15 Unspoken Rules About Germany That All The Locals Know

From Redditor u/notshortenough:

Most Germans won't go out of their way to smile/start small talk if you don't know them. (More so in northern Germany. Southern Germany was more friendly on average!)

Tipping is not like the US. In the states, I usually always tip 20%, but in Germany oftentimes rounding to the next euro suffices. Sometimes 1 or 2 euro will do, just depends how large the check is.

DO NOT walk in the bike lane. You will be yelled at and possibly hit. They don't stop for you.

Almost every business is closed on Sundays, make sure to stock up on groceries during the week!

They use reusable bags everywhere. They're nifty and cheap, I bought 3 and use them all the time now.

Do not litter.

Don't be loud or obnoxious, especially on public transportation. Most people kept to themselves and were very respectful.

Withdraw a lot of euros once, rather than many small withdrawals. Oftentimes the ATMs have a flat fee for every transaction, so it can really add up. Keep the extra moola in your home when you're not using it.

Pickpocketing is much more common in cities like Berlin, as opposed to smaller cities. Be wary of this.

Public transportation is on-time 99.9999% of the time and WILL leave you behind if you aren't there on time.

There are NO public water fountains. Bring water everywhere you go. (There is mostly carbonated water (mineral Wasser).

Germans do drink a lot of beer, it's great. I recommend Erdinger Kristall. You should also check out beer gardens. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun!

Only Bavaria (a southern German state) is really associated with the typical 'lederhosen/dirndl/Oktoberfest
-don't be afraid to use danke (thanks), bitte (please), entschuldigung (excuse me).

Please for the love of god be respectful and responsible. Most European countries have a bad idea of Americans. Prove them wrong one action at a time!

From Redditor u/Anovan:

If you ask for water, you will get sparkling water. You have to specify that you want still water when you ask for it. Also, water is not free and neither are a lot of public bathrooms. Keep 50 cent coins handy if you're going to be walking around sightseeing for toilets.

From a former Redditor:

If you will be using public transportation a day pass may be cheaper if you use it a lot. Frankfurt is quite expensive. In restaurants, you may seat yourself where you want. Also, there is no tipping. Anything you buy has already tax included. Before leaving make sure to have all receipts so you can get the tax back at the airport. Be early there since it takes some time. If you drive a car beware that it is not allowed to make a right turn on red. The speed limit is also not always posted. There are a lot of cameras.

From Redditor u/Kin-Luu:

Germany's biggest Canyon, the Wutachschlucht in the southern part of the black forest. I believe it is one of the best-hiking destinations in all of Germany. Very beautiful nature.

From Redditor u/namstel:

Whatever you do, don't mention the war.

From a former Redditor:

Don't do any goose-stepping or [WWII-era germany] salutes, it's considered rude and brash.