Dark Days, Vitamin D & The “Onion” Look: Surviving Your First German Winter

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German Probashi
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A foggy, dark winter street in Germany with streetlights on during the day

The first time a Bangladeshi sees snow, it is magic. The second time, it is a nuisance. By the third time, you just want to stay in bed.

Winter in Germany isn’t just about the cold—Dhaka has cold waves too. The real challenge here is the darkness. From November to February, the sun sets at 4:00 PM. For someone used to the bright tropical sun, this can be mentally draining.

Here is the authentic “Probashi” guide to staying happy (and warm) during the gray months.

1. The “Vitamin D” Crash is Real

If you feel tired, sad, or lazy in January, it’s not just “laziness.” It is likely a Vitamin D deficiency.

  • The Science: Our South Asian brown skin needs more sun exposure to produce Vitamin D than white skin. In German winters, the sun is too weak to help us.

  • The Fix: Don’t ignore this. Go to dm or Rossmann and buy Vitamin D3 tablets (1000 I.E. or 2000 I.E.). Almost every Doctor in Germany recommends this for expats.

2. Master the “Zwiebelprinzip” (Onion Principle)

Newcomers often make a mistake: buying one massive, heavy jacket.

  • The Problem: You walk into a heated train or shop, sweat instantly, and then freeze when you walk out.

  • The Solution: Dress like an onion.

    • Layer 1: Thermal inner wear (UniQlo “Heattech” or Decathlon merino wool). This is thin but traps heat.

    • Layer 2: A sweater or fleece.

    • Layer 3: A windproof/waterproof jacket.

3. The “Lüften” Paradox (Ventilation)

This is the biggest culture shock. Your German landlord will tell you to open all windows wide for 5 minutes every morning—even if it is -5°C outside!

  • Why? German houses are well-insulated. If you cook rice or boil water and don’t let the humidity out, Mold (Schimmel) will grow on the walls.

  • The Rule: Turn off the heater. Open windows for 5 mins (Stoßlüften). Close windows. Turn heater back on. This actually makes the room warmer faster!

4. Comfort Food Therapy

Winter is Pitha season. While you can’t get fresh date juice (Khejur Rosh), you can find Date Molasses (Patali Gur) in most Indian/Bangladeshi shops now. Hosting a small Bhapa Pitha party on a dark Saturday evening is the ultimate cure for homesickness.

Verdict: German winter is long, gray, and quiet. But with a warm jacket, good vitamins, and a few friends for Adda, you can learn to love the “Gemütlichkeit” (coziness) of the season.

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