I want to travel to Germany one day. What should I know ?

[Aristus]

1. That right there. Speak a little German. They appreciate it.

The Germans are very polite and supportive of people making an effort to speak the language. No matter how badly you are stumbling and fumbling through a sentence, their response will likely be: "Oh you speak very well! Please continue."

If you ask a German if he or she speaks English (and they will likely speak superb, if not fluent, English), the response will be: "A little..."

Germans bring their dogs into restaurants, (usually small, family-owned restaurants) so don't freak out about it.

If you order water in a restaurant, you will be served mineral water and charged for it. Free refillable water is an American thing.

At McDonald's over there, they charge for each individual ketchup packet. Good policy, if you ask me. Discourages waste.

If you are in a bar, don't ask to run a tab. Pay for each individual drink.

If you go to a dance club, don't try to hook up with a woman. People go to dance clubs as couples.

Don't use first names with people on first acquaintance. Use 'Herr' or 'Frau' unless permitted to use first names.


That'll get you started. German is a wonderful country. Absolutely beautiful. And the Germans tend to transcend the stereotype of cold, polite and reserved. They can be very friendly.