Germany Travel Guide

Languages in Germany

The most widely spoken language in Germany is, naturally, German. Across the EU, the West Germanic tongue is the most used language, and this also encompasses 95% of Germany. Using a Latin script, the languages closest to it are Dutch, English, Afrikaans and Frisian. Much of the German language is derived from the combined Germanic branch of languages–Low German, Franconian, Frisian, Saxon, Sorbian – but there are many words with a basis in English, Greek, Latin and French.

Within Germany itself, about two-thirds of the population speak at least one other second language and almost one third can speak two other languages. English is the second most-taught language in German schools with French and Latin close behind. 

German people are often very enthusiastic when practicing their secondary languages, so the chances are, if you get lost, there will always be someone with a reasonable standard of English nearby.

The German language is expressive and there’s a word for nearly everything! For example, ‘Wanderlust’–our desire to travel. One you may have to deal with while traveling is ‘Zugzwang’–to be forced to decide. Another one many have experienced is ‘Torschlusspanik’–as you get older, one feels time and opportunities are running out. So don’t put off that trip to Germany any longer!

Money, cash and cards

Germans use the Euro (€) currency. The exchange can fluctuate, though not by much; we advise that you check up-to-date rates before you travel. Nineteen countries across Europe – including the surrounding countries of the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Austria – also use the same currency, in case you decide to travel further afield.

We advise you to always carry cash and cards with you. Using cash is certainly more commonplace, but conversely, some places only accept cards and refuse cash. Card payments run on a chip and pin system and VISA, Amex and Mastercard are accepted at most establishments. Please speak to your bank to ensure that international transactions are enabled for your card. There are also convenient ATMs at all bus and train stations, shopping centers and outside most popular establishments.

Budget

Prices can fluctuate from city to city so it’s important to plan your daily budget accordingly.  For example, despite being a capital city, Berlin is relatively less expensive than some others. Several so-called secondary cities such as Stuttgart, Frankfurt and, in particular, Munich, generally cost a third more when it comes to accommodation and eating out.

For food, expect to pay €30-40 per person in a good restaurant and around €100 each or more at a Michelin rated restaurant – Germany is in fourth place behind France, Japan and Italy when it comes to the number of Michelin restaurants.Germany is the home of beer and relaxing beer gardens. While prices vary between cities, a pint will generally set you back €3-6 at mid-range establishments. 

Tickets for shows and concerts are anywhere between €30-150. Most museums and galleries have special discounts with travel cards or reduced rate times. Average admittance prices are between €5-20. Please contact your Trip Coordinator for updated ticket prices and booking charges for each individual exhibition.

Tipping

Always look for the word bedienung on your restaurant receipt. This is a mandatory service charge. If this has already been added to your tally, you do not have to tip on top of it but if you do so, 5% is acceptable.

• Tipping in bars is not expected
• On arrival at your hotel, €1 per bag is the norm, and €1 per day for room service is acceptable
• Taxi fares are usually tipped at around 10%