Anyone traveling by train in Germany is aware of the unique challenges that come with sharing a compartment. Currently, tips from etiquette experts are coming into focus: they highlight which behaviors are considered particularly disruptive on trains and how travelers can make their trip more pleasant for everyone. Especially during peak travel times and on crowded trains, conflicts arise that could easily be avoided.

The most important things at a glance

• Loud music listening or annoying phone calls are among the most common annoyances in trains according to etiquette experts.
• Blocking seats with bags and storing luggage in the aisle exacerbates the space problem on crowded trains.
• Intensely fragrant foods or excessive scents repel many fellow travelers.
• "Feet on the seat" remains a taboo – even without shoes.

Volume and consideration in the public space

Getting on an ICE or regional train marks not just the start of a journey, but also a balancing act between consideration for others and personal space. In open-plan carriages, loud music from headphones and endless phone calls can be a source of irritation for many travelers. The constant tapping on laptop keyboards has become an underestimated source of noise, asLinda KaiserThe German Knigge Society emphasizes this. It recommends silencing key sounds and moving conversations to the aisle so that the rest of the carriage does not inadvertently become a witness. Those who need to make phone calls should do so quietly and without a hands-free device.

Luggage, Seats, and the Art of Sharing

In daily train travel, travelers often encounter blocked seats – mainly occupied by bags or jackets. During peak times, such behaviors can lead to frustration, as every seat counts. While bags and backpacks take up the seat next to you, aisles are obstructed by suitcases and trolleys, which becomes a problem, especially when the train is busy. Experts advise placing luggage only where it does not obstruct others and freeing up seats promptly as the compartment fills. Those who need help storing their luggage can contact the train staff or fellow passengers.

Nasal swab: Which foods and scents are suitable on the train

Anyone who gets hungry during the journey should be considerate of the sensitive noses of their fellow travelers. Particularly strong-smelling foods like döner, rollmops, or heavily spiced dishes are considered problematic, while coffee is usually tolerated. The same goes for personal care: Overdoing perfume just before departure can quickly become a burden in close quarters. The etiquette expert recommends applying fragrances best in the train restroom and only shortly before reaching the destination station.

Classics and open attitude: Feet on the seat

One particularly criticized behavior is putting feet on the cushions – especially with shoes, but also barefoot. No one wants to sit where dirty socks or soles have left marks. Kaiser suggests a pragmatic approach: those who want to stretch their legs can use their own towel as a mat. According to Knigge, this is quite permissible.

Important questions on the topic

Why is consideration especially important on the train?Due to the limited space conditions, mutual consideration is central to making the journey enjoyable for everyone.

What typical no-gos are considered by etiquette experts on a train?Loud behavior, blocking space, smelly food, and feet on seats are regularly perceived as disturbing by travelers.

How to respond to disruptive behavior?Addressing the person matter-of-factly and politely asking for their cooperation usually helps to resolve misunderstandings quickly.

Even small gestures of mindfulness and avoiding these "no-gos" can make often stressful train journeys a more relaxing experience. The big question remains: Will travelers pay more attention to one another in the future and make the next trip a pleasantly quiet, fragrant, and conflict-free travel time?