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
Prepare for people to speak with quite an accent. Drugs (Cigarettes, most Alcohol and Weed) are allowed from 18 y.o. Even though weed is kinda legal in germany for some reason Bavaria decided to be increadibly strict about it, so I’d advise to steer clear. Obviously Nazi paroles and insignia as well as the Hitler-Gruß are illeagal.
If people are hellbent on speaking German with you, which I assume you do not speak, here is a handy phrase:
- Ich spreche kein Deutsch, aber ich spreche Englisch.
- I do not speak German, but I speak English.
English is taught from a young age, so you’ll find many people who are able to speak it.
When in a pinch you can approach people to ask for i.e. directions. This includes police officers, should you see some. They’ll usually will be happy to help.
In an emergency, <Help> means <Hilfe>. It is best to point or directly adress a single person when asking for help to ensure they’ll jump into action.
Emergency numbers are 110 for police and 112 for firefighters/medics. But 911 also works. I’d like to add that these services are usually free, no need to fear a transport by ambulance for financial reasons.
Thanks, that was super helpful!
I won’t be doing drugs or drinking alcohol, I don’t normally and definitely won’t on an educational trip.
I will make note of the emergency numbers!
If you want to be stereotypical foreigner you can also say “ich nix deutsch”. Lol (dont do it unless you want to look like an idiot)
Just dont offer the officers a “gift” for helping you.
I would add that in many places, you will find absolutely no English signs or menus. I don’t know how it is in Munich, but outside airports and central stations you are often SOL if you speak 0 German and don’t have a way to translate text from images.
Alcohole is allowed with 14 in the presents of a guardian
That’s literally a myth
It is not. See JuSchG § 9, section 2: “Section 1, number 1 does not apply to adolescents in company of a legal guardian”. Section 1, number 1 restricts beer, wine, cider and similar drinks under the age of 16 and an adolescent (“Jugendlicher”) is defined as 14+.
In total, that means that you are allowed to buy and drink the listed kinds of alcoholic beverages starting at 14, as long as a legal guardian is present and allows it. Even in public.
For other alcoholic beverages (e.g. liquor) or food that contains significant amounts of alcohol, there is a hard limit at 18+, no exceptions.
lol wut? that’s literally bullshit. confidentially incorrect much?
It is allowed per law, although most parents won’t allow their 14 yo children to drink.
It is not xd I wish but it is not
Source?
112
112 is the European standard for emergency services (including police). Also works in many other countries.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/112_(emergency_telephone_number)
Hat off in the church and be respectful of the place - like a library. There are people worshipping in the churches. I’m an atheist, but by respecting the space you gain understanding of its importance. Generally a good idea in museums too.
Also, don’t see the world through your phone or selfie stick. Put it away and enjoy the experience. Taking photos to help you remember it is good, but I see too many people watching their trip through a phone as they shoot photo and video constantly instead of being present.
Germany is large with many local cultural and linguistic variations. I don’t think there’s really many unwritten rules, but follow the written rules - don’t litter, walk on the sidewalk not the garden, sort of thing.
Washrooms may require cash. The default water in restaurants is bottled mineral water, not tap.
I think if you have the ability to read and speak English you’ll be able to get by. Two weeks of Duolingo can help with basic pronunciation and vocabulary.
Insulting people can result in criminal prosecution in Germany. Also giving the nazi salute, repeat nazi slogans (or any such display of anti-constitutional allegiance).
Insulting people can result in criminal prosecution in Germany.
Technically yes but realistically it only gets prosecuted in extreme cases. Like throwing feces at someone or distributing leaflets with your insults. If you just call someone an asshole, no police officer in the country will even bother with it. It’s hard to prove who said what and the maximum sentence is extremely low.
Not quite. And throwing feces would certainly constitute a more serious crime.
Insults are prosecuted at the request of the victim (with very rare exceptions). Usually, people don’t bother. However, police officers are known for their well-developed sense of personal honor, and they hang around police stations, anyway.
Important difference between Germany and EG the US: German prosecutors must, by law, investigate all potential crimes. You’re right that such an investigation into an insult does not usually merit significant resources. Much depends on how well staffed the prosecutor’s office is. Bavaria is notorious for having time for all those little things (see the warnings about weed).
You can expect them, say, to look up a license plate and send a letter to the owner requesting a statement. Insults while driving are also seen as having higher priority, on account of the danger posed by losing your cool while driving.
Someone who has been accused more than once, will certainly merit more resources. Insults against police officers are also higher priority and usually end badly.
Not quite. And throwing feces would certainly constitute a more serious crime.
you guys have a strange approach to being a tourist.
Point is though, that you’ll want no trouble with the law abroad, especially on a school trip. Keeping a respectfully low profile is never a bad idea.
Though I do confirm that Munich police are quite chill and helpful.
Keeping a respectfully low profile is never a bad idea.
I certainly hope that it goes without saying that you should be respectful towards others, just like everywhere else in the world. I just wanted to clarify that Germany is not some totalitarian dystopia where you immediately go to prison for insulting someone.
To you, it’s normal, but to Americans it’s absolutely dystopian. Look at how people talk about Trump. In Germany, insults against politicians are especially serious and are prosecuted.
If you feel that you cannot exercise your right to criticize politicians in Germany you’re absolutely wrong. There are very few cases where prosecution took place.
On the other hand: in Germany you don’t have to worry as much as in the US about getting shot by the police for being black, foreign, or doing something egregious like not keeping your hands on the steering wheel when pulled over. Even ‘being pulled over’ is not something that really happens. If you’re a tourist that’s not openly promoting nazi actions (I know that’s hard for half of Americans) you’ll be absolutely fine.
Good advice, no showing middle finger to unfamiliar people, can be fined a few thousand afaik.
How‘s that relevant to what OP asked though? Are you alright in the Head?
Common experience with American tourists, that’s why. Especially young ones. Sad, but true.
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
People in the south are literally known for their friendliness. Or, in the case of Bayern, their fake friendliness. They do not speak English.
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.
If you’re from the USA: don’t come back. Stay.
Not from the U.S., fortunately!
Legal drinking age for beer and wine is 16yo.
I don’t think we will be going to a bar on a school trip haha. Good to know though if I go to Germany next time.
Really? Things have clearly changed in the 25 years since my last school trip then. We didn’t go to bars with our teachers, but we had plenty of free time in the evenings, some of which was definitely spent in bars.
Health and safety is heavily emphasised in this trip. For the majority of the trip, we will need to stick in our groups, but we do get chances to explore for ourselves in some areas, but even then, we need to meet up as a group after every hour to make sure everybody is here and nobody is missing.
That’s okay, drinking in bars is a popular group activity 😊
Things you should know how to say (not that it’s necessary, but because it’s nice to know):
- Hallo = Hello
- Tschüss = Bye
- Danke = Thanks
- Dankeschön = thank you very much
- Entschuldigung = excuse me
People commonly use “Ciao” for Bye, and “Sorry” for sorry.
You forgot “servus” which is hello and goodbye. “Pfia di” or “Pfiaz eich” is goodbye “Grüß Gott” or “grias got” is hello
In BW I’ve heard servus but not the others, are these Bavarian dialect? I am not a native speaker.
Baden-Wüttemberg speaks primarily swabian. Just like swabia the region in bavaria. The baden area of BaWü speaks badisch. Also a little bit franconian in the north
Yes “servus” is austro-bavarian dialect spoken in austria and bavaria
Grüß Gott is also literally “greet God”, I.e., may God greet you, if I remember correctly, which I think is a pretty cool bit of trivia for when you’re in Southern Germany.
Yes. It does.
But i must correct you, its not in all south germany or south german cultures/dialects. Swabians and swiss and badner dont say that. Only austrians and bavarians (which are the same. Yes austrians fuck off you are the same as bavarians and are germans get over it)
As an Austrian I have to insist that Bavarians are a failed attempt at making Germans out of Austrians lol
Historia and science disagrees with you mein freund. The idea of austrians not being german arose in the 1950s at the same time as austria tried to put itself as “hitlers first victim” and not as a perpetrator with the nazis.
“Grüß Gott” exists in BW but it has become very rare. I would say only the generation 80+ uses it regularly. Edit: source
In Swiss German, “grüezi” (which comes from “Gott grüße euch”, so basically the same origin) is extremely common.
Oh defenetly it exists. But basicly doesnt due to not being used. The same as “overmorrow” is the english word for “the day after tomorrow”. Not really in use
But i never thought “grüezi” stems from “gott grüße euch”. I assumed it was from “Grüßet Euch” not related to “grüß gott” huh. I love linguistics <3
You’ll be staying a few days? A good way to spend thw eveninga is going to a bar. Next to Belgium, Germany has a great herritage of beer crafting. Certainly somehing to do 😊
The schedule has already been set and is pretty tight. Plus, we have to stay as a group!
Ping me by dm, I can help with local knowledge, ama.
Oh and except if you behave like a total lunatic even missteps would be fine since you’re visiting. I wouldn’t worry too much.
Maybe public transport. Always have a ticket ready, we’re like Indiana Jones in the Zeppelin scene regarding that.
no ticket? that’s a paddlin.
You’ll visit BMW (Rollys-Royce, Mini), I expect.
If you notice a picturesque brick tower in the vicinity, that’s a Hochbunker from WW2. There’s more than 1 around there.
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_der_Hochbunker_in_München
Munich was not bombed very much, on account of being so far inland. Nevertheless, the hill you can see when you’re at the BMW museum, consists of the rubble of buildings that were destroyed in the war. It was turned into a park for the 1972 Olympics. The terrorist attack that took the lives of most of the Israeli Olympic team mostly took place nearby. If that’s of interest to you, you could watch Spielberg’s Munich.
You may notice cars with an unusual look (see photos here). Those are prototypes. You can see a fair number of these (BMW & Rolls-Royce) in the area. In German, they are called Erlkönig (elf-king) after a poem by Goethe.
If you can and are interested, visit their Hackerspace. Be careful, beers are big and strong especially in Bavaria.
Dont try to even speak german with bavarians. While there barely are any real bavarians in munich, bavarian dialect is uncomprehensable unless you grew up there. Swabian even more so.
If your school is going to the deutsche museum, i am sorry to say, the big and main exhibitions are all closed due to renovation. Munich people are…strange in the sense of they may seem nice but arent. The oposite of berlin where people are unfriendly but actually friendly.
BE QUIET AFTER 20:00! aka 8 pm. Its quiet time and you can and might be fined for disturbing the quiet. This also goes for all of sunday. Shops also close at that time. DO NOT THROW AWAY BOTTLES they have pfand. A deposite that you get back. If you dont want to carry it around put it next to a bin.
The English Garden, has nudists areas so if you have a problem with that, best to avoid.
If someone tells you ‘Schleich di’ that means ‘go away’ and you should do that
“Cultural differences” Well every place is different. Do not confuse all of bavarians as bavarians, franconians and swabians are NOT bavarians.
If you happen to be in Augsburg, do NOT MENTION MUNICH! Munich is hated and seen as a black hole that only takes and also seen as a infecting overtaking invading force. Fuck munich.
Dont get your hopes up to get weed lol Yes its decriminalised but you cant buy it anywhere (due to conservatives blocking cannabis clubs), and so you can only self grow it. And only you may smoke it not give it to anyone else.
But you will defenetly smell it every now and then :)
Edit: i assume you perhaps will go to the dachau konzentration camp. You probably know. Be respectful. If the guide tells you ‘the showers were build but luckily never used’ bullshit, they were used lots. One guide tried to tell me that as a kid
I will be going to the Deutsche Museum, actually. If some of the exhibits are closed, hopefully the others are interesting too? If not, we at least have other cool stuff to do.
Will aim to be quiet and not disturb others. I’ll be using a reusable bottle, so no worries about that.
I will not be doing weed, or any sort of drugs, alcohol, etc. That stuff messes up your body pretty bad and I don’t ever do it normally, and I definitely don’t intend on doing it in a school trip.
The exhibitions of the museum are 80% closed. They build a small exhibition building next to it which has a few of which only really the printing, computer and encryption, photography and video tech, physics, spacetravel, and planes are really of interest imo. You can look it up on their website.
Yes they have an enigma machine in the computing and encoding exhibition. Also a huge old printing press machine. Like the once that took up entire halls to print news papers!
Ig the little robotics and renewable energie systems exhibition is neat. But i personally miss the farage cage and the Z3, the submarine and ship exhibitions of the main building.
Its just so cool. You walk into a museum looks like an old uni and on the left there is a huge SHIP and above it entire war planes and below A WHOLE SUBMARINE! And on the right a huge stair case with a huuuge oil painting! In the main building you really can get lost hahaha.
The renovations take until 2028 if i remember correctly. Really worth a visit when it is done renovating.
May i ask what other sites you will be seeing?
Lol Wtf. In Munich the culture is very mixed, there is regular German. At the countryside maybe you can’t understand their German.
Once you get there, skip you teacher surveillance asap and go ask for political asylum? ;)
More seriously:
Anything important that I should be aware of?
Not knowing you, it’s a bit difficult to suggest anything. I mean, I doubt you’re concerned but I’ve witnessed US citizens (I fancy your from the US?) complain that people in France (my country) were speaking… French, like for real. So, be aware that Germans will most likely speak their native German. And, yep, a lot of them do speak English, like us French do, just don’t expect all of them do.
Some EU citizens, from Germany too, are getting quite tired of US accelerated devolution into a dumbified mob-ruled country. Your POTUS insistence on insulting and threatening almost every single EU nation is also not helping much. So don’t be surprised some people may not be that welcoming to begin with. Edit: take that as an opportunity to show then they’re wrong.
If it’s a week long trip, don’t allow your school to say all you should and should not do in Munich (see? I did not suggest anything you should visit) ;)
Not from the U.S., no. I grew up in Hong Kong under an Asian household!
My bad!
Then, you mostly need to be aware that Germans are quite often on the reserved side of things, on first sight at least…
Don’t ask why all the pamphlets are blank between 1939 and 1945…
You can face legal consequences for many phrases critical of Israel, such as:
- From the river to the sea
- Stop killing children
- Never again
(Slight exaggeration)
I think you’re confusing us with the British.
Germans are careful about anything that could be considered antisemitic because of history but unless you go straight to Nazi slogans, there is no law that forbids you from being critical of Israel. Insulting someone can be illegal but that can only be applied if you insult a specific person, not a country and it’s only enforced in extreme cases.
So unless OP plans to join a full-blown anti-Israel protest that risks getting violent, I don’t think they have to worry about that.
During the past months, Palestine solidarity protesters in Berlin have been reportedly subjected to police violence, leaving some injured and requiring medical care. Dozens were reportedly arrested, some for simply chanting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”. This slogan is widely used by the global Palestine solidarity movement yet has been treated by German authorities as expressing support for Hamas, the experts noted. While some courts upheld fines or bans deeming the slogan as “condoning violence”, other courts recognised it as protected under freedom of expression. Moreover, the experts expressed concern that, during protests marking the two-year anniversary of the 7 October Hamas-led attack and the subsequent genocide in Gaza, arbitrary arrests, detentions, and police violence were reported, including officers punching non-violent activists in the face; while the police in Berlin reportedly imposed a last-minute ban on protests without evidence-based justification.
They stressed that the use of foreign policy-related justifications and misuse of immigration law to reject citizenship or deport activists are alarming. “These are contrary to international standards and have deep chilling effect on the protection of democratic freedoms,” they said.
OP isn’t going to be treated with the same generosity as a German citizen, and they don’t seem to get all that much generosity either.
Saying “maul” or “fresse” is a comedic but polite way to signal someone you are speaking, if they’re interrupting you or you have something important to say and others are speaking.
