The school has already given us a schedule for what we can do. We’re going to museums, factory tours, that sort. So no suggestions for any activities to do or places to go to.
I would like some tips on some things I should know about Germany, perhaps some German phrases I should understand, cultural differences, or laws I need to know. Anything important that I should be aware of?
It will be about a weeklong trip
Point is though, that you’ll want no trouble with the law abroad, especially on a school trip. Keeping a respectfully low profile is never a bad idea.
Though I do confirm that Munich police are quite chill and helpful.
I certainly hope that it goes without saying that you should be respectful towards others, just like everywhere else in the world. I just wanted to clarify that Germany is not some totalitarian dystopia where you immediately go to prison for insulting someone.
To you, it’s normal, but to Americans it’s absolutely dystopian. Look at how people talk about Trump. In Germany, insults against politicians are especially serious and are prosecuted.
If you feel that you cannot exercise your right to criticize politicians in Germany you’re absolutely wrong. There are very few cases where prosecution took place.
On the other hand: in Germany you don’t have to worry as much as in the US about getting shot by the police for being black, foreign, or doing something egregious like not keeping your hands on the steering wheel when pulled over. Even ‘being pulled over’ is not something that really happens. If you’re a tourist that’s not openly promoting nazi actions (I know that’s hard for half of Americans) you’ll be absolutely fine.