In a popular European city, people are not accustomed to taking selfies, and here's why
Berlin is an amazing city full of historical monuments, picturesque landscapes, and fascinating museums. However, when taking a photo as a souvenir, it is important to keep in mind some peculiarities of German culture and etiquette to avoid getting into an awkward situation.
Some tourists from other parts of Europe and the world may be surprised to notice that locals hardly ever take selfies. The BBC Travel article explains that this is because a tourist city contains many locations that are not suitable for shooting, clubs with privacy conditions, and other factors.
Germans are very careful about their safety and privacy. When taking a selfie, you may inadvertently take pictures of people without their consent, which can lead to conflict.
Especially if the photo or video was taken during a fun night out somewhere in a nightclub, where guests can be more casual than in public during the day.
There are many places in Berlin where photography is prohibited or undesirable. This applies to Holocaust memorials, places of mourning, and private areas.
Germans appreciate politeness and restraint. Taking selfies against the backdrop of historical monuments with a not-so-pleasant history, or in crowded places, may seem tactless and selfish to them.
But Berliners are also sympathetic to tourists' desire to show off beautiful shots, as long as it doesn't inconvenience them.
When taking a photo, you just have to make sure that there is nothing in the frame that people around you would like to leave out of the lens.