Such Dir Eine Farbe Aus Sticker

Willkommen in Deutschland! If you’re planning a trip, you've likely come across the phrase "Such Dir Eine Farbe Aus" associated with small, colorful stickers. These aren't just any stickers; they're a key to navigating public transport in many German cities. But what do they mean, where do you find them, and how do you use them? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about these tiny, but incredibly useful, travel companions.

What exactly are "Such Dir Eine Farbe Aus" Stickers?

“Such Dir Eine Farbe Aus” translates to "Choose a Color." These stickers are essentially color-coded day tickets for public transportation. They're sold by transport companies (Verkehrsverbünde) like the BVG in Berlin or the MVV in Munich, often as group day tickets (Gruppentageskarten). Instead of a specific date printed on the ticket, you activate it yourself by choosing a colored sticker corresponding to the day you want to travel.

Imagine a sheet of stickers with vibrant colors like red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and purple. Each color represents a day of the week. For example, red might be Monday, blue Tuesday, and so on. When you purchase a "Such Dir Eine Farbe Aus" day ticket, you also get a sheet of these colored stickers. To validate your ticket, you simply peel off the sticker that matches the current day of the week and stick it onto the designated space on your ticket.

Why use color-coded tickets?

This system offers several advantages:

Flexibility: You can buy the ticket in advance and activate it whenever you need it. No need to commit to a specific travel date upon purchase. This is especially handy if you are unsure of your plans.
Cost-effectiveness: Group day tickets are often cheaper than individual single tickets, particularly if you're traveling with friends or family. The “Such Dir Eine Farbe Aus” system often applies to these group tickets, making it an even more economical option.
Convenience: Once activated, you can use the ticket for unlimited travel within the specified zones for the entire day. No more fumbling with individual tickets for each journey.

Where Can You Buy Them?

You can usually purchase these tickets at:

Ticket Machines: Located at train stations (Bahnhöfe), subway stations (U-Bahnhöfe), and tram stops (Straßenbahnhaltestellen). These machines often have an English language option, making the process easier for tourists.
Customer Service Centers: Found at major transportation hubs. Staff can assist you in choosing the right ticket and understanding how to use it.
Online: Many transport companies now offer the option to purchase tickets online through their websites or apps. You may still need to physically pick up the sticker sheet from a machine or customer service center after purchasing online.
Some Shops: In some cities, you might find them in kiosks (Kioske) or newsagents located near public transport stops.

Look for signs or displays that mention "Tageskarte" (day ticket) or "Gruppentageskarte" (group day ticket) along with icons representing the various transportation options (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Bus, Tram). If unsure, don’t hesitate to ask a staff member: "Entschuldigung, wo kann ich eine Tageskarte mit 'Such Dir Eine Farbe Aus' Aufklebern kaufen?" (Excuse me, where can I buy a day ticket with 'Choose a Color' stickers?).

How to Use "Such Dir Eine Farbe Aus" Tickets: A Step-by-Step Guide

Purchase Your Ticket: Buy the appropriate "Tageskarte" or "Gruppentageskarte" for the zones you plan to travel in. Pay attention to the zone information displayed on the ticket machine or online.
Identify the Current Day: Determine the current day of the week (Montag, Dienstag, Mittwoch, Donnerstag, Freitag, Samstag, Sonntag). If you are unsure, a quick search online will provide the answer.
Match the Day to the Color: Find the colored sticker that corresponds to the current day of the week. Most sticker sheets have a small legend explaining which color represents which day. Important: The colors are usually the same across the entire Verkehrsverbund, but it is always prudent to check the legend on your sticker sheet.
Apply the Sticker: Carefully peel off the correct colored sticker. Look for a designated space on your ticket (often marked with a square or rectangle) and firmly stick the sticker onto it.
Keep Your Ticket Handy: Inspectors (Fahrkartenkontrolleure) regularly check tickets on public transport. Have your validated ticket readily available to avoid a fine.

Example Scenario:

Let's say it's Wednesday, and you've purchased a "Gruppentageskarte" for Berlin. You look at your sticker sheet and see that the color green represents Wednesday (Mittwoch). You carefully peel off the green sticker and stick it onto the designated area on your ticket. You are now ready to explore Berlin using the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Bus, and Tram!

Important Considerations and Tips

Zone Coverage: Make sure your ticket covers the zones you plan to travel in. Most cities have zone maps available at ticket machines and online. Buying a ticket for the wrong zones can result in a fine.
Validity: "Tageskarten" are usually valid until 3:00 AM the following day. Double-check the specific validity period printed on your ticket.
Group Tickets: If you are using a "Gruppentageskarte," everyone in your group must travel together and have their identification (passport or ID card) ready to show the inspector if requested.
Fines: Traveling without a valid ticket is a serious offense and can result in a hefty fine (Strafe). Always validate your ticket before boarding public transport.
Language Barrier: If you are unsure about anything, don't hesitate to ask for help. Most Germans speak some English and are happy to assist tourists. You can say: "Entschuldigung, ich brauche Hilfe mit der Fahrkarte." (Excuse me, I need help with the ticket.)
Apps: Consider downloading the official app of the Verkehrsverbund in the city you are visiting. These apps often allow you to purchase tickets directly on your phone and provide real-time information about schedules and delays.
Destroyed Tickets: If your ticket is damaged or lost, you will likely need to purchase a new one. It's best to keep your ticket in a safe place, like a wallet or ticket holder.

"Such Dir Eine Farbe Aus" Stickers: A Traveler's Best Friend

The "Such Dir Eine Farbe Aus" sticker system might seem a bit confusing at first, but once you understand the basics, it's a simple and convenient way to navigate German public transport. By understanding how these tickets work, you can enjoy the flexibility and cost savings they offer, making your trip to Germany even more enjoyable. Remember to always validate your ticket before boarding and keep it handy for inspection. With a little preparation, you’ll be navigating the U-Bahn like a local in no time! Safe travels, and enjoy your trip to Germany!

Gute Reise! (Happy travels!)