There are some strong cultural differences when it comes to this concept.\u00a0<\/p>\n
While people in the UK or US might barely notice a stream of cold air, in Germany, exposure to Zugluft \u2013 also known as Durchzug or Luftzug \u2013 is often blamed for a wide range of health issues.<\/p>\n
Got a runny nose? The flu? That’s probably the Zugluft. Muscle aches? Tension? Sore neck? You guessed it – that’s the air.\u00a0<\/p>\n
READ ALSO: Are Germany\u2019s hygiene obsessions really backed by science?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n You might also hear another common phrase when Germans are talking about streams of cold air. The phrase “es zieht” translates to “there is a draft” or “it’s drafty” in English. It literally means “it pulls”.\u00a0<\/p>\n A woman lying on her sofa blows her nose. Photo: picture alliance\/dpa\/CLARK | CLARK<\/p>\n We should point out that it’s not just Germans who take drafts of air seriously. In many other countries, including elsewhere in Europe, children grow up warned against this force of nature. They are urged to cover their necks and never, for goodness’ sake, go out with wet hair.\u00a0<\/p>\n They might have a point to some extent, but science maintains that viruses and bacterial infections cause colds, not drafts of air.<\/p>\n Still, that doesn’t deter the Germans. There is a ton of advice out there, including in magazines and online, giving tips on how to avoid Zugluft.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n You can install a Zugluftstopper for your door or thermal curtains, for example.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Don’t Germans love air streams?<\/strong><\/p>\n To make things a bit confusing (for foreigners), the Germans equally love fresh air.\u00a0<\/p>\n The mandatory airing out of rooms (L\u00fcften) is literally written into rental contracts. On winter days when the temperature drops below zero, Germans still require that you fling your windows wide open and air out the room.\u00a0<\/p>\n Regular ventilation of rooms aids air circulation and even became a key focus during the Covid-19 pandemic.\u00a0<\/p>\n Just make sure when you are performing your L\u00fcften duties that you don’t stay in the cold air too long.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/bluenose.jpg\")
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