![This is the German traffic sign for die Autobahn (-en) (highway(s), motorway(s)) - pronounced [ˈaʊtoːbaːn] (like ow-to-baan). There’s no general speed limit on German Autobahnen. Unless you see a sign that tells you what the speed limit is, you can drive as fast as you want.
The different highways are named by the capital letter “A” (for Autobahn) and a single digit number for the main ones (e.g. the A 3 which is a West-South track). The smaller/shorter ones usually have two digit numbers (e.g. A 73 from Suhl in Thuringia to Nuremberg in Bavaria).](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l2h3wnOpz41qzz5rto1_400.png)
This is the German traffic sign for die Autobahn (-en) (highway(s), motorway(s)) - pronounced [ˈaʊtoːbaːn] (like ow-to-baan). There’s no general speed limit on German Autobahnen. Unless you see a sign that tells you what the speed limit is, you can drive as fast as you want.
The different highways are named by the capital letter “A” (for Autobahn) and a single digit number for the main ones (e.g. the A 3 which is a West-South track). The smaller/shorter ones usually have two digit numbers (e.g. A 73 from Suhl in Thuringia to Nuremberg in Bavaria).
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It’s an annual competition and it’s big: The Eurovison Song Contest. Members of the European Broadcasting Union each submit a song to then be performed on live tv by either a band or a solo artist and then vote which song was best. They’re not allowed to vote for their own country though.
Yesterday it was an even bigger event for Germany: WE WON! For the first time since 1982! The entire nation is proud. And it’s proud of her: Lena Meyer-Landrut, the 19-year highschool student who won the contest for us.
Click here to watch her performance from last night. Click on the picture to watch the official video of her song “Satellite”.
I wasn’t into her voice or the song at all when I heard it for the first time to be honest. But I guess the more you listen to it (and you cannot escape this song in Germany these days!) the more you like it.
Another funny thing is that many people tell me that I remind them a lot of Lena. I’ve heard it so many times that it has almost started annoying me. But now that she wrote German music history, I’m kinda flattered ;)
You can read more about the Eurovision Song Contest here.
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German cars
Some people immediately think of cars when they think of Germany. There’s a reason for that of course - Germany is one of the most popular exporter of cars in the world.
Cars are a very important part of Germany’s industry and this industry is pretty profitable. From 2003-2008 Germany was the world’s largest exporter of goods - did you know that??? Having been surpassed by China in 2009, it’s now #2 - which is still pretty decent, right?
Since German cars are driven all over the world, I’ve decided to write posts about the big famous brands.
Do any of you drive a German car or drove one in the past and which one is/was it?
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Munich (München) - on the left you can see the Frauenkirche (literal: lady’s church) and on the right you can see the city hall.
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Today, I was talking about “Lindenstraße” with a friend and I figured I should share this piece of German TV culture with you. Before I start I have to say that I’ve never watched a single episode - so I can only present facts and no impressions ;)
“Lindenstraße” (Lindenstreet) is a German TV show which has been around since 1985 (!!). It’s broadcasted weekly on one of the public channels (“ARD” pronounce “Aaah-Err-Daee”) and is basically the first German soap opera. Over 1200 episodes have been produced so far - it’s pretty successful and has many loyal fans.
Have you ever heard of this soap opera or even watched an episode?
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Former US president George W.Bush groping the German chancellor Angela Merkel. Every pot has its lid is the only thing I can come up with ;)
Jeder Topf findet seinen Deckel. = Every pot has its lid. / Every Jack will find his Jill.
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This pretty castle can be found at the banks of the river Mosel in West Germany. The Reichsburg Cochem was built around 1000 A.D. and was a medieval defense fortress.
(pic via mosel-hotel-loewen.de)
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German Social Manners Part 3
Part 3: PUNCTUALITY
Being on time is very much appreciated in Germany. I’d even go so far and say that punctuality is one of the most important - if not the most important - social etiquette. Being late will usually leave a bad impression, especially when you have a business meeting. But even if it’s just a social event with friends or familiy, arriving a couple of minutes earlier is better than arriving minutes too late. Sometimes a late arrival is unevitable of course. In those cases please make sure to inform the people who are waiting for you.
The stereotype of the punctual German definitely has some truth to it ;)
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Frankfurt am Main at night :) It’s basically the only German city with a “skyline”. That’s why people also call it “Mainhatten”.
(photo via huentemaier.de)
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