Why do toilets in Germany have a shelf?

Advantages: Energy costs in Germany are much higher than in the United States, which includes the cost of water. Therefore, the shelf toilets were designed to use much less water than their American counterparts - hence the shelf.

What is the purpose of a shelf toilet?

Instead of excretions making the plunge straight into the water, this toilet has a prominent shelf midway to catch everything.

What is up with German toilets?

This shelf toilet, known in Germany as Flachspüler (flat flusher) has a ledge where the American design, Tiefspüler (deep flusher) has standing water. The shelf toilet will prominently present your #1 or #2 before you flush them, which will take some getting used to when you first encounter this toilet style.

Why do toilets in Germany have a flat bottom?

Reasons for this design: the water is less able to splash, the feces can be inspected for parasites or samples easily from the toilet, the drain is less likely to plug because the waste does not all head for the exit at the same time.

Do Germans flush the toilet paper?

Toilet paper belongs into the toilet unless your sitting in an automobile caravan. Never throw tampons, sanitary towels or similar materials in the toilet but use the pedal bin.

The German 'shelf' toilet

Why don t more Americans use bidets?

French origin: Because the French first invented and used bidets, it's thought that the English and their American brethren eschewed the tools because of the traditional rivalry with France. France and England have a longstanding relationship that has at many times in history been antagonistic.

What is considered disrespectful in Germany?

Basic Etiquette

It is rude to chew gum or keep one's hands in one's pockets whilst talking with someone. Cross your legs by putting one knee over the other. It is impolite to rest your feet on furniture. Tight punctuality (Pünktlichkeit) is expected in most professional and social situations.

Why do toilets in Italy have no seats?

Most Italian public toilets don't have a toilet seat.

This has to do with maintenance. Since public toilets are often less than spotless, people often climb with their shoes on top of them, not to sit on a potentially dirty seat.

How do people dry off after using a bidet?

Pat dry with toilet paper

Since you're already clean from your bidet, you won't need much toilet paper to do so–just enough to remove any excess water. Use a gentle pat-dry motion instead of a wipe to avoid any irritation. That's all there is to it.

Why do Dutch toilets look like that?

Dutch engineers have designed the bowl itself to contain a plateau set well above the normal water level. To say the least, one must be very comfortable with themselves and all their excrements on the display shelf. Why the Dutch would have such a perverse desire to examine or witness their waste remains a mystery.

Why do toilets in Europe have a shelf?

Energy costs in Germany are much higher than in the United States, which includes the cost of water. Therefore, the shelf toilets were designed to use much less water than their American counterparts - hence the shelf.

Are squat toilets sanitary?

Earlier studies have shown that squat toilets have higher pathogen loadings on their surrounding surfaces compared with western-style closestool toilets in similar service conditions.

Do Germans use bidet?

The Germans are progressive - but not in everything. Bidets are (still) rare in German bathrooms.

What is the shelf on a German toilet called?

German toilets are therefore different and are called 'shelf toilets' or 'shelf shitter', and if you look inside the bowl the reason for this name will be self-explicative.

Why do European toilets have two buttons?

The toilet has two buttons on the cistern rather than the single-flush one; one button delivers a lesser amount of water (eg. 3 litres) and the other a greater amount (eg. 6 litres). It also uses a larger 10 cm trapway in the bowl, allowing for water to come out faster and clear the bowl efficiently.

What are the downsides of using a bidet?

Up to 43% of female bidet-users had altered vaginal microflora, with an increased risk of bacterial vaginitis. It was found that users with genital or anal discomfort prefer to use a bidet and there is a correlation with subjects having urological infections, vulvar pruritus and also hemorrhoids.

Can a bidet cause arousal?

Sexual arousal and care

Yes, the bidet's main function is to get us clean. But they can also help us to feel sexy. Aquaphilia is the sexual arousal from water and/or watery environments and bidetonism is the use of water spray from a bidet as a genital sexual stimulant.

How do you use a bidet if you're a woman?

Position yourself onto the bidet by either sitting on the rim or squatting over it. (Unlike toilets, freestanding bidets do not have a seat you sit on.) Depending on which area you need cleaned, select the setting or mode that will get the job done. To clean after urinating, select our feminine wash setting.

Why is French toilet paper pink?

It is said that pink was the regional preference at the time; how they came to this conclusion, is a mystery! It is thought that this colour was selected to compliment the bathroom décor – pink bathroom anyone? Of course, white toilet paper is available in France (it's also cheaper), it's just much less common.

Do Italians use toilet paper?

After pooping, Italians use toilet paper on their butt, but not obsessively so. The person will get themselves clean enough then slide themselves from the toilet seat to sit on the bidet and get extra-specially clean.

Why are toilets in Japan on the floor?

In the thirteenth century the Japanese, who were largely a farming people, began to use the waste taken out of these toilets as fertilizer. Traditional Japanese toilets consist of a hole or basin in the floor and are not made to sit on but to squat over.

What is the most offensive German word?

While die Sau is already very offensive, das Schwein is one of the worst German insults.

What does Thumbs up mean in Germany?

Germans may appear reserved and unfriendly until you get to know them better. Never put your hands in your pockets when talking with someone. "Thumbs up" gesture means "one" or is a sign of appreciation or agreement.

What is the hardest German word to say?

1. Eichhörnchen (Squirrel) Although squirrel is also tough to pronounce in English, it's a classic when it comes to difficult German words to pronounce. Many English speakers struggle, and some even consider this the hardest German word to pronounce.