Jamie McDine's Englishman's guide to what makes Germany different

Part I: When to stop, and when to go

Don't walk or face a fine!

Traffic lights

You know the score, you’re waiting at the pedestrian crossing - red for wait, green for go, simple. It’s just sometimes, the traffic lights will be red and there isn’t a car anywhere to be seen, so what the hell, you’ll cross the road anyway. Not in Germany! 

The Germans are very keen to set the kids a good example with road safety in mind, so if you’re seen crossing the street when the lights are showing red, at the very least you’ll get a disgusted look from an old granny.  If you are seen by the police, there is an instant fine of between 10 and 25 Euros.

Right turn on red
Also pay attention when crossing the roads, as in most cases cars can still drive when you're allowed to cross, but they simply have to give way to pedestrians.

If you’re driving in Germany, there will be a bigger penalty from the police if you are seen jumping a red light, so it really is best to play by the rules.  And whilst most autobahns are without speed restrictions, the police are often do speed checks in the cities, so keep to the limit. Most private radio stations give information on where the police are, so if your knowledge of the language is good, you know the right places to slow down!

How to queue!

If you’ve ever flown low-cost from any German airport, you’ll know that Germans don’t really do queuing particularly well. They all seem to stand in an assembled mass and push to the front, unlike us polite and orderly Brits! 

If you are queuing for something in Germany, be patient.  Like their national team, the Germans live up to their efficient stereotype and do get things done. 

If you are in a queue, make it obvious and don’t leave room for misinterpretation, whether its getting a burger in or picking up your match day programme at the ground.

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