Ask me about germany.

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Ask/Tell > Tourism & Travel > Ask me about germany.

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

THE_Chris posted:

Do you have any more of these 'strange but cool' laws that are in Germany?

German Civil Code

Section 961

Loss of ownership of bee swarms

Where a swarm of bees takes flight, it becomes ownerless if the owner fails to pursue it without undue delay or if he gives up the pursuit.

Section 962

Right of pursuit of the owner

The owner of the swarm of bees may, in pursuit, enter on plots of land belonging to others. If the swarm has entered an unoccupied beehive belonging to another, the owner of the swarm, for the purpose of capturing it, may open the hive and remove or break out the combs. He must make compensation for the damage caused.

Section 963

Merging of bee swarms

If bee swarms of more than one owner that have moved out merge, the owners who have pursued their swarms become co-owners of the total swarm captured; the shares are determined according to the number of swarms pursued.

Section 964

Intermixture of bee swarms

If a bee swarm has moved into an occupied beehive belonging to another, the ownership and the other rights in the bees that were occupying the beehive extend to the swarm that has moved in. The ownership and the other rights in the swarm that has moved in are extinguished.

# ¿ Sep 25, 2009 09:17

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# ¿ May 6, 2024 05:21

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

As for the bavaria, austria questions.

If you compare germany to the us, bavaria is texas, austria is canada.

# ¿ Sep 25, 2009 13:25

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Ringo R posted:

Germans have this reputation of being perverts (scheisse movies) and he confirms it's true.

The first time I've heard about this reputation was on the internet. I don't think that this stereotype is widely known in germany and I can't say if there is really any substance behind it.

quote:

Did the prohibition of pornography play a role in this?

What prohibition of pornography?

# ¿ Sep 27, 2009 09:45

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Sheik Yerbouti posted:

...which led to me having to write a 2000-5000 word essay about the relationships of female characters to the protagonists in Hamlet, Oliver Twist and other books we had to read in classes during the two years before.

Six hour essay about "a modest proposal" or "midsummer night's dream" here.

# ¿ Sep 29, 2009 20:54

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Previously on GBS posted:

I can see why you would compare Bavaria to Texas, but Austria is the more conservative, more backwards version of Bavaria, not exactly how I would describe Canada with respect to the US.

I'm more thinking about attitudes than actual politics. The austria - germany relationship is a bit of a big brother, small brother kind of thing, with a bit of a perceived inferiority complex thrown into the mix.

Sheik Yerbouti posted:

I loved that you got a better grade if you sounded as smug as possible.

"In this essay, the author shall strive to convey to the reader the Freudian meaning of Hamlet and his mother's relationship."

I got 12 of 15 points, I think. Mostly just for style, not content.

I just drowned the teacher in words. Everyone else writes 3000 words essays? Just babble away for a few more pages, make it 6000, get padded on the back for your use of stream of consciousness and net 14 points.

elwood fucked around with this message at 21:07 on Sep 29, 2009

# ¿ Sep 29, 2009 21:00

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

schoenfelder posted:

...

Let me take a wild guess here: law student?

# ¿ Oct 17, 2009 15:32

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

One could say so:

Click here for the full 1408x1056 image.

# ¿ Oct 17, 2009 16:05

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Ziir posted:

I met a guy the other day traveling in NYC from K�ln. He studies in K�ln too and said something about tuition includes a bahn pass to ride all around that state for free. Is this true? Not that I think he'd lie about it or anything but it sounds awesome. What other things will my tuition include?

Here is a breakdown of your tuition per semester (2008):

code:

als Studierenschaftsbeitrag ...  	 	 	
... f�r den AStA
	5,09 Euro 
... f�r den Hochschulsport
	1,10 Euro 
... f�r die Kindertagesst�tte an der RWTH Aachen e.V.
	0,90 Euro 
... f�r die Kinderbetreuungseinrichtung Augustinerbach
	0,50 Euro 
... f�r den Studentischen Hilfsfond
	1,00 Euro 
... f�r das Hochschulradio
	0,50 Euro 
... f�r das Frauenprojekt
	0,07 Euro 
... das Schwulenprojekt der Aachener Hochschulen
	0,19 Euro 
... f�r die Fachschaften
	1,00 Euro
... als Mobilit�tsbeitrag ... 			
... f�r das Semesterticket (AVV)
	89,50 Euro 
... f�r den Mobilit�tsh�rtefond
	0,05 Euro
... f�r das NRW-Ticket
	37,10 Euro
Sozialbeitrag des Studentenwerks 	
        56,00 Euro 	
Studienbeitr�ge 	
        500,00 Euro 	
insgesamt 	
        693,00 Euro

The NRW Ticket is for public transport in NRW except IC and ICE trains,the AVV ticket is for public transport in Aachen + trains to Cologne and D�sseldorf.

# ¿ Mar 28, 2010 14:28

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

supersteve posted:

What's the best company to get a sim card from? I'm hoping to get something that includes 3g data and will mostly be texting.

That depends on how long you will be staying in germany (because of those drat 2 year contracts) and how much data you need. I use blau.de for my iphone. Pay as you go, 10 � for 1 gb data a month, 9 Cents for calls and 9 cents for texting.

# ¿ Apr 27, 2010 13:48

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

20 over the limit within city limits would be a 35 � fine, but a. you were probably a bit slower and b. nothing will happen because you live in Belgium. You might get a letter, but there is no way to enforce the fine at the moment (that might change in the future).

# ¿ May 11, 2010 18:40

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Zwille posted:

I'd be kinda surprised if you couldn't talk yourself out of the ticket based on how city signboards are different.

I would be surprised if you actually could.

# ¿ May 12, 2010 10:52

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

As far as I know there is no treaty yet (that will change in the fall) between Germany and Belgium. Even if there is, the minimum amount before (foreign) fines are enforced is usually around 70 �.

elwood fucked around with this message at 11:12 on May 12, 2010

# ¿ May 12, 2010 11:10

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Base uses the eplus network, so reception is spotty and speeds are a bit slow. You can't beat them on price though. I use blau.de for my iphone (also on eplus) and pay 9 cents for calls, 9 cents for sms and 10 � for 1gb 3g. It's not as good as t-mobile or vodafone, but it's pay as you go, good enough for me and it's way, way cheaper.

# ¿ May 15, 2010 08:48

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

AlternateNu posted:

So...was wei�t du �ber Kiel oder Wilhelmshaven?

Ich bin in der Marine und im December, villeicht, fahre ich nach Deutschland bei einem Personel Exchange Program. Ich bin dort f�r zwei Jahre auf einem Schiff, und ich wei� ganz nichts �ber Norddeutschland. Jetzt, lerne ich Deutsch erst 4 Monate und bis November. Ich m�chte denken da� ich genug verstehe, aber ja.....das ist mein erstes Mal in Deutschland.

I'm sure it'll be a time and a half, but I have no experience with that area of Europe.

(And please tear the poo poo out of my grammar up there. I think I have it down enough to not be completely idiotic...minus idioms... but my vocabulary is horrible.)

As DeusEx said. Kiel and Wilhelmshaven are typical (smallish) german cities. If you'll enjoy your stay will mainly depend on how far out of your comfort zone you are willing to go. I guess that you will hate it if you live like a barracks rat and stick to what and who you know. I don't know what your housing will be like, but if you can get housing off-base and dive into a (not sooooo different culture) you'll probably enjoy it more. That's obviously not really Kiel or Germany specific though.

# ¿ Jun 22, 2010 11:04

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

You will lose quite a bit of money if you buy a new car. I don't think it would be worth it if you'll just stay for 2 years. Just buy a used one. To get an idea of whats available browse autoscout24.de and mobile.de. Most cars are manuals. Automatics come with a hefty premium.

As far as apartments go, usually apartments do not come furnished, nor with a kitchen or white goods. That might be a bit different close to a military base where people are short term renters.

http://www.toytowngermany.com/wiki/Apartment_rental

# ¿ Jun 23, 2010 07:54

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Zwille posted:

Uh, if by "white goods" you mean the crapper and related porcelain, they usually come with those. Also, most places (I've seen) had at least the following: crapper, shower, sink, stove.

White goods: fridge, stove, washing machine, dryer

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elektroger%C3%A4t#Wei.C3.9Fe_Ware

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20goods

# ¿ Jun 23, 2010 08:33

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

FLX posted:

A pharmacy is an Apotheke, but while you will get pretty much everything you want there, it's going to cost a ton of money, because Apotheken are mainly for medical products in Germany. I would look in a supermarket like "Real" first (not a discounter like ALDI). You should get everything there for much cheaper and with a bigger selection, maybe even the anti-headache medicine (I think you can get Aspirin there).

I would try Schlecker, DM or Rossmann. As far as Aspirin and other medicine is concerned, even if it's only harmless painkillers, I think the Apotheke ist still your only choice. They are sold over the counter without prescription.

# ¿ Jun 29, 2010 21:37

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Default Settings posted:

Detmold - D�sseldorf

Hermannsdenkmal and Externsteine

Wewelsburg*

Should both be good to waste an hour or so.

*aka Castle Wolfenstein

elwood fucked around with this message at 13:16 on Jun 30, 2010

# ¿ Jun 30, 2010 09:39

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Default Settings posted:

...

If you somehow find yourself near Paderborn around noon on a weekday, I would invite you to lunch. We could follow the ancient goon tradition of awkward conversations and/or silent stares over something to eat.

# ¿ Jun 30, 2010 21:21

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Brecht posted:

General question -- I'm making a permanent move to Germany later this month and I want to get on an iPhone 4 plan pretty much ASAP. What's the best way to do this? Can I buy one from an Apple store in the US, and bring it to pretty much any carrier in Berlin, and get set up? Or must I go to a T-Mobile store and get everything from them?

Also, I didn't have much luck navigating the T-Mobile .de site for rate plans. If I want unlimited data and a reasonable amount of SMS, what am I looking at pro monat?

Does it have to be an iphone 4 when you can get a used unlocked or unlockable g or gs for a reasonable price and don't have to suffer the rape that is a 2 year t-mobile contract? Just get an unlocked older model and you are free to chose whatever plan is best for your needs.

# ¿ Jul 6, 2010 21:43

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Gold and a Pager posted:

My girlfriend has some of her old ones saved and so I have pasted the hologram where it should be, though I doubt it'd hold up to a close inspection.

Just so you know:

Section 267

Forgery

(1) Whosoever for the purpose of deception in legal commerce produces a counterfeit document, falsifies a genuine document or uses a counterfeit or a falsified document, shall be liable to imprisonment of not more than five years or a fine.

(2) The attempt shall be punishable.

(3) In especially serious cases the penalty shall be imprisonment from six months to ten years. An especially serious case typically occurs if the offender

acts on a commercial basis or as a member of a gang whose purpose is the continued commission of fraud or forgery;

causes major financial loss;

substantially endangers the security of legal commerce through a large number of counterfeit or falsified documents; or

abuses his powers or his position as a public official.

(4) Whosoever commits forgery on a commercial basis as a member of a gang whose purpose is the continued commission of offences under sections 263 to 264 or sections 267 to 269 shall be liable to imprisonment from one to ten years, in less serious cases to imprisonment from six months to five years

# ¿ Aug 27, 2010 08:29

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

17,30 is a bad example because if you say 18, you might as well not tip at all, 20 is too much and I would feel silly if I make it 18,50 or 19 and get 1 or 1,50 back.

# ¿ Sep 10, 2010 12:06

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

I think it's 1000 �.

# ¿ Sep 16, 2010 10:43

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

So in conclusion, if in doubt, call your bank.

# ¿ Sep 16, 2010 10:59

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

I'm still waiting for the big "germans can't queue for poo poo" rant.

# ¿ Sep 19, 2010 17:27

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Ziir posted:

I'm curious about this too. On my flight over here the nice German girl sitting next to me told me that I'm going to hate the way Germans wait in line. But she didn't tell me why and I haven't noticed it yet .

We don't form lines, except if there are proper line markings, like at the airport. You won't find lines at the baker or butcher. People will just stand wherever, the shop assistant asks who's next and if you are not fast enough someone will cut in.
It was always kind of interesting to see the differences back when we still had the rhine army summer show festival. You could always tell who was german and who was british at the beer stands. The british would form a proper line, the germans would just crowd the stand.

elwood fucked around with this message at 10:56 on Sep 20, 2010

# ¿ Sep 20, 2010 10:52

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Autism Sundae posted:

Germans. I know nothing about your country except that you make bad cars and we kicked your rear end, but: how expensive would it be to stay in one of your country's cool cities for a few days while I look at cool stuff like a retarded tourist.

From almost nothing if you go the hobo route, to "holy poo poo this is expensive" if you go for the gold sprinkled currywurst (that is a real option by the way).

# ¿ Sep 22, 2010 10:29

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

A few friends of mine went last weekend. As a bigger group they had to book well in advance (months) to get a table. They had to order food in advance and they all had to order the same food. gently caress that poo poo. Next time just go to Stuttgart.

# ¿ Sep 27, 2010 11:27

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

freebooter posted:

I don't know about the rest of germany but in Berlin it's been overcast for three days and a German friend says this typically lasts until April, please explain how you all manage to get through this without comitting suicide?

It doesn't stay like this until April. We usually have distinct seasons so expect low temps and a bit of snow during the winter (might be different in Berlin). I like fall weather, so I really don't mind. I can do without constant rain, but love the wind.

# ¿ Sep 27, 2010 20:39

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

freebooter posted:

ESPECIALLY if it messed up all the services. There's nothing a provincial Australian lad likes more than exciting weather that disrupts society.

Last winter was the first time our Autobahn (or any Autobahn for that matter) had to be closed for a day or two because they ran out of salt. I think I haven't shoveled that much snow from my driveway in years either.

# ¿ Sep 27, 2010 21:11

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

If you can even find beef jerky here it's usually way overpriced (a few � for 25g).

# ¿ Oct 3, 2010 18:02

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

brylcreem posted:

Is this what all Germans listen to, or just the old ones?

Take a guess who is sitting in front of the tv on a saturday night. There is your answer.

# ¿ Oct 17, 2010 17:28

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Man tritt halt einfach aus (oder erst gar nicht ein) oder als Expat gibt man bei Registrierung an "ohne" und schwups bezahlt man auch keine Kirchensteuer.

# ¿ Oct 20, 2010 19:45

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Ziir posted:

The only song I know is that one that goes "Nein Mann, ich will noch nicht gehen. Ich will noch ein bisschen tanzen." cause they play it all the drat time in every single disco. But I can't really complain cause it's the same in the US too.

Edit: Also that drat Barbra Streisand song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBjDZMJUduo

# ¿ Nov 3, 2010 11:09

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

If you want proper mountains the alps, if something smaller but close by is enough Rheinsteig or Sauerland (Rothaarsteig)

http://www.germany-tourism.de/ENG/nature_active_recreation/hiking.htm

elwood fucked around with this message at 18:00 on Nov 6, 2010

# ¿ Nov 6, 2010 17:53

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Ask for Ahornsirup. If everything fails it should be available in a Reformhaus or Bio-Laden.

# ¿ Nov 7, 2010 19:14

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

REWE should be a good bet. We only have a small REWE around here, but even there I can get stuff I can't get everywhere like taco shells, oreos, ben and jerry's, skittles...

# ¿ Nov 7, 2010 22:17

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

There are quite a few asian stores popping up around here, so you can finally get your hands on spices and curry paste etc. (usually patak).

# ¿ Nov 8, 2010 08:04

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Ziir posted:

I bought my ticket online and a funny thing happened- it asked me to pick a chair to reserve. The movie starts at 17:00 so does this mean I can just show up and waltz in at 16:50 and sit in the seat I picked? Cause holy poo poo this is awesome cause in the US seats are first come first serve.

You could just show up 10-15 minutes later and still not miss anything. The first 10-15 minutes will be ads anyway (but pick up the ticket before on time as westborn said.

# ¿ Nov 18, 2010 06:03

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# ¿ May 6, 2024 05:21

elwood: Mar 28, 2001; by Smythe

Jiminy Krimpet posted:

And the fun one, what's the easiest way to spot an American tourist?

Sneakers, white tennis socks and fanny pack.

# ¿ Nov 19, 2010 17:01

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