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While I love exploring new places, there’s something special about travel in Germany that just gets me.
There’s mindblowing nature next to fairytale towns, big vibrant cities next to mounds of potato and meat 😉 By my accounts, it’s a near-perfect place.
… and that’s why I love it here!
There are certain quirks however that I wish was aware of before I decided to travel in Germany (and um, you know, eventually move there).
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Despite being so similar to North America in many ways, there are radical differences to home that disorient even the most seasoned travellers.
Having learned most of these things the hard way, I’ve decided to valiantly compile my best tips for you – the important things you must keep in mind when you travel to Germany!
PS: I know, I know – Germany is a massive country, and it’s bad to generalize.
Much of my experience has been in Bavaria, where I live, and no, not all these tips will apply everywhere, but I have travelled a fair bit around the country as well and have found that much of this holds true.
Anyways, enough yapping – grab a beer and notepad – it’s time to travel Germany through these 17 important tips!
TIP: If you are still doing research for your trip to Germany, here are some recommendations. I always use Omio to compare/book transport options in Europe. It’s a free site that compares planes, trains and buses all at once and sorts them by price, convenience, etc. Also HotelsCombined offers a similar price check for hotels if you’re still needing a place to stay 🙂
17 Important Must-Knows Before You Travel in Germany
1. It’s all about that cash money, yo
You might expect Germany, producer of supercars and epic technology to be on board with the whole credit card trend, but this simply isn’t the case.
I know it’s weird, but you’ll find that many places in Germany don’t actually take credit card, even shops in major transit hubs like central train stations.
So, if you plan to frolic/travel Germany for a while, make sure you have plenty of cash on you.
BONUS TIP: Coins are good to have as well. Carry at least some change with you at all times, especially if you have a weak bladder because…
2. Good luck if you wanna pee for free
The chance to travel in Germany is really like a fairytale come true… but sadly one where happily ever after involves paying to urinate.
Free public restrooms are quite rare, which means you’ll usually have to cough up 50 cents or more to pee at train stations, bus stations, shopping malls and even McDonalds (yeah, for real!)
NOTE: Often these places with paid washrooms will give you a little coupon to use on a future purchase, so if you need to go, head to the washroom first before buying your McNuggets.
Even restaurants and clubs aren’t immune to this, so that’s why I say you should bring change with you at all times.
Often washrooms in busy restaurants/clubs/events will have an attendant there who keeps it clean. In these cases, a tip isn’t mandatory, but heavily expected, sooo unless you enjoy getting vicious side-eye, bring some change with you.
3. On Sundays, may the odds be ever in your favour
So I’m not saying that Germany becomes the Hunger Games on Sundays…. but Germany kinda becomes the Hunger Games on Sundays.
In many parts of Germany, Sundays are a day of rest, which means that most shops (supermarkets, retail stores, malls, etc.) will be closed. Many restaurants will still be open, but if you’re hoping to run any errands or do any shopping, plan around the Sunday closures……. or you know, starve. It’s cool.
4. German punctuality is not a joke
Germans are crazy punctual. And for the most part, so is their public transport (at least in Munich, anyway!)
This means you should always get to your bus, tram and train and few minutes early, otherwise it will mercilessly leave without you.
Likewise, when making plans with a German person, don’t expect to get the whole 30 minutes buffer time you get in North America, where you both message “on my way! sorry! traffic is bad!” back and forth until one of you dies. No, a German will be on time. Maybe even ten minutes early.
Do not disappoint the German.
5. I hope you like staring contests
In my experience, Germans seem to really like staring.
Sometimes I like to pretend it’s because I’m a radiant goddess, but then the sensible part of me realizes it’s just a cultural thing.
If you think you’re being judged by that grumpy grandma sneering at you from two seats away, let’s be honest: you probably are.
We even have a special word for the older judgey people – the Oma and Opa-Polizei, (aka the grandma/grandpa police) who are sure to cast shade at you for even the most minuscule of offenses.
One time, an old woman stopped a friend of mine and yelled at him because she didn’t like his lederhosen. It’s just a way of life. Learn to laugh at it and move on. On that note…
6. Keep your voice down, lest you be judged
Germans don’t tend to speak very loudly (unless they’re shrieking folk songs after a few beers).
In fact, public transit is often eerily quiet, and if you don’t keep it down, your English voice will surely pierce through the calm and tear through the entire fabric of German social propriety.
Refer to #6 – people will stare at you, and you will feel awkward.
7. You might see some naked people
Ironically, for people who hate small talk and being loud on public transit, Germans are weirdly down with being nude.
Like, you wanna go to the park in the summer time? You will likely see a naked human being.
I mean maybe this is an odd Bavarian thing, but I learned it the hard way.
Once upon a time, I tried to have a peaceful picnic by the river in Munich’s English Garden (one of the world’s largest city parks). Eating my pretzel was difficult as an elderly man ran naked, wild and free across the river from me, periodically bathing himself and flaunting his body like he was Ryan Gosling on steroids.
Anyway, nudity can be common – just prepare yourself.
PS: In many saunas, wellness spas, etc., nudity is not only expected, but mandatory. This is another lesson I learned the hard way. *cringe*
8. When you travel in Germany, look for group discounts on travel/train tickets
If you decide to travel Germany by train, make sure you take advantage of all the amazing discounts!
Germans LOVE rewarding you for having friends, so group tickets will often save you ludicrous amounts of money.
As an example, in Munich a one-way bus ticket is 2.80, whereas a 3 day group ticket for unlimited travel for up to 5 people is less than 30! That’s only 6 euros a person, for 3 days of unlimited joy rides. It’s insane.
Likewise, look into special regional tickets for trains which get cheaper the more friends you bring. In Bavaria, we call this a “Bayern ticket”, but I know other states have them too. For us, you pay 25 euros for the first person, then 7 euros additional for every extra human you get on there, which means huge savings if you get up to 5 (the maximum) on the same ticket. It’s also valid for unlimited train travel within that region, which means Godzilla-sized savings. For more info, you can click here for my full Bayern ticket guide.
9. Water will cost you, and it’ll probably be fizzy
One of the biggest shocks for North Americans who travel to Germany is that in restaurants, a) water isn’t free and b) fizzy, carbonated water is usually what you get by default.
This thrills me because I would literally carbonate everything if I could, but I know a lot of folks hate fizzy water (ugh, weirdos).
So, be sure to clarify whether you want still or sparkling. Sadly, there’s not much you can do about paying for it though (unless you have your own sneaky bottle of water with you).
PS: Buying bottled water at the shop will become the most confusing thing in the world (and a significant source of anxiety).
Every brand has their own colour code/name for which water has gas or not.
Some consider “natural” to be with gas, some without, some use blue for fizzy water, others use green…. They even categorize by how fizzy it is (e.g. Medium), and I just about lost it when once, I saw a teal bottle that said “EXTRA STILL” on it. What even is extra still water? How could still water possibly get any still-er? Turns out, it’s a cryptic German code for mildly fizzy water. Nothing is safe, folks. Enjoy your Russian roulette of hydration. [Sorry for the rant, I am just weirdly passionate about this topic]
10. Most people speak English, except (weirdly) where it counts
I always joke with friends that I could stop anyone on the street here in Germany and they would probably speak fluent English, yet as soon as I step into any bureaucratic environment (e.g. to get my visa sorted, to open a bank account, etc.), I’m left flailing in broken German.
Fair enough though – after all, remember that you’re in a foreign country so you shouldn’t expect people to automatically speak your language. That’s why it’s helpful to brush up on some basic German phrases, although you shouldn’t worry too much because there usually at least some fluent English speakers lurking around, especially in big cities like Munich and Berlin.
Craving more fuel for your wanderlust? Connect with me on Instagram for real-time updates, photos and stories!
11. Avoid the bike lane or risk certain death
Biking culture is pretty big here, especially in Munich where I live. Trust me when I say that you have not gotten a real taste of travel in Germany until you’ve stared death in the face while accidentally prancing down a bike lane.
There’s not often a clear division between the path for bikes/for people, and they tend to exist side by side to really shake things up and get you that sweet adrenaline rush. Here’s your best survival tip: check whether or not you’re in the bike lane!
12. Oh yeah, jaywalking is worse than murder
So sure, maybe I’m exaggerating but I have literally never met a group of humans so collectively and vocally against jaywalking.
I once saw a guy in the suburbs who still waited dutifully for the light to change before crossing, despite not a single car or witness in sight (besides me, always a’lurkin).
Especially when there are kids around, parents get super angry at you for setting a bad example (which is fair enough), so it’s better safe than sorry.
There are few things more terrifying than being yelled at by an old German woman from across the street. Well, apart from trying to select the right water at the grocery store that is. Sorry – still not over it.
13. Travelling to Germany is a lot of Pfand
This is a very lame pun that won’t make sense unless you speak German, but Germans are really into recycling and the term “Pfand” essentially refers to a refundable deposit that you pay on things like cans, bottles and even glasses/mugs at beer gardens and Christmas markets.
It functions as an incentive for you to return those items to get your money back. So, in the case of cans/bottles, it encourages recycling and in the case of glasses/mugs, it prevents you from pocketing them as fun souvenirs (though many still do).
This is a really important word to know, because often items will be more expensive than the listed price at the store because of the pfand. So that 1 euro can of Coke might become 1.25 at checkout. Similarly, let’s say you’re at a German Christmas Market for the first time and want to get yourself a nice mulled wine for 3 euros. You might end up paying 5 euros at first, because of the 2 euro pfand on the mug. Extra picky places will even give you a token to return alongside your glassware to get your refund back.
Soooo remember: if your cashier slides you a plastic coin at the beer garden, it’s not some kind of sketch business dealing, it’s just something you must return to get your moola back.
14. Small talk and pleasantries are not a thing
As a Canadian, it’s in my DNA to fill any voids of silence with meaningless chit chat. “It’s a windy day out, eh?” I’ll often murmur, yearning for that sweet human connection as I do.
Germans hate this.
Germans literally do not understand the point of small talk. Often, if you try it, they will be confused at why you are wasting their time and getting all up in their personal space. On that note…
15. Expect customer service to be frostier than a snowman on skis
There are of course exceptions to this, but generally speaking, customer service is not very friendly or warm in Germany. This goes for restaurants, retail shops and yes, official places like banks.
But hey, if you play your cards right and smile sweetly, you might get a vague acknowledgement of your presence in return 😉
Yay, little wins.
So, the next time your waiter ghosts you and doesn’t return for like, 10 years, don’t take it personally – it’s not you!
On that note, tipping is still expected – but not to the crazy extent that we take it to in North America. Generally, rounding up is enough.
16. Good luck at the Grocery Store AKA the freaking Olympic Games
Never in my life did I think I’d need to do warm-up exercises before visiting the grocery store.
… Then I moved to Germany.
I swear the cashiers in Germany are all training for the Olympic Games.
They scan items so absurdly quickly that it’s like a duel every single time. Like, dude – I just wanted some bananas, why are you rushing like your wife has gone into labour?
So, be prepared if you choose to visit the grocery store (which you should, because it helps you save loads of money!!).
Another important thing is to bring your own bag – most people do. There are bags you can buy at the checkout, but remember to pick one up and put it at the front of your item haul, otherwise you’ll be left with a million items from the Usain Bolt of groceries and nowhere to put them.
17. Be ready to giggle at fun words like “fahrt”
German is a different language than English. Duh, yes, hi – Captain Obvious reporting for duty.
BUT, there are some German words that sound just like words we have in English, usually with very different meanings.
Fahrt is one such word.
To complicate matters, it is SO common. You will literally see it everywhere – road signs, transit hubs, everywhere. And while I wish the Germans were simply big fans of flatulence, the truth is the word “fahrt” means a lot of things like trip, drive, way, outing, etc. Feel free to giggle about it though – you’re an adult who can do whatever you want.
Full disclosure: even after 2 years here, I still giggle when the little ticket machine tells me “Gute Fahrt!” after I’ve purchased a ticket. They really are trying to say “Have a good trip!”
PS: “Rathaus” (aka Rat House) means town hall and “schmuck” is actually jewellery. Heh. German is such a fun language.
I hope you enjoyed this roundup of must-knows for those who plan to travel in Germany! As always, if you have any more travel in Germany tips, let me know in the comments!
You crack me up Christina!!! I actually met a German trauma surgeon working here I. Seattle for a year and I am laughing out loud cuz I witnesssed some of these very things ha! ( no not the nudity )
I am actually thinking of going there to teach .. I am 3/4 German but have so many questions lol … maybe sometime I can email you and ask ?
Thx for sharing this !
Xo
Valerie
Sure! I’d be happy to answer any questions you have, but I don’t have a load of experience with regular work visas (I’ve been here on student and youth mobility visas). Happy to chat about the experience of moving here though! And hehe so glad you liked the article!
I loved when shops were closed on a Sunday, they used to be like that in the Netherlands too until a few years ago. I see many similarities to the Netherlands really, great read.
It’s not so bad once you learn how to plan around it, and I totally get why it’s a thing, but I do miss the convenience of shops being open almost all the time hehe. I bet the Netherlands are super similar! Really happy you enjoyed the read 😀 Thanks for stopping by!
Haha, as a European I relate to many things, but I do think it’s funny 🙂 no. 16 is sooo true, but super weird i know 😀
Hahah so glad you could relate 😉 thanks for reading!
I love Germany SO much and loved this post! You captured so many of the great German idiosyncrasies. One other thing my husband and I can’t get enough of in Germany is how everyone always has to get the last word – or “Chuss!” in when we leave a store or a restaurant. If we say “Chuss” back they’ll end it with an “Abend!” It could go on forever! Love it 🙂
Oh my goodness you are SO write! I never realized that. I’m gonna be on a quest to always get the last word now hahah. Thanks for reading!
One of the few blogs that actually makes me laugh out loud! I really love your writing! (Yay you!! :-D) Great blog post and defo a few things I’ll keep in mind when I visit Germany.
oh my gosh you are too sweet! Thank you for appreciating my lame jokes hahah. You rock!
I have been to Germany once. Your tips just added to my knowledge. You’re a good writer, and if you lived my next door I would love to have you over for coffee. PS don’t get nervous your likely the age of my kids. GOOd JOB
Couldn’t agree more with everything! I live in Germany, in fact even Regensburg and I was surprised to see a picture of my beautiful adopted home town!
I LOOVE Regensburg! Naturally I needed a way to fit a photo in hehe. So happy you relate to this! Thanks for reading 🙂
I am a Canadian living in Germany for four years. Been here for two and a half – and agree with every single thing you said! Loved the article!
Hahaha hello from a fellow Canadian living in Germany!!! <3 Thanks for reading and laughing along.
This was very interesting, I had no idea about many of these, except for the naked people thing… I have a friend, he`s German and he loves being naked (he took his clothes off at a wedding party!!!)
I had to send him this article… Like “Ahhhh, now I get why you do it!”
Hahaha that’s too funny, and I kinda want to know the story behind that wedding nudity….. 😉 but yes, I find that Europeans as a whole just find nudity a lot less taboo than we do in North America. It’s kinda nice actually – after the initial shock wears off!
I’m a German who’s living in Lima, Peru. When visiting Germany, I simply don’t have the patience anymore to wait for the green light, I’m too used to crossing the street when it’s somehow possible. On the other hand, I still remember my first grocery shopping in Lima. Oh great, just two people in front of me. Well, it would have been faster in Germany with 20 people in front of me ;-). As far as water is concerned, just drink tap water, cheaper and good quality. Punctuality is my most German habit and constantly giving me trouble in South America. I mean, I warn people beforehand that I am punctual and if I’m lucky, they’re just 10 minutes late :-).
Hahaha it’s so cool to hear your perspective! It must be so interesting bouncing between such different cultures. I had a Spanish friend I went to school with here in Munich and his lack of punctuality really drove our instructors insane lol.
I found this post so informative and helpful.
thanks for reading!!
Hahaha! I was laughing all along! The water bit, the jaywalking… it was all just spot on! Amazing article!
hahah yesssss! so happy you liked it 🙂 thanks for reading!
I’m glad Germany takes cash instead, haha, since I like to carry cash with me when I travel! When I went to London I felt like a dinosaur being the only one not paying with a debit card lol! 😛
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
https://charmainenyw.com
Sometimes I prefer cash too – helps me keep track of my spending haha
I think the naked thing is just much a stereotype as Lederhosen but I guess it does stick out to people that it is legal to go topless to the beach and that we do have coed saunas where everyone is naked. I remember it used to freak my American friends out.
I will send your post to the Deutsche Bahn because when it comes to punctuality they definitely have to catch up (pun fully intended).
Interesting about the stares – I never notices this as compared to countries like India. But as I said on FB I think it might also be a north south divide 🙂
Yeah it’s exactly those things! In North America we can be very prudish when it comes to nudity (being topless at the beach/naked saunas are definitely not a thing), so even those pretty “normal” things stand out to us a lot. And also re: the staring, it could very well be too that you blend in seamlessly whereas we expats/tourists have our ways of sticking out (being loud, speaking English, etc.) Just yesterday, my backpack accidentally grazed the tram ticket machine, which made a tiny sound and then this angry man looked up from his book and stared me down for a solid 5 seconds. It was awkward hahah
Hahahaha – this is so true!! The water thing – not being able to get tap water ANYWHERE drove me up the wall. And one of my colleagues (English) got done by the police for jay walking – now we just check for police before doing it! Oh and I ran into a nude man in my hotel… in the hallway…. gotta love the Germans
No way! I’ve never witnessed anyone actually getting ticketed for jay walking. I bet it wasn’t cheap either! I’ll definitely be more careful now. And LOL I feel like I need more context behind this nude encounter…….
Nicely done! I enjoy your witty writing and especially love the pictures.
Aw thanks so much, Mary!
So I learned some things about myself today.
1. As much as I hate the cold, I will definitely be visiting Germany in the winter so as to avoid the frolicking old naked men.
2. That Christmas mug is adorable and I will definitely steal it.
PS- your photography is so ridiculously gorgeous.
Hahahaa to be fair, it’s not like they’re *everywhere*. You’ll be more likely to see topless women around the parks than wrinkly old men. Maybe I just got lucky 😉 Also YES all the markets have different mugs too and it’s just the best thing. I highly recommend a separate suitcase just for them haha
You made me laugh so hard, Christina! I love this! I lived in Germany for 2 years and I can testify, everything is true!! I love this post.
Your comment makes me so happy!!! Thanks for reading, girl <3
I‘m German. I visited 18 differnt countries for job reasons, from US to Japan. And yes, you are totally right. It really tooks a smile on my face reading your 17 tips. They are so true. Brilliant. We are really a funny kind of peoples here. But wait, someone can easily write 17 funny facts for visiting the US
I would LOVE if somebody wrote that post. Even as a Canadian, there are certain funny things about the US I could write about haha
This is a fun idea for a post. I live in Germany, and what you listed is normal to me by now (still getting used to the staring, though). But I might try one about my passport country, or rather the Midwest. Something to ponder over the holidays… I only recently stumbled across your blog, and I’ll be back to read more.
Aw Beth – thanks so much! really glad you enjoyed it 🙂 One about the Midwest would be great! Let me know if you end up writing it!
Being of German descent and having visited Germany before this article rings so true and made me laugh out loud. I am taking my partner to Germany next year and this article is perfect for him as he is like the quintessential opposite of a German. One point made me want to share a story with you…. My friend and I weren’t aware of the jaywalking law and crossed on the red Ampel Man on a Sunday afternoon in Berlin, there was literally no one around and next thing we know we hear the revs and then screech of a police car mounting the kerb within a foot of our (now soiled) pants! The officer got out screaming at us, all the German I knew flew out the window. Let’s just say he thought it Germanly amusing when we finally muttered “Australien”! I still laugh about this to this day.
Hahaha wow – what a story! Thanks for sharing, Lear <3
I legit laughed out loud! Your righting is fan-freakin-tastic. I am an American who grew up around German culture here and have visited Germany many times so I can totally relate! I did not know about #8 – good to know! And #17… omg driving and you the AUSFARHT signs… I die every time! Thanks so much for sharing. Can’t wait to spend the rest of my day procrastinating real work and reading your blog!
Hey,
I’m german and yes, you are so damn right about all those things! Really made me laugh!
About speaking english in public offices (town hall, Bürgerbüro…) : Most of these guys there speak english, but they are not allowed to by law…
So glad you enjoyed it, Andrea! That’s really interesting – I had no idea there was a legal reason behind it. I’d love to learn more about why! Do you have a link or anything about the law in question?
I’m an American who’s been living in Munich for 5.5 years and I can say these are ALL true….hilarious. I’d also add to the supermarket olympics section to mind your spot in line so no one cuts in front of you!
Hahaha that’s a good one… some of those omas can be ruthless in getting ahead! Thanks for reading – so happy you liked it!
Great Article. I’m sure my husband will fail at #14 as he talks to everyone when we travel about anything! As for me, I’m just plain loud, so #6 is going to get me lots of stares, LOL As my husband is half German, your list also provided me with insight to his personality, ie #1 he likes paying cash for everything, #4 he has never been late a minute in his life, #7 he loves being naked (but what guy doesn’t). As for #2 we are in trouble…..he pees as if he were in his last month of pregnancy!
LOVE your humor….and the article.
Hillarious read, quite entertaining. I loved it. Filled with useful information. I plan to visit Germany in the near future, I’ve been doing research and found your site. Gracias!
Thanks so much for the kind words, Ana! Glad you enjoyed it <3 <3 I hope you have an amazing time in Germany!
Always carry change! My 2 sister in laws and myself were chased out of a bathroom by “Broomhilde” the bathroom attendant. We figured out we only had 1 coin and all needed to pee . We didn’t let the door close and when she realized what we were up to chased us down the street shaking her fist and lecturing. It’s still our best story after 21 years!
I have a great jaywalking-story, as well. When I once crossed the street 3 seconds too early (the traffic lights for cars already switched to red), a police officer drove up to the christmas market I was heading to, jumped out of his car yelling and asked me if I planned to give my parents a dead daughter for christmas – then I had to pay 5 Euros. Haha he was crazy! However, here in NRW, the western part of Germany, people are generally much more friendly open-minded than in e.g. Bavaria!
What a fun read! I am a German, living in Texas with my family for 8 years. My 14 y old daughter often tells me “Don’t stare at the people!” while I am not aware of starring. I am just curious and interested … is that starring?
The punctuality is really a thing. People who let us wait are rude because they are wasting our precious time (keeping us from being efficient).
When we had our first big party here (Oktoberfest – what else – and I had cooked authentic food from scratch for three days) nobody showed up at the given time. We were totally irritated, double checking the (written!) invitations for time and date, calling some guests if they thought it would be in Oktober (since Oktoberfest is always in September!) etc. . The first guests showed up about 40 minutes late, some came more than an hour late and the most shocking thing: Some left after an hour, telling us that they also have to go to another party … this is like a total no-go in Germany. Well, we learned and adapted … to a certain point. But we are still always on time!
The credit card thing explained: The bank in Germany takes a high fee for credit card transactions. If you buy something for a small amount, it often would cost the store owner more to pay for the transaction than the item you bought. Germans have some sort of debit card which usually comes at a lower fee for the shop owner. But cash is still highly appreciated.
All 100% true, and not only for Munich. I grew up in the North of Germany and it is the same story. Then of course this stuff was normal for me until I moved abroad 😀 hilariously written!
Are the Christmas markets also closed on Sundays?
Thank you!
Nope! Of course it depends on the actual market, but most will be open and very, very crowded haha 🙂
Hi Christina You just made my day I read your post and I as laughing sooo many times loud out . I am from Germany live now in the US ( east coast ) since 20+ years and same as you I LOVE TO TRAVEL and see the world. Mostly Asia You are mostly SO RIGHT in your description about Germany.Lucky me I am not from Bavaria but from the NORTH but most of your tips is true for all of Germany Again LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR POST
Some are really hilarious .Nice Tips for travelers who are planing for germany trip.
Hi Christina, Germany is one of my favourite countries to visit and for many of the reasons above, especially the silence on public transport. And yes, the towns are pretty. My blogging never does them enough justice!
Hillarious read, enjoyed it. Was planning to visit Germany, found your site during my research, learnt quite a lot. Cheers!
Hallo Christina,
I love your post. I am German (from Oldenburg in Loxer Saxony) and have been looking for something exactly like this as I’ll be welcoming a Texan friend in summer time. How cool. I didn’t wanna bore her with my “preparation list” (I wouldn’t even have known how to start it!) and then I found your blog. How cool. Thanks for your brillant descriptions of literally everything a foreigner needs to know about Germany and Germans. 🙂
We Germans are so weird but of course pretty friendly and funny, too. 😉
Have a great time and be safe.
Susanne :-).
thanks for the information
Just moved to Bavaria from the states – reading up on some tips after being here nearly a month. This is super helpful but mostly a hilarious read! I loved reading your take on things! Well written. Thanks for the tips for my German adventures!
I love Germany and have travelled there three times and hopefully will visit again. I feel that the whole Ampelmann thing is peculiar as an American, but also, charming. I saw stores with Ampelmann merchandise in Berlin and in Munich. I also scratch my head over getting assorted wursts…in the U.S., long rolls are used to accommodate the shape… but I’ve only seen round rolls used, especially what we here call Kaiser rolls.
Bravo for the wonderful write up Christina. very helpful. anyone looking for further information about Germany or needs travel documents to Germany can contact this email [email protected]
Christina, my son was stationed in Germany and loved it. He’s been back home in USA for some time longing to go back. He just got notice he has job in Germany and will be moving there with his family soon. My sister and I will go visit him and travel around Europe for first and probably last time (we are 70 +) and your tips are great! I live in Louisiana and it is a very funny state.
ha ha, loved this. So much of it I remember from my German holidays
Love your article! I met my German husband in Austria, and have had 39 happy years! Our grandchildren call us Oma and Opa. You nailed it with the punctuality for sure! Germany is a wonderful country with friendly people. Love Munich, Rothenburg, Berchtesgaden, ….. Enjoy your stay!
Germany is a beautiful country with a Rich cultural heritage and the people here are honest and straight forward, thanks for sharing the travel tips which are of great help to travellers and save them from getting into awkward situations. October is the best time to visit Germany as Oktoberfest the best folk festival is held in this month.
Hi Christina,
My husband and I are planning a trip to Munich, then Vienna, Italy and Switzerland in September 2020. I came across your article on “17 Hilariously True Must-Knows Before You Travel to Germany”…loved it. I would also enjoy advise on what to wear on our trip. We’re from Florida, where shorts and t-shirts are the norm. Thank you.
Your Travel Blog is really nice. I love german and culture. maybe I will do to visit one day. I would like to do a marathon run if someone invites me.
I don’t ever comment on blogs but I have quite a bit of experience in Germany and Munich is one of my favorites. Your post made me laugh out loud a couple times. I’m forwarding the link to my husband so he can enjoy it too. Thanks!
I agree with whatever you have mentioned here. I am here in germany for study and I have to change a lot of habits that is mentioned above. Speak in small voice, urinating, puncuality, taking care of cycle lane. Even some older people scold you, this is the most wierd thing. I thing the yonger genration is much better the older are sucking. But you will find good old people who speaks in english and help you.
You cracked all the things i n your article. Thanks.
Next year I plan to visit Germany. This will be my first trip. Thanks for the exchange and your advices.
I love these tips! There is just so much to see in Germany! I went last year during the holidays and am dying to go back. There are too many cute towns to see!
Thanks for travelling tips to visit Germany. I will be visiting their very soon and I will probably use your tips and travel recommendation. Much grateful for the information though.
You made me laugh so much! Ah these are so true. Thank you for writing about them in such a hilarious way. It’s been four years since I moved home from Germany and escaped a few of these – and have missed some others. 🙂
Aw thanks for reading and for the kind words, Ava!! Hope you can make it back to Germany again sometime soon to visit haha 🙂
I LOVED this article! I have been living in Munich for about 18 months and all of these were spot on! I definitely laughed out loud when I read the one about the grocery stores. I still get soo stressed trying to bag my stuff! You just never get used to it!
Hey Christina,
this very good written! I am actually german and do also live in Munich. I find it very interesting to see the german way of living from another perspektive from time to time 😛 Anyhow i wanted to add something about the jaywalking…(i think that is walking across the street with a red traffic light?) If you are unlucky and the police sees you while doing that it can be very expensive. I got caught once running over the strees a few seconds after the light changed and i had to pay 80€ So i do highly recommend to cross the street far far away from a traffic light (ofc after you made sure that there are no cars that could run you over) or just wait until the light turns green, because sometimes policemen also wait in plain clothes behind the traficlight for someone to cross it while its red…
And there is someting else that i wamted to add to your list. I think that almost every household in Germany is a shoes off household. So if you get invited to someones house or appartement, take your shoes off or ask if you should/can leave them on. This could keep you from leaving a rude expression 🙂
Hi Lisa, thanks so much for reading and thanks for sharing your experiences/extra tips! I grew up in a shoes-off household too so it never crossed my mind that this was a cultural difference haha. Definitely a good tip for those who aren’t used to it!
The part about Still water killed me , i literally LOL! every time im in europe i break my head trying to find still water..
Doing research for my book where they visit Germany and this article was so HILARIOUS and helpful, thank you so much for taking the time to make it! <333
A very informative article about the German travel.I really appreciate your research. Thanks for sharing. Hope to read more articles on your blog…!!! Keep it up.
Christina I was laughing the entire time I read your blog thank you for the laughs and information I’m sure I’ll have a great time in Germany!
I AM a German living in Canada since a couple of years now. And what should I say: You are perfectly right with your accurate analysis. I laughed my ass of reading your blog. Thank you.
Great post, I want to thank You for sharing this as it contains a lot of details and it has been very useful.
It is great to know about places, I find such blogs which tell about a country like living, food, places to visit. Like I found a lot in this blog and I enjoyed reading it. I hope you will share such good blogs.
Thank you for sharing your valuable insights and tips on traveling in Germany. Your article is well-written, informative, and packed with useful information that will undoubtedly help anyone planning to visit Germany.
I appreciate the practical tips you’ve provided on topics such as transportation, accommodation, food, and culture. Your personal experiences and anecdotes add a relatable and authentic touch to the article, and I found your advice on interacting with locals and adapting to the local culture particularly helpful.
Your suggestions for off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems in Germany were also a great addition to the article, and I appreciated the detailed descriptions and recommendations for each place.