Anything i should know about Germany before visiting?

Question

Anything i should know about Germany before visiting?

Answer 1

If you're in a bigger city, esp in touristy areas, expect everyone to speak passable English.  If you stumble or have an accent, they'll just pick up straight into english.

They count floors differently - the ground floor, and then what we consider the second floor is the first floor, and so on.

Train tickets aren't that cheap.  But if you're planning on using the train a lot and staying a while, you can get a bahncard.  the bahncard 100 is as many trains as you want, anywhere, anytime - but its 300 euro a month.  the others last for a year, 50-100 euros, depending on how much discount you want off ticket prices.  you can check train schedules, and anything you want to know at www.bahn.de

try döner!  its a turkish food thats everywhere.  and its awesome.

mcdonalds, burger king, subway, and the like are all overpriced and not even as good as in the US.

you have to pay a deposit, pfand, quite often on bottles or glasses, to ensure that you return them.  its usually 50 cents - 2 euros, and you get it back when you return the bottle.

avoid the american stuff as much as you can, and get as much into the german stuff as you can!  don't mention WW2 - I didnt until i had lived there 6 months and someone else brought it up.  It's a touchy subject best avoided unless you can debate at length in german.

try out your german!  have a basic understanding before you leave, and listen to natives chatting, even if you can't understand, you'll pick up the intonation!

Answer 2

i heard there was no speed limits there and the driving is crazy. try the strudel or strussel whatever they call it i was told it was good.

Answer 3

If your going to be staying awhile go to www.raileurope.com and buy a railpass.  It's so much cheaper.

Answer 4

They killed many people

Answer 5

Don't assume that everything is open 24/7.  Most businesses are closed on Sundays and close relatively early on Saturdays. Also, don't make sure that all stores take credit cards.  In the grocery store you'll be expected to bag your own stuff...and bring a shopping bag or backpack, or you'll need to pay for a plastic bag (5 cents or something).  Also, in most restaurants you see yourself and don't be offended if someone sits down at your table.  If the restaurant is busy and there's room at your table, people might ask to sit with you.  When you're standing in line, stand closer than you would in the US behind the person infront of you, or someone might assume you're just standing around and cut in line infront of you.  If you're driving on the Autobahn...make sure you pay attention to the posted speed limit...because there are stretches there there ARE speed limit and not only that...the limit changes constantly.

Answer 6

You must be punctual.

Answer 7

It's always cloudy there.  The sun may shine a few days in August, but outside of that, expect clouds and rain.

Answer 8

Don't give the heil Hitler salute and don't do the Goose Step.  They can both land you in jail.

Answer 9

Most people speak English, but it's polite to ask in German whether they do before you launch into it. It's also good to learn a few key words/phrases so you don't always have to ask everyone if they speak English.

Answer 10

it's freakin great! enjoy!

Answer 11

tHE SAME THINGS YOU WOULD NEED TO KNOW FOR ANY COUNTRY YOUR ARE VISITING.......

WHY NOT READ UP ABOUT GERMANY, YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET WHAT BETTER WAY TO ARM YOURSELF WITH INFORMATION.

AN INFORMED DECISION IS ALWAYS BEST

Answer 12

Take a Rhine river cruise. They offer full day trips.

Drive into the beautiful countryside.

Take the train.

Kartaful Klussa is potato dumpling (excellent)

Brotwurst is white (great from roadside stands with pome frittes)

Better Italian food than in italy in almost any italian restaurant.

Try Argentenian steak restaurants. Most tender ever..

I am hungry. Can you tell?

Enjoy it.

After a couple of glasses of wine you will be amazed how you are able to communicate with people who don't speak english.