Figuring out local methods of transportation is an important part of moving to a new place! I own a car back home in Washington, but I did not bring the car with me to Germany. Now I have to rely on the public transit system, which means I ride a lot of buses and trains! I ride a streetcar to my job at the school almost every day. When I go grocery shopping I usually walk to the store, which is about one mile away, and then take the bus back. Riding public transit has helped my German language skills for two reasons: I can hear people having conversations and try to understand them and I frequently have to ask people questions in German about the train or when it will arrive.
Many people in my city use public transport. This can mean using the bus (der Bus), streetcars (die Straßenbahn) or regular trains (der Zug). Many people also walk or ride bikes. Afterschool students walk or ride the streetcar home. During this time, the streetcar is like a can of sardines, packed to the brim!
At first it was confusing to figure out the public transit system. The signs and routes are in German so it was difficult to always read all the rules. After a couple weeks though, I learned my best travel routes and timetables for when my trains and buses come.
