10 things to know before moving to Germany

Bicycle paths

In some ways, Germany is a paradise for cyclists. National paths connect major cities in the Radnetz system (the German cycle network), cycle hire outlets are everywhere, and cycle repair shops are similarly common.

Cities like Münster and Karlsruhe are among the best in the world for cyclists (though Berlin and Cologne aren't quite so bicycle-friendly).

When you're cycling, pay attention to pedestrians as well. Sometimes paths will feature red stone patches, which tell cyclists to give way to those on foot. And in Germany, pedestrians always have right of way.

Red traffic lights

If you come from a culture where traffic lights are often ignored, it's time to tighten up your driving style, because in Germany, traffic rules are always respected.

Running red lights carries a minimum €90 fine for a first offense, and this can rise to €200 and a 1-month driving ban.

Sundays

Sunday is definitely the "day of rest" in Germany, and very few shops will be open anywhere in the country.

That's bad if you haven't planned ahead and your cupboards are bare. But it's a great day for relaxation and socializing, with everyone away from work.

Quick supermarket checkouts

Germans don't like to spend time chatting at supermarket counters, and automated self-service checkouts are standard across the country.

These systems let you scan goods and pack them yourself, and take cash and cards in most cases. So they are a good time-saver.

You need cash in Germany

Germany is a bit unusual in the modern world. While countries like Sweden are going cashless, Germany remains a huge fan of hard currency, so carrying cash is a common practice.

Maybe it's a hangover from hyperinflation or an aspect of German aversion to risk, but credit cards are not a big deal. You can use them in many stores, but relying on them is foolish. Cash is King.

German punctuality

As you'll discover when you arrive, Germans are obsessive about punctuality. When you settle in, you'll appreciate this national feature, but it can be a little off-putting at first.

As our pages on German culture explain, being on time really matters to Germans – who will be offended if you are regularly late (or even delayed without good reason).

Bureaucracy

The reliance of German society on strict rules means that every area of life has its own regulations and official bodies to enforce them. Getting caught out can be frustratingly easy.

However, once you know the rules, things become much easier. Whether you are seeking an apartment and require an Anmeldung from the local city hall or Bürgeramt, or you are enlisting as a student and require health insurance, do the research required to know the ins and outs.

Cars and street

Germans love cars, and that passion has created brands like Mercedes, Volkswagen, BMW, and Audi. It's also given birth to a strong car lobby which ensures that aspects of society suit motorists' interests.

For instance, many sections of the Autobahn have no legal speed limit. That doesn't apply to all highways, and limits of 75 mph apply in many places. But there are spots where German cars can show their full potential.

Even so, cars aren't supreme in Germany. The government is fighting to limit vehicle emissions and cycling is booming.

Bottle deposit

Germany operates a bottle deposit scheme to make recycling easier, and it's one of the most high-tech in the world.

Known as Pfand, the scheme was introduced in 2003. It imposed a small deposit on all plastic and glass bottles, which can be refunded at machines in supermarkets and drinks stores across the country.

Tipping in Germany

Tipping isn't obligatory, but it's still a core part of German dining culture. Service charges will usually be added onto restaurant and bar bills (and should be shown clearly on the bill). But even then, it's customary to add a little extra to "round things off". There's a good reason for this. In Germany, waiters and waitresses don't usually benefit from service charges. So your 10-15% tips will go to them.