German for Intermediate Learners: Discussing Customs with 'In meinem Land ...'
Learn to talk about customs in German using 'In meinem Land ...', ask follow-up questions, and compare cultural norms politely.
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Talking about customs is a common way to connect with German speakers, but it requires more than translating 'In my country, we ...' word for word. In this lesson, you will learn how to describe typical practices with 'In meinem Land ...' or 'Bei uns ...', ask natural follow-up questions such as 'Wie macht ihr das?' and 'Ist das bei euch auch so?', and respond politely when customs differ. The focus is on cultural norms, not social issues: you will practise describing everyday habits, celebrations, and etiquette, and asking others about theirs. You will also learn to avoid common errors such as using 'wir' when you mean people in general, and to use 'man' appropriately. By the end, you should be able to hold a short, respectful conversation about customs and differences.
By the end, you can…
- describe a custom from my country using 'In meinem Land ...' or 'Bei uns ...'.
- ask someone how a custom is practised in their country.
- respond politely when a custom differs from my own.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
In meinem Land ist es üblich, dass man sich zur Begrüßung die Hand gibt.
In my country, it is customary to shake hands when greeting someone.
in MY-nem lant ist es UE-blikh, das man zikh tsuur be-GRUE-sung dee hant gipt
Use this to describe a general custom. 'Üblich' means customary or usual. 'Man' is used for people in general, not 'wir'.
Bei uns feiert man Weihnachten mit der ganzen Familie.
Where I'm from, people celebrate Christmas with the whole family.
by uns FY-ert man VY-nakh-ten mit dair GAN-tsen fa-MEE-lee-e
'Bei uns' is a natural alternative to 'In meinem Land' and often sounds less formal. It can mean 'in our country' or 'in our family/region'.
Wie macht ihr das bei euch?
How do you do that where you're from?
vee makht eer das by oikh
A direct but friendly question to ask about the other person's customs. Use 'ihr' for a group or 'du' for one person: 'Wie machst du das bei euch?'
Ist das bei euch auch so?
Is it the same where you're from?
ist das by oikh oukh zo
Use this to check whether a custom is shared. It is neutral and works in most situations.
Das ist ja interessant! Bei uns ist das anders.
That's interesting! It's different where I'm from.
das ist ya in-te-re-SANT! by uns ist das AN-ders
'Ja' here adds emphasis, like 'indeed'. 'Anders' means different; it is a neutral way to note a difference without judging.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To describe a custom, use 'In meinem Land ...' or 'Bei uns ...' followed by a verb in the present tense. The subject is often 'man' when you mean people in general: 'In meinem Land isst man abends warm.' If you mean a specific group, use 'wir': 'Bei uns essen wir abends warm.' Questions about customs often start with 'Wie ...?' or 'Ist das ...?': 'Wie feiert man bei euch Ostern?' 'Ist das bei euch auch üblich?' To compare, use 'Bei uns ist das anders' or 'Bei uns macht man das so.'
When to use it
Use these phrases in casual conversation when you want to share or ask about everyday norms, celebrations, or etiquette. They are appropriate with friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. Avoid using them to make sweeping claims about entire nations; specify 'bei uns in der Familie' or 'in meiner Region' if you mean a local custom. When you disagree, soften with 'Bei uns ist das etwas anders' rather than 'Das ist falsch.' If you are unsure whether a custom is widespread, ask 'Ist das bei euch überall so?'
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
In meinem Land ist es üblich, dass man sich zur Begrüßung die Hand gibt. Wie macht ihr das bei euch?
In my country, it is customary to shake hands when greeting someone. How do you do that where you're from?in MY-nem lant ist es UE-blikh, das man zikh tsuur be-GRUE-sung dee hant gipt. vee makht eer das by oikh?Bei uns ist das unterschiedlich. In informellen Situationen umarmt man sich oft, aber im Büro gibt man sich auch die Hand.
Where I'm from, it varies. In informal situations people often hug, but in the office people also shake hands.by uns ist das UN-ter-sheet-likh. in in-for-MEL-en zi-too-aht-syo-nen um-ARMT man zikh oft, AH-ber im bue-RO gipt man zikh oukh dee hantDas ist ja interessant! Bei uns ist das anders. Ist das bei euch auch so, dass man sich bei der Arbeit siezt?
That's interesting! It's different where I'm from. Is it also the case where you're from that people use formal 'Sie' at work?das ist ya in-te-re-SANT! by uns ist das AN-ders. ist das by oikh oukh zo, das man zikh by dair AR-byt zeetst?Ja, oft schon. Aber viele Firmen duzen sich heute. Bei uns sagt man: 'Wir duzen uns.'
Yes, often. But many companies use 'du' with each other today. Where I'm from, people say: 'We use 'du' with each other.'ya, oft shohn. AH-ber FEE-le FIR-men DOO-tsen zikh HOY-te. by uns zakt man: 'veer DOO-tsen uns'A little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, 'Sie' and 'du' are important for politeness. Use 'Sie' with strangers, older people, and in formal work contexts until you are offered 'du'. 'Du' is common among friends, family, students, and increasingly in informal workplaces. When talking about customs, German speakers often distinguish between 'Deutschland', 'Österreich', and 'der Schweiz', and regional differences are common. Asking 'Ist das bei euch auch so?' is generally fine, but avoid generalising about 'die Deutschen' as a single group.
One thing to watch for
Using 'wir' when you mean people in general, e.g. 'In meinem Land geben wir die Hand zur Begrüßung' when you are not talking about yourself and your group specifically.
Try this instead: Use 'man' for general customs: 'In meinem Land gibt man sich zur Begrüßung die Hand.' Use 'wir' only when you really mean 'we' as a specific group: 'Bei uns in der Familie geben wir uns die Hand.'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'In my country, people eat dinner warm in the evening' using 'man'?
Show a sample answer
In meinem Land isst man abends warm.
This uses 'man' for people in general and the verb 'isst' in the third person singular. 'Bei uns isst man abends warm' is also correct.
2Ask a German-speaking friend how they celebrate Easter where they are from.
Show a sample answer
Wie feiert man bei euch Ostern?
This is a natural question using 'man' and 'bei euch'. You could also ask 'Wie feiert ihr bei euch Ostern?' if you mean a specific group.
3Respond politely when someone describes a custom that is different from yours.
Show a sample answer
Das ist ja interessant! Bei uns ist das anders.
This acknowledges the difference without judging. 'Bei uns ist das etwas anders' is a softer alternative.
Use 'In meinem Land ...' or 'Bei uns ...' with 'man' for general customs, and ask 'Wie macht ihr das bei euch?' to learn about others. Keep comparisons neutral and respectful.
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