Two main things: you cannot turn right after stopping at a red light. Have to wait for it to turn green. And if you are on a divided highway with two lanes on your side, don't pass someone on the right. They hate that (plus it might be illegal).

Here is a website you might want to look at for driving tips in Austria, which are probably similar to Germany.
http://advantageaustria.org/mm/zentr...en/auto.en.jsp

I've driven in both places and it's common sense. It's best not to drive in the left lane unless you have a powerful car. Leave that to the lead-foot Larrys. Oops! I just noticed you live in the Bay Area. In that case, treat it like a rush-hour commute on 280 between San Francisco and San Jose and you'll have no problems.

Gute fahrt!