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Major Nikon

(36,922 posts)

60. Driving on the autobahn is pretty intense

Tue Sep 3, 2013, 05:48 AM

Sep 2013

And it's not just because there are some areas with no speed limits, but rather because the Germans take driving very seriously. They obey the rules of the road without exception for the most part and they expect everyone else to as well. You don't see elderly people driving there. There's typically a lot of traffic and it moves very efficiently because the Germans expect everyone to drive with a high degree of predictability. The traffic is higher than in the US, and when it opens up, people haul ass. You can cruise 160kph+ on the autobahn in the left lane even with a solid line of cars in the right lane traveling at half that speed without the fear of some dumbass pulling right out in front of you without signaling. Anyone who does that wouldn't live very long there. If you do elect to rent a car and drive there, expect a driving experience that is unlike anything you've seen in the US.

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I want to travel to Germany one day. What should I know ? [View all] steve2470 Aug 2013 OP

That right there. Speak a little German. They appreciate it. Aristus Aug 2013 #1

thanks for all that steve2470 Aug 2013 #3

Also, don't tip unless the service was REALLY good jmowreader Aug 2013 #26

Lotta Germans there. cliffordu Aug 2013 #2

really ? steve2470 Aug 2013 #4

The price of bier. rug Aug 2013 #5

always a good idea ! steve2470 Aug 2013 #6

Don't order a dry martini.... Brother Buzz Aug 2013 #7

good advice steve2470 Aug 2013 #8

I hope that you will be able travel throughout avebury Aug 2013 #9

never been to Austria, good advice steve2470 Aug 2013 #11

If you have AXS TV channel, you might check out Ilsa Aug 2013 #24

Don't drink the beer like you do American beer. hobbit709 Aug 2013 #10

it is much stronger, yes ? nt steve2470 Aug 2013 #12

Yep. And much better. hobbit709 Aug 2013 #13

Yes, the custom is to pour the first glass over your head, to honor your host. Ikonoklast Aug 2013 #15

also, schweinehund works well too I hear steve2470 Aug 2013 #16

Oh, I forgot! The girls there just love being called "Schweinchen". Ikonoklast Aug 2013 #17

I listened to two obvious noobs coming back to the barracks after a night on the town. MiddleFingerMom Aug 2013 #29

Well....at least he used the diminutive. Ikonoklast Sep 2013 #59

Schwanzkopf is also a good one jmowreader Aug 2013 #27

If someone hands you a beer in a glass shaped like a boot, Jenoch Aug 2013 #14

Always recite the following when meeting a German for the first time. TheMightyFavog Aug 2013 #18

I'm sure they would enjoy that steve2470 Aug 2013 #20

Now that's just mean! Ilsa Aug 2013 #25

Better that you sing it jmowreader Aug 2013 #28

the grocery stores charge for bags fizzgig Aug 2013 #19

Aren't they doing that in the US too?... Locut0s Sep 2013 #32

maybe in other places fizzgig Sep 2013 #45

Be careful when you order three glasses. It will give you away. Arctic Dave Aug 2013 #21

Keep right except to Pass even if you're doing 120 mph! adirondacker Aug 2013 #22

"I want to travel to Germany one day." Jenoch Aug 2013 #23

oh I intend to, for 30 days if I can afford to :) nt steve2470 Sep 2013 #31

DON'T MENTION THE WAR! Nye Bevan Aug 2013 #30

I want to travel there too... Locut0s Sep 2013 #33

Warning: They use to serve beer at room temperature! B Calm Sep 2013 #34

I live in the Düsseldorf area DFW Sep 2013 #35

my question was really about how to make life as a tourist more pleasant steve2470 Sep 2013 #37

Especially the itinerary DFW Sep 2013 #43

good info, thank you very much ! steve2470 Sep 2013 #44

Saving up money should BE your plan DFW Sep 2013 #47

danke schön :)) steve2470 Sep 2013 #48

You got it right DFW Sep 2013 #49

Germans seem to hold direct eye contact and/or stare a second or 2 longer at passersby Quantess Sep 2013 #36

Germans are wonderful! Go have a blast! supernova Sep 2013 #38

thanks for this info steve2470 Sep 2013 #52

Don't drive slow on the Autobahn.. HipChick Sep 2013 #39

best excuse to drive fast ever :) nt steve2470 Sep 2013 #40

Yor ever drive so fast that your steering wheel starts vibrating? HipChick Sep 2013 #41

yes me also ! nt steve2470 Sep 2013 #42

Driving on the autobahn is pretty intense Major Nikon Sep 2013 #60

Do not walk on railroad tracks hankthecrank Sep 2013 #46

Don't forget to dress appropriately Revanchist Sep 2013 #50

I'm sure they will appreciate that ! nt steve2470 Sep 2013 #51

I go to fulfill one of my bucket list items- driving over 200kph on the Autobahn JCMach1 Sep 2013 #53

One experience I had (which you should avoid)...not specific to Germany... CTyankee Sep 2013 #54

that really sucked, good advice nt steve2470 Sep 2013 #55

You probably won't have that language problem in Germany, tho... CTyankee Sep 2013 #56

Another thing: use your hotel room safe (if you are in a hotel) for your passport and money. CTyankee Sep 2013 #57

more good advice, thank you nt steve2470 Sep 2013 #58

It is hilarious to read all your advice MissHoneychurch Sep 2013 #61

I never understood why the Germans couldn't manage to make two toilets that flush the same way Major Nikon Sep 2013 #62

do you have any advice for this American ? steve2470 Sep 2013 #63

That will help MissHoneychurch Sep 2013 #65

NEVER pass on the right. nt Demo_Chris Sep 2013 #64

There's already a couple of posts about driving on the autobahn. SwissTony May 2015 #66