The Traffic Rule Germans Follow Religiously Despite Its Tiny Fine

Europe is an enigma. As noted travel writer Bill Bryson wrote in "Neither Here Nor There," his early '90s travel tome, "It fascinated me that Europeans could at once  be so alike ... universally bookish and cerebral, and drive small cars, and love soccer ... and yet so endlessly, unpredictably different from each other as well." One of the draws of Europe is that each country has its own languages, customs, and quirks. Before you even visit the continent, you'll likely have heard of several persistent stereotypes about some of these famous countries. The actual truthfulness of these stereotypes is debatable, but nonetheless, they exist: the stiff-upper-lipped Brits are obsessed with tea, everyone in Ireland is a beer-loving Catholic, Spain is only fiestas and siestas, Italians are lazy yet passionate (plus, horrible drivers), and the Germans are sticklers for the rules.  

Again, stereotypes aren't always true, are meant to be broken, and should never be assumed as truth. However, the idea of Germans following the rules to the letter seems to have more than a grain of truth. Especially when it comes to crosswalks. You'll be hard-pressed to ever see a native German crossing illegally, even if there are no cars in sight. Tourists may attempt it, but be warned, that this is an example of a strict law that applies to tourists, too. 

Navigating different etiquette rules can be one of the hardest parts of travel, which is true in Germany. To not seriously offend the locals, it's best to know which American tipping habits are considered rude in Germany, what to do when you need your waitperson's attention, and traffic laws (including crosswalk etiquette), to mention a few. While Germans may not be sticklers for all the rules, if crosswalk etiquette is any indication, it's reasonable to assume Germans tend to play by the book in general.

Every American tourist in Germany is likely to experience the phenomenon on their trip: a group of people waiting at a light to cross. The light, shaped charmingly like a little man in a hat (the ampelmännchen, which translates to "little traffic man"), remains stubbornly red even though there's not a single car anywhere near the crosswalk. The locals are easy to spot in this scenario — they're standing, patient and stoic, and don't move until the light turns, no matter how long it takes. Tourists in this situation, on the other hand, tend to creep closer to the curb, look both ways multiple times, mutter about long lines, and whether or not it will be worth it to just dash across. 

The Germans, collectively, have decided it's never worth it to cross, despite the fact that the fine for jaywalking is so inconsequential. Whether Germans naturally follow the rules, or have collective trauma over crossing streets, is a topic for another day. But, when you visit Germany, do what the Germans do, and wait until the little guy in his little hat lights up green. This seemingly minor transgression could get you fined (although the fine is small, between €5 and €10). However, if you decide you can afford the fine and go for it, don't be surprised if you get a lecture from that tiny German grandma next to you.

It's probably not surprising that in a country where the average person absolutely refuses to break a fairly inconsequential law (note: Do pay attention to traffic laws, for safety), there are a few other common etiquette rules tourists often break, while dining or otherwise. For instance, in Germany, it's rude not to clean your plate at a restaurant. So, just like at your mother-in-law's, where you practically have to lick your plate clean to avoid an evil eye, do your best to eat everything on your plate. 

Other German rules to be aware of: Ensure your tank is filled before a road trip on the Autobahn, as running out of gas is illegal. Avoid chewing gum in public, and never order Weisswurst (white sausage) after noon in Bavaria — there's even a saying that goes: "No Weisswurst should ever hear the afternoon church bells." Do your best not to take selfies, especially in Berlin, and always be on time!