I have read a few stories on reddit about how workers in retail are treated by customers, and I much prefer the German way of dealing. I had a student job in a supermarket during the summer holidays, and my boss was really great. He threw a customer out of the shop because she couldn't behave. His motto was: "If you're an asshole, I'll give up your money and throw you out, there are plenty of other nice customers with money".
Not only that, but other costumers are annoyed by those kind of people themselfes. So you are doing the majority of your customers a favour by kicking out the few ones that believe they are allowed to do just everything they want.
Regarding cash payment: This situation has dramatically improved during the pandemic. Most places, even bakeries, will have card readers theses days. I think carrying more than 20 to 50 € on your person should not be necessary. Pick pocketing is as common as anywhere: In touristy places, be reasonably cautious. Otherwise, Germany is a really safe country. I don't recommend bringing a lot of euros with you. Use an ATM from a bank in Germany to get cash (NOT those generic Euronet ones you find in tourist areas, though!). Exchange rates are much better. If asked whether the machine should convert currencies, decline: You always want your bank to do the conversion! Ask your own bank if they have a partner institute in Germany where you can save on fees.
The catch is that many of these places only accept Girocards, which tourists do not have as it is an exclusively German debit card system. So, at least as a tourist, you should definitely expect to use cash more often than many Germans.
@@leDespicable I disagree. This used to be the case, yes, but today most card readers accept all kinds of debit and credit cards as well. I even had the odd experience the other day that a taxi driver's card reader would not accept my bank giro card but accepted a prepaid mastercard without issue. Although I admit that it might vary regionally.
@@leDespicable Veto. If there is a usual card-cash system I could use my Girocard as well as my Creditcard. A few month agao my new Griocard got lost in the snail-post and I had to wait until I got a new one, while my acutal card was expired already. I could use my creditcard without problems. But I am not shure if this works with every creditcard, as I have a bankaccount at the Sparkasse and they only deal with Mastercard and Visa.
I am German and now 58 years old. I've only been the victim of a pickpocket twice in my life. And only once within Germany (the other time was in Spain). And in that case, the pickpocket was so nice (and professional) that he left my wallet with the papers on me and just stole the bills from the purse. skillful person
Shurely it depends on what you do with your wallet. Especially youg people tend to carry their phones in the backpockets of their jeans. This is like an inventation for pickpocketing. And men often carry their wallets in ther backpockets. Dont do this. Put your things on a sensible place and you will be fine.
@@haggihug3162 Well, I'm 52 and always carry my wallet in the backpocket. It has never been stolen. Yet, I lost it several times, when I took it out, and forgot it in a bus. For sure, the risk to loose it for me is MUCH higher, when I NOT put it in my backpocket, where I can feel it. (If I do not feel it, I tend to put it somewehre and forget about it...)
There are some people who rely on collecting deposits on the street because they have very little money. So if you put the bottle in front of the rubbish bin or on the top of the rubbish bin, the more socially oriented and enlightened people in Germany will perceive it as very friendly and nice. Especially if you don't need the money yourself, this is a nice way to donate money. /// About the spontaneity - it's mainly older people (with children) who are fully booked. Younger people value spontaneity very much - also in Germany
I saw an elderly German man collecting plastic bottles on a train and thought he was just collecting the trash, but now I realise that he was supplementing his income by taking these bottles back to get the refund.
I once lost my wallet with my passport, drivers license, bank card (debit card) and 1000€ cash in it. It was found and the guy drove to my house to give it back to me with everything inside. He didn't even wanted his finders reward 😊 He said he also would be happy to get his stuff back when he lose it. We drank a beer then 😅
I once did the same with a wallet I found on the pavement in Berlin :) ... my thoughts were: I would be pissed if I lost that, so I searched inside for any hints of an address and brought it back (was close to the location where I found it).
The level of spontaneity depends a lot on someone's life situation, their job, but also a lot on individual character traits. Some people plan nothing and do everything spontaneous, some plan everything and would never do something that isn't planned in advance. Both exist here in Germany, too. Maybe in different proportions.
I know people when I ask them in June to do something on a weekend this summer, they might say they’ve already planned activities for every weekend over next couple of months.
Some bicycle lanes are colored red so they are more noticable. In the younger generation being more spontanious has become much more accessible. To prevent people from digging through the garbage, just put the bottle next to the bin. There are people on the streets who actually make money from collecting Pfand. Pickpocketing will happen, but to prevent that Germans often have their purses in very difficult to reach places.
One reason why Germans often plan weekend (Saturday and Sunday) leisure activities days in advance is because many Germans do not work on weekends and work a lot during the week. So Germans then plan to do something together with others and then look forward to the weekend all week.
Not so sure about that as definitely during the summer in big cities it can be a 'problem'. I.e., don't carry your wallet in the back pocket of your pants, as that's just an invitation to get robbed.
It is not that big of an issue but be aware of it. I recommend you to have 30 to 50 euros per day with you. Just for meals and beverages and as reserve fund. It might be that you don't need to use it a single day and lasts the whole trip as you can use cards or smartphone. Larger sums divided in several places just in case. Several business people carry 500 to 5,000 euros with them on a daily basis without worrying about pickpocketing. Since the pandemic credit and debit cards are more common. Common are Visa and Mastercard, other systems like American Express are rarely supported in comparison. A lot of supermarkets, bakeries and restaurants support them, especially chains. But there is still a lot to improve.
I guess in big cities like berlin or munich it can be a problem with pickpocketing in large crowds, you most certainly wont get mugged like you would get in american cities thought. I am 40y old now and never was a victim to pickpocketing or mugging. So Not very common, but i think tourists are more targets than normal citizens
Austrian here: Regarding service: in Germany, like many European countries, your table becomes an extension of your personal space once seated. Thus, unless there is a good reason no one will enter it. That would be considered very rude and intrusive. Of course, this also extends to the waiters - unless you signal a clear intention to talk to them, they will ignore you.
I consider it very rude, if there are places left at a table, you ask if you may sit there and the person says no, although he is not expecting someone.
@@MrTuxracer Hm... When would you ever be in this situation? I mean most restaurants/cafes are just designed the "normal" way: Tables for one family, some with just two seats, etc. My only experience like this was when I went to Bavaria and there were big tables in normal restaurants, for multiple strangers to sit next to each other, that was a culture shock in my own country
@@colorfulsomething5008 Single Person sitting at a table for four for example. This happens rarely in the evening but it could happen at lunch time or in a fast food restaurant.
@@MrTuxracer Oh okay! Now I know what you mean. I guess it depends on whether the restaurant is full and you have to sit next to someome, or if you're just without reason annoying a person who wanted to be alone.
As someone who worked in retail, don´t be sursprised like they said in the video when waiters and chasiers are "rude". I like our mentality a lot more that we´re not reliant on tips and extra money and are allowed to not serve or throw out rude customers. Best part of any job i worked in when i could just tell someone to f*** off if they couldn´t treat me like a human with some kind of dignity and manners xD
Ну, иметь возможность отказывать в обслуживании грубым клиентам, и позволять себе грубить клиентам без причины, если ты сам официант или продавец - немного разные вещи.
One thing to be aware of is the infamous "german stare". Visitors from other countries often report that Germans rudely stare at them all the time. Some times this may actually be the case, but most times it isn't. It's just a cultural difference - Germans tend to hold eye contact with strangers for a few seconds longer, but that's enough to make it look like they are staring rudely or even in a threatening way. On the other hand, Germans often perceive "shorter" eye contact as being evasive or dishonest. It's not a bad thing, just be aware of it.
The stare could also be an expression of „hopefully you know you should have dumped your trash into the trash can 2 feet away from you instead of just dumping it on the street. Pick it up.“ instead of telling you that verbally. If you ignore it you might get a hiss afterwards or someone might speak loudly that „some people apparently have no manners“ (something indirect usually.
Often they don't stare, even when it looks that way 😂 a German lost in his thoughts, or German daydreaming, or a German thinking about a Problem looks all exactly the same way 😂 we call that "Löcher in die Luft gucken" wich means literally "to stare holes into the air" but really means "you look like you're staring at someone/something but actually your brain is afk" 😂
I am not so sure that even is a thing. I think a lot of people feel they are being stared at when they are abroad simply because abroad they look unusual and at home they don't. Add to this the fact that many Americans rarely travel and that in American society looking at someone may be dangerous, and you get a recipe for Americans complaining that German / Russian / Chinese / ... people are staring at them even if it's not really a national characteristic.
To the payment with cards: I´m working volunterly in a youth & Culture centrum and years ago we planed to offer payment with cards. The monthly costs of the payment software are incredibale high so we decided not to accept cards.
Hi Joel, the credit card thing has changed quite a bit during the pandemic. At least where I live (south west Germany) only very small businesses or e.g. on farmer markets you have to pay with cash. But you never know ;-) For the pickpocketing, that is not a real problem in Germany mostly only if you attend to big gatherings or crowded areas like Oktoberfest or such maybe. Regards and have fun when visiting Stefan
Yes, debits cards or phone options payments have become more common in places that only accepted cash before the pandemic (due to avoiding germ spreading by handing over cash), but good luck paying a bread roll for 2.99€ with a credit card…
@@Frohds14 Hi, first I would like to stick to English. Second, it's a little bit insulting, that you know better than me that my Visa (credit) card is a Maestro/EC? I'm paying with my Visa at the grocery, bakery, gas station, restaurant, what so ever. Anyway might be different where you live...
About paying more with cash... it's also a bit of a 'safety feature' in Germans. Most Germans try to save money (for bad times) as much as possible. So if you have the money you designated for your groceries and free time in cash in your wallet, chances are pretty good that you won't go over your limit. That leads to less credit taking, which means you don't have to pay off any debts. (Or your credit card bill) Edit: by the way.... if you need anything from a waiter in a restaurant or you want to pay: Catch their eye and raise your hand lightly. Otherwise they will leave you pretty much alone.
@@Alexandra-dh9kl darüber solltest du aber nochmal gut nachdenken. Ein einziger Punkt hier an dieser Stelle als Beispiel: bei einem Blackout von 1-2 Tagen geht es denen am Besten, die noch Bargeld haben. Das Buch "Blackout" ist ein guter Indikator für noch andere Dinge! We will not be able to stop the elimination of cash, but the later it comes the better. It will be a serious tool not only for banks, but a lot of other institutions to control our lifes. Banks are on that way already as you will not find many automats where you can deposit cash. They are being dismantled everywhere. They want to make a law where you can deposit cash limited to 1000€ and that is just the beginning. I pay cash whereever I can. Where i can't I'll leave!
Personally I often pay per EC (except for small stalls and markets of course), but safe my money in cash at home so I won't touch it.😂😂😂 (like for TÜV next month).
Elevators: Being in a multi story building, at the elevator the buttons are different, the numbers always represent the number above ground , wich is "E" for "Erd- or earth-story" and be aware of the officially used 24 hour time stamp . We say 3 o clock, when we are in daylight, so it is clear ,that it will be in the afternoon, but when speaking of the time officially on any timetable, especially in the future, it is 15h. or 20h for 8 in the evening, midnight can be 24 same day or zero, which the is next day and date. Never fix a date for a meet up or so at 8,9.10 or 11, That could be morning or evening!! Getting used to the metric, it is useful to get an instant imagination : A meter is just a large step on the ground , and two of them would be a tall person of 6 feet 5 or something , and a Kilometer is then 1000 big steps or about 20 minutes to go, just to incorporate this measurements without having to use maths very time. If you use Google maps on your smartphone, i don't know if you have to convert here to metrics automatically or does it stay like in the US? Maybe that's a task for the boring hours on the plane..
Yes, we germans are VERY spontaneous... after proper consideration and planning And the thing about service culture: I was at the bakery in Berlin and the door opened and someone asked "Do you have bread?". The saleslady, without batting an eyelid or even looking up, said "Nah, we only have car spare parts" and continued to serve me.
I'm Swiss and all of these are important here too. About the spontaneous plans, it's more the "showing up at your home unannounced", it's true, I am not planning on it and it would annoy me extremely. I need to clean my apartment before inviting someone :D but doing something spontaneous outside when I'm already out, absolutely yes. Bring it! It's basically the principle of it.
There is also a monetary reason, why too many merchants worldwide dislike credit-card-payments: the fees each merchant has to pay to the card-companies are considered racketeering. While big corporations are able to negotiate somewhat reasonable schemes, small merchants pay e.g. 5%. It was not a long time, when EU imposed some regulation regarding these fees.
I work at a small gas station/car repair shop where we do not accept credit cards because of the high fees, but we do accept (the old) girocard (EC-card). The newly issued bank cards don't work either, IDK how this will be solved, as the other card is going to disappear. I myself pay almost everywhere with my bank card.
All the points in the video are correct but you should know that if a German sees you are from another country they will be friendly with you. I want to say :"Welcome to Germany". I am looking forward of what you will tell us when you are here. 🙂👍
When I am cycling to work in a hurry and yet another bunch of American tourists is mindlessly blocking a cycling lane painted red in central Berlin, when the pedestrian lane is completely empty, I am not going to be friendly with them but be demonstratively rude so they learn not to do that again. I am probably not going to be bothered by the same people anyway, but I am doing it as a service to my fellow cyclists and expect the same from them.
@@divebomb99 Sounds like you won't need it. 😁 Actually, it doesn't usually take the form of yelling. It normally starts with ringing the bell from far away, ringing it again and again when there is no reaction, and finally while somehow getting around the obstacle a medium volume "hullo-o!" that is somewhere between passive-aggressive and reproachful. (The meaning of this is: You are clearly dreaming while in traffic. Please wake up.) The amazing thing is that even though all it takes to prevent the last step is for the obstacle to realize what's going on, even if they are too confused clear the way -- this practically never happens. They are always absorbed into something, and the idea that anything that happens around them might be related to them never enters their mind before you are right next to them.
@@johaquila Understood! Everything in this video makes 100% sense to me and is already part of my own American personality, especially the part about being punctual. While it's a basic human trait for some people, I often wonder if the German blood I have from some of my ancestors (who emigrated to the U.S. in the 1800s) is what makes me wired the way I am. 🙂
@@divebomb99 I would guess if it's anything but accident then it's not the genes as much as it is cultural transmission. I have long noticed that there is a large minority of Americans who would fit right into Germany society with no effort other than learning the language. In the case of Mennonites for example it's obvious why; it's simply a group of Germans transplanted to the US and mostly doing their own German thing there. It's probably a more general phenomenon in states like Pennsylvania that had massive German immigration; and just like people become German by moving to Germany, the same is likely to happen in traditionally German-dominated regions in the US. But individual variability is always greater than the difference between the averages of different societies. Personally I am more Mediterranean than German in many ways such as failure to be punctual. (I definitely didn't get that from my parents.)
You don't have to tip. All taxes are already included in the prices in Germany. For example, a coffee with cake costs €6.80 and you give €10, you get back exactly €3.20 in change. Of course, if you want to tip because you were happy with the service, you can say "stimmt so". The waiter will be happy about it. Have Fun in Germany!
Let's also be clear about this: In restaurants where you get served at the table and some other situations, it is pretty rude not to tip at all if you can afford it and there was nothing wrong with the service. The staff should generally get a living wage, but tips are a welcome and expected bonus. These tips are generally less than in the US, but more than in France. In France, tipping typically means something like rounding up to the next Euro. In Germany it's more like adding 5 to 10 % in such a way as to reach a round sum. Employees who get a personal tip don't have to pay tax on that. Tips for the business owner or non-personal tips for employees must be taxed. (Whether they actually are is a different question.)
@@johaquila I can only speak for myself and I'm from Germany. I always tip and always based on feeling. I don't even start counting what percentage of anything I give extra. Whether I give anything and how much is at my discretion. Joel should just know that it's not necessary to give more than what's on the bill, but of course it's more decent and polite to do it anyway if everything was ok.
@@Axion2020 I'm German as well. I merely wanted to make it clear that tipping, though not required in Germany, is still normal, and more so than in some other European countries. Knowing that prevents cringey situations such as one American trying to tip and another stopping them and lecturing them that one must not tip in Germany -- in front of a waiter or waitress.
Tipping should be around 10%, rounded to some integer. The unwritten thumb of rule is: Often times richer/older folks tip more than that, while poorer/younger people/students tip much less on average. Waiters usually are understanding and well aware that people have different socio-economic statuses.
@@johaquilaich wollte nur klar stellen, dass das kein muss ist. Ich hab es schon erlebt das Amerikaner in dieser Situation nervös wurden und nicht ganz durchblickten, da sie es so nicht kennen. Es war nur ein gut gemeinter Rat.
I know that during the summer months, when there are a lot of tourists around, there will also be plenty of pickpockets. Just using common sense will prevent you from falling victim to them, though. I.e., keep your cell phone and your wallet on you. Put any bags or things you have with you within your line of sight instead of just slinging them on the back of your chair. Never wear a fanny pack on your back, but always in front of you. Only take as much cash as you expect to spend and leave the rest in the safe in your hotel room. It's really not rocket science 😄
Great you’re coming over! I hope you’ll have a fabulous time! Please let us know if the reality matches the impressions you got from all the videos. A very big welcome for you!
Yes, you can just put your bottles next to the trash can or on the edge of it in Germany. Especially in the inner cities, there are always bottle collectors on the road and the bottle doesn't stay there for long. In some cities there are even extra bottle holders on the bins. If the police or the public order office is standing next to it, you might not want to do it, but the general public will find it OK.
Spontaneity: yeah, it kinda is a German trait that we usually don't do stuff spontaneously. Flip side: ask someone what they've got planned in three weeks and they might tell you about their plans to go to an awesome concert or exhibition or sporting event you might have missed otherwise. But I am not the typical German; I can drop almost anything and do something spontaneous. We went to the Stadtpark, the Hamburg Citypark, with it's integrated concert stage, to listen to Deep Purple last summer. Mind you, just from outside the hedge blocking you from the relatively small concert area. A guy approached us with two legitimate tickets for standard sale price, so I bought the two tickets right there for me and a friend. Awesome concert, spur of the moment decision. Edit: pro tip: check with your credit card company way before you leave if they have an automatic cut-off limit or foreign block should you travel to any other country. Some credit card providers advertise this as a safety measure (which it MAY be), but it can also be a terrible shock if you want to withdraw money from an ATM or pay in a store and your card gets rejected because of this safety feature. Also check the expire date on your cards as well as your passport and driver's license. Nothing busts a vacation if you suddenly find yourself cut off from either money, or the ability to rent a car, or legally drive it. All of those things happened to me once throughout my life; not something I care to repeat.😂
Traveling advice... You have to visit Dresden. Its a beautiful city with a famous baroque city centre. You can do really nice things and visit tons of museums etc. Nearby are nice wine cities like Radebeul woth nice view over Radebeul and Dresden. Than you have the old medieval town of Meißen. Famous for porcelain and a nice castle. The highlight beside Dresden is the near by Sächsische Schweiz. Its one of the most beautiful national parks in Germany with nice rock formations and magical hiking tours or climbing. Near Dresden are many beautiful castles too either they are many castles in Dresden themselve. It's a must visit if you are in Germany!
Taking a bag (plastic or paper, mostly paper nowadays) in a grocery store has an additional cost (10ct to 1€, depending on the bag). Bring your own kind of container to avoid that, if you want to :D Most people actually combine bringing back their deposits (bottles and cans) and then use the same bag to do the actual shopping
Don't stress yourself out about cash payments. The video you were reacting to was from 2020, we have since all being forced to re-consider thanks to the pandemic and most places will accept cards. HOWEVER, some may only accept what is called an EC card which is a very German card. It is basically a cash card linked to your bank account. You will see signs at the door whether an establishment accepts cards and which ones they do. Taxi's are another matter, so to be safe, ask before taking a ride. For public transport you will have to buy a ticket before starting your journey in most places. In some cities you can buy it on the train/tram/bus. All machines have a button to switch to English and they all take cards. If you have a VISA or Mastercard, you will be fine. Enjoy Germany, it's a great place!!
Living here in Germany, i don't use cash at all for the most time. Supermarkets always offer contactless / card payment and many restaurants and backerys have updated, too. Mostly, only small backerys, flea markets still demand cash.
The deposit on plastic bottles is returned as a voucher or coupon for your next purchase at that store. That’s why people collect them at home and bring them in bulk. Not all plastic bottles have a deposit though. There is a symbol that shows if a bottle has a deposit or not.
It's pretty rare these days that it's not possible to pay with a card, but it does occasionally happen (small family run cafés etc.), or sometimes there's a minimal amount for card payments. Also, occasionally, payment systems fail and then it's best to be prepared. But you'll get quite far with just cards these days. The thing about service culture is absolutely true, but a lot of establishments are catching on that customers are happier when they receive good service. I think the difference has much to do with the fact that service staff is paid the general minimum wage and they're not dependent on tips as much, so they're not as "motivated" to be nice. I hate that though. I think it's just common courtesy to be nice to customers AND service staff mutually. Makes life a lot easier.
Since C. You can pay alot with card in Most Supermarkts and drugstores, Restaurants it depends. So yes you need some cash but not to much. I would start with 200€ i think should be enough.
About superstition: There is one thing I remember clearly because I really didn't that expect from my mom - she had a scissor underneath her driver's seat (in our family car) "to be able to cut corners without accident" (German: Kurven schneiden ohne Unfall). Sometimes things are really strange...
I always carry at least a 150€ with me to cover all eventualities. And never ever in my life I've got stolen even a single cent from me. It's not a real problem at all as far as I'm concerned, it's probably more realistic to lose it yourself. Of course you still should be cautious and avoid being to obvious in crowed places like having a chain on your Portemonnaie. It's like a big red pointer to where your money's at. @10:30 it's exactly like that in pretty much any restaurant you can find in germany, also tipping is a thing here too. The difference is, it's not mandatory here, no unwritten rules about it. So it really comes down to good service = generous tipping, like it was intended to be.
Check with your local bank whether they have any connection / agreement with a bank in Germany. This might save you some charges when you use cash machines
You have to visit Vienna in Austria aswell when you’re travelling to Germany and are near! One of the most beautiful cities and totally different people than in Germany, even though we are neighbours. Greetings from Vienna! 😊
On bottles with deposit, there is a little symbol with a green bottle and an arrow, so this way you will be able to recognize if a bottle has a "Pfand" (deposit) or not. Beer or soft drink cans have a deposit too btw.
Funny how he said 25ct with that plastic bottle but it was a "Mehrweg" one that is 15ct. Only the "Einweg"-ones and cans with 25ct have that sign I think
As far as I know, many smaller shops or restaurants in Germany, that don't have an electronic payment system, don't get them because it costs them quite a bit which can be unreasonable if they want to keep prices low but don't have many customers. So from what I read a card reader can cost up to a couple of hundred euros once and have ongoing costs of a few percent (I found 3%) of the revenue. Also there may be additional bureaucratic effort needed. I didn't research this long, so don't quote me on this, but those are the most common reasons I heard from the vendor side.
Tipping: in Germany the prices for food and drinks are calculated including the tip for the salary of the waitress/ waiter. Most times people give a (small) tip though for appreciation. As far as I know tipping in the U.S. is not included and the waitress/ waiter has to rely on it to top up the salary.
Being spontaneous is definitely a thing, but DO NOT just randomly show up at someone's door and expect them to want to do stuff with you - they are likely to already have other plans, or just be upset that you didn't ask first. Even if you're good and close friends. It's easy these days to just text ahead - as long as you don't take a no to be a slight against yourself.
Pick-pocketing in Germany CAN be some problem, depends on where you are. I got pick-pocketed only once in my whole life, and it was late at night, in Berlin, on crowded Kotbusser Tor place, and i was super drunk and didn't care where i put my purse (in my butt-pocket of my pants)... but if you are a bit carefull, you should be safe basically.
If you go to Germany, visit Hamburg and eat a "Franzbrötchen". A very tasty sweet pastry. It is very common in Hamburg and you should find it there in any bakery, but gets more and more rare as you go away from Hamburg.
@@MrTuxracer chocolate versions do also exists, but these are usually normal cinnamon version just with some additional chocolate. But in general the cinnamon in a Franzbrötchen creates a unified taste, so you don't taste the cinnamon directly. It is the mix that makes the taste.
~ 5:40 Placing bottles next to a trash bin is btw. illegal ("illegal dumping") in Germany. Many people continue to do this, that others who could need the money do not need to search the bin. But it is a very bad idea to tell foreigners to do it and you can even get a fine for it if someone sees you doing it. Furthermore the bottle could roll away by e.g. the wind and could cause problems elsewhere. Illegal dumping includes every (unofficial) placement of an object that is not intended for the respective object.
I always take it with me, but how I would probably do it: - On a windy day right next to a road or bikeway? Bad Idea. - In a park full of people where you can be sure that there are collectors and much more bottles around? Yes! - Cops or "Ordnungsamt" around next to that bin in park? Maybe ask them quickly by gesture if it feels right or wait/other bin... (the park bins are often too small anyway, better bottles outside of the bin than later plastic bags and sausages)
As a German, a few things I would add: - being punctual means being ON time, neither late nor early (though it’s fine to be a little bit early to official appointments). For leisure appointments it depends, especially parties tend to be more like „starts at 8 pm“ or whatever and most people will show up at 8:30 or later. But it’s different when there is an event with a planned meal or something, then it’s polite to be on time. Personally, I also consider it highly important not to be early at someone’s house (unless you got more leeway because you are close with them); it’s a bit rude to show up early since there’s the chance the host is not ready to welcome you yet. - I have seen people comment that tipping is not required. That is true but it’s still a little rude not to tip. Usually you do 5-10%, unless you really disliked the service then you can signal that via not tipping. But I encourage the habit to tip within the recommended range, I have had Swedish exchange students visit me and they did not tip at the restaurant (since it’s not common in Sweden as far as I know) and the staff secretly was not amused. - service: don’t take it personally, it is indeed just different in Germany. Especially in Berlin, I recommend just trying to roll with it, and most importantly don’t think it’s anything you did, there’s just a certain charm (or lack thereof) in terms of Berlin service staff. - cash is king: I used to live in a smaller city in Germany and yes, I could not use card everywhere but in most cases I could. Which made it all the more surprising when I moved to capital Berlin and found a lot more cash only signs. Honestly, I agree with you, it’s so annoying to have to carry cash (I am constantly low on cash in my purse and it’s a pain in the behind). I would recommend looking if you can get a credit card with no withdrawal fee for ATMs. I have a visa card that allows me to withdraw money without a fee from any ATM with a visa sign worldwide (but obviously I don’t know whether that’s an option in the US). But if you get one of those you won’t have to carry a lot of cash around, which I would refrain from, at least in certain parts of certain towns. Because yes, pickpocketing is a problem, especially in touristy areas. - traffic laws: generally I agree that rules are mostly adhered to. Except in the case of bikes (especially in Berlin): many bike owners in Berlin think the red light rule does not apply to them. And people are generally less likely to frown at you for jaywalking in the big cities, though there is somewhat of an unspoken rule not to do it when kids are around as you should be a role model then. Also just to add by editing this comment, in an Alman fashion I only thought about getting to the point and I forgot the most important thing: Thanks for your videos, I have been enjoying them a lot since I found your channel a few weeks ago and I hope you’re gonna have an amazing trip! Greetings from Berlin :)
@@kingofshit303 in terms of being early I only mean that I would not show up early when someone invited me to their home, and if I happen to be early anyway I will wait until the agreed upon time before I ring the doorbell. If we meet somewhere else, a place that isn’t anyone’s home neither a venue where the host who invited me is likely to run around preparing until the very last minute, meaning I won’t stress anyone by being early, then I consider it fine obviously.
According to traffic laws: I think this is true for all major cities and I might add that cyclists generally think that no traffic rule will apply to them at all, and even worse with scooters. Sometimes when standing at a red light I‘m thinking I‘m the only gifted one in town who‘s able to see the color red. But I prefer sitting on my bike, waiting and „staring“ at people walking by rather then lying below the wheels of a car. This thesis will also explain why there are so many accidents with cyclists.
Cash really is king in Germany. I am Dutch, and I always forget to bring cash when I go somewhere. Here in The Netherlands, since this year there are just as many places where you can only pay cash, as there are places where you can only pay by card: 6%. That means that in 94% of all places where you can pay for something, cards are accepted. If I go to Germany, it sometimes seems to be the other way around. And then there is the famous saying if they do accept cards: "Nur EC" meaning "Only EC". EC is the German-only card payment system... So no creditcards or foreign debit cards.
You don't always get 25cents. The bottle has to have a special logo on the back. Otherwise, the machine will just reject the bottle, and you're left to find another way to dispose of it.
@@Michael_from_EU_Germany Yes there are, google it! All the ones (plastic and glass) you can buy in a "Kasten" /beverage crate (except most beer). They all get cleaned and reused, not schredded - much better, Günter Jauch should know that too (advertizing the wrong ones imho)! -> Mineral water, Limo, even BLUNA 😂 -> Milk and cream in bottles and yoghurt glasses also
Thank you for doing this. I am in the early stages of planning my first trip and I'm paranoid about this type of stuff. Don't want to be perceived as being disrespectful. Thanks again!
The deposits on bottles are a bit tricky: essentailly, most glass bottles have this type of deposit, and the majority of plastic bottles as well. To be more precise, plastic bottles for sparkling drinks (like sodas) do have a deposit, whereas plastic bottles for non sparkling beverages (like juices) so not. On the other hand: wine bottles and bottels for champagne are a one-way-item, which are supposed to be dropped into special containers are use. Rather confusing for anyone who is not used to it.
In most supermarkets u can pay with ur credit card but theres smaller shops and restaurants they don’t have the credit card scan. By the way not every plastic bottle gives 25 cents, watch out for the deposit sign on the bottle
6:15 deposits also apply to cans. Be aware: not all plastic bottles are part of the system. You'll find logos on the labels to tell you what kind of bottle it is.
Joel, but put the empty bottle next to a trash can. Leaving it somewhere is considered pollution and you can be fined for it. There is a saying in Germany: "The customer is king, but the waiter is emperor". That really says it all about the service culture. But there is another saying: "As it calls into the forest, so it echoes back". So if you are nice, you will also get nice salespeople and waiters. Always see the people and not just one person who has to serve you, then you won't have a bad experience. Pickpockets also exist in Germany. Watch your belongings when you are in crowds - especially at train stations, festivals and pedestrian zones. Be vigilant when the strangers speak up. They distract you if a second person were stealing the money. The same safety rules apply as worldwide. Germans don't make small talk, they see it as a waste of time. A hello is usually enough. If they like you, they'll be curious and start a conversation. Just give a German some time. If they are direct and criticize, then it is not necessarily meant in a bad way. Germans are usually honest. They don't usually spread sugar in conversations. Keep in mind that on Sundays and public holidays shops are not open, or only for a short time. It's not as strict as Shabbat in Israel, but if you don't take precautions on Saturday, it can get uncomfortable. In Germany you tip about 10-15% if the service was good. In shops, the final price (i.e. with taxes) is always signposted, unlike in the USA. When it comes to friendliness, Berliners are very special. There is the "Berliner Schnauze", which means that they can be very unfriendly. They think that's OK. The rest of Germany sees it differently. I come from the Ruhr area. We're also direct and frank, but we're always respectful when we're treated with respect.
Don't stress about it. Much of what has been addressed is stereotyping. There are also unpunctual Germans, Germans who block the bike lane and sometimes even salesmen are friendly to you ;) Also the cash thing is not so serious anymore. I can now pay almost everywhere (even at the bakery) with Apple Pay.
They always leave out the second part of "Kunde ist König/ customer is king". The full line is "Kunde ist König, aber kein Kaiser. / customer is king but no emperor." Meaning customer service has its limits.
And always remember what we Germans did to our kings: We continuously questioned and eroded their power and finally told them to f*** out. Well, at least we're not the French in this regard...
The planning of days or entire weeks beforehand is absolutely true in my case. But that doesn't mean I am not spontaneous, I am, just in the most German way possible. I actually plan days / evenings, where I don't have any plans so I can do something spontaneous. 😄
You can typically withdraw money from an ATM in Germany with an American credit or debit card. Most ATMs accept international credit and debit cards issued by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. However, it's advisable to check the fees and exchange rates associated with your card before your trip, as there may be foreign transaction fees or other charges involved. Additionally, it's always a good idea to notify your bank or credit card company in advance about your travel plans to ensure that your card can be used smoothly overseas.
Hi. You learned a lot it seemes. About the cash: yes, we do love to have some cash in the poket and we don`t use creditcards everywhere. But we although have our debitcards which we use. About pickpokets: yes you should be carefull. Don`t have your money in your bagpack outside.
Customer service: I worked as a sales assistant for many years and I can tell loads of stories of customers behaving badly. So, just be nice, and sales assistants will most likely be nice to you as well. BUT: That includes not speaking in English to someone without asking whether they actually do (want to) speak English. Always offer someone a German greeting like Guten Tag first, then ask in German Sprechen Sie Englisch, bitte? (formal) or Sprichst Du Englisch, bitte? (informal) and if this someone says yes, then ask whatever you want to know. Pickpockets: I was stolen from twice in my life by a pickpocket, once in a German train station, once in an Italian bus. It's not very common, just maybe don't keep your cards, phone and money in your trouser's back pockets like most men do but in a more hidden place. And leave your passport in the hotel, just take a paper copy (or photo on your mobile) with you during the day in any case, then this can't be stolen at all. You will love Germany, I'm sure, you're a positive person, enjoy everything!
The reason why shops don't offer card payments is often that there's a transaction fee that the shop owner has to pay to the provider. Having a 10ct fee on a 50ct Brezel is just painful so they choose cash only.
In bigger citys thiefes are a problem. When I'm in Berlin, Hamburg, etc., I carry a small wallet with not so much money in it and the most important cards. In Berlin, I have had my money and mobile phone stolen 2 times in 5 stops at the train station. Just be a little bit attentive and don't let strangers come too close.
In Germany you need cash, but more and more stores /cafes are now taking card payments. (thanks to the pandemic) - another fact about payment is "you pay what you see" - taxes are already included in the end price. Sometimes it's on the sign in stores "inkl. 19%Mwst." - the taxes in Germany are 7 or 19% - depending on what you have (services are 19% and groceries are 7%, so you can get 2 different prices at a bakery for example - in-house eating is like a restaurant, a service, and you pay 19% BUT when you take your stuff to go, sit on a bench outside and enjoy your food or coffee there, you just pay 7% because you bought it without the servíce...)
Since Covid it is not that bad with card payment anymore, also in supermarkets or other "big" businesses it never was, you could always pay with card. Where this was/is true is for small businesses like bakeries, kiosks, diners etc., but also most of them are accepting card payment now, but there still might be restrictions such as you can only pay with card from 5€ upwards. Also if you pay with card in Germany, it is absolutely uncommon to pay with a credit card, the most common card in Germany is a german banks debit card system, which is known to most people as "EC card", although the original EC payment system is gone long ago, most people call the now used Girocard system, still EC card. The only things Germans use credit cards is for booking hotels, rental cars etc. or when they travel to other countries.
Btw. in the USA you still issue your tax declaration on basis of trust. In Germany the tax authorities can look into your bank accounts! So, when you want to decrease your revenues to lower your taxes, you are dependent on cash. Its still hard, because every sale you do, even on markets or in a bakery has to be executed via a registry, but with cash you still can gamble a bit. As long as the customer doesn't want/need a receipt, you could try to not enter the deal, or do it with the beautiful "trial" button, established for trainees. Whenever there is an electronic transaction by credit or debit card, you can't hide it from authorities anymore. And thats why some smaller shops, restaurants, etc. might tell you that they only accept cash, that their card reader is actually broken or some other stuff to make you pay cash
The loss of flexibility in time management comes with the age. You are 20 and 20 years ago I would have said the same just like you. I am close to 40, got no daily routine (thank god), but it's not easy to let things fall just to hang around, because within all these years, you realized other things are more important. Hanging around is ok, but the work has to be done first. You're still feeling the freedom of youth. That will change in the future, sadly. Pickpocketing in Germany? Yes, in big cities not uncommon but no big deal.
If you are always early, then you are already a German by heart. 😅 The typical German arrives 10 minutes early and waits infront of the door until it's the right time. At least that's what I do most of the time.
I think lately most merchants should have a reader for bank and credit cards. In some bigger shops, you might even find some checkouts which are cards only, and cash is only accepted at some of the checkouts. And a few days ago I read an article, that Aldi is trying out a new shop concept in the Netherlands, where the customer scans the items with her/his cell phone and there's no checkout anymore. Therefore there are only card payments possible. Only at street merchants, farmer's markets, or sometimes at very small shops, cash payment might be required.
About pickpocketing: When I was young there were no cell phones and we used phone boxes. One time when I was probably between 11 and 13 years old; i left my purse in a phone box and from that day on I always chained my wallet to the jeans, which not only helps against forgetfulness but also against pickpocketing. Though I had some experience with pickpocketing. Recently I entered the tram at the central train station of my hometown with my bike. Though there were not many people at that tram stop, I felt a woman behind me jostling and pushing me when I was heading for a door in the front area of the tram. At first, I didn't think about it. Then I saw from the outside through the window, that the space reserved for bikes was already in use, so I turned to go to the back of the tram, which has a space for bikes, too. And believe it or not, at the very moment I turned, the woman behind me also changed her mind and suddenly also was heading for the door at the back and continued to push. Though she didn't manage to steal anything I called the police in order to ask them to have a closer look at the women at the tram stop. On another occasion a few decades ago I experienced a theft. I was walking from Picadilly Circus to Carnaby St. in London. I wanted to check the time and tried to look at the wristwatch on my left wrist. Unfortionally the wristwatch wasn't there anymore I and I don't have the slightest idea how that was possible. A third occasion I experienced in Palma de Majorca a decade ago, where in the pedestrian zone a woman approached me from the front to give me a flower. Since I had heard that is a usual tactic of pickpocketers in Italy and Spain I decided to immediately put my hands into the front pocket of my jeans instead of accepting the flower. It turned out to be more difficult to put my hand into my right pocket than I had expected. The reason was that my pocket already was occupied by a different hand.
9:20 Pickpocketing does occur. Especially in crowded areas of large cities. Around train stations in major cities for instance. You can mitigate the risk, however, by keeping your valuables in pockets on the inside of your jacket for example. And of course by paying extra attention in crowds, or if someone bumps into you.
You don’t need much cash on you. You can pay contactless nearly everywhere. I’d recommend some coins especially 50 Cent and 1 Euro coins and maybe 20-50 in paper. If you don’t go to very rural areas or to markets, no cash is needed.
Especially most supermarkets or other chains do accept Apple Pay or Google Pay. The most widely accepted creditcard is probably VISA (pretty much everywhere in the EU), Mastercard and American Express... well, not so much. Try to get some Euros BEFORE arriving anyway, because Money Exchange Companies charge you a foot and a leg - avoid them! Instead make sure you can use your creditcard (VISA, ideally - as mentioned before) is valid for transactions in the EU (just ask your bank or creditcard company). Then you can use them at any ATM and get some Cash at the ACTUAL daily exchange rate.
The service culture is indeed not very "friendly" - BUT authentical - from one point it might be from the cultural way that you experience a kind treatment that you are not used to (different approaches might appear: in north of germany they are less talkative but reliable in south it may happen otherwise - i just exaggerate this as an example - by showing both poles i just want to point out the differences that might appear all over germany) On other perspective it depends of a second factor that might have grown up in the tipping culture espacially in the USA, where the serving personal is not payed sufficient for a good living and is depended from tips. Frankly said, nobody is perfect and that also applies to kindness: I feelt awkward when i was in the USA (CA or NY and neighbouring states) an did know that the service was friendly BECAUSE they are awaiting a better tip from me... that is very superficial for me. When i'm in a restaurant where is see a waitress that might not be in a good mood because her son is ill and therefore she is not that friendly today and is niether afraid of beeing fired or not getting no tip because of that... i'm feeling better tipping an authentic person than someone that is beeing "forced" by its circumstances to suppress it's human feelings.
The cash issue kind of changed during the pandemic, even small bakeries now often take cards and not cash only. Most of the time Apple pay and google pay also work (though the place has to accept credit cards for it to work, often smaller places only take local bank cards) it is still advisable to carry some cash though the situation somewhat improved
As for customers in Germany, "Customer is king, but we are a republic now" or "The customer may be right, but I am politically left". 😀It may even happen other customers will side with the employee, not with you. Especially since you are a foreigner. As for cash money. Just have 10 to 20 euros with you at hand. Either keep the rest in your room or in a belt pcket that you can hide under your shirt. Pickpockts are not that much of a problem, but of course they are pros and spot an unsuspecting tourist in a crowd. The good thing about the bottle deposit fee is that you can usually return it in any grocery or beverage store. You don't even have to buy something new. You just hand the bottle and take the money or show the coupon at the cashier. Also a way to have cash at hand. ^^
Thanks for posting. Re the customer is king. The last time I was in Berlin I bought a few items in a tourist shop - postcards, fridge magnets, T-shirts etc - which came to around 30 Euros. I handed over a 50 Euro note. The guy behind the counter made a big deal of it and effectively accused me of tendering a counterfeit note. It wasn't! He was such an arrogant p**** that I just left the items on the counter and walked out. He lost a sale. I went elsewhere where the person had no problems with the note. On the other hand I had nothing but great customer service in department stores, book stores and restaurants so it seems to depend on the person serving - just like in many other countries.
There is an another reason (not only because of trust), why some shops and others only accept cash, because they get more than by using digital ways. For example, right now many merchants/retailers don't like the new replacement of the EC-Card (debit card) because, with the new one, the fees are much more higher than before, almost five times more. So, if they get 5 Euro cash for something, than the profit would 5 € (taxes incl.), but a payment with card, they will earn lesser, because of the fees/charges.
I think the credit card part was not properly explained. It‘s not that Germans don‘t trust cards, but shops have to pay the credit card company for every transaction. So paying 3 Euro with a credit card doesn‘t make sense. That‘s why they don‘t offer it or only offer it if you pay for more than 20 euro for example.
When I was last in Berlin I left my EC CARD (bankcard) in the ticket Automat and only recognized it half an hour later. So after an hour I arrived back at the U-Bahn station and some honest finder had handed in the card to the employee at the station! I was so relieved!
10:02: And guess who pays the fees for the credit card payment. It is not the customer. So, it is pretty understandable that shops with a small profit margin don't accept credit cards. If they did, they would lose money.
I dont think, the service is so bad over here. Its just different. If you come to a shop, the sales person will probably greet you and asking if you need help. If you say yes, they will help you nice and friendly. If you say no, they don't bother you and leave you in peace. If you had a question later, just ask and you get the help you need. Here it is considered more rude when you bother the customers! But in every situation, in shops, restaurants or just on the street, if you need help or have a question, just ask and you will definitely find someone who it is a pleasure to help you. Wish you a nice trip to Germany 😉
I forgot my Wallet twice. Once in a Train with a lot of Polish Travellers back in 1998. The Border Patrol brought it back to my School, nothing was stolen. The second Time i forgot it in a Shopping Cart. A day after, i noticed that my Wallet was not there. I went Back to the Shop (it was two Days later cus Sunday came between) and got my Wallet back. Two nice Woman found it and gave it to the Store. I was never the victim of a pickpocket. I remember my Holiday in Amsterdam back in 1996, where the People on the Train Station get Informed about Pickpocketing in the Area.
06:14 In big cities this is definitely ok. There are even cities that have flat bins on top for this reason. So people „donate“ their Flaschenpfand to others (who are in need) who would have to search in the bin otherwise. You will also see people looking for these bottles on street festivals etc.
There are pick pockets, especially in the hotter tourist spots. But the issue with the electronic payment is, no power, no payment. And also, not updating certificates, no payment. There was an issue with that a few years ago. About the customer is king, that is true, too. But most kings lost their heads in the last 2 centuries 😃
On the videos of 'easy german' you should always read the comments, because they have a really big international croud with interesting comments to the topic and they mostly answer to these comments too. So you will get even more informations there 😉
Glad to hear that you are going to visit us soon. About beeing spontaneous. People of your age are more spntaneous as older people. You should find people to have fun. The bottles. If you are on a journey it is normal that you don’t carry all the empty bottles with you. But you don’t necessarily have to bring them back to the same supermarket. Mostly every market takes every bottle back. Safety for you money. The more people are around the more you should protect your money. Train stations are a place with a lot of thiefs. but I use trains every day and never experienced it in my 60 years. You don’ have to fear that it happens every day.
10:40 Usually service staff is paid a fair wage here in Germany, so any tips are extra. So service staff does not rely as much on being ultrafriendly. Also culturally it would be viewed „over the top“ and distracting to your conversation to interrupt the whole time. This is also about the guest having a good time and being in the center (just interpreted culturally different): Giving the guests some uninterrupted and peaceful time - and let them sit as long as they want and not pushing them outside to make room for new guests (which was what I experienced in the US).
You should visit Weimar. It is very beautiful and there you can visit the houses of Schiller and Goethe. Related to the cash money, it comes from the bis crisis after the war. And I must say, even if I am an avid praiser of cards, I had times when all the card readers in Germany stopped working and I wasn't able to pay my groceries and I had to go to get cash and go back to the store. So, take cash with you. Also, talk to your bank to spare you from additional fees if you take out cash from German ATMs. For example, I have a certain card and if I go to a different bank to an ATM, it costs 7.5 euros.
I think one other thing about cash is, for me and probably a lot other Germans, we love our privacy, and if I pay with card „everybody“ or at least the bank can see when I was shopping and what I was shopping. So all grocery and nearly all bakeries, hotels you can pay with card, after the pandemic. But don’t expect to pay a bus ride or a coffee with your credit card Oh And maybe it could be important! Visa and Mastercard now excepted much more common, don’t expect it for American Express as well ;)
Pickpocketing is common in Germany, just like in any other country. However, it is not as extreme as in some others. As a rule: Thieves make it easy for themselves. Purses in wicker baskets are therefore preferred at weekly markets; from big backpacks that you don't notice; and so on. I only carry the wallet in places where I can definitely tell if someone wants to steal it. For example, the inside breast pocket of a coat.
You can change money at the airports , it depends how your lifestyle is ,when you like bakerys or fleemarkets or want to give tips , go to an Eckkneipe (beerbar), flowershop, etc. You really need cash, also most streetfood and icecream you need it. But all the groceries and labelstores no need
It's pretty sad that bicycle lanes are usually directly next to the walkways, and especially hard to recognise in the dark. However, yes, it's nice, when pedestrians are aware of it, especially at crossings and bus stops
you don't have to bring too much money, mostly only small stores (some bakeries, market stands and small restaurants) don't take cards. The only thing is often, that they just take Girocard not credit card - but that happens not super often. If you are in big cities and not just the countryside don't worry too much! Pick pocketing is not that of an issue, but happens especially in big crowds. Just wear your wallet in the front or in a bag. Never happened to me or my friends and we live in Hamburg.
something that is spezial for you.. if you see a Price.. pay That.. not more.. the Taxes are includet into the Price... on restaurants you can give a tip, we germans do it like "how good was the Service" so we give 0-5€ as a tip... on high prices sometimes more(most time we round up :D for example: you have to pay 16,99€ you give 20 and say, "its ok rest is for you") i know in the US is it much different, you see a Price and you have add the Taxes and tip and all that stuff... in big Stores we dont give Tip`s only in very small shops(Kiosk for example, but its very confusing becaus not everything what is small is a smal shop :D ) Buy always a Ticket for the Public Transport BEFORE you enter it!... or by the Driver(bus... by Trains is it not an option, but we have vending machines for Train-Tickets) if you enter a Public Transportation ... is it Possible you become a big Problem, so they send you Weeks Later a Letter with a HIGH payment... most Stations have a vending machine to buy a Ticket :) uhh and Have ALWAYS your ID card on you... or the Police comes and take you to a Police Station and check your stuff(in your case, ID Card and Passport!) we have something that is calling "Ausweispflicht" that means you have your ID card always on you...
