5 good things to know when new in Germany

When waking up after hosting a big party it's normal behaviour to just wanna wrap your duvet tighter around you and prevent the sunlight from reaching your eyes. Usually, the last thing you want to do at that stage is to go "inspect the damage", and see what the kitchen and living room looks like. But the blow of having to clean up is eased when the mess is worth some cash. "Inspect the damage" in Germany is more like "inspect your earnings".

Collect your friends, and do a so called "pfand run". A pfand run requires a few friends helping out to bring bags of bottles to the bottle deposit machines at the supermarket. The money you earn can be used to fund your next party, or if you're not in a stage to think about drinking: a luxurious and fatty hangover lunch.

Read more about pfand in this blog: Live Work Germany - The importance of bottles

It is a bit frowned upon to cross a German street when the red light is showing, regardless of how few cars may be in sight. I read an article written by a Swedish journalist who lived in Germany about this topic. He once walked at a red light and a police officer approached him once he had reached the other side of the street. The police officer was friendly and polite, but pointed up to a primary school located just a few meters away. "You might think it's no risk in crossing an empty street, but think about what kind of role model you are for the children", was his message.

And who knows when you might have a child (or actually, it could be another adult) watching, who thinks you are just the coolest ever and decides to copy your style next time. Red means red! Don't rush, use your time waiting for the green light to write poems, do some aerobics, practice your German grammar, whistle, chat up the hottie next to you or dance in a true Ally McBeal style.

Inspiration: Dancing to Barry White

Yup, it's true. It can be snow chaos, insane winds or floods - the German public transport doesn't give a rat's ass. Germans are just amazing at keeping things running, and it would have to be something huge for the U-bahn to stop or be delayed.

If something wild and crazy despite all odds does occur, like a King Kong style gorilla crushing a train or a cyclone coming in over the city: make sure to film or take photos as proof. Otherwise no one will believe you.

Get your belly prepared for huge amounts of beer when moving to Germany, and warn your girl- or boyfriend for a possible future beer belly. Actually, work on that belly, cause no one will believe you live in Germany if you return home to your family and friends with abs.

According to the Kirin institute of Food and Lifestyle latest report, Germany ranked second in terms of per-capita beer consumption. Only Czech Republic was ahead. Make sure to help the country out to reach number one!

And if you get the chance: visit Oktoberfest in München: Lonely Planet's survival guide to Oktoberfest

I think it's safe to say that this needs no further commenting. Just zip it when a hilarious David Hasselhoff joke pops up in your brain. He is too much of a symbol of freedom, peace and sexiness to be made fun of.

Check here why this is not appropriate

Lisa Jalakas

You can follow Lisa's own blog at Lisa's Soapbox and visit myGermanExpert for more advice on moving to Germany.