Hi from my point of view this hobby is about taking part not about having all your kit absolutly perfect, a lot of us like to get things as correct as we can but that's a personal choice not a requirement to attend the events. With regard to insignia most of my uniforms don't have any and in general the amount you have is down to personal preference.
So my advice is get signed up for an event, as far as kit goes read the uniform requirements and if you're having problems meeting them there are a lot of generous people on the forum who are happy to loan kit & guns on a 'you bend it you mend it' basis
I second Pete's comments - please take care to read the uniform requirements for games very carefully - you will see how relaxed things are. As for insignia - forget them, concentrate on a basic generic early war look and you are good to go for all games.
Don't get too drawn into amassing piles of insignia and kit. We see a lot of people who spend all their money on this and then, have none for attending games! Also, don't forget, that our player base is incredibly generous when it comes to loaning kit to newbies, allowing them to play their first game for comparatively little outlay. Sometimes, it can all look a bit intimidating for newcomers but, really, we're a friendly, inclusive bunch of drunks
If you've decided to play as a German, you have the easiest of options to be honest. If you go for a "generic" Heer (normal Wehrmacht) loadout, it will be usable at virtually EVERY game. To begin with, avoid camo items and superfluous field gear and concentrate on the "look". An M36 tunic, field grey trousers, boots, belt (with buckle) and a cap will get yuo going. Over time, add a helmet, breadbag,and a waterbottle and, Bob's your uncle. The German side is easily the most financially viable, as you only need one uniform. I play on the allied side and I have British, U.S and Russian kit, much of which sits idle for months on end. You won't have this cross to bear with German kit! 
For a Heer uniform, you only need a breast eagle, collar insignia and shoulderboards (many tunics actually come with shoulderboards!). Don't bother with "bling", the money is better spent on other kit. I know the tempatation is for the glamorous kit, like SS camo, cufftitles, etc but, many of our members will back me by saying go for the option that gives you most bang for your buck and, spend wisely.
When I want your opinion - I'll tell you what it is!
The standards are climbing all the time but there is still the looks like rule.
Dont feel you have to be stitch perfect and correct down to your underwear. These guys would rather you play and enjoy than have the correct labels and stamps in your socks.
There are some WW2 airsofters who do have first rate kit and lots of it, but there are just as many who are adding to the basics bit by bit.
aka Stigroadie
AFRA
better by design
"Truth is a shining goddess, always veiled, always distant, never wholly approachable, but worthy of all the devotion of which the human spirit is capable. "
