​As we look at culture, it represents the social behaviors and norms in a specific society or group. Different cultures have different beliefs, laws, languages, social habits and more. Culture, in many ways, can have an influence on health. If a patient needs a blood transfusion but refuses due to their cultural values, that can have an impact on their health. Understanding cultural behaviors can help health professionals provide the proper holistic care for patients. In Germany, gender roles are the same as it is in most countries. However, gender does not dictate a person's role in the family as it used to. Generally, men are the head of the household in a family, while women are the decision makers of the household.

 

​In Germany, it is common to drink large amounts of beer. Germans consume around 140 liters per year. They are the second largest beer consumers in Europe, after the Czech. Cigarette smoking is also a common habit in Germany. Germans are allowed to smoke in public places such as restaurants, bars, and even on the property of some schools. Binge drinking and smoking cigarettes have a negative effect on health. On the contrary, Germans frequently go hiking or participate in anything involving nature because they say it is good for your 'Seele', which means soul in German. There is also a tradition of 'Freikörperkultur’ or 'free body culture', which is when Germans express their nudity freely. This is mostly common in Northern and East Germany. As for religion, depending on the area in Germany, a small percentage of the population identifies themselves as Christians or Catholics. Overall cultural practices vary based on those living in the cities or those living in rural areas in Germany. 

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