furnished apartments to rent. In Spain it’s usually the norm to have them furnished. If you want to live there 5years it’s nice to have your own furniture. But not if you are there for a few months or a year. How I am supposed to pay for all the furniture and then the transport?

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Ine Ramaekers
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also I've often wondered how in places like Barcelona, with a lot of tall, old buildings with small windy staircases and no outside windows, how do you even get the furniture in and out of the apartment? Like, I'd assume once you get it in there, it's there forever because it's just way too difficult to move it.

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Thomas Dickson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmm now there's a cultural difference! In the US I'm used to a kitchen being a room/space, not an object.

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Jack Braudis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did a bit of research and found that in Germany 90% of rentals have kitchens.

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Denise Bella
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And don't forget that many times you get the flat without flooring or Wallpapier. Or lightswitches. 😁. Or Light bulbs! I don't mind the Kitchen as the Units can be taken and build into your new place, so you only buy once. And the Small ads are full of used kitchens. Out first one we bought for €500. Including all appliances and cupboards. Lasted 10 years. My mom still used some of the kitchenunits that my dad had before they moved together. Some 50 years ago. So not wasteful at all. But helps If you buy quality.

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Talina Martin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How the heck do you *buy* a kitchen? I'm sorry, I have no idea what you mean 😅

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Jb Dean
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m sorry but how do you “buy” a kitchen in a built apt? Do you mean the appliances? Or do you mean having a contractor come in & install a full kitchen? 🤔🤷🏻‍♀️

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Mon world sucré
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's true when you buy the apartment. Letting it means having a kitchen, and bathroom, provided with furniture, oven, fridge, etc. But depending on the situation, nothing else in the other rooms (France)

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Pat Shelby
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had heard that people in Europe furnish their own cabinets. It did not state if appliances were also mobile. How would one move a kitchen sink. I like to assume that it is permanent.

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Buzz Anderson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How in hell do you buy an kitch3n for your apt??? That is stupid.

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Frozengeckolover
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When say you have to buy the kitchen, do you mean the appliances? Stove, fridge, toaster, etc.? Because "the kitchen" refers to the actual room in America, not the stuff in the room. And a lot of apartments in america don't come with a furnished kitchen. That's individual assumption, not an American expectation.

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Jeri Martin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would think a kitchen and bathroom would be essential. Unless the NORM in Germany is that most people eat out therefore a kitchen is just wasted space. Either way stupid as hell.

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Den Tweed
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a belgian I didn't even know that, defo not a thing here

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Ekaterina S
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You cannot legally force landlords to build in kitchens. As sad as it is! Bc when they do, they have to take care of it. Forcing to build in kitchens would be too much gov'tl involvement!

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Ellen Ranks
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh! I've been to Germany many times (it's only 50 km from here) but I never knew this.

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Rutger Lokhorst
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same here in the Netherlands! There is a kitchen space, so to speak, but bring your own gear!!!!.

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SkekVi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i've heard of 'the fridge doesn't come with the apartment' but the whole KITCHEN??? jfc what are you even paying RENT for???

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Maja Lange
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really? In Germany? How odd! (Although I live in neighbouring Denmark, I had no idea. Btw, it's not like that in Denmark.)

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Cathy Hurd
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kitchen? Do you mean the refrigerator and stove?

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Heinrich Angel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of people in Germany take their kitchen with them when they move. Sort of a personal item. If you want to treat yourself to a brand new kitchen you try to sell your old one to the next tenant moving into your old place

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Terry Waters
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What the hell. I'm Swedish and here I've never heard of a house or apartment not having a kitchen when you move in. Taking a whole kitchen with you must make moves even more inconvenient. I mean are we talking fridges, stoves, dish washers, cabinets, and people take it all with them? o,o

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Kate Jones
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Something I learned from watching house hunters international is that a lot of European countries don't have dryers in apartments. It's really rare to have a washer included with the apartment but dryers are almost never seen. In fact a lot of apartments have built in laundry lines to hang wet laundry. Not sure if this is true everywhere but it happened a lot, lol. We don't always have them here, either but at least there a laundry room somewhere or in really cheap apartments you have to bring your laundry to a laundromat. It's just weird to offer a washer with no dryer. Charing for an apartment and not having a kitchen would not pass code in a lot of the US, lol.

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Nancy White
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I heard of a country in Europe in which you install your own flooring when you move in and remove it when you move out.

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M Whee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It seems weird to people in the US because kitchen appliances and cabinets are built in and not easy to remove, which means they can be bigger without being inconvenient. It's like packing up the toilet and tub to us.

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Luzie Boehm
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Germany with most spaces you can ask the landlord or landlord company for a basic kitchen which means free standing kitchen and stove. Most are obliged to give that to you if I'm correct

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‍️Mimi‍️
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A good thing in Germany is that they paint the appartment nicely after leaving.

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Jasmine Dai
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have visited my friends in Germany a few years ago. I was surprised to know that their flat was no kitchen, only water pipe, electricity outlet and gas pipe. They spend 4k to buy new IKEA kitchen units, appliances, hiring plumber and electrician. They told me most Germany house/flat rent without fitted kitchen. Because their contract was 10 years, so if spread the kitchen cost over 10 years, it's fine for them.

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Christina Buus
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interesting information... now I know a little more about my neighbouring country to the south 😁

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derp alert
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

why the f**k would you WANT an apartment without a kitchen? what...a... great... idea...

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Suzanne McHenry
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I lived in Krefeld,Germany our apartment had no kitchen stuff, just the connections for water and electric, so we had to fit the kitchen fittings in.The amount of kitchens I have helped fit for friends when they moved was staggering. Was a nightmare at tines.

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CajunJuneBug
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Buy them yourself? Can someone explain? Like a pantry (cupboard), fridge, stove, etc?

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Rutger Lokhorst
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

İn the Netherlands, İ rent from a corporation, you get cupboards and such. But you will have to buy/place your own appliances. Very normal

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El muerto
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

in most other countries, if you rent, the apartment is require to have a full equip kitchen, toilet and a laundry room (shared). not furnished otherwise

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Sue Hazlewood
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was gob smacked when my nephew told me they moved in to an apartment and had to supply the kitchen.

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Katherine Heasley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same in Japan. There was a room with hookups for gas and electric, but I had to buy my stove, fridge, etc. I just moved here in the US and the apartment came with all the major kitchen appliances already in.

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Tim
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you mean a space for cooking or the appliances like an oven and refrigerator?

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Rens
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same in France apparently; I had a friend who moved there and was horrified to find out they had to buy a kitchen.

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Agnes Jekyll
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like a room for a kitchen? or appliances? You don't have a sink?

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Ivy la Sangrienta
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No appliances or sink or cupboards...usually there IS a separate room for a kitchen.

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lara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When we were in France, some years ago, for fun, we asked to see apartments for sale. Ohmygawd, no kitchen, no electrical "outlets or switches or lights." If it wasn't incorporated into the walls or floor it was gone.

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Cip IESAN
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All the apartments I bought were with empty kitchens and bathrooms and I think it's OK, because I want to install the bathtub I like - also the toilet, the sink, the owen, all the stuff.

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Faith Hurst
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is the only one that is horrifying. A place to make food is a basic for us. Someone needs to change that mess.

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NsG
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I assume this is part of the larger culture of longer term rentals in Germany. Otherwise how does it work? Sign a lease, move in, install a kitchen, then when the lease expires you... rip the kitchen out again?

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Ekaterina S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The lease does not suddenly expire, if you are renting as a student for like a semester or something, the small apartments or rooms usually have a kitchen. This is solely when it comes to “infinite contracts”.

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#30

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Underage drinking seems more of a crime in the US - in most cases of a kid is caught with alcohol in the UK it's just confiscated and poured away. Strictly speaking the age you can drink alcohol is really low as well, so long as you're home with a parent I think it's like 5/6. When you're in a restaurant you're also allowed low percentage alcohol like cider with a meal so long as you're with an adult.

AugustineBlackwater , Ketut Subiyanto Report

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Francis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

in germany you're allowed to drink beer/wine with 14 when you're parents are around, at 16 without them and everything else at 18

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