Moving to another country is always a challenge, especially in the beginning. You have to learn other ways of doing things and speak the language of your new host country. So far, I’m loving my new life in Germany, everything is so different and new. I’ve moved to Bonn in January, so right now is winter time in Deutschland. I’ve already been studying German for two weeks so I can tell you some important phases for survival. However, don’t worry if you can’t speak the language because many people speak English in Germany.
Once, I saw a guy in the street wearing a t-shirt that says…”Life is to short to learn German” and now I’m starting to believe it LOL (just kidding).
Guten Morgen – (Good Morning). Guten Tag – (Good afternoon). Guten Abend (Good afternoon)
Wie heissen Sie?. Ich heisse Fiorella – What is your name?. My name is Fiorella
Ich möchte ein Bier, Bitte? – I would like a beer, please
Enchuldigung, Wo ist die Toilette, bitte? – Excuse me, Where is the toilet, please
These are my first impressions of living in Germany:
– You have no option rather than learning German. Everything here is written and spoken in German. If you are a tourist, you should know that Museums, Concerts, movie theaters (Kino) and even TV programs are in German.
– Germans love mineral water. Personally, I don’t like mineral water so if I have to buy a bottle of water I will alway choose the bottle that says STILL Wasser (without gas). Also, it’s ok to drink tap water. So, just fill a bottle of water from the sink and safe a couple of euros.
– Frozen food and canned food are pretty good in Germany. If you want to safe some time or you are just feeling a little bit lazy to cook, it is easy to find these kind of products in the supermarket. It actually tastes really good.
– If you are used to cross the street when the light is red, in Germany just forget about it. Everybody in Germany waits until the light turns green.
– There are many, many types of Beer here. Of course we are in Germany, so let’s try them all!.
Vielen Dank! – Thank you very much
Danke Schön! – Thank you
Die regnung, bitte! – The check please
Wie viel kostet das? – How much does it cost?
There are many museums in Bonn, so there is always something to do in the city. Here in Bonn, you can visit Bethoveens House and go see Beethoven Orchester.
Tschuss (Bye)! – Auf wiedersehen (Good Bye)
Morever, I’ve found good places for grocery shopping
1. REWE: For groceries. Wines and Beers are also very cheap
2. DM. For Health and Skin Care products. Usually, REWE and DM stores are together.
Some people also like “Netto” and “Aldis” because things there are very cheap. However, those places are not close from the city and if you want to go to Aldis, probably you will have to go by car or bus.
Transportation in Bonn is also very good. Particularly, I don’t use the metro or Tram so much. I like to walk, so distances for me here are very close. From the place where I currently live to the center of the city, it takes just 15 min walking. Of course, buying a bike it’s also a good option because it will takes less time to go everywhere.
… and how about your smartphone. If you bring your phone from your home country, it is very easy to buy a Sim Card. I bought my Sim Card at one DM’s store, from T-Mobile. The card costed me around 8.95 euros and it included minutes, SMS and GB (Internet) service. Now, every month I just recharge my phone with the same amount and I can be connected everywhere.
Bis Bald! See you soon 🙂
Author: Fiorella
Fiorella is the author of Chica On The Road. She is a Peruvian girl, who loves to travel. She lived in Bolivia, Italy, Australia, United States, Canada, Germany, and Southeast Asia. She created this travel blog to inspire others to travel more and share travel tips. She is now learning Italian and still traveling.
