Germany's laissez-faire approach to fireworks means pyrotechnics are commonplace on the streets on New Year's Eve, but if you're looking to ring in the New Year in a quieter way, or host a pre-party before hitting the town, here are 10 typical German traditions, which can be carried out at home or in a small gathering.Â
Melt some cheese
Fondue is a traditional dish for Germans at New Year. Melt some cheese and dip meats and vegetables into it.
Make a resolution
Making a New Year’s resolution (or 'Vorsatz') is no different in Germany to elsewhere. Exercising, quitting smoking, learning German – you decide.
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Watch British television
Every New Year’s Eve German television broadcasts a British comedy sketch called Dinner for One.
It has been shown each year since 1963 which made it the most frequently repeated television show ever. It is virtually unknown in its home country.
Send a card
Germans like to send each other cards wishing a happy new year. Join the fun.
Read the Bible
Bibelstechen, literally ‘bible poking’ involves opening up a random page of the Bible and reading a passage in it. You then discuss what that could mean for 2023.
Get a pendulum
Swinging a pendulum will also give you clues about what will happen in the new year. If you ask a question and the pendulum swings clockwise, it means yes. If it swings counterclockwise, the answer is no.
Pick a gummy bear
Das Gummibärenchen-Orakel involves picking five gummy bear sweets at random from a packet. The colour of the sweets gives an indication of the future. A red one will mean love, a yellow one wealth, hence the name, the gummy bear oracle.
Pour some lead
Bleigießen in German involves heating some lead and pouring the melted contents into cold water. The shape the lead forms will tell you what might happen in the New Year. A cross, for example could signify death. Yet amid worries of toxic chemicals found in wax, some Germans in recent years have instead adopted the ritual of Wachsgießen (wax pouring), or using the remains of old candles to see into the future.
Do a spin
In German "Das Drehen um die eigene Achse" will help you out if all the omens so far from Bibles and gummy bears have been bad. Spinning turns a bad omen into a good one.
Eat Berliners
No, we don't mean people who live in the capital city. Filled with various fruit jams, these yeast pastries which are similar to doughnuts are also known as Pfannkuchen or Krapfen in other parts of the country. Berliners are traditionally eaten right after the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve.Â
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