Hospitality Management
Hospitality management in Germany
TOURIST REGIONS:
The Black Forest Mountains run alongside the Rhine, close to Lake Constance, Switzerland and Alsace and it is a region famed for itīs food, drink and distinctive culture. The Bavarian Forest, Germany's first National park holds natural beauty and the region has many museums which aim to teach visitors about the land and itīs people. Alternatively, if you want to experience German culture outside of the forests, visit Berlin, Germany's cultural and political capital with its museums, monuments and shopping.
See detailed map of Germany
CULTURE:
Generally speaking, Germans are quite formal, particularly in the North. In eastern Germany, many older Germans are fairly unused to tourists. When speaking to people from this generation, always use the formal "sie" address until transition to the "du" form is agreed and confirmed by a toast and a handshake.
Beer is such a vital part of the culture that the right to drink beer is even written into some labour contracts, and a beer with lunch in the factory cafeteria is taken for granted. The traditional beer garden is still very popular, especially in southern Germany.
Germans are extremely environmentally conscious and separate their garbage to facilitate recycling. If your neighbours spot you throwing recyclable glass or paper into the regular garbage, your relationship could be strained for good.
Bring flowers if you're invited to a German home for some social occasion. If the flowers are wrapped in paper, remember to take off the wrapping just before you enter the home
LANGUAGE:
Many Germans speak fluent English but it is recommended that you learn German in order to integrate into the country. There is a common German language which every German knows but it is important to recognise the different German dialects and accents change significantly from one region to another to the point that it is difficult for beginners to understand. The differences appear especially in the regions of Bavaria and if you travel to Austria and especially to Switzerland.
COMMERCIAL HOURS:
Shops in town and centre centres do not usually close for lunch and so are open from 9 or 10am until 6-8pm. Banks and Post offices are open until 6pm at the latest. Shops are closed on Sundays with the exception of bakeries (which open on Sunday mornings) and cafés and cake shops (which open on Sunday afternoons).
WEATHER:
From May to October you can normally rely on good weather, particularly in the North. During these months, much of German life moves outside. Autumn in Germany is a good time to visit as temperatures are warm but not excessive and most tourists have left. Winter is frosty and wet, particularly in the South, but snow rarely settles except in the High country.
VISAS:
EU citizens need only an official identity card to enter Germany. Nationals from the US, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and Israel can stay in Germany for 3 months without a visa (just a valid passport).
HEALTHCARE:
Germany has an excellent healthcare system. The EHIC card entitles European citizens to free medical treatment. Visitors from other countries are advised to take out a decent insurance policy.
In spring and summer there is a small risk of contracting illnesses through ticks such as Lyme disease and meningoencephalitis.
