Do they use miles or km in Germany?

Driving in Germany: Understanding the Metric System

When traveling to Germany, it’s essential to understand the metric system, which is used throughout the country for measuring distance and speed on the road.

Distance Measurement

In Germany, distances are measured in kilometers (km). This unit is commonly used across mainland Europe and is a metric equivalent to 0.621 miles. Road signs and maps will display distances in kilometers, so it’s important to be familiar with this measurement.

Speed Measurement

Speed limits are also expressed in kilometers per hour (km/h) in Germany. Urban speed limits are typically set at 50 km/h (31 mph) within city centers. On open roads outside of urban areas, the speed limit increases to 100 km/h (62 mph), unless otherwise indicated by signs.

Autobahn Speed Limits

The autobahns, Germany’s famous network of high-speed highways, are renowned for their lack of general speed limits. However, certain sections of the autobahn may have speed restrictions imposed due to safety concerns or road conditions. These restrictions will be clearly marked with signs displaying the applicable speed limit.

Tips for Driving in Germany

• Learn to read kilometers per hour on your speedometer.
• Be aware of the unterschiedliche Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzungen (varying speed limits) on different roads.
• Respect the speed limits and be mindful of traffic regulations.
• Use a GPS navigation system or map app that supports the metric system.
• Consider using a currency converter app to understand the cost of fuel and tolls, as they may be displayed in euros per kilometer.

By following these tips, you can navigate Germany’s road system with ease and confidence.