The Ampel

In America, when a streetlight (Ampel) goes from red to green, it does just that: it turns from red to green.

Not here.

In Germany (and I believe most of Europe), when a street light changes to green, it first lights up the yellow light, and then turns green. This warns drivers the light is about to turn green. Since the vast majority of cars in Europe are Manual (versus Automatic transmission), the extra warning gives drivers time to get into gear.


I'm not 100% sure why most people buy Stick, but I'm pretty sure the reasoning falls into one of two categories: (1) because Manual is cheaper; and (2) especially in Germany, people like the sporty feel of a manual when driving on the Autobahn.

Traffic here isn't as either isn't as bad or as frequent as in DC, so there's not really a reason to spend the extra money. Plus I think when you go through driving school, you use your own car, and if your parents drive stick, you have to learn.