Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
first time
Everyone needs a helping hand when they visit a country for the first
time. There are phrases to learn, customs to get used to and etiquette to
understand. The following section will help demystify southern Germany
so your first trip goes as smoothly as your fifth.
Language
It's just about possible to get by in Germany's south without speaking any German whatsoever, but
learning a few simple words and phrases will pay dividends in all kinds of situations from the res-
taurant table to the booking office. In big cities, such as Munich and Nuremberg, English is spoken
by those who come into regular contact with foreigners, but this may not be the case in rural loca-
tions.
What to Wear
In general, Germans are fairly laid back about clothing and you'll only need to think about
apparel in certain specific situations. Smart casual will do for the vast majority of evening
occasions and outside of more fashion-conscious Munich, you may be surprised how in-
formally Germans dress for smart restaurants, the theatre and other special occasions. Only
the most upmarket establishments may insist on jackets for men, but these are rare. Ties are
only required in casinos and by flashier establishments. For sightseeing take sturdy shoes
for all those cobbled streets and a waterproof coat; walking boots or trail shoes are essential
if you are heading to the Alps or even for a walk around one of the region's many lakes.
Even at the height of summer long sleeves are a must in the evenings, especially at altitude.
Booking Ahead
Booking a room in a foreign language can be a daunting task, so here are some phrases to
see you through a call to the place you'd like to stay.
 
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