The Ins and Outs of German Toilets: What You Need to Know

Want to learn more about German toilets? Check out this post for everything you need to know about toilets in Germany and what makes them unique.

As someone who’s used to culture shock while traveling, I never thought something as mundane as a German toilet would cause me to question everything I knew. Before I came to Germany, I always thought toilets were the same all around the world in the sense that they all needed a lever to flush and the same level of water, but, that’s not the case at all.

In Germany, the toilets there are quite different since they have several features that make using the toilet a pleasant experience. However, to a foreigner, these differences may seem unusual. So, if you’re looking to learn more about the ins and outs of German toilets, keep reading! This post alone highlights everything you need to know about German toilets and what makes them unique.

Water Level

When it comes to the water level in German toilets, theirs tends to be way less compared to American ones. In fact, on average, American toilets use two to three gallons of water per flush so Germans are definitely doing something right here.

Because, if you think about it, since Germans care so much about the environment and conserving energy, it’s no wonder the same concept also applies to their toilets. So, in order words, to Germans flushing two to three gallons of water down the toilet is like flushing money away. Therefore, the water level in their toilets is generally low to make them more environmentally friendly.

Germans even take conserving water in toilets to another level by having two buttons to start the flow. The smaller button is used if you want to flush less water down the toilet while the big button is used if you need to flush more. So, despite the low water level and the two buttons, German toilets tend to have impressive suction.

Toilet Shelf

Another thing that’s important to note when it comes to German toilets is the fact that they have shelves in comparison to American ones. German toilets have shelves due to a lay-and-display model which prevents feces from plunging straight into the water from the butt. The toilet shelf will instead catch everything so that you can examine your excrement before you flush it.

Germans, in fact, find the toilet shelf perfect for stool sample collection while others find it weird that they have to look at their sh** before they flush it. So, you may be wondering… if the poop is on the toilet shelf, how does it get into the water?

A good German toilet, as stated previously, has a great turbo suction that will whisk away the feces on the toilet shelf as soon as you flush it. The downside to this however is the fact that this turbo suction may leave behind some skid marks for you to clean up.

So, to prevent any skid marks due to the German toilet shelf, here are some recommendations:

1. Pre-flush the toilet so that you can lube up the toilet bowl just before you defecate
2. Lay down some extra toilet paper in the toilet bowl before you poop to make the transition easier
3. Scoot forward on the toilet so that your feces miss the toilet shelf entirely
4. Get a toilet brush ready to clean up does skid marks

Overall, even though the toilet shelf is different, I still have yet to come across a German toilet that has been clogged because of it.

Advantages of the German Toilet

Here are the advantages of the German toilet you should be aware of if you’re using it for the first time as an American:

1. The toilet shelves in German toilets are designed to use less water than their American counterparts.
2. Your butt is less likely to get splashed on when you defecate since there is no water sitting on the toilet shelf.
3. If you’re not feeling well, the toilet shelf in German toilets gives you the opportunity to take a quick sample of your stool for your doctor.

Disadvantages of the German Toilet

Here are the disadvantages of the German toilet you should be aware of if you’re using it for the first time as an American:

1. Your feces will stink up the bathroom when it sits on the shelf.
2. Flushing your excrement will leave skid marks behind that you may have to clean up.

German Toilets 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 toilets!

via GIPHY

Why are German toilets different?

German toilets are different from other toilets because they have features that make using the toilet a pleasant experience. For one thing, German toilets have a flat bottom that helps reduce the risk of splashing if someone wants to defecate in the toilet. This reduction in splashback also has to do with the toilet’s low water level and its low and vertical siphon hole.

How to use a toilet in Germany?

Here are some things you need to know if you’re going to use the toilet in Germany:

1. Most toilets in Germany have two buttons so please don’t press them both at once to avoid wasting water
2. Public toilets are usually not free in Germany so always have a euro or two on hand
3. Bidets are occasionally found next to the toilet in Germany but they’re more common in Italy and France.

Why do German toilets have two buttons?

German toilets have two buttons because they have a dual flush system that helps them save water. One button is for a full flush while the other button is for a half flush. Therefore, the button with the full flush would be for defecation since you’ll need more water to flush your feces down the toilet and the button with the half flush would then be for urination since it’s a lighter job.

Do Germans use toilet paper or bidet?

Germans use toilet paper and bidets but toilet paper is more common. This isn’t due to a different approach to hygiene though. This is because bidets are more used in other European countries.

Why do you have to pay for a toilet in Germany?

You have to pay to use the toilet in Germany in order to cover the cost of maintenance, supplies, and labor. The fee you pay is typically a small amount like a euro but restrooms with extra amenities like showers or changing rooms may cost more.

Some cities in Germany though do have free public toilets like Berlin so keep that in mind!

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Overall, I hope you enjoyed this post on the ins and outs of German toilets. Please let me know in the comments below what your experience was like using a German toilet for the first time. I would love to hear from you! 🙂

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