Strict punctuality, direct communication, reporting sick the proper way, going home when your shift ends, and holiday as an entitlement rather than a favour.
On time means five minutes early
In Germany, arriving exactly at the start of your shift already counts as late: that is the time you must be ready to work, not the time you walk through the gate. Repeated lateness is an entirely lawful reason to terminate a contract.
Being direct is not being rude
Germans give feedback directly and specifically. It can sound harsh if you are used to softer language, but it is how they work with everyone and it is not aimed at you personally.
In return, if you do not understand a task, you must say so straight away. Nodding silently and then doing it wrong is judged far more harshly than asking again.
If you are ill, report it — properly
You must tell your employer you are ill before your shift starts, on the very first day. If you are off for longer than the set number of days, you need a doctor's certificate (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung).
If you report sick correctly, you continue to be paid as the law requires. Staying away without notice is treated as abandoning your job.
Note:Ask in your first week: who you report sickness to, which phone number to use, and from which day you need a doctor's certificate.
Go home when your shift ends — and holiday is your right
German law limits working hours and requires a rest period between two shifts. Staying on is not seen as hard work; it is seen as working inefficiently or breaking the rules.
The days of annual leave in your contract are your entitlement. Book them in advance through your employer's procedure — there is no need to ask as a favour.