German Courses Checklist – Important information about Germany
Short and concise- the most important facts about Germany. German Courses tips – General and important information about Germany as well as German Courses Checklist before you leave for Germany.
General information about Germany
- Germany is a parliamentary Federal Republic.
- 82 million people live in Germany. 8.8 percent of them are foreigners.
- The capital is berlin.
- As a Federal Republic, Germany consists of 16 countries.
The most important religion is Christianity:
- 31 percent are Roman Catholic
- 30.2 percent are Protestant
- 4.24 percent are Muslim
- 0.24 percent are Jewish
There are also a large number of Protestant free churches and Christian communities.
The most important telephone numbers in Germany
If you need help in an emergency (accident, fire, attack or something similar), dial the European emergency number 112. Alternatively, you can reach the police under 110.
Pharmacy and medical emergency service
You suddenly get sick on the weekend or the medicine against your allergy is finished? To get important medicines or to find a doctor in readiness, please use the pharmacy emergency service for Germany under: meinestadt.de/deutschland/gesundheit/notdienst-apotheke.
The time zone in Germany
It is the Central European summer time. There is no time difference in Germany. The clock is adjusted twice a year:
- On the last Sunday of March, the summer time starts. The clock is set one hour ahead.
- On the last Sunday in October, the winter time begins. The clock is set one hour later.
When and where may foreign students and German learners smoke in Germany?
In Germany, smoking is allowed for people over 18 years old. Anyone who distributes tobacco in the form of cigarettes or cigars to children or adolescents under this age limit can be fined 1,000 euros.
Smoking is prohibited in most places in Germany as it is forbiddened by law. These include public buildings such as government offices, theaters, universities and hospitals. Airports and train stations usually have small and designated smoking areas. Outside these areas, such as in bars, cafes and restaurants, a strict ban on smoking applies. The smokers usually meet at the door of a building to smoke a cigarette. Whether you are allowed to smoke in your accommodation, you must clarify with the landlord.
The climate and the seasons in Germany
Germany is located in a moderate climatic zone. The seasons of autumn, winter, spring and summer show significant differences in temperature and precipitation. In June, you have to expect frequent rainfall. It often snows in January and February. This is especially important for drivers.
If you are planning a trip to Germany, you should equip yourself for contingencies. Consider solid shoes and rainwear even in summer. In winter, a scarf and a thick jacket are also useful.
In Germany, each apartment is equipped with heater. Air conditioners, as they are often found in southern countries, are unnecessary and also not common.
Common means of payment in Germany
In Germany you pay with Euro. 1 Euro (EUR) equals 100 cents.
In department stores and also in smaller shops, debit and credit cards have a high acceptance and are accepted even with smaller amounts. Entrance fees, bus tickets and other small amounts are usually paid in cash.
MasterCard, VisaCArd and American Express are accepted. Keep in mind that charges are due when you withdraw cash at the automatic machine. You also need the PIN. If you do not know it, check with your credit card company before departure.
Cash and checks can be exchanged at banks. However, if you do not have your own account, you will be charged. At airports and major train stations you will find Reise banks.
Opening an account is only possible with a long-term residence of more than 90 days. Please bring along the residence registration, passport and residence permit.
Mobile phone and Internet in Germany
Within the EU, Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway, you can call at the rate of your mobile service provider without extra cost. Non-EU residents continue to pay the high roaming charges. This also applies to citizens of Switzerland.
If you come from a non-EU country, a prepaid card is worthwhile for a longer stay. These are available in many supermarkets. After registering (with an ID card) you can make a call.
In department stores, shops and in public places, you usually have free Wi-Fi available.
Opening times in Germany
The opening hours in Germany are usually from 8:00 to 20:00. Department stores usually open at 9:30. Banks open around 9:00 am and close at 4:00 pm or on Thursday at 6:00 pm.
Eat and drink
Food is available in supermarkets and delicatessen shops. Beer and wine is available for people over 16 years old, cigarettes and high-percentage alcoholic beverages available for people over 18 years old. The driver is allowed to have up to 0.5 per mille alcohol level.
Smoking is not allowed in public buildings. In restaurants, it is allowed only in separate areas.
Learn German in Germany – Start dates
You can start each month with a German course from A1 to C2. The price for German courses is cheap from 279 € in Munich, Hamburg, Augsburg, Stuttgart, Frankfurt. All our language schools in Germany can be found here!
Waste separation in Germany
The waste is separated into packaging, glass, paper and residual waste in appropriately marked containers.
Power supply in Germany
In Germany, the devices work with 220 V.
Travel in Germany
Germany has a well-developed network of public transport. For short distances, there are suburban trains and subways in big cities in Germany, and bus lines in smaller cities. For longer distances, there are the German Federal railways. You can also rent a car or travel by plane.
Working and studying in Germany
If you want to work in Germany and do not live in the Schengen area, you usually need a special work visa. As a student or intern, there are also special residence permits. The language school Aktiv is happy to assist you to search for an internship.