I'm always willing to offer some advice on Germany. You have to remember....this is an American (from the South) who speaks and offers these tips. I might be thinking in a radical way than a regular tourist expert would suggest.
First, there are 2,500 things of significance to see in Germany...if I'm really honest about this. It's best to simply pick a region you'd really like to see, and narrow your list down to two hundred things in that region....and just be happy with that logic.
Second, yes, the vast number of Germans you bump into....under the age of forty....will speak some limited English. Don't count on bus drivers, bakery clerks, farmers, or grocery clerks being in that list. However, taxi-drivers, 14-year old kids, and pharmacy folks....probably have a higher chance of speaking (only my humble observations).
Third, read over a travel book in terms of food menu items and have five things that you might be interested in eating. Remember that pork is key to any meal (normally). Remember that salt is always used in abundance. If you have issues with hot food, don't order Gypsy-Schnitzel. Lunches tend to be a minor meal, so lean on the dinner for your maximum enjoyment of food for the day.
Fourth, if in a major town like Hamburg or Munich....use public transportation. Do not rent a car and expect to drive around these areas. It's one thing to drive from one city to another....but within the city regions....you are better off in getting a all-day ticket for $8 and enjoying yourself.
Fifth, the best seasons? Well....April through June is a low period of tourism with decent weather. September through the end of October is great but expect rains and cooler weather. Summer months are great but they can also be miserably hot (don't readily expect air conditioning everywhere). Always have a sweater around in your bag.
Sixth, yes, soda cans and bottles are on a deposit deal. So you need to return them to any shop.....to get your deposit back. It's stupid but all Germans play this game.
Seventh, you can travel reasonable and stay at pensions or gasthauses. This works out great in Bavaria and in smaller towns. It's possible to stay in a decent place for $20 and even get a breakfast out of the deal. The other side to this is that things will be rustic and very regular (like staying at Grandma's house for a evening).
Eighth, if you rent a car....figure out a way to get a GPS for the period there. You really need it. If you go by train....just a simple pocket map will be sufficient. Utilize the GPS for traffic jams, if necessary.
Ninth, don't stand there and expect 'friendly' Germans everywhere. Germans are a bit different. If you need help or directions....ask for it. Otherwise, a German won't go out of their way unless you indicate you have issues. Typically....they won't deny you help.
Tenth, alcohol is a bit different in Germany. If you order a beer, by the liter (which occurs in Bavaria)....then you could start to feel a bit drunk on the first one. And you'd be fairly wasted by the third. The various schnapps can taste like a glass of apple juice, but then pack a punch. Honey schnapps won't even taste like alcohol. So don't stand there and get drunk....then pass out under a tree (like those other tourists).
Above all....don't expect a trip to Germany to be cheap. Things just don't work that way. But you can travel on a decent budget if you are careful.
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