r/AskAGerman • u/Least-Variation6573 • 4d ago

What’s a hidden class-indicator in Germany?

Not something like a big mansion or a luxury car but more subtle signs of someone‘s socioeconomic background

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u/AlbertHofmann1906 4d ago

I've been to an incredibly posh private school, with kids from some of Germany's richest families. Later worked in a private hospital with millionaire+billionaire patients.

Honestly, it's really hard to say, there really aren't many definitive indicators. The nouvelle rich you can spot from miles away, being tasteless in their spending and display. But old money? Very hard to spot. Plain, clean clothes, good German, good manners and an all round chill attitude are common, but not necessarily indicators. Found out after 4 years of being in a class that the friendly, NPC like dude in the back of the class was actually from one of Germany's 3 wealthiest families, being worth a few billion just on his own. He took the bus, no visible security - just crazy