DOES and DON'TS in Germany
DOs and DON’Ts - Today we are going to take a look at some random and incredibly useful tips for navigating life in Germany.
In no particular order:
On the escalator, stand on the right, leave room for people to walk past on the left.
Those bottle machines at the grocery store? Return your empty bottles here for recycling.
You’ll get a receipt that can be exchanged for cash at the till.
Do not, under any circumstances, walk in the bicycle lane. You’ll get knocked down! You will just hear a loud “Achtung!”
Always wait for the green man before crossing a road. This also applies at 2 AM in the morning with no traffic in sight.
Don’t say “Du” to a police officer, it’s illegal and you could get a fine.
It’s your birthday? It’s your job to provide cake/food and drinks.
“Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!” Don’t wish anybody a happy birthday before their birthday. It’s bad luck.
Likewise, don’t celebrate your birthday before your actual birthday.
At a meeting, do not remove your jacket until your host does.
Having a drink with friends. Say “Prost” and toast those with you before taking a sip. It would be considered rude not to.
Make eye contact when saying “Prost”, not doing so could mean more bad luck! Or it appears as unpolite.
Keep your hands on the table when eating, never hidden!
Having a party at your apartment? It’s a nice idea to pin a note on the “Schwarze Brett” in the hallway to let your neighbors know. (Or invite them as well. :) )
Apropos apartment. You have to register your place of address at the “Kreisverwaltungsreferat” when you arrive. Remember to de-register when you leave or change address in Germany.
Today`s vocabulary:
Das Schwarze Brett - notice board
Apropos - apropos! A word we share. Did you also know you can use this French word in Germany?
Das Kreisverwaltungsreferat – the Department of Public Order
Der Kreis – here: the county
Die Verwaltung - the administration
Das Referat – the department
„der Kreis“ also means circle. Can you think of any other words with more than one meaning? Leave a comment below!
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