When you visit the city Cologne, you visit one of 16 regions: Cologne is in the region North-Rhine Westphalia, in Germany. May-be the first time? On this page, we like to give you some interesting facts and knowings, that might be interesting and of course helpful for your visit, too. Do you have some more specific questions? Than let us know!
This logo stands for “disposable”. You can find it in Germany on plastic bottles and cans, among other things. It means that you pay a €0.50 deposit when you buy a coke and get this deposit back when you return the container. So please don’t throw it in the bin.
Like with football, it´s good to be good informed about the regional beer sort. In Cologne, you drink „Kölsch“, a light beer, like on the picture. In the Düsseldorf area, up the Rhine, people drink “Alt Bier”, a dark beer. Never order an „Alt“ in Cologne, not even as a nice joke. Trust us.
The diversity of people in Germany is expressly protected by Article 3 of the Basic Law:
“No one shall be disadvantaged or favored because of his sex, descent, race, language, homeland and origin, creed, religious or political opinions. No one shall be discriminated against on the grounds of disability.”
Fußball, soccer is one, or the important sport in Germany. And there are strong friendships between the clubs, as well as serious rivalries. Schalke from Gelsenkirchen and 1.Nürnberg are fine with each other,.. but Schalke and Dortmund.. uhhh.. Cologne and Mönchengladbach, Leverkusen and Düsseldorf.. So before you go into the stadium to watch a game, it’s a good idea to find out about the club colors in advance.
Some Dos and Don ´ ts
- ´A coffee, cappuccino or milk café? Works any time!
- If you cheer with a drink: look into the eyes of your opposit. (otherwise: bad luck in love and bed!)
- deep talk instead of small talk: if you ask: „how are you“, Germans take it serious. So take some time and be prepared for the serious answer you can expect.
- red is red. If the traffic light is red, it is better to stop and stay until it ´is getting green. Especially if there are children nearby. Otherwise you will be scolded.
- Yes, there is something true with the „German punctuality“. If you are late, just give your date a short message, and it will be o.k. 🙂
- Always give a tip, if you are in café or restaurant. 10% is usual. Tip is an essential income for rarely well-paid waiters.