While it may feel awkward at first, attempting the local language goes a long way when navigating a city and interacting with people. Practice these basic phrases in German to get started:

• Hello: Hallo
• Goodbye: Auf wiedersehen
• Thank you: Danke
• Yes: Ja
• No: Nein
• Where is...?: Wo ist...?
• Cheers!: Prost!

Though Germans are known for being rather reserved, rest assured that the culture here is still as lovely as the country's scenery.

• Locals may not be as outwardly warm and chatty with strangers as you're used to. They may also stare more than you're used to.
• Similarly, they may be rather direct in their communication, and this isn't considered rude.
• Unlike some of their more lax neighbors, German people tend to be very punctual. This does mean that things like trains and buses also tend to be quite efficient!
• Locals are also rather law-abiding, so no jaywalking allowed.
• It's no longer a religious rule, but you still won't find many shops open on Sundays.

You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you just must try.

• With over 3,200 recognized types of bread in the country, German bread is the best thing since sliced bread.
• Unlike Italy, breakfast in Germany is a savory spread of bread rolls, sausage, and cheese with coffee or tea.
• Lunch, or mittagessen, is the main meal of the day, featuring potato salad, sausage, schnitzel, vegetables, fries, cabbage, and potatoes!
• End your day with abendbrot, or “evening bread.” Yes. MORE BREAD. This meal consists of bread, cheese, pickles, sausage, and beer.
• Ordering food and drinks is a great time to practice the local language; it goes a long way with locals, and shows respect for their culture.
• Restaurants ask you to choose between still or sparkling water, but remember sparkling water is an added cost.
• The less special requests you make at a restaurant, the more accurate your dish will be.
• It’s normal to seat yourself in a restaurant instead of waiting to be seated.
• Wait-staff in Europe are not as attentive as in the US; don’t be afraid to flag someone over for help!