German Toilet Rules Infographic
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. 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.
Who stands, who sits?
Public toilets for men are usually equipped with pissoirs. Women are left with a sitting option only. Public toilets are usually separate for men vs. women — though in Berlin there are now Unisex toilets as well. Solutions like "Pippilissi" allow women to stand and prevent infections with bacteria and fungi.
How to sit down to pee?
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 as good behaviour. Being a "Stehpinkler" may be considered antisocial. Some toilets have red traffic-style signs forbidding the standing position.
The German Angst
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. Should you think a piranha may cause any issues, you might consider going to psychotherapy.
No smoking on German toilet
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. A toilet is not considered a "separate smoking room" nor a "party tent".
How to use the toilet brush?
Next to every toilet in Germany there is a toilet brush — not just in private settings, but every toilet in the entire country. You are expected to leave the toilet in its pre-use state. Should you not take care of your skid marks, the next patron will automatically assume they belong to you.
Where to put the waste in toilet?
Germans like to sort their trash — they don't just do it for environmental reasons. Flush toilets can easily get clogged. Toilet paper belongs in the toilet, but never throw tampons, sanitary towels or similar materials. Use the pedal bin instead.
Toilet lid or seat – Which one to put down?
If it was up to Germans, toilet seats would be fixed to the bowl and never be up. Everyone is supposed to sit during their work. Please put the toilet seat down when you're finished. Closing the lid will also protect the lives of animals.
Which button to push?
Big button or icon with multiple drops means big flush, small button or icon with one drop means half flush. Choose wisely according to your business done. Close the lid before you flush — the swirling water shoots aerosolized particles into the air.
How to wash your hands?
62% of men and 40% of women admit they don't bother. After using the washroom, 1 hand = 200 million bacteria per square inch. Use of a one-time towel is preferred. The more times you wash, the better for your health.
Sit down to pee & keep good humor!
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.
