Kultur 4

Two-Wheeled Teutons: Stay Off the Bike Path!

This article explained Germans biking habits. In Germany biking is quite common. I found it interesting to read how different "bike path rules" are in comparison to in America. Pedestrians are expected to stay out of the biker’s path or else they will get ran over. And typically pedestrians are at fault for any run ins that may occur. The article basically points out that in Germany you have to be more aware of bikers so that you do not get into an accident.

The Red Dictator: Crossing the Strasse

This article states that you should not cross the street unless the "Red Dictator" tells you to do so. Although some Germans do decide to break the law (rarely), visitors should not do the same. To do so would be not only breaking the law but could also cost you a leg! At home in Chicago and even here in Ann Arbor people do whatever they want. They cross the street regardless of what the “Red Dictator” tells them.  Most people take the risk by deciding to cross even when a car is headed in their direction.

Illogical Logic: The Right Answer in Germany May E the Wrong One

This article talks about how important it is for you to make sure you ask all the questions necessary especially when at a train station. It mentions how Germans are very logical people and how if you are a visitor like he was, it could get you into an undesired situation. The author mentions how he asked for the cheapest ticket for the next train only to find out that he would have to pay more once he was finally on the train. It was the cashier’s logic that caused him to have to pay more than what he expected so he advises his readers to understand what their ticket will get them.

Fare-Dodgers Beware: There’s No Such Things as a Free Ride

This article simply expresses how it can be tempting to ride the train for free due to the fact that you can board without a pass/ticket. However, he expresses if you do so you can definitely count on getting caught. Also, you must make sure that you have the correct ticket because Germans do not seem to care for excuses or to be sympathetic for certain situations.

Disorderly Germans: Playing Chicken on the Einbahnstaße

This article was short and straight to the point. The article talks about how extremely orderly Germany is and that you will rarely find a part that is not excessively orderly.

Brennpunkt Kultur

Pg.123

Discusses the Goethe-Institut, which promotes German language and culture. The organization can be found all around the world. The main point is to organize cultural events, like concerts and lectures and also hold celebrations to enhance German culture. The article also touches on the study abroad internships through many different U.S. and Canadian colleges.

Pg. 145

This article expresses how common the use of the bicycle is. In fact, 80% of Germans own a bike. Bicycling turns out to be less expensive and more convenient then using a car. So many people are starting to bike that the paths are reserved exclusively for cyclists.  I found it interesting that younger Germans have to pass the Radfahrprüfung in order to ride a bike on their own. They have to study for this where as in America you can just ride a bike without having to study for a test. That just shows how common and serious Germans take bicycling!

Pg.150

Here we learn that Germans would rather take the train over the plane. The train is more convenient and probably much cheaper. A lot of Germans commute to work by train and students to class by train. They offer a variety of discounts for younger people, students, retired people, and Non-Europeans. The train service seems to be very accommodating which could explain its popularity.

Pg.157

Finally the automobile is discussed. Just like I suspected, driving a car in Germany is expensive as it is anywhere else. However, a gallon can cost up to $9.00. Germans have to pay yearly taxes and insurance rates for their automobile and to obtain a license is also expensive. Student drivers have to take Fahrschule which is probably the equivalent to drivers ed in the U.S. There is such a thing as a preliminary license, which is called the Prüfbescheinigung. After obtaining that, students can upgrade to what is called a full Klasse B or BE license. It seems like driving a car in Germany is more inconvenient if anything. I can see why there are so many bicyclist and train riders.

Pg.159

Frankfurt am Main is in the heart of Germany. It seems to contain some of the most important facilities such as Europe’s international airport called der Frankfurter Flughafen as well as international airline called Deutsche Laufthansa. Franfurt am Main also contains the Federal (Railway die Deutsche) Bahn and a variety of other corporations. It is no wonder that Frankfurt is the key center of German culture and history. The article also talks about how the people like theater and opera and music scene (as do I) and have a lot of options for means of relaxing!