It all happens so suddenly every year: one day you're out in the beer garden enjoying the seemingly endless, balmy nights, and the next you're huddling at a bus stop in drizzly weather, noticing that it's already dark at 4pm.
The transition from the summer months to the autumn/winter long haul is one that takes getting used to in Germany, and you may find yourself developing some coping mechanisms to deal with the sudden shift.
Whether that's diving headfirst into autumn hobbies, annoying your friends with your new-found Kürbis obsession, or simply hibernating until it's pleasant outside again, everyone has their own way to get through the colder months. Which of these do you relate to?
Der Morgenmuffel
Morning grouch
Mostly heard grumbling from beneath the duvet covers, the morning grouch is rarely seen outside of the house in autumn - or at least not before 12pm. In summer, they were the life of the party, organising endless day trips and lakeside picnics. But somewhere around mid-September, this sensitive soul retreats into their bed and refuses to get up again until spring.
READ ALSO: German word of the day: Der Morgenmuffel
This personality type can usually be found working from home most days, clearly still wearing their pyjamas from the waist down when they appear on a conference call. The several alarms they set each day are quickly dismissed with the excuse that it can't possibly be morning when it's still so dark outside.
In October, the morning grouch usually counts down the days until the clocks go back and they can spend an extra hour in bed. Of course, from this point onwards they also have an excuse to sneak back under the covers at 7pm, which is where they spend the rest of the evening.
Der Abenteuraffen
Adventure ape
Hiking, biking, mountaineering and mushroom-picking: name an outdoor activity, and the adventure ape is into it. Though their summer lifestyle may be relatively laid-back, the changing of seasons sends this personality type into a frenzy of activity, seeking out any kind of adrenaline rush they can find.
If you have an Abenteuraffen in your life, you may find them suddenly raving about how much they appreciate the German outdoorsy lifestyle and how it's the best way to beat the autumn blues.
They may cancel brunch at short notice to make an emergency trip to Decathlon, or introduce you to Klaus from the canoe club or Greta from the climbing gym.
Though this type is likely to emit a healthy - and somewhat pompous - glow whenever you see them, you may wonder when this burst of fevered activity will come to an end. This is usually around winter, when the adventure ape generally trades in their running shoes for Stollen and Netflix just like the rest of us.
READ ALSO: Surviving winter - 8 tips for enjoying the cold like a true German
Der Meisterbäcker
Master baker
Home is where the heart is, and there's no autumn personality type quite as homely as the master baker. As the autumn chill sets in, they turn back to the creature comforts, embracing the simple pleasures of hearty German food and the warmth that emanates from the oven.
Visit them in their sanctuary, and you'll be greeted by the heavenly aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting from their kitchen as they perfect their signature apple crumble.
On the rare occasions they leave the house, they're likely to be wrapped up in cosy knitwear and hunting down the best possible pumpkin at the Kürbisfest.
If you happen to have a master baker in your life, hold them close, as their dinner parties and cake-based gifts could be just what you need to see you through the autumn.
Der Vorbereitungsvögel
Preparation bird
Much like a bird preparing its nest and stocking up on food for the winter, the Vorbereitungsvögel spends their days gathering the essential supplies that will help them survive the colder months in Germany.
On the first days of autumn, they can be seen out and about in a brand new Übergangsjacke: the perfect transitional coat to take them through to winter.
Their autumn mantra - "If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail" - seems to carry them through the darker months, along with constantly wearing several layers of clothes, waterproof shoes, and carrying a thermos flask and an umbrella.
They keep a weather app permanently open on their phone to stay one step ahead of the changeable climate, so you're unlikely to get caught in the rain if you're out with a preparation bird.
READ ALSO: German word of the day - Die Übergangsjacke
If you want to engage them in conversation, try asking them for their advice on the best SAD lamps on the market: not only do they have encyclopaedic knowledge of this topic, but they'll also be thrilled that someone finally wants to hear about the extensive research they carried out back in August.
Der Saunaschnecke
Sauna snail
With their permanently moist skin and silky sheen, the sauna snail refuses to spend long in environments cooler than 70C.
At the first hint of cold nip in the air, this personality type will rush to renew their membership at the nearest spa and retreat to the sauna and steam room for the next few months.
While they may have been sceptical of the FKK nudist movement when they first moved to Germany, necessity means they no longer have any issues with stripping off in public - at least not if it involves getting warm for a while.
As the season goes on, you may notice the sauna snail's knowledge evolving, and they're likely to want to tell you of tales of the best Aufguss (sauna infusion) they experienced during their latest after-work session.
READ ALSO: 8 spectacular spas to visit in Germany this winter
Though the endless lectures on the benefits of eucalyptus vs pine needle may bore you, it's best to stay on the sauna snail's good side: someday, they might invite you along to the sauna with them, and finally give you an excuse to get out of the cold.
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