The Ultimate Guide to German Beds: Quality, Comfort, and Style

Just moved to Germany and curious about German bed culture? Check out this post for the ultimate guide to German beds for your knowledge.

As someone who lived in Germany for a year, I never thought that Germany would have a completely different bed culture than the U.S. From the duvets to the etiquette, Germans have a different way of going to bed that works well for them. Their bed culture, for one thing, gets rid of the following issues:

• Freezing in the middle of the night
• Losing the covers as you’re sleeping

So, if you want to know why Germany’s bed culture resolves these issues, keep reading! This post alone is your ultimate guide to German beds and the culture.

One Bed, Two Duvets (german beds)

One important thing to note about German bed culture is the fact that Germans like sharing one bed and having two duvets. Germans like this because it prevents the two people on the bed from freezing at night since each person will have their own duvet that they can use to specifically keep them warm.

This even prevents Germans from losing the covers as they’re sleeping since they don’t have to share their duvet with their partner. Sharing a duvet can create conflict between two people if one person is hogging it, so having two duvets on the bed prevents this problem from occurring.

Bed Sizes in Centimeters (german beds)

In addition, compared to America’s bed culture, Germans don’t have names like “king” “queen” “double” or “single” to differentiate their bed sizes. Instead, they measure their duvets, pillows, and beds by the centimeter to differentiate one bed size from the other.

This makes more sense for a lot of Germans since knowing the exact bed size in centimeters will help them when they’re looking for bedding. Americans, unfortunately, have to hope the king bed sheets they bought actually fit the king bed.

Pillow Sizes (german beds)

Another thing that’s important to note about German bed culture is the fact that German pillow sizes are usually square. This was something I had to get used to whenever I slept on my bed in Germany since American pillow sizes are rectangular.

The reason Germans prefer their pillows square has a lot to do with the fact that they are designed to be soft and cuddly that way. This, therefore, allows Germans the flexibility to sleep in whatever position they want because of the texture of the pillow. Germans also have the ability to crumple the pillow to their own comfort level, hence why they call their pillows, Knautschkissen. The German word Knautschkissen literally translates to “crumple pillow” which highlights the fact that German pillows are meant to be easily molded and squeezed.

Putting on a Duvet Cover (german beds)

The best way to put a duvet cover on for your duvet is to turn the duvet cover inside out. This makes things easier for you since you can just slide your hands inside the duvet cover and hold on to two corners of the duvet. Once you’ve done that, you can use your hands to slide the duvet cover on since the cover will slide down your arms. However, if your duvet is really huge, be sure to shake the duvet cover on your duvet as it’s sliding down your arms.

You’re also welcome to watch the TikTok video below if you need a visual reference.

@kristinaleigha

How to put on a duvet cover using the inside out method. I think this is the easiest way. #keepingactive #duvetchallenge #fyp

♬ Play Date – Melanie Martinez

Französisches Bett (german beds)

Lastly, common in German hotels, a Französisches Bett (french bed) is a small double bed that’s similar to the size of a double bed in Germany. The only difference between the two is the fact that a German double bed has two separate mattresses and slatted frames while a Französisches Bett has a single mattress with a slatted frame.

A Französisches Bett has this type of framework because it promotes romance and togetherness. This is very similar to double beds in America so it’s no wonder German hotels have these beds for foreigners.

Therefore, if you’re visiting Germany for the first time as an American and you want to avoid the German-style bed for you and your significant other, ask your hotel or any other accommodation if they have a room with a Französisches Bett available. If they have one, take it, since it won’t be much of a cultural adjustment for you.

German Beds FAQs

All in all, to end this post, I thought it would be important to also answer some frequently asked questions people might have about German beds!

via GIPHY

What is a German style bed?

A German-style bed refers to the bed size, duvets, and bed frames Germans use. Regarding bed size, a single bed in Germany is 90 cm by 200 cm, while a large single bed is 140 cm wide. A double bed also comprises two single mattresses together and a large double bed is 200 cm wide.

Regarding duvets, Germans use a down comforter that is designed for one person. It’s often used by couples who share a bed since each person may have their own warmth requirements.

Lastly, regarding bed frames, Germans may have a flexible honeycomb slat bed suspension to help align the spine.

Do German couples sleep in separate beds?

Yes, German couples tend to sleep on separate mattresses to avoid disturbing each other at night but they still share the same bed frame.

Why do Germans use two duvets?

Germans use two duvets when it comes to two people sleeping together because couples who sleep in the same bed may have different preferences in regard to temperature or different movement habits.

For example, in regard to temperature, one person can choose a lighter duvet if they get hot really easily while another can choose a heavier one if they’re always cold at night.

Also, couples who use two duvets are less likely to be disturbed at night which can lead to improved sleep quality and a refreshed feeling in the morning.

Cover stealing also isn’t an issue which is a recurring problem in a lot of American households.

What is a single bed in Germany?

A single bed in Germany is 90 centimeters by 200 centimeters which is equivalent to 36 inches by 78 inches.

Why don’t Germans use top sheets?

Germans don’t use top sheets since they follow a Scandinavian sleep method that’s highly against them. The reason the Scandinavian sleep method doesn’t recommend top sheets is because they can feel constricting and uncomfortable at night. Top sheets can also get tangled and crumpled at night which can cause some conflict between couples. Some would even say the sheet is unnecessary since it simply “gets in the way”. Regardless, Germans believe whether or not to use a top sheet is a matter of personal preference.

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Overall, I hope you enjoyed this post on everything you need to know about German bed culture. Please let me know in the comments below what your experience was like sleeping on a German bed for the first time. I would love to hear from you! 🙂

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