Money & Spending
You buy a $100 pair of sneakers in Vermont and a €100 pair in Germany. In which country is the sales tax generally already included in the displayed price?
Germany
Question: In Germany, you run out of gas while driving on the Autobahn. Which statement is most accurate?
A. It's always legal if you turn on your hazard lights B. It can result in a fine because stopping unnecessarily is prohibited C. Your driver's license is automatically suspended D. The government must deliver free gasoline
B. It can result in a fine because stopping unnecessarily is prohibited.
A German student graduates from a public university with no tuition debt. Does that mean their education was free?
No. Living expenses, semester fees, and public funding still have costs.
You win $1 million in a lottery. In which country is the lottery prize itself generally exempt from personal income tax?
B. Germany
$100: What is the German word for money?
A. Geld B. Brot C. Schule D. Schnell
Answer: A. Geld.
Germany has a system called Pfand. You purchase 20 eligible single-use plastic bottles. How much money could you get back by returning all 20? (come with $1 or €1)
€5 = $5 (25 cents per bottle).
A German employee works five days a week. What is the legal minimum number of paid vacation days per year?
A. 10 B. 15 C. 20 D. 30
C. 20 days
Which country generally has higher average annual wages, adjusting for differences in purchasing power?
A. Germany B. USA C. Approximately identical
B. USA
An American worker earns $60,000. A German worker earns the equivalent of $60,000. Who generally pays more in combined income taxes and employee social insurance contributions?
Germany
$300: Which of these is generally true about grocery shopping in Germany?
A. Grocery stores must provide free bags B. Many stores close on Sundays C. All stores accept U.S. dollars D. Tipping cashiers is expected
B. Many stores close on Sundays.
Question: You put $1,000 into a savings account earning 5% annual interest. Inflation is 7% that year. After one year, what happened to your purchasing power?
A. Increased by 5% B. Decreased by approximately 2% C. Increased by 12% D. Stayed the same
B.
You're driving on Germany's Autobahn. What is the speed limit on sections without a posted speed limit?
A. 130 km/h B. 160 km/h C. 200 km/h D. No general mandatory limit
D. No general mandatory limit. The recommended speed is 130 km/h.
Which country invented the kindergarten?
A. USA B. Switzerland C. Germany D. Austria
C. Germany
A German worker becomes seriously ill and cannot work for four weeks. What generally happens to their salary?
A. They receive nothing B. Their employer generally continues paying their wages C. They must use vacation days D. The government automatically pays double
B. Their employer generally continues paying wages, subject to eligibility rules.
Which of these everyday inventions originated in Germany?
A. Microwave oven B. Coffee filter C. Credit card D. Shopping cart
B. Coffee filter