Traveling in Germany

Traveling in Germany

I would assume you are not just here because of my good looks and charming personality, right? You are here to learn German, and most likely plan on using it, maybe because you are going to Germany?
This blog will be less about the language, but more about some things you should know before you go to Germany. There are a few things that may completely throw you for a loop, or you may not even know but could save you hassle and maybe even some money.

Bathrooms are Generally not free

Yes, you read that right, for the most part, Public restrooms, or WC’s will cost you about 2€ in change. This does usually mean the bathrooms are cleaner and better taken care off. Also if you are in a Gas station or Rest stop you usually end up with a Voucher you can use at the register for a purchase.

Refills are not free

Here in the US we are used to restaurants refilling our beverages free of charge. Be aware that generally speaking, this is not the case in Germany. Every refill will cost you and how much depends on the restaurant. Some Fast food places may offer free refills, but really, why would you go to McDonald’s when visiting Germany?

Water is not free and will have Carbonation

Restaurants will charge you for their Water and unless other wise specified will be carbonated. It’s not faucet water and will be good quality, but for us here in the US the fact that it is not free will throw you off. Carbonated water, or Mineral Water is quite nice, and I enjoy it when I go over, essentially its Club Soda, but better, not sure exactly how to describe it. If you don’t like it, you can always ask for a “Stilles Wasser” or Still water.

Recycling is King

You will notice that while in Germany, the trash gets separated so much more than in any place of the US I have been to.

• Paper has its own trash can
• Food Scraps or other Bio degradable have their own can
• Anything labeled with the “Green Dot” or “Grüne Punkt” has their own trash (this is most plastics and cans)
• Anything else has its own “Regular” trash

No right turn on Red

Please, Please, Please, know that when you are driving you are not allowed to turn on red.

Traffic lights are on your side of the road

It’s a given that the traffic lights in the US are on the other side of the intersection, this is not the case in Germany and are on your side, which means you will need to look up to see the lights. Watch for this as you don’t want to stop underneath and be unable to see the lights.

Just some general driving tips

• It’s illegal to pass on the right, always pass on the left.
• Roads are marked to assist with right-away. White signs with Yellow diamonds indicate a road has the right away where as the yield sign means the opposite.
• Obviously the police overrules any traffic signs
• It’s illegal to use a cell phone while driving
• Observe Zipper Traffic
• Keep your distance. You will get in trouble if you don’t keep at least a 2 car distance
• If you stall out
  • 1. Get your car to the shoulder
  • 2. Put on hazard lights
  • 3. Put on safety vest
  • 4. Place warning triangle 100m in town or 200m on highway away from car to warn oncoming traffic.
  • 5. There are phones all along the highway to use just in case you don’t have a cell phone