Alles Was Man Wissen Muss

Willkommen! Planning a trip or considering a move to a German-speaking country? Whether it's Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, understanding the basics of life here will make your experience smoother and far more enjoyable. This guide covers essential aspects, from navigating public transport to understanding local customs and even a few helpful phrases. Alles was man wissen muss! – Everything you need to know!

Before You Arrive: Planning is Key

Visas and Entry Requirements

First things first: Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the length of your stay. Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and those within the European Union, can enter Germany and other Schengen Area countries for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without a visa. If you plan to stay longer or work, you'll likely need a visa. Check the official website of the German Embassy (or the embassy of the specific country you're visiting) in your home country for the most up-to-date information. Don't leave this to the last minute!

Accommodation: From Hotels to Apartments

Accommodation options abound, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels and everything in between. Consider your budget and the type of experience you're seeking. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist season or major events.

• Hotels: Expect a range of options, from international chains to smaller, family-run businesses (Gasthöfe).
• Hostels: A great choice for budget travelers, offering dorm rooms and sometimes private rooms.
• Apartments: If you're staying for a longer period, consider renting an apartment. Websites like Airbnb, Immobilienscout24, and WG-Gesucht are popular for finding apartments. Be aware that renting in Germany often involves a security deposit (Kaution) and strict rental agreements.

Currency and Payment Methods

The currency in Germany and Austria is the Euro (€). Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). While credit cards are widely accepted, especially in larger establishments, cash is still king. Many smaller shops, restaurants, and even some bars prefer cash payments. It's a good idea to always carry some Euros with you. ATMs (Geldautomaten) are readily available. Check with your bank about international transaction fees before you travel.

Getting Around: Public Transportation and More

Public Transportation: Efficient and Reliable

Germany, Austria, and Switzerland boast excellent public transportation systems. Trains (Deutsche Bahn in Germany, ÖBB in Austria, SBB in Switzerland), buses, trams, and subways (U-Bahn, S-Bahn) are all well-maintained and punctual. Consider purchasing a travel pass if you plan to use public transportation frequently. These passes often offer significant savings. Check the websites of the respective transportation companies for ticket options and schedules. Remember to validate your ticket before boarding, or you risk a fine.

"Pünktlichkeit ist eine Tugend!" – Punctuality is a virtue! This applies especially to public transport. Trains and buses generally run on time, so plan accordingly.

Cycling: A Popular Option

Cycling is a popular mode of transportation, especially in cities. Many cities have dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing programs. Consider renting a bike to explore the city at your own pace. Radwege (bike paths) are well-marked and maintained.

Driving: Rules and Regulations

If you plan to drive, make sure you have a valid driver's license and any necessary international driving permits. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are strictly enforced. Germany has sections of autobahn (highway) with no speed limits, but it's crucial to drive safely and be aware of changing traffic conditions. Winter tires are mandatory during winter months in Germany and Austria. Always check the local regulations before getting behind the wheel.

Daily Life: Customs, Etiquette, and Practicalities

Greetings and Communication

Germans, Austrians, and Swiss are generally polite and reserved. A firm handshake is the standard greeting. Address people with "Sie" (formal you) unless they offer you "Du" (informal you). Wait for them to initiate this. Using titles (Herr for Mr., Frau for Ms., followed by the last name) is also common, especially in formal settings. Direct eye contact is appreciated.

Basic German phrases will go a long way:

• Hallo: Hello
• Guten Tag: Good day
• Auf Wiedersehen: Goodbye
• Bitte: Please
• Danke: Thank you
• Entschuldigung: Excuse me / Sorry
• Sprechen Sie Englisch?: Do you speak English?

Eating Out: Restaurants and Tipping

German cuisine varies from region to region, but expect hearty dishes with meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Austrian cuisine is known for its pastries and schnitzel. Swiss cuisine features cheese fondue and raclette. When dining out, it's customary to tip around 5-10% of the bill if the service was good. You can simply round up the amount and tell the waiter the total you want to pay. For example, if the bill is €18.50 and you want to tip €1.50, you would say "Zwanzig, bitte" (Twenty, please).

Meal times are generally fixed. Lunch (Mittagessen) is typically eaten between 12:00 and 2:00 PM, and dinner (Abendessen) between 6:00 and 8:00 PM. Many restaurants offer "Mittagstisch" (lunch specials) at lower prices.

Shopping: Opening Hours and Sundays

Most shops are open from Monday to Saturday, with varying hours. Almost all shops are closed on Sundays. Plan your shopping accordingly. Larger train stations and airports usually have shops open on Sundays. Be aware of the "Pfand" system – a deposit on recyclable bottles and cans. You can return these to most supermarkets for a refund.

Recycling and Waste Disposal

Germans take recycling very seriously. Waste is typically separated into different bins: paper (Papier), glass (Glas), plastic (Gelber Sack/Gelbe Tonne), and residual waste (Restmüll). Follow the local guidelines for waste disposal.

Tipping Etiquette: Who to Tip and How Much

While tipping is not mandatory, it is a customary way to show appreciation for good service. Here's a guideline on who to tip:

• Restaurants and Cafes: 5-10% of the bill. Round up to the nearest Euro is also acceptable.
• Taxi Drivers: 5-10% of the fare.
• Hairdressers and Barbers: 5-10% of the service cost.
• Hotel Staff (Porters, Room Service): A small tip (e.g., €1-2) for exceptional service is appreciated.

You usually hand the tip directly to the person providing the service when paying.

Important Numbers

Keep these important numbers handy:

• Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112 (valid throughout the EU)
• Police: 110 (Germany)

Cultural Nuances: Understanding the Locals

Directness and Honesty

Germans, Austrians, and Swiss are often perceived as direct and straightforward. This is not intended to be rude, but rather a cultural trait. They value honesty and efficiency. Don't be surprised if they express their opinions frankly.

Respect for Rules and Order

There's a strong emphasis on following rules and regulations. Jaywalking (crossing the street against a red light) is frowned upon and can even result in a fine. Respect for order is deeply ingrained in the culture.

Personal Space

Germans generally value their personal space. Avoid standing too close to people when talking to them. Being too touchy-feely can be seen as intrusive.

Sunday Rest (Sonntagsruhe)

Sundays are considered a day of rest. Loud noises and disruptive activities are generally discouraged. It's a good idea to keep the noise level down on Sundays.

Staying Safe and Healthy

Health Insurance

If you are not a citizen of Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage. Check if your existing health insurance policy covers you while traveling abroad. If not, consider purchasing travel insurance with medical coverage.

Drinking Water

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. You can ask for "Leitungswasser" (tap water) in restaurants, although it's not always offered freely. Bottled water is also readily available.

Emergency Situations

In case of an emergency, dial 112 (the European emergency number) for police, fire, or ambulance services. Be prepared to provide your location and a brief description of the situation.

With a little preparation and understanding of local customs, your trip to a German-speaking country will be a memorable and enjoyable experience. Gute Reise! (Have a good trip!) Und viel Spaß! (And have fun!)