doubts abt germany?

Question

i am coming to germany for the first time..tell me how to get to know the country better and the culture...apart from the common places of tourist interest i want to know the places where i get to knwo the real culture of germany!!second question, is German a necessity?can we survive with english? Are there any common normal etiquettes to be followed while in germany?how expensive are the tickets for a bayen Munich game?

so many questions...but then plz help!!cheerz@!!!

Answer 1

Do you need English while in the USA, Australia, Canada, Great Britain, or Ireland? Living in any country you will need to know the official language. But as a tourist in Germany you will get along with english, especially in bigger cities; it might be more difficult in rural areas. Most (younger) people in Germany know at least a bit (Oxford!) English, but don't expect them to be fluent. Anyway: showing any interest in learning german might be an advantage getting to know people.

I suppose you need to live in Germany for a while and not come just as a tourist to encounter "real" german culture. Look rather for smaller cities or towns because culture in the metropolitan areas is more "international". There are differences in "culture" depending on which area in Germany you're going to.

Tickets for games of FC Bayern München in the Allianz-Arena range from 12,- to 50,- EUR in Bundesliga and from 30,- to 80,- EUR in ChampionsLeague:
http://www.fcbayern.t-com.de/media/native/live/preisliste100107.pdf

Unless you're a teenager or closer friend NEVER use the first name in a conversation! That would be considered as impolite or even arrogant. - For further advice look e.g. here:
http://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Asoa1U0ksidm2My1uvWK2c.qEBV.?qid=20070111115536AAhqz5K

Answer 2

Hello,

I am from Germany and unfortunately have to tell you that there is not much left of a german culture since McDonalds, MTV, Coca Cola and all the other big US companies invaded us.

In every bigger city there are city-magazines with all events that take place (if you come to Hamburg try OXMOX) or buy a daily newspaper.

I think its no problem to get along with english here and if you don't appear too arrogant (sorry - a reputation US americans do have over here) I don't think you are going to have any problems.
In Bavaria they are used to US soldiers, maybe an advantage when you go there.

By the way: The supermarkets and other shops do not close at 5 pm. It's 8pm and some even 10 pm (except on sundays).

Have a good trip and a good time

If you come to Hamburg and will see REALLY good soccer - visit a FC St. Pauli game. And thereafter visit the Reeperbahn ;-).

Answer 3

Are you going to visit Germany or are you planning to live there for a while? That makes a big difference. For touristical purposes, you will easily get along with English only, most Germans have at least a beginners knowledge in English and you will find many who are proficient in English. On the other hand, if you plan to live here, like for studying or working, you definitely should learn German.
Regarding etiquette, I don't think we Germans are "particularly particular" (but that might be a matter of perspective :), if you are a tourist just behave nice like a guest should everywhere, and you will be treated friendly and hospitably. Many Germans might seem a little cool at first but in most cases they will thaw after the first few words. However, don't treat people you never met before as if they were your friends for years, they will not take you seriously then. Being on a first-name basis with anyone is not taken lightly, except with younger people like students, then it's okay.
If you are in Germany for business, things might be a little different. In this case you should strive to be professional, reliable, and correct in everything.
Regarding Bayern Munich, don't bother. They are not in best shape at the moment. If you wish to see good football (soccer), visit the nice city of Bremen and watch a Werder game :)

Answer 4

Etiquette is the same as everywhere else. You can speak English almost everywhere, only in small villages you might have problems. The bigger cities are quite able to converse in English. The places where you get to know people are the places, where the Germans go. Pubs, bars, favourite places of the people in the town. The prize of the tickets depends on the circumstances of the game (who plays, what league etc.)
Enjoy Germany, it is a beatiful country!!!

Answer 5

Aussie oz has answered most of your questions. But a few tips: Please carry Euros with you when you enter Germany (I know of somebody who had dollars and had to wait for the official working day to get them converted!!) Another important thing is that in Germany most supermarkets close at 5;00 PM and are closed on the weekends!!!! So plan accordingly.

The public transportation system is one of the best in the world, so travelling around should not be a problem. And there is a weekend ticket on which a group of (4 or 5) people can travel anywhere in Germany on one ticket only!!

There are several nice musea in Berlin. Potsdam near Berlin is also a very nice place.

Have a nice trip.

Answer 6

you have got some good answers already...just want to add that if you want to visit a Bayern game please book well in advance...they are frequently sold out months ahead...

Answer 7

I can not tell it better than aussie_oz. I think he has given you good tips