Why do Germans air out their homes?

Author: Dr. Jevon Walter PhD  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Lüften is grounded in the belief that fresh air promotes well-being and can prevent issues related to poor indoor air quality, such as mold growth and respiratory problems. This practice is not only seen in private homes but is also commonly observed in schools, offices, and other public spaces in Germany.

Why do Germans air out their house?

German houses are air-tight and not ventilated. The only way to exchange humid air (moisture builds up when people are inside) is to periodically open the windows. If you do not vent out the humid air you will have mold indoors.

How long do Germans leave their windows open?

On a windy day, windows need to be open for about three minutes, but if you are dealing with a still, winter day, you may keep them ajar for five to 10 minutes before closing them back up.

What is the German word for airing out houses?

This practice is called lüften, which quite literally translates from German as to ventilate or air out. “Lüften is a German… [practice of] ventilation or getting the air out of a room to make the air fresh,” says Dr. Valerie Cacho, an integrative sleep physician.

What do Germans use to heat their homes?

Grid-based energy supply, i.e. natural gas district energy or electricity, is used for heat production in about two-thirds of all apartments. Natural gas accounts for the largest share by far in the German housing market. On average, heating systems in Germany are 17 years old.

Why Germans Are Obsessed With Opening Windows in Winter?

Do most homes in Germany have air conditioning?

Most German homes do not have air conditioning and while there are many factors to consider, primarily: air conditioning is highly inefficient; it's expensive to install and operate; it's not cost effective, and it's only really beneficial for a few weeks out of each summer.

How do I keep my German house cool?

1. Embrace the German Architecture 🏢
  1. Keep windows and blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day to prevent heat from entering.
  2. Open windows at night when temperatures drop to let cooler air in.
  3. Utilize heavy curtains or reflective window films to block out sunlight.

What is the German word for peeing sitting down?

Only 10% say they never do. Ironically, Germany is a nation that has a term deriding men who sit down to pee – 'sitzpinkler', literally someone who sits down to wee, but also used to imply a man is wimpy or effeminate – while also requiring them to do so in many places.

What do Germans call their house?

The German word for 'house' is das Haus. But German speakers have made the prepositional phrase zu Hause, meaning 'at home', into a noun to describe the place where you live and feel comfortable and cosy. So if you wanted to talk about your home, as opposed to your house or flat, you would say mein Zuhause.

What is a chimney sweep called in Germany?

Meeting a Chimney Sweep called in German a Schornsteinfeger, Schlotfeger, or Rauchfangkehrer -- at New Year's meant Good Luck for the year, especially if he would give you his card.

Do Germans take their kitchens with them when they move?

Well, in places like Berlin, Germany, tenants who decide to move are expected to take everything with them, and we mean everything.

How long do Germans sleep?

How much sleep is necessary? The average sleep duration in Germany is about 7 hours. We spend about 1/3 of our life "in sleep" with it. However, most people don't get enough sleep.

Why are houses blurred in Germany?

The primary reason houses are blurred on Google Maps is to protect individual privacy.

Why do German houses have two front doors?

He traces the two-door house back to the combined dwelling house and animal stall—sometimes called a “housebarn” or Wohnstallhaus — which existed in every Germanic area of Europe in the first millennium. At first there were separate entrances to the animal stalls and the dwelling portion of these large houses.

Why people don't buy houses in Germany?

Here are a few reasons why renting is so common in Germany: The German government has built many apartments managed by state-owned companies, and the rental prices are very reasonable. These apartments are hard to access, but once you move in, you can stay there for a long time.

What is a German lady called?

Nowadays, style guides and dictionaries recommend that all women be addressed as Frau regardless of marital status, particularly in formal situations.

What do they call a joint in Germany?

For a joint are some words: Joint, Sportzigarette (older, but my favorite), Dübel, Lunte, Tüte.

What is home alone called in Germany?

Specifically, the 1990 comedy Home Alone, the German title of which Kevin – Allein zu Haus includes the hero's name, is credited with making Kevin to be the most popular boys' name chosen in Germany in 1991. Kevin Costner's 1990 film Dances with Wolves is often cited as an additional factor.

Is it rude to pee standing up in Germany?

In Germany, these men are known as "sitzpinklers" meaning somebody who sits while urinating. There are debates inside the country about whether men should sit or stand. Some toilets have signs forbidding standing up, though the term sitzpinkler implies it is not masculine behaviour.

Should men wipe after they pee?

Should guys wipe after they pee? While most men are content with shaking after they pee, it's a good idea to make a small wipe or dab to ensure that there is no remaining urine. This will help keep your urethra and your undies clean! Toilet paper residue can be annoying and may lead to itchiness.

What is the word for peeing in bed?

Urinary incontinence (enuresis) is the medical term for bedwetting. Incontinence is accidental or intentional urination in children who are at an age where they should be able to have control of their bladders. Girls usually obtain bladder control before boys do.

Why do Germans open their windows in winter?

In Germany, the act of opening windows - both when it's cold and in the summer - is called lüften. This has been part of their daily lives for centuries and aids a happier, healthier home environment. In short, this act expels the indoor air and allows for the arrival of fresh, clean outside air.

How do Germans decorate their houses?

The floor is covered with laminate or carpets, the walls are decorated with woodchip wallpaper or brightly coloured paint. Minimalism or lavish ornamentation – you will find all of these things on entering people's homes in Germany.

How are most German homes heated?

Homes heated by gas make up 52 percent of the total, with oil second at 19 percent. Differences exist geographically across Germany – in the north, more apartments are heated with gas, in the south with oil. In eastern Germany, the average share of district heating was found to be much higher than in western states.

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