NationStates Jolt Archive

This question really pertains to any military folks out there (past or present), and anyone who lives in Germany who would like to help. I just found out that my first assignment is to Germany and am trying to plan out the logistics of everything. Specifically, what I should bring, what I should plan to buy there, if I can use a transformer for my computer, how hard is it to register my car, etc. Help?

Oh, and for the military folks, what are some basic steps I should take before PCSing abroad? It's difficult to come across this information.

If there's anything you don't want to post here, you can send me an email at kwkenny@hotmail.com

This question really pertains to any military folks out there (past or present), and anyone who lives in Germany who would like to help. I just found out that my first assignment is to Germany and am trying to plan out the logistics of everything. Specifically, what I should bring, what I should plan to buy there, if I can use a transformer for my computer, how hard is it to register my car, etc. Help?

Oh, and for the military folks, what are some basic steps I should take before PCSing abroad? It's difficult to come across this information.

If there's anything you don't want to post here, you can send me an email at kwkenny@hotmail.com

First question - are you an officer, senior NCO, or enlisted?

Let me give you a first impression of Germany by posting this quote from Tycho from Penny Arcade:

I just finished a beer that was so large that I had to lift it with both hands. Really, the only reason I ordered it was to wash down a pretzel that was itself so large that it could have eaten me under the right circumstances. I have a very high opinion of Munich, but it may have been artificially produced.

...

I started to cry as I sat down with a gigantic piece of meat, a schnitzel, which is like a fried continent. I mean it, I pulled my hat off my head and started to cry. This is what it is all about. If getting drunk at eleven in the afternoon and eating a huge piece of meat is wrong, then I don't want to be right.

Germany invaded Poland.

Germany invaded Poland.
That was all a big misunderstanding. Hitler said that they should invite Poland. He felt sorry that Poland never got invited to any parties and wanted to go out on a date, and maybe shove his hand up Poland's skirt.

Well, Nietzsche, Wagner, and Hitler were all German, the German word for "little girl" is in the neuter gender class, and Germany started WWII, I think. I'm not really an expert on the nation, though.

Specifically, what I should bring, what I should plan to buy there, if I can use a transformer for my computer, how hard is it to register my car, etc. Help?
You dont register your car with the german authorities, but with those on your base. You are most likely to receive a license plate clearly showing that you are american military personel, at least that is what the belgians get and iirc the french and british as well. Depending on when you come over and where to, bring warm clothing, its ugly weather right now. Check with your future base supermarket what range of food and common goods they carry if you have any things you dont like to do without, a lot of stuff you take for granted is hard to come by in german shops if they carry it at all. I dont know about the transformers issue, never had to switch a comp to 110V.

Dont take the following wrong, please, this isnt america-bashing.
First of all, bring manners with you. While american troops generally are well liked, they are by far considered to contain the most loudmouthed, obnoxious and illmannered of all foreigners stationed in Germany. And i dont say this just because i am connected with the belgian forces. A few idiots spoil your image, thus it takes lots of nice guys to correct it. Be one of the latter.

Germany ate Poland... but they never pooped anything out
And neither did i...

Germany (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany)

w00t,wiki uber alles.

The reichstag has a beutiful new glass dome listed as one of the great architectural works of the world by Time magazine.

Never try to teach a German Cricket, it makes them angry. They'll happly let you explain the rules but when you play they get annoyed and say "fak you" at lot. Don't believe me, try it.

Germany is quite nice in my experience, rather clean with shiney cars and strange plugs. Despite that its okay, the beer is good as is the sausage and public transportation system. Their Cheese taste like rubber however, I could never get my brain round having Sausage and Rubber on Brotschen for breakfast. The North Germans tend to be a little less insane though then their Jolly Bavarian counterparts (sterotyping I know but thats just my impression). You'll probably like it, if your American you'll get on like Ducks and Pancakes. If your a Brit you might find them a little "too" organised but its nothing really.

german girls are blondie and cute :)

If your a Brit you might find them a little "too" organised but its nothing really.

It's not nicknamed "Twelveland" for nothing.

I was on a platform, and a train pulled in two minutes late. The conductor leaped out on arrival and APOLOGIZED profusely.

Good beer, excellent transport (I didn't need a car). The food is excellent as long as you don't order a steak at a steakhouse (250 grams is considered a big steak there). Do Not Eat Chinese Food in Germany.

It's farging cold and wet most of the year, but summer (with the long days) is very very nice.

Don't stare at the young topless German women at the lake - it is impolite and will make them leave. Just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Good advice on not being loud, etc. Drink your beer but don't be a drunk.

Learn to read and speak German. And be very polite - it really works wonders.

Well, Nietzsche, Wagner, and Hitler were all German, the German word for "little girl" is in the neuter gender class, and Germany started WWII, I think. I'm not really an expert on the nation, though.

...Umm...Hitler wasn't German. He was from Austria.:headbang:

Wagner was a great composer (if slight anti-semetic but we can't just ignore his music for that purpose), Nietsche (I'm not sure where the Z goes) was a great thinker (if mad). Hitler was a impotent leader who could do nothing except kill people and design buildings, as well as make nice speeches. I wouldn't class them together to prove a point.

Great beer, filling food, and wonderfully cute ladies. ;)
Organized to a fare-thee-well.
Great engineering tradition.
Excellent soldiers.
One of the last of the major nations of Europe to actually become an 'official' nation.

Actually, other than the obvious, I don't know all that much about Germany, now that I think on it.

What do you want to know....and by the way, we make great Doner Kebabs now too!

Never try to teach a German Cricket, it makes them angry. They'll happly let you explain the rules but when you play they get annoyed and say "fak you" at lot. Don't believe me, try it.
First time someone tried, I laughed.

Now I love Cricket and I'm learning to perfect my legspin....:p

Go Warney!!!

Chuck Norris could take Germany by himself.

First question - are you an officer, senior NCO, or enlisted?
I'll be a 2Lt.

Oh, and by the way for the rest of you, I'm female.:p

I'll be a 2Lt.

Oh, and by the way for the rest of you, I'm female.:p
Okay, so you're a US soldier and will be stationed in Germany. Do you know where (I assume it'll be Rammstein)?

What do you want to know about the place?

Okay, so you're a US soldier and will be stationed in Germany. Do you know where (I assume it'll be Rammstein)?

What do you want to know about the place?
Spangdahlem, actually. Really what I'm trying to find out at this point is what needs to be done before PCSing overseas? All of my friends who commissioned in years past are still stateside, so I have no one to really ask about it.

Spangdahlem, actually. Really what I'm trying to find out at this point is what needs to be done before PCSing overseas? All of my friends who commissioned in years past are still stateside, so I have no one to really ask about it.
What exactly does "PCSing" mean?

I can tell you less about the military, but if you have questions about language, customs, weather and the people, I can probably tell you more.

It's illegal to suggest that one can become famous or heroic by being a solider. Quatsch.

The law says: [punishable is] any text suggesting a soldier might become a hero or attain honour and fame.

It's illegal to suggest that one can become famous or heroic by being a solider. Quatsch.

The law says: [punishable is] any text suggesting a soldier might become a hero or attain honour and fame.
Links please.

What exactly does "PCSing" mean?

I can tell you less about the military, but if you have questions about language, customs, weather and the people, I can probably tell you more.


PCS = Permanent Change of Station


Gael, if you'd like, I might be able to find a few friends that went over to Europe and get them in contact with you, or vice versa.

In fact, I believe one of my friends is currently doing a short-tdy to Germany...

What's your RNLTD?

Neut! *hugs* long time no see!

I haven't recieved my orders yet, but not until after graduation. I'm thinking late May or early June, depending on whether or not they send me through tech school and ASBC first.

Neut! *hugs* long time no see!

I haven't recieved my orders yet, but not until after graduation. I'm thinking late May or early June, depending on whether or not they send me through tech school and ASBC first.

Yes, it has been a long time...someone (no names) got busy with school and never had time to talk to someone else (no names)...


I cant imagine them sending you prior to tech school and ASBC, maybe it's different for Ocifers. If you do go to Tech school first, you'll get all kinds of briefings on the move. I dont know if officers have the same sponsor program that the enlisted side does. I know for my part that anytime I PCS, I am given a contact in my gaining flight.

Yeah, I get a sponsor, but I thought I heard somewhere that you don't really get in touch with them until you arrive. Once I get there, there's all kinds of breifings, including some combat ones that sound a little sketchy. But seeing as Germany is the most OCONUS deployed, I guess that makes sense.

Anyway, more often than you'd think people get sent to their job before they have an opening for tech school. And with Keesler out of commission for now, that should make things interesting for me. Anyway, I'm on MSN every once in a while, so you can try and catch me there.

Go up to a person from Berlin, and ask "Bist du eine a Berliner?" If they say yes, say, "Darf ich esse dich?" If no, say, "So ein mist. Ich habe Hunger"

Also, you could yell "Ich bin einen Hamburger!" when in Hamburg, or "Ich bin eine Frankfurter!" when in Frankfurt.

You'll get strange looks.

Oh, you needed help in functioning in Germany? Here goes:

They hate Bush, so don't talk about how you voted for him last election (if you did that is)

Also, if you don't already, keep up with international politics/news/current events. They love to talk about that kinda stuff.

They're very proud of the important and influential people from their country. Be prepared to hear how great Einstein or Goethe or Beethoven is. Heck, they even love bragging about Dirk Nowitzki.

That's about all the social advice I can give, based on my 3 month vacation in Germany.

That's about all the social advice I can give, based on my 3 month vacation in Germany.
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,1727962,00.html
We also have great beards...

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,1772659,00.html
We don't really like soldiers, so keep that in mind.

Take the Germanizer test...it's probably not something for 56k though.
http://www.germanizer.com/www/index.html

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,1727962,00.html
We also have great beards...]

I want one!

Oh, I forgot one: Don't expect to get ice in your soda when at a German restaurant. They typically don't put it in their drinks.

Yeah, I get a sponsor, but I thought I heard somewhere that you don't really get in touch with them until you arrive. Once I get there, there's all kinds of breifings, including some combat ones that sound a little sketchy. But seeing as Germany is the most OCONUS deployed, I guess that makes sense.

Anyway, more often than you'd think people get sent to their job before they have an opening for tech school. And with Keesler out of commission for now, that should make things interesting for me. Anyway, I'm on MSN every once in a while, so you can try and catch me there.


Ahh, but I dont have MSN...

You should be in contact with your sponsor prior to your arrival. He / She should be there to pick you up from the airport, make billeting arrangements, answer any and all questions (or direct you to who can) that you have about Germany and the assignment.

If that doesnt happen, use the DSN line (if your ROTC unit has one) to call up the base operator and ask for the orderly room of you're gaining squadron, and then ask them for help - they should pass you through to someone who can help you, whether a flight chief, the shirt, etc. If you dont have a DSN line, let me know and I'll hobble my gimp ass into my shop and make the call to get you a contact over there (email addy).

Also, if you havent checked out AF Crossroads, you can do that online. It has quite a bit of useful information for PCS moves. (sorry guys, only accessible to AF members)

First time someone tried, I laughed.

Now I love Cricket and I'm learning to perfect my legspin....:p

Go Warney!!!
Do you know any trick balls?

It's illegal to suggest that one can become famous or heroic by being a solider. Quatsch.

The law says: [punishable is] any text suggesting a soldier might become a hero or attain honour and fame.

Where?

Do you know any trick balls?
Well no.
By "perfecting" I meant more like...learning to spin the ball and hit a given spot on the pitch at the same time...

It's not as easy as it looks. :D

Well no.
By "perfecting" I meant more like...learning to spin the ball and hit a given spot on the pitch at the same time...

It's not as easy as it looks. :D
Yeah but do you change how you grip the ball, or what you do with it,fingers over the seam,giving it more air?

Vee haf no kricket in tchermany. Zis vill never chainch, bekohs itz ixtriemly bohring.

To OP: When you go out, avoid the topics of Iraq, Bush, Blair, etc., and you'll be fine.

Yeah but do you change how you grip the ball, or what you do with it,fingers over the seam,giving it more air?
I will in time...I've been watching Warney, and I've been learning a lot from a friend of mine (who's incidentally a left-arm Chinaman :eek: ), but at this point I'm trying to simply get the legspin happen in the first place.

I will in time...I've been watching Warney, and I've been learning a lot from a friend of mine (who's incidentally a left-arm Chinaman :eek: ), but at this point I'm trying to simply get the legspin happen in the first place.
LOL Chinaman.
Im off to bed as i have Cricket tommorow and the way we have been playing someone needs to be in form...

I remember when I was stationed in Germany, I ended up being the sponsor for 2LT Dailey, and I had to write him a letter before he came over.

In the letter, I suggested that he go down to his local motor pool, and let a Bradley run over his foot so he wouldn't have to come over.

Well, Germany is a nice place, and if you're an officer, you'll get housing REALLY QUICKLY compared to enlisted. And the units vary in quality - if you're in a combat arms unit, things are pretty good - if you aren't, be prepared for the world of slackers.

You'll get your tags on post. Easy stuff. You'll be offered a quickie German language class (not very useful).

DO learn to speak German. DO ride the trains to go from one city to another - it's easier than driving and you end up right downtown.

DON'T get a drunk driving ticket. DON'T cross train tracks on foot - the trains are mostly electric and silent.

The US Army in Germany bears no resemblance to the US Army elsewhere - I found it most unpleasant after my years at the 101st.

I remember when I was stationed in Germany, I ended up being the sponsor for 2LT Dailey, and I had to write him a letter before he came over.

In the letter, I suggested that he go down to his local motor pool, and let a Bradley run over his foot so he wouldn't have to come over.

Well, Germany is a nice place, and if you're an officer, you'll get housing REALLY QUICKLY compared to enlisted. And the units vary in quality - if you're in a combat arms unit, things are pretty good - if you aren't, be prepared for the world of slackers.

You'll get your tags on post. Easy stuff. You'll be offered a quickie German language class (not very useful).

DO learn to speak German. DO ride the trains to go from one city to another - it's easier than driving and you end up right downtown.

DON'T get a drunk driving ticket. DON'T cross train tracks on foot - the trains are mostly electric and silent.

The US Army in Germany bears no resemblance to the US Army elsewhere - I found it most unpleasant after my years at the 101st.

LOL...She's AF ;)

Slightly different, I've heard only good things about Germany from AF peoples (except the one who got a UIF because he's just a weird guy and his supervisors think he's gay, even though he's not)

LOL...She's AF ;)

Slightly different, I've heard only good things about Germany from AF peoples (except the one who got a UIF because he's just a weird guy and his supervisors think he's gay, even though he's not)


Oooh - AF - the ultimate slackers...

The reichstag has a beutiful new glass dome listed as one of the great architectural works of the world by Time magazine.

Designed by a Brit I might add though.

Lessee. In my experience, you don't really need to learn German, unless you want to mingle with the natives, but then again, Spengdahlem didn't have a swim team in the EFSL, so I never visited it. But to my knowledge, US army bases tend to be "little Americas" with little to no interaction with the outside world necessary.
I'd personally suggest not getting too comfy and actually go out and get to know Germany. It's a shame for anyone to be stationed in a country and not get to know it...

If you do, some important things to remember:
- Bavarians aren't really Germans (and only Bavarians run around in Lederhosen)
- If it wasn't brewed in accordance with the strict German regulations, it probably isn't beer
- Germany is very regional. "Grüß Gott!" will get you friendly smiles in some parts while you will be considered insane in others
- In fact, Germany is so regional that while its called an accent everywhere else, they're called dialects here. Even I have trouble understanding Bavarians or Swabians on occasion
- Germans are very touchy about the holocaust. Those that aren't tend not to like Americans at all
- "Ick nick shprecken Doitsh" can get you out of many uncomfortable situations (an exception being getting caught without a ticket on public transportation)
- German chocolate is different from American chocolate
- Red lights are advice only to pedestrians, and then only when there's no cars coming and no cop around to see it
- There is usually no speed limit on the Autobahn
- Schloss Neuschwanstein is not a copy of the castle in Disneyland
- You're required to have an ID on your person in Germany
- You'll find KFC, McDonalds, and Burger King here, though no Taco Bell (rumor has it someone obtained the rights to the name and Taco Bell doesn't want to pay them)
- Fast food restaurants won't let you refill your drinks (though I found one KFC somewhere on the Autobahn some time that did)

Oooh - AF - the ultimate slackers...

Although having a friend who lives in the path of sometime fly-bys by USAF, they might be slackers but they make a f**k load of noise!!!

Anyways, just for Gael:

1. As previously mentioned, the public transport it good, use it, it takes you virtually everywhere.

2. Beware the food, it may taste and look good, but its all heart attacks waiting to happen...

3. Never cross the street even if there is sod all traffic when the light is at red for pedestrians. I did that once and was told off for it...pedantic I tell you!!!

4. Speed cameras are usually facing you and not taking pics from behind so you really know when you are caught.

5. Learn German, both out of courtesy and practicality.

6. If you get the chance, travel around. Its a great, beautiful and diverse country, and I really regard it as my second home after spend a fair portion of my life there. There is so much to see (hell with it, divert from your flight plan and go have a look around)

7. Get one of these:

http://www.alpventures.com/picts/biermass.jpg

You know it makes sense...

8. You might find the people a little cold in supermarkets...customer service ain't exactly a strong point, on the whole, although in little local shops i find it tends to be a lot better.

9. You get beer in the cinema. score.

10. Opening hours are almost medieval, no sunday openings (although this is changing) and a few other bits and pieces might get on your nerves.

11. Driving. Speed limits are not speed limits, they are suggestions of the slowest speed you should drive. If you see a 120kmph sign, do at least 150kmph. In all seriousness, the traffic in Germany, is fast but pretty disciplined, but if you make a mistake, god help you, they aren't, on the whole, the most forgiving of people. Oh, and don't get me started on indicating at roundabouts, they just don't get it.


But despite all the bad things and good things, i still say go and enjoy it. As I said before, I love the country, the food, the places, the history.

- Bavarians aren't really Germans (and only Bavarians run around in Lederhosen)
- If it wasn't brewed in accordance with the strict German regulations, it probably isn't beer
- Germany is very regional. "Grüß Gott!" will get you friendly smiles in some parts while you will be considered insane in others
- In fact, Germany is so regional that while its called an accent everywhere else, they're called dialects here. Even I have trouble understanding Bavarians or Swabians on occasion

Hehehehe, how very very true. When Bavarians speak Bayrisch, you know its German, but really f**ked up.

Gael:

Oh, and to add to the regional thing, bank holidays and festival vary so keep and eye out for that too.

Chuck Norris could take Germany by himself.

No. He can't. The Germans will just be late to the bashing appointment, and he will have gone home out of boredom before any of the opponents has arrived.

As a matter of fact: Germans arrive late. German trains go late. Lessons at german universities start late. They even use a special sign to tell anyone that this lesson is _scheduled_ to start late: 10 Uhr c.t. (10 a.m. c.t.) means that the lesson will start at 10:15 in fact (c.t. from latin 'cum tempore' = with time). No one will ever excuse for arriving 15min late anyway.

BUT: Never expect anyone to take into consideration YOU might be late. YOU are expected to arrive on time. YOUR train will leave the station on time. YOUR date will angrily ask you why you are late or will have left before you are there.

No. He can't. The Germans will just be late to the bashing appointment, and he will have gone home out of boredom before any of the opponents has arrived.

As a matter of fact: Germans arrive late. German trains go late. Lessons at german universities start late. They even use a special sign to tell anyone that this lesson is _scheduled_ to start late: 10 Uhr c.t. (10 a.m. c.t.) means that the lesson will start at 10:15 in fact (c.t. from latin 'cum tempore' = with time). No one will ever excuse for arriving 15min late anyway.

BUT: Never expect anyone to take in consideration YOU might be late. YOU are expected to arrive on time. YOUR train will leave the station on time. YOUR date will angrily ask you why you are late or will have left before you are there.Like I said before, Germany is very regional. The Southern Länder tend to be more "gemütlich" when it comes to time, while the ex-Prussian ones are going to be more "pingelich". (And the Bahn's been doing amazingly well with time lately :eek:)

I know a great song, sort of related to germany;

Who put the ball in the Germans net?
Who put the ball in the Germans net?
Who put the ball in the Germans net?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Nou Camp, Barcelona, 1999.

Like I said before, Germany is very regional. The Southern Länder tend to be more "gemütlich" when it comes to time, while the ex-Prussian ones are going to be more "pingelich". (And the Bahn's been doing amazingly well with time lately :eek:)

Agreed with the Bahn, only had 1 late train in 11 months that I travelled on...and that was down south...back in blighty most are hit and miss...

If you do, some important things to remember:
- Bavarians aren't really Germans (and only Bavarians run around in Lederhosen)

And, speaking as someone for whom German is not his first language, hearing schwabisch German girls speak is like nails on a blackboard.
- If it wasn't brewed in accordance with the strict German regulations, it probably isn't beer
The beer is excellent, unless compared to Belgium.
- Germany is very regional. "Grüß Gott!" will get you friendly smiles in some parts while you will be considered insane in others
Indeed - there's a lot of slang, too
- In fact, Germany is so regional that while its called an accent everywhere else, they're called dialects here. Even I have trouble understanding Bavarians or Swabians on occasionDon't get me started.
- Germans are very touchy about the holocaust. Those that aren't tend not to like Americans at allI just don't bring it up.
- "Ick nick shprecken Doitsh" can get you out of many uncomfortable situations (an exception being getting caught without a ticket on public transportation)It got my car searched and my ass beaten.
- German chocolate is different from American chocolateSwiss chocolate is better than both
- Red lights are advice only to pedestrians, and then only when there's no cars coming and no cop around to see itRules for right of way are very different from US rules of right of way
- There is usually no speed limit on the AutobahnUnless there's a massive stau...
- Schloss Neuschwanstein is not a copy of the castle in DisneylandThe castle at the bottom of the hill is more interesting, and the carriage ride to the castle at the top of the hill is worth it.
- You're required to have an ID on your person in GermanyYep.
- You'll find KFC, McDonalds, and Burger King here, though no Taco Bell (rumor has it someone obtained the rights to the name and Taco Bell doesn't want to pay them)The regular German places are better places to spend money on food, unless you want to eat doner.
- Fast food restaurants won't let you refill your drinks (though I found one KFC somewhere on the Autobahn some time that did)Get ready to be given a Coke with no ice

And, speaking as someone for whom German is not his first language, hearing schwabisch German girls speak is like nails on a blackboard.

Where abouts where you in Schwaebia?

Where abouts where you in Schwaebia?
Schwabisch Gmund!

Like I said before, Germany is very regional. The Southern Länder tend to be more "gemütlich" when it comes to time, while the ex-Prussian ones are going to be more "pingelich". (And the Bahn's been doing amazingly well with time lately :eek:)

As a matter of fact historic Prussia goes very deep into the south (south of Stuttgart you'll find Hechingen and Sigmaringen, which were prussian). Basicly the whole historic Germany was littered with prussian domains with the exception of Bavaria, which in turn causes the Bavarians to consider everyone living outside of Bavaria a Prussian ("Saupreiss", pronounciation "sowprice").

Some german regions are famed for the people being very unkind. In fact they are very kindly, you just failed to notice. Honourable mention goes to Brandenburg (region around Berlin) and Wuerttemberg (around Stuttgart). In Wuerttemberg calling a meal "mer koos esse" ("it's edible") actually is the highest rank and equals to three stars in the Guide Michelin. "Dr Hungr treibt's nei" ("it's forced in by hunger") gets two stars. Similar in Brandenburg: "Man kann mit ihm auskommen" ("You'll get along with him") is the highest praise you will ever get from a friend there.

Schwabisch Gmund!

Cool, I was living around Friedrichshafen last year, listening to old ladies talking Swabisch on buses...and failing to understand a single word.

Some german regions are famed for the people being very unkind. In fact they are very kindly, you just failed to notice. Honourable mention goes to Brandenburg (region around Berlin) and Wuerttemberg (around Stuttgart). In Wuerttemberg calling a meal "mer koos esse" ("it's edible") actually is the highest rank and equals to three stars in the Guide Michelin. "Dr Hungr treibt's nei" ("it's forced in by hunger") gets two stars. Similar in Brandenburg: "Man kann mit ihm auskommen" ("You'll get along with him") is the highest praise you will ever get from a friend there.

I should also mention Mecklenburg (between Berlin and the Baltic Sea), a mainly rural region with wonderful lakes and rivers and channels between them. Once an entertainer went to a small town in Mecklenburg and gave a show there. All the guests were sitting quietly in their chairs and staring at him. He was trying his best jokes, dancing, singing, everything just to get a reaction from the audience. Nothing. Just quiet stare. After the show the landlord of the etablissement came to him: "You were so funny! We had to really force us not to laugh out loudly!"

Oooh - AF - the ultimate slackers...

And yet, you guys on the ground still love the hell outta us when we're doing that whole close-air-support gig...lol

Cool, I was living around Friedrichshafen last year, listening to old ladies talking Swabisch on buses...and failing to understand a single word.
The most important thing I learned in Germany.

One night, four German police officers were questioning a few US soldiers (myself included) after pulling our car over. I was the driver, and no, I hadn't been drinking. Seems that quite a few US soldiers would carry extra passengers in the trunk (don't ask, I don't know). So the police asked if we had anyone in the trunk, and I said no, and they asked me to open it, and they looked in it.

One was talking on the radio, and the others just milling about - it looked like it was almost time for them to decide we weren't doing anything....

I had noticed that the one in charge looked just like Himmler. Same face, hair, pursed lips, and when he took off his white hat and used it to brush his pants, I couldn't help but ask, "Sind Sie Himmler?"

Well, we all got our asses beat for that one.

The most important thing I learned in Germany.

One night, four German police officers were questioning a few US soldiers (myself included) after pulling our car over. I was the driver, and no, I hadn't been drinking. Seems that quite a few US soldiers would carry extra passengers in the trunk (don't ask, I don't know). So the police asked if we had anyone in the trunk, and I said no, and they asked me to open it, and they looked in it.

One was talking on the radio, and the others just milling about - it looked like it was almost time for them to decide we weren't doing anything....

I had noticed that the one in charge looked just like Himmler. Same face, hair, pursed lips, and when he took off his white hat and used it to brush his pants, I couldn't help but ask, "Sind Sie Himmler?"

Well, we all got our asses beat for that one.

I am pondering whether to award you for attempting a 'Darwin Award Moment' :D

I am pondering whether to award you for attempting a 'Darwin Award Moment' :D
That's when I found out they carry this little thing with a spring, a handle, and a metal ball on the end. They whack your head with it once, and the spring makes the ball whack you about 10 times for each stroke.

I couldn't help but ask, "Sind Sie Himmler?"
Has that managed to teach you some restraint? :D
(I can picture the guy's face souring real well... :D)

Has that managed to teach you some restraint? :D
(I can picture the guy's face souring real well... :D)
Only when I'm in public. He just looked at me and the others just started beating me to the pavement.

Apparently, it's either legal in Germany, or the police have a good relationship with the courts. Not that they arrested me - just whacked the crap out of me.

That's when I found out they carry this little thing with a spring, a handle, and a metal ball on the end. They whack your head with it once, and the spring makes the ball whack you about 10 times for each stroke.

Those things are quality aren't they!?

Never seem them being used, but saw a video of it being used on a hardend foam dummy.

Before: Complete dummy.

After: Headless dummy.

Only when I'm in public. He just looked at me and the others just started beating me to the pavement.

Apparently, it's either legal in Germany, or the police have a good relationship with the courts. Not that they arrested me - just whacked the crap out of me.Actually, they could have arrested you for insulting an officer. That usually gets a hefty fine.

Actually, they could have arrested you for insulting an officer. That usually gets a hefty fine.
I think that the only reason they didn't arrest me was that he would have appeared in court, and although it was insulting, I'm sure the court officers would laugh because he looked so much like Himmler...

I had the feeling he had heard this before.

Actually, they could have arrested you for insulting an officer. That usually gets a hefty fine.


Yeah, but it's definitely NOT legal to beat someone up just because he made an insulting remark! Man, I've never been fond of the police but I wouldn't have thought they'd actually freak out like that in an otherwise relaxed / non-threatening situation. A**holes.

Yeah, but it's definitely NOT legal to beat someone up just because he made an insulting remark! Man, I've never been fond of the police but I wouldn't have thought they'd actually freak out like that in an otherwise relaxed / non-threatening situation. A**holes.True. Depending on what part of Germany you're in, the police deal with the situation differently (Bavaria especially has an atrocious reputation).

Some german regions are famed for the people being very unkind. In fact they are very kindly, you just failed to notice. Honourable mention goes to Brandenburg (region around Berlin) and Wuerttemberg (around Stuttgart). In Wuerttemberg calling a meal "mer koos esse" ("it's edible") actually is the highest rank and equals to three stars in the Guide Michelin. "Dr Hungr treibt's nei" ("it's forced in by hunger") gets two stars.

Heh. That really made me chuckle - never thought I'd come to the NS forum of all places and be reminded of home... :D

This question really pertains to (...) anyone who lives in Germany who would like to help. (...) Specifically, what I should bring, what I should plan to buy there, if I can use a transformer for my computer, how hard is it to register my car, etc. Help?

First of all, you can pretty much buy everything here that you would want or ever need. And the foodstuffs we don't have in our shops should be covered by the ones on the base (typical American stuff, you know...). If you can't buy it here you probably shouldn't be eating it anyway ;)

The German electricity is at 220~230 Volts AC. Don't plug anything into the wall unless you know it can take twice the amount of juice it's used to.
(There should be adapters for stuff, don't know for sure about computers, though. My old one had a 110/220 switch at the back.)

There is NO "right turn on red" as a constant principle; it is however indicated when allowed.
Red means stop for pedestrians (you can get fined!) but I usually don't care after I checked for a) traffic and b) cops.

Speed limits are NO guidelines, they are strictly enforced (on a bad day of hurry at least), especially within city limits (35mph = 50km/h; sometimes less) and drivers tend to be a little bit ruthless (hehehe - I know I am).
Germans do not understand the principle of the traffic circle quite yet.

You will notice that the roads are not as wide (little space ;)) here as they are in the States; most roadsigns are very alike and internationalized standard. Always indicate which way you're going.

Oh yeah, never stop or park your car on areas crossed out with white lines or marked with this http://www.seton.de/ProduktImages/400Pixel/B/SETG_VZK283K.GIF it will be towed.

Free parking is rarely the norm, gas prices are around $ 5.30 per gallon (€ 1,20 per liter) - use public transport as much as you can (but never without a ticket, fines are high and will be collected).

Bring enough warm and robust clothing for the winter (rain, sleet, hail, snow - you get the picture...) - it's a lot like the NE of the U.S. but temperatures rarely drop below -10°C.

And if you want to impress us, please learn our language (most Germans speak English, though.). Ja, ant ve are not afrait to use it! :p

Have a good time, enjoy your stay, spend lot's of money and take care :D

Free parking is rarely the norm, gas prices are around $ 5.30 per gallon (€ 1,20 per liter) - use public transport as much as you can (but never without a ticket, fines are high and will be collected)In my experience, military personnel get coupons for gas (though I was too young to understand the concept when my dad was still entitled to them).

Ah and don't forget the cyclists. From what I hear, there's a lot more on the roads (and that's where they legally have to go when there's no bike path on the side walk) than in America.

In my experience, military personnel get coupons for gas (though I was too young to understand the concept when my dad was still entitled to them).

Ah and don't forget the cyclists. From what I hear, there's a lot more on the roads (and that's where they legally have to go when there's no bike path on the side walk) than in America.
Good calls!!! Important ones, too.

Expect bikers everywhere - they are the worst: No regard for traffic rules, usually no lights on when it's dark, and when you hit them it's your fault, too...

For the gas coupons - I had a military friend over two years ago and some gas stations (in the North) were very reluctant to accept them ('cause they hadn't seen any before). Shouldn't be a problem with U.S. bases nearby, though.

german girls are blondie and cute :)

....Something tells me you have not met Helga yet.

Expect bikers everywhere - they are the worst: No regard for traffic rules, usually no lights on when it's dark, and when you hit them it's your fault, too...Funny, isn't it? Whenever I'm driving, those arrogant bikers get in my way, and then whenever I'm riding my bike, those damn bastardly cars don't give me my legally required 150 cm space when overtaking me! :D

Funny, isn't it? Whenever I'm driving, those arrogant bikers get in my way, and then whenever I'm riding my bike, those damn bastardly cars don't give me my legally required 150 cm space when overtaking me! :D
Oh no! You too?

(I usually try to have lights on my bike unless the batteries fail me on the way - then again, on the rare occasions I get to drive a car I definitely appreciate those bikers who have lights or at least reflectors on their bikes.)

True. Depending on what part of Germany you're in, the police deal with the situation differently (Bavaria especially has an atrocious reputation).


Very true. When in Bavaria, be very careful when dealing with cops, especially if you happen to look kinda "non-aryan". They tend to not treat you nicely in that case. And they get away with it - there´s a thing called "verdachtsunabhängige Fahndung", meaning cops can search you whenever they damn feel like it, and they usually succeed in making up reasons why beating you was necessary.

Very true. When in Bavaria, be very careful when dealing with cops, especially if you happen to look kinda "non-aryan". They tend to not treat you nicely in that case. And they get away with it - there´s a thing called "verdachtsunabhängige Fahndung", meaning cops can search you whenever they damn feel like it, and they usually succeed in making up reasons why beating you was necessary.

Yup the arayan stuff is still thought of so if your caucasion bleach your hair and wear blue contacts and other races may want to follow michael jacksons example if you are planning to visit germany and have major insecurities

Thanks for all the help, you guys. The Bavarian thing is making me a little nervous, but overall very useful information. I knew there was a reason I keep hanging around these forums. :p :D

It's in the E.U. Everyone there is a Nazi.

It's in the E.U. Everyone there is a Nazi.

BTW that was a joke... it's not in the E.U.

Thanks for all the help, you guys. The Bavarian thing is making me a little nervous, but overall very useful information. I knew there was a reason I keep hanging around these forums. :p :D
Nah, don't worry! You'll be just fine!

Rough translations

Ein bier Bitter
One beer please

Nein sprecken sie deutsch
No speak german

Ya spechen sie english
I speak english

I can not accept any responsilibility for damage caused by my questionable German

Rough translations

Ein bier Bitter
One beer please

Nein sprecken sie deutsch
No speak german

Ya spechen sie english
I speak english

I can not accept any responsilibility for damage caused by my questionable German
Lol. That'll give you a beer and a good laugh.

Actually the voltage in Germany is 235V, 50Hz, so be extra carefull with electricity, it is not outright deadly, but very unpleasant to touch a naked wire. They introduced the higher voltage when in wartime they wanted to save copper on the wires and higher voltage means you can do with thinner wires to transmit the same power, because the current that flows is smaller (P=U*I).
If your PCs PSU has a switch like German Nightmares old one had, you merely need a new cable to plug it in the wall, which you can probably get for free. else you should buy a new PSU, you can get used ones for $5-10, or you could spend a lot of money on a brand new silent one, whatever you like.

There is an accurate and eloquently and amusingly written description of my countrymen and their habbits on the web, I very much recommend it:
Primer for Real Germans, Chapter 1 (http://www.germanculture.com.ua/library/weekly/aa071702a.htm)
Primer for Real Germans, Chapter 2 (http://www.germanculture.com.ua/library/weekly/aa080802a.htm)

Thank you for protecting our lifes and freedom.

Thanks for the links - I sure saw myself in some of the descriptions.
Yes, okay, most of them.
Okay, Scheiße, almost all of them.

*goes back to watching the clock*
Another 18 minutes and I can go tell the new neighbor to stop powerdrilling in our ferroconcrete walls, or else...
It is against the rules, you know :D