What should German passengers expect from a British operated rail route?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2013/feb/07/national-express-german-rail-route

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German commuters are in luck: they will soon enjoy the opportunity to experience a rail route run by a British operator. National Express, who run the London-to-Southend c2c route (as well as the more well-known coach network), have secured contracts to run two rail routes in the country's most populous region.

The German rail network, heavily dominated by the state company, Deutsche Bahn, is a byword for rail comfort and sophistication compared to our own fractured and often controversial system.

My own most recent experience of German rail included being upgraded to an express after missing a connection due to a slight delay, and marvelling at the quality of the buffet (beers in proper glasses!) and at the innovative child-friendly carriage, featuring its own in-built play area.

But what can the rail franchises of Britain bring to the German network? Should we be warning our European neighbours to expect rail replacement bus services, Byzantine fare structures and overcrowding, or have the differences between the passenger experiences of the respective countries been greatly exaggerated? It's worth mentioning that Deutsche Bahn are the owners of the Arriva Train Wales and CrossCountry franchises here in Britain.

<strong>Post your views – or warnings – of what German commuters should expect below the line.</strong>