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[[File:2003 Hitch-hiking in Germany.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[User:Sigurdas|Sigurdas]] thumbing towards Nürnberg, 2003.]]
'''Germany''' is a member state of the [[European Union]] as well as the [[Schengen Agreement]]. It is a great country for [[hitchhiking]], both on motorways (via [[on-ramp]]s, [[rest area|service stationstations]]s, more seldom - parking lots) and local roads. Motorway is called ''Autobahn'' in German, while a [[rest area|service area]] is ''Raststätte''. Latter one is a very common place for hitching a ride - many drivers stop there for fuel and some rest. There you will often find [[maps]] of Germany and surrounding countries that indicate every single petrol station or any other service area located on motorways; in addition, there are map stands (usually by the main entrance to a petrol station) that give a general overview of all service areas on the territory of Germany. Motorway ramps usually are a good option to get a free ride, too. One has to make sure, though, not to end up on co called ''Schnellstrasse'' (it usually leads to motorways) where cars go fast and can not stop.
As a general rule, you should always stick to the "Autobahn" a long as possible and try to change between major "Autobahns" as less as possible, even if this means some detours. As soon as you are on the Autobahn and stick to service stations, you are hitching fast and reliable. In general you may have to wait quiet long waiving your thumb at on-ramps (especially if its hard to stop there and/or you are male), so if possible it often pays (in terms of time and frustration) to travel by foot and public transport to the closest service stations. Asking people directly just works better. Other good options are local petrol stations close to Autobahn on-ramps.
Hitchhiking in general is legal in Germany. It is only forbidden to hitchhike on the Autobahn itself, meaning you standing on the highway (or its emergency lane). You are perfectly fine stopping at service stations and asking the people. If you want to start hitching at the highway ramps, make sure you stand before the rectangular blue sign indicating the start of the highway.
Police in general is suspicious of hitchhikers, especially in the southern states of [[Bavaria]] or [[Baden-Württemberg]]. Be polite, and show them your ID (which you should always carry while hitching in Germany) and they will leave you alone (after checking your criminal history).
=== License plates ===
==== Learning to speak German ====
Have a look at the phrasebook [[Germanwestern Europe phrasebook|here]].
=== Railways ===
__NOTOC__
[[Category:Bavaria|Bavaria]]
[[Category:Baden-Württemberg|Baden-Württemberg]]
[[Category:Germany| ]]
[[Category:Western Europe]]
