German quirks
Jamie's Guide - Part D
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Jan 6, 2006, 00:34

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

Part D: Down the shops

Supermarkets

Most of us in England are familiar with Aldi, Lidl or Netto supermarkets - all of which originate from Germany.  When you step into the German equivalent you will notice that they are almost exactly the same as their English counterparts - the layout easy to make your way around and find what you want. 

There are plenty of other supermarkets, but the general rule is “the bigger it is, the cheaper it is”.  Although, it is probably best to stick to the aforementioned medium sized stores and give the larger supermarkets a miss - they are organised like mazes and often stacked high with goods, so that finding your way out could take until the time of the next match!

Up the Hohe Strasse

The Kauhfhof on the Zeil in Frankfurt

The high streets (Hohe Strasse) and shopping centres of most cities will feature shops you are familiar with in England - even C&A are still going strong in Germany, along with the nation's lynchpin high streets names such as the big Galeria Kaufhof department store chain.  Pricing in these stores will generally be the same as in their counterparts in England and stock is usually very similar if not identical - yes the tastes of the German public are very close to those of the English! 

Something for the missus?
If you are thinking of buying a little present for the missus, or the woman next door who has been feeding the cat whilst you’re away in Germany, you could pick up something special from Beate Uhse.  Their bid to sponsor Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund in 2005 was rejected on the basis that Beate Uhse are the worlds largest chain of sex shops!

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