The school has already given us a schedule for what we can do. We’re going to museums, factory tours, that sort. So no suggestions for any activities to do or places to go to.

I would like some tips on some things I should know about Germany, perhaps some German phrases I should understand, cultural differences, or laws I need to know. Anything important that I should be aware of?

It will be about a weeklong trip

  • dfyx@lemmy.helios42.deEnglish
    13·
    2 days ago

    General culture:

    • In a big city like Munich, most people under 60 will understand English pretty well. Some might be hesitant to reply in English because they are not used to speaking it out loud but they will certainly know what you need from them. Younger people who are chronically online might have more contact with English than with German in their everyday life.
    • Many Germans, especially in the south can appear grumpy and not very talkative towards strangers. They are not angry at you, just direct. “Not complaining is enough praise” is a fairly common saying. If you ask someone how their day was, don’t expect empty pleasantries but facts. On the other hand, once you get to know someone you can become their new best friend within half a day.
    • This goes for anywhere in the world but if you value your sanity, don’t talk about politics.
    • We may be of a different culture than you but we are not aliens. If you are unsure about something, just ask and if you do something inappropriate, someone will tell you.
    • If you need a snack during the day, I recommend looking for a bakery. Most will have a selection of sandwiches and bottled beverages.
    • Most stores are closed on Sundays while restaurants may have their own days off (often Monday). Opening times may vary but don’t expect 24/7 supermarkets like in the US and Asia. If you urgently need something, try a gas station or near a train station.

    Laws:

    • The EU and Germany specifically is big on privacy. It is technically illegal to take a photo of an individual without their consent. Photographing crowds is fine and nobody will complain about being in the background of your selfie but don’t go around shoving a camera in someone’s face without asking.
    • As others have said, beer is legal from 16, liquor from 18, even in public. Even if you don’t drink, be prepared to encounter a couple of drunk teenagers if you’re out in the evening. Just be polite and ignore them and it will be fine.
    • Other than that, expect a pretty standard western legal system. Unless you’re planning to actively commit a crime, the details won’t be important to you.

    Terms and phrases:

    • Bahnhof => train station
    • U-Bahn => subway / metro
    • Flughafen => airport
    • Bitte => please / you’re welcome (yes, it can mean both)
    • Danke => thank you
    • Starya67@lemmy.world
      2·
      2 days ago

      People in the south are literally known for their friendliness. Or, in the case of Bayern, their fake friendliness. They do not speak English.

      • dfyx@lemmy.helios42.deEnglish
        8·
        2 days ago

        I have lived my whole life in the south of Germany.

        People in the south are literally known for their friendliness. Or, in the case of Bayern, their fake friendliness.

        Don’t get me wrong, people are friendly. But the way they show it is different from other cultures. They are more likely to tell you what’s on their mind instead of meaningless small talk and polite phrases. To some cultures that seems to appear rude even if it isn’t meant to be.

        They do not speak English.

        The assumption that nobody speaks English is outdated by decades. Some may have a thick accent or mix German and English grammar when speaking but they will definitely understand you. I’ve met many foreigners who came here to practice their German and got frustrated when everyone immediately switched to English when they noticed a foreign accent.