Anyone ever been to Germany?

Question

I'm in the process of applying for a mission trip to Cologne, Germany next summer. And help or tips? Mabe language barriers?

Answer 1

Yes, I lived in Bad Kissingen, Germany for 3 years. I have also been to Ukraine and Costa Rica on mission trips.
Tips:
1. Bring layers of clothes. Germany's weather can be kind of funny. One day it is hot and the next day it is chilly.
2. Bring a good bit of money. The Euro is kicking the dollars but and has been for the past few years.
3. Most Germans know how to speak english, however, sometimes if you don't attempt to speak at least a little bit of German then they will not give you the time of day.
4. When eating out you need to know 2 things. 1. Refills are not free and 2. tipping is a bit different. If your total comes to 9.59 euros then give the waiter a 10 and tell him to keep the change. They make good waitering and don't expect a big tip like us Americans do. Also give the waiter your tip. Leaving it on the table is considered disrespectful.
5. I am assuming you will not be driving (if you are e-mail me and I will give you some tips) Germany has a good transportation system. A train, bus , or taxi can take you just about anywhere.
6. When buying drinks from the grocery store or from a stand you will be charged a small fee. If you bring back the bottle then they will refund you your money.
7. Germany's tax is about 16%. However, most stores have already added in the tax on the price tag of an item. So if you buy something that says 3 euro then when you check out it will be exactly 3 euros.

I can't think of anything else but if I do I will let you know.
So, what kind of mission trip are you going on? Is it an evangilical trip or are you going to help build a church or something like that?

Answer 2

Funny enough I should even find this question much less be American and live 50 miles from Cologne myself for a couple years. You will really find coming to Germany an experience..there are so many beautiful things to see here,things that are very old and full of history. Germans are very good at speaking English..it is taught to school children at young ages so the majority of people do speak it but they appreciate if you at least attempt to speak to them first in German (no matter how bad it is). 9 out of 10 times they will respond back in nearly fluent if not fluent English if you are stumped with the conversation. The people are friendly and very helpful here when you need it. It is a nice laid back and relaxed life here..no crime that I can speak of in the years I have been here..its really nice to live somewhere you can still leave the key in the car or leave the front door unlocked.

Answer 3

Yes, you'll really like being in Germany.
I would really study the German language
and start learning how to read it too.
It would be to your benefit to be able to
get around. See if you can find a person
who can teach you German and or check
with your church I'm certain someone can
help you. The more you help yourself prior
to going the better and easier it will be.
Have a terrific time in Cologne.

Answer 4

I lived in Cologne 4 2 months...germany' s the best country in the world..ich liebe deutschland

Answer 5

learn german,though in cologne a majority of the young people know english and save a ton of money,the euro is very strong

Answer 6

It is hard to believe that Cologne, Germany need missionaries. There are so many other places with real need...

Answer 7

I don't know but, I really want 2 go on a missions trip there 2!!!!!

Answer 8

i was in austria and had gone to a salt mine, and so we were underground but we also crossed over the german border, it was pretty fun. but i was in Frankfurt but only in the airport for 3 hours. so i don't think that really counts though. the sales people in the airport were really nice though. most spoke english, thank goodness.

Answer 9

Yeah, stop calling it Cologne when you get there, you'll be lost! It's Koeln!

Answer 10

no but next year germany be ready i am coming