Getting Around In Germany...

For some visitors, traveling through a foreign country can be exhilarating, but for others, a nightmare! We are here to help you get around these parts with ease! Who cares if you can’t speak the language! We know the tricks to get you where you want to go when you want to get there etc. So don't worry.

Some personal tips I have learned as an American

living in the German Community:

• Nearly everyone under the age of about 30 speaks and/or understands English. They learn it in school as a mandatory subject so if they tell you they don't understand; they just don't feel like helping you. Move on.

• If you attempt to speak the German language, regardless if you murder the language or not, the German people tend to respect you for your attempt and are more apt to help you find what you are looking for. Don't be shy. At least give it a try. This is their country and it's only common courtesy.

• Don't know sign language? Make it up. It works 9 times out of 10. Don't laugh! I'm not kidding. I have been lost, stranded, stuck in the German market not having a clue what spice to buy to go with my stew... You get the point. My hands and a garbled attempt at the language almost always did the trick!

• Learn a few simple phrases before you come. The most common ones are listed on the next page to help you out. You don't need to speak the language to appreciate the country and have a great time here but if you know just a few key words and phrases, you'll get by just fine and have an amazing trip!

• Ladies, don't bother bringing your hair driers, curling irons or anything else electrical as the voltage here is 220V rather than 110V. (It won't fit or work) If you stay with me, you can borrow my stuff~ I don't have head lice :) Or you can purchase adapters for small appliances that have dual voltage. Just check your appliance first so you don't blow it up. It happens, believe me. So far I've lost a toaster, a television, a microwave and a Nintendo Game System. )(&^+@^%#$

• Culture shock: Moms and dads, if you are traveling with your kids, don't be surprised to see ladies walking around topless at the lakes and beaches or children running around completely naked. Just a warning. (My kids still point after all these years!) Oh, and that goes for you jealous wives and girlfriends too. Your man is GOING to look! It's only natural. If there are boobs, they will look. They cannot help themselves, they are only men. LOL

• The food here is wonderful, but some people just can't get used to it. (Especially kids) Have no fear, McDonalds is here! So are Burger King and a few other American fast food places. They taste a little bit different but close enough. Ordering beer with a Big Mac is way cool! Oh yeah, remember when McDonalds wasn't faking being health conscious? The days of the actual FRIED apple pies? They still fry them here! Hooray for fattening fried apple pies!

• As Americans, we are used to personal space. That is not the case here. German people feel very comfortable being all up in your Kool-Aid so to speak, so be prepared. If you have anger management issues and want to knock the hell out of someone b/c they are sucking up your oxygen, this may not be the place for you to visit. I still get a little (well a lot) annoyed by that after many years of living here. I tend to stay home on Saturdays as it's the only day they seem to shop and the whole country is out. I just can't breathe. LOL (Everything is closed on Sundays)

• German people see no problem with sitting down next to you at a restaurant or cafe. It's their culture to do so. Just a warning so you're not like... WTF?

• Do NOT give the finger, the N.Y. salute, the bird, flip off etc. to a German if you are driving as all they have to do is call the Polizei and report your plate number. It's against the law here and for some reason; they always believe the person reporting with no questions asked. It's true. I have paid more than a few fines during my stay here. I am originally from N.Y. Enough said. LOL If you are driving the autobahn and are in the fast lane, it is not a courtesy to move out of the way for a driver who comes up behind you wanting to go faster. It is a must. Just pull the hell over and let em’ pass. Don't play king of the road with these people. They drive at speeds of 200K everyday. They are used to it. You my friend are not.

• Public transportation is excellent. Germany's rail network is comfortable, reliable and fast. This website offers loads of information on time tables, services and discounts. If you can take the train don't bother using public busses. Click on the website above for a wealth of info regarding the public transportation system and then over to about the 6th tab where it says International guests. This will display the pages in English.

German Words and Phrases that you may want to be familiar with....

Click the Flags to proceed

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