Everything to be in good order makes Germans′ world go round… If you ever wondered about the German toilet etiquette this is what you need to know about it. For Germans, maintaining order and cleanliness is a way of life, and this is reflected in their approach to toilet etiquette. Visitors should be aware of customs such as keeping the toilet seat and lid down, flushing immediately after use, and properly disposing of toilet paper.
Public toilets for men are usually equipped with pissoirs. Women however are left with a sitting option only. Public toilets are usually separate for men vs. women however e.g. in Berlin there are now Unisex toilets as well. There are solutions like “Pippilissi” which allow women to prevent sitting and thus prevent infections with bacteria and fungi.
Squatting may be common in Asia and other countries but not in Germany. The toilet lid is meant for sitting. Sitting down to pee is perceived good behaviour. Being a “Stehpinkler” may be considered as antisocial. Some toilets have red traffic-style signs forbidding the standing position.
Germans are not known for being easygoing which is likely a reason why some think it’s dangerous when sitting down to pee. Should your measurements indicate a “water issue” when sitting down you gotta look for a solution. However should you think a piranha may cause any issues you either might consider having enemies or think about going to psychotherapy.
Inflight smoking is prohibited by almost all airlines. Smoking in German toilets is not advised either. The ban on smoking in public places, including bars and restaurants, is now nationwide in Germany. Smoking would only be allowed with separate smoking rooms and in party tents. A toilet is not considered a “separate smoking room” nor a “party tent”.
Next to every toilet in Germany there is a toilet brush. Not just in private settings. Every toilet in the entire country. You are expected to leave the toilet in it’s pre-use state. Should you not take care of your skid marks, the next stall patron will automatically assume they belong to you. Trick: Throw some toilet paper in before dropping the kids off at the pool.
Germans like to sort their trash. They don’t just do it for environmental reasons. Flush toilets can easily get clogged. As with every rule there is an exception. Toilet paper belongs into the toilet unless your sitting in an automobile caravan. Never throw tampons, sanitary towels or similar materials in the toilet but use the pedal bin.
If it was for the Germans toilet seats would be fixed to the bowl and never be up. Why? Because everyone is supposed to sit during their work. A few are left who think a “Sitzpinkler” is a wimp and to stand and deliver is part of their masculinity. But pls. put the toilet seat down when you’re finished. Closing the lid will safe the lifes of animals.
Big button or icon with multiple drops means big flush, small button or icon with one drop only means half flush. Choose the buttons wisely according to your business done. Close the lid before you flush. The swirling water that removes your waste from the bowl also mixes with small particles of that waste, shooting aerosolized feces into the air.
62% of men and 40% of women admit they don’t bother. The female of the species is more cleanly than the male. After using the washroom 1 hand = 200 million bacteria per square inch. Use of a one time towel is to be preferred. The more times you wash the better for your health.
Stand up for your rights, but sit down when you pee. Who doesn’t like a nice sit down after a long day? No aiming required. My doctor told me not to lift anything heavy for a few weeks. So now I have to sit down when I pee.
