Here are six key cultural differences between homes in North America and Germany:

Rental vs. Ownership

• Germany: Renting is much more common. Many people rent their homes for life.
• North America: Homeownership is a major goal, and buying a house is often seen as a sign of financial success.

Building Materials: Brick vs. Wood 

• Germany: Houses are usually made of solid materials like brick, concrete, or stone. This makes them more durable, energy-efficient, and better insulated.
• North America: Homes are mostly built with wood frames, drywall, and siding. This makes construction faster and cheaper, but houses are less insulated and more vulnerable to extreme weather (like hurricanes or wildfires).

Kitchens in Rentals

• Germany: Rental apartments often come without a kitchen! Tenants must install their own cabinets, appliances, and sometimes even the sink. This is called die Einbauküche.
• North America: Kitchens are always included in rental properties, fully equipped with appliances.

Laundry Rooms & Dryers in Rentals

• Germany: Washing machines are often in the bathroom or kitchen, and dryers are less common. Germans prefer air-drying clothes. In apartment buildings, there is often a shared laundry room in the basement.
• North America: Laundry rooms (or at least a washer and dryer in the basement or closet) are standard, and dryers are used frequently.

Basement Differences

• Germany: The unfinished basement (der Keller) is very common, often used for storage, laundry, or bike parking.
• North America: Basements are often fully finished and used as living spaces, game rooms, or home gyms.

Closing Doors vs. Open Living 

• Germany: People often keep doors closed between rooms to save energy (heating in winter, keeping rooms cool in summer). It’s normal to close the living room, kitchen, and even hallway doors.
• North America: Many homes have fewer interior doors, and people often leave them open unless privacy is needed.