CelinaGSurvival tips for everyday life in Germany
Leave a Comment / Lifestyle / By CelinaG
If you’re new in Germany, don’t worry – you’re not alone! This country can be a little daunting at first, but with these 7 survival tips for everyday life in Germany, you’ll soon be a pro. From mastering the public transport system to knowing your way around German culture and etiquette, I’ve got you covered. So read on and get ready to take on Deutschland like a boss!
Wait for the green Ampelmann
Ampelmännchen
The Ampelmann may be just a red or green silhouette, but he has an immense pop culture following. While the Oma next to you at crosswalk carries her umbrella and shout loudly while waving it about; even if there are NO CARS on this particular road (or children), she will make sure that YOU stay safe! Stand strong in order for everyone else’s sake too – don’t give into fear because we all know how much time can fly by when our nerves take control.
Rechtsfahrgebot – Don’t drive slowly in the left lane
I know, the Autobahn can be intimidating… The rules are simple- faster cars drive on the left, slower cars drive on the right, and under NO CIRCUMSTANCES may you pass on the right. How do you know if you are driving too slow on the left? Some big BMW will come up behind you and flash its lights.
You gave probably heard that there is no “tempo limit” on the autobahns, but that’s a myth, that needs correcting, contrary to what you may think, there ARE speed limits on the Autobahn in many areas. Pay attention to road signs. Also, it is an offense to drive too close or flash lights at a slower driver in front of you. The same goes for showing the middle finger and pointing at your forehead to indicate that the other driver is mad…See all about Germany’s traffic rules and regulations on the ADAC website.
Be on time – Germans love punctuality
When you make plans to meet at 10am…DO NOT arrive on time! Being late is not an option. EVER!!! Now, what if traffic has delayed your journey and it’s too late by the time that i get there? Well just call ahead so they know how long we’ll be gone for – because Handies (Cell phones) are great tools that allow us avoid any last minute surprises like this one here. There really isn’t anything good excuses lateness; however these two common ones might help: extreme blood loss or international incident affecting someone personally close
Always have CASH with you – Don’t expect to use a credit card everywhere
This is odd for many people from UK and USA, but in Germany you can’t always pay with a card, therefore always have some cash handy, it will save you a lot of embarssing situations. More and more stores are starting to take credit cards, but in Germany cash is still king. Fortunately for me though because euros have been marked with their amounts on them (even the coins), which made it easy not only when shopping or eating out at restaurants-I found myself taking moneyevery few days just so that i didn’t need any other currencies handy while travelling throughout Europe! I do miss the old marks, but it also had its drawbacks– Havingto carry around several different currencies can get tiring after awhile.
Shopping carts need coins – so you don’t abandon them in the parking lot
In Germany, when shopping for groceries at stores, the shopping carts are typically chained up and you need to put a coin in the cart slot to unlock it and use it. After you are finished with your shopping, you have to bring the trolley back and lock it again in order to get your money back. This unique system makes grocery shopping in Germany an interesting and somewhat challenging experience. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just visiting for the first time, you’ll have to adjust your mindset to accommodate this somewhat quirky aspect of German culture. But despite the added complexity that it brings, many people still find this shopping model to be an efficient and practical solution to managing retail stores. So if you’re looking for a new and interesting way to buy groceries, then Germany might just be the perfect place for you!
Bring your own shopping bags to the shops
Shopping in Germany is a bit different from other countries. For one, you have to pay for plastic bags. This is because the government is trying to discourage customers from using one-time plastic bags and contributing to pollution. Instead, they encourage people to bring their own shopping bags made from textile materials that can be reused multiple times. This might seem like a small thing, but it really does make a difference in terms of saving the environment and reducing pollution. So next time you’re shopping in Germany, remember to bring your own bag!
You pay a fee for cans and bottles
In an effort to save the environment, many governments are implementing policies that include a fee on beverage containers. For example, in Germany, consumers pay an extra 25 cents on top of the price of their can of Coke or their bottle of juice. When they return the empty cans and bottles, they get the deposit back. This encourages people to recycle rather than simply throwing away their trash, which reduces pollution and helps to preserve natural resources. Ultimately, these policies help to create a more sustainable world for future generations. So always bring back your cans, it’s good for you the planet and….for your wallet.
German culture can be a little overwhelming for newcomers, but with a few survival tips you’ll be able to get by just fine. Be sure to always bring your own grocery bags, as Germans don’t use plastic bags in stores, and remember that shopping carts are chained together and require a deposit. Most importantly, obey the green Ampelmann when crossing the street – even if there seems to be no traffic coming! If you have any other questions about Germany or its culture, feel free to leave a comment below or subscribe to our blog for more posts like this one.
