21 Secrets About Living In Germany To Know Before Moving

Whether a spontaneous move or something you’ve been planning for a lengthy period, moving abroad to begin a new life (either solo or with your family) is just Wunderbar!

Switching corn dogs for bratwursts, Budweiser for Pilsner, and amber fields brimming with grain for hills privy to a place in the Sound of Music – there is something for all in Germany.

However, before taking the plunge and traveling miles to pastures new, here are a few tips and tricks surrounding Europe’s economic powerhouse – and a reminder of why moving to this part of the world is such a great idea.

Sections

1. It’s pretty simple to get a visa

Before booking flights and sourcing accommodation, it is essential to learn more about obtaining the correct visa. This visa differs from a standard tourist visa and ensures legal entry to Germany.

The first step? Obtaining a Standard Residence Permit. This is very easy to get if you already have a job lined up in Germany.

Without this visa, you will only be permitted to stay in Germany for 90 days. That being said, this gives you enough time to locate an immigration office and book an appointment.

These offices are known as Ausländerbehörde or the German Aliens Authority.

On top of this, you will need to fill in an application form, which is obtainable from the immigration office, two in-date passport photos, confirmation that you have registered your address with the relevant authorities, proof you have registered with health insurance and tax bill or bank statement to show that you’re able to afford to live in Germany.

Other documents include receipts showcasing that you have paid €60 to obtain a short-stay visa and €75 to obtain a visa that allows you to stay longer.

You can apply from outside of Germany. However, this is a much more challenging process.

Once you have your approved visa to hand, you have the opportunity to renew this every year.

Once you have been working in the country for five years, you will be allowed to apply for Permanent Residence.

To prove you wish to commit to this part of the world entirely, you may also be required to enroll in an integration course, which comprises 600 hours of language learning and an additional 100 hours of learning about German politics, values, and culture.

To be accepted as a resident, you must be awarded a pass mark of B1 to showcase you can speak the German language at the required level, own a passport from your home country, pass a health check, and be enrolled in a German health insurance policy.

2. Germany is a great place for your family

Germany isn’t just a great place for solo travelers, it’s an excellent destination for families.

Your little ones will be spoilt for choice when it comes to public playgrounds, with an impressive 1,850 to choose from in Berlin alone.

This equates to an incredible one park per 156 kids under ten years of age). And these aren’t ordinary parks but fairytale playgrounds brandishing life-like pirate ships, wooden helicopters and planes, and scary witch’s houses. Are they enraptured?

As well as the many playgrounds, children are privy to an array of other activities comprising music events, art, football, and several cinema complexes – it has something for all ages.

3. Enjoy shorter working hours

In terms of working circumstances, Germany embraces shorter working hours in several industries, meaning you spend a lot less time at your desk and much more time enjoying what this diverse country has to offer.

Those working in Germany work just over five hours per day, which averages around 26 hours per week.

On top of this, Germany’s minimum wage is more generous, equating to €9.19 per hour, which is an astonishing 50% higher than that of the minimum wage in the United States.

4. There are loads of holidays

When you have a job in Germany, you can expect over 20 days of paid leave, with the average leave for most employees in this country amounting to 30 days.

This is more than anywhere else in Europe. On top of this, Germany is privy to various public holidays, spanning between 10 and 13 days per year.

Nine of these public holidays are celebrated worldwide, while different states in Germany celebrate several other holidays.

In terms of work balance, this is a great place to enjoy the best of both worlds.

5. The cost of living in Germany

In comparison to American prices, Germany is very pocket-friendly. It’s half the price to dine and drink in Berlin as it is to do so in New York City.

On top of this, groceries are very cost-effective, with a standard grocery haul costing just $25.07.

Most would presume these low prices affect the wages – this is far from the case. The salary on average in Deutschland is $52,100 per year, and there are numerous job opportunities available.

6. The food and drink are fantastic

Germany is home to various culinary delights, many of which are enjoyed on a Sunday.

You can expect the famed schnitzel, sausages, and an onslaught of beer, particularly at the Oktoberfest festival, which despite its name, takes place in September.

Vegetarian? There are an array of cheeses on tap and a handful of famous potato-based dishes and national delicacy, sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), which is extremely good for your immune system.

Another famous food? Spätzle, a southern-western dish hailed from the Swabia region of Swabia, boasts a combination of an incredible amount of cheese and German fizzy-water pasta.

7. What about the weather in Germany?

Located in Central Europe, Germany is privy to a continental climate, which means you can expect cold winters and warm summers – this is great for those who love the changing seasons.

8. Visit amazing places

Germany is home to an array of top World Heritage Sites, comprising landmarks such as the famed Alps, the Black Forest, and (unexpectedly) a handful of beautiful beaches, 124,000 miles of hiking opportunities, and over 2,500 castles.

The Romantic Road is a great place to visit for weekend breaks and boasts a southern trip spanning 300km from Würzburg to Füssen.

On this route, you’ll be privy to an array of scenic views and stunning towns.

Driving fanatics? You will be pleased to learn that 70% of Germany’s highway system (the Autobahn) doesn’t have a speed limit.

9. The education system is excellent

Like several western European countries, Germany boasts an excellent education system and attractive tuition fees.

Following Switzerland, Germany has one of the highest-ranking education systems globally, and all teachers speak German and English.

10. Public transport is efficient and amazing

As well as the infamous autobahn, Germany is home to an array of top public transport options, many of which you can buy a monthly pass for.

Most towns and cities use trams, buses, the S-Bahn (overground), or the U-Bahn (subway).

In larger German city center areas such as Munich and Berlin, these transportation methods combine seamlessly to form an incredible transport system.

As an idea of how this transport system runs, Berlin’s 117-year-old U-Bahn subway system, on an average day, will ferry an impressive 1.5 million people to an equally remarkable 173 stations spanning 94 miles of track.

Every transport system is interlinked, meaning you can switch from one method to another in a flash.

Another benefit? The entirety of the U-Bahn boasts an internet connection.

11. German beer and sausage culture

Both drinking beer and dining on an array of sausage dishes is a national pastime in this part of the world and are part of everyday life.

From beer purity laws to museums dedicated to Currywurst (a sausage crafted in the 1940s) to over 1,200 different styles of sausage and one of the world’s oldest breweries. If you haven’t guessed, German people are big fans of beer and sausages.

12. A federal law that bans all kinds of discrimination

The AGG or the General Act on Equal Treatment is a federal law prohibiting all kinds of discrimination in Germany.

This includes both daily and work affairs, and any foreign nationals living in German cities are privy to free confidential counseling.

13. Make an effort to learn Deutsch

When in this country, it’s a good idea to get to grips with the local language – the locals will appreciate the effort despite the fact most Germans speak English!

14. Germany has naming laws for a new child

When it comes to your child’s name, German law necessitates the child takes either the mother’s or the father’s name.

15. Making friends is not that easy to do

Despite being tricky to form connections at first, they are guaranteed to stand the test of time once you do. To ensure you meet people, sign up for work socials, your local gym, or a class.

16. The work-life balance is excellent

Germany enjoys shorter working hours, which means less time spent at your desk and more time with family, friends, and doing the things you want to do.

17. Enjoy universal healthcare

When moving to a new country, it’s imperative to take care of your health and your family’s health – this is where Germany’s universal healthcare comes into play.

There are numerous providers to choose from, all offering comprehensive cover that grants you treatment in the best hospitals (should you need it) and cost-friendly cover.

18. They love football

Germans love football – this national sport is embraced in all major cities.

19. Germany has the best economy in Europe

Germany is home to the largest national European economy and boasts a highly developed social market. In 2020, 3.3 trillion Euros was the Gross Domestic Product.

20. Play by the rules

If you’re looking to make new acquaintances in Germany, you need to play by the rules. Such rules include never jaywalking – doing so will result in many angry stares, especially from cyclists.

Another big no? Don’t disrespect quiet hours, such as Sundays or early morning and late at night.

Quiet hours are regulated by the law, which means no loud music, vacuuming, or partaking in screaming matches during these set hours.

If you refuse to abide by these rules, you will likely receive a visit from a public order officer.

21. The Germans are major recyclers

If you’re an eco-warrior, Germany is a great place to live. Our German friends take recycling very seriously!

FAQs

How do I get health insurance in Germany without a job?

Unemployed individuals can sign up for private health insurance while in Germany for a fee per month.

The insurance provider will reimburse any trips to the doctor, while hugely expensive treatments will be paid by the policy provider directly.

Who is eligible for German citizenship?

To be applicable for naturalization, an individual has to have legally resided in Germany for eight years and must hold the correct residence permit.

What is considered rude in Germany?

Playing loud music in the quiet hours and jay-walking are considered extremely rude in Germany, and if you do either of these things, you’ll either get a scowl or a warning!

Are Germans friendly?

German people are celebrated as welcoming and friendly. Their diversity and humor have been shaped by two millennia of history.

Can foreigners open a German bank account?

Yes, they can. However, there are different options for different people, depending on your country of origin.

Final Thoughts

With so many perks to residing in this European Union nation, it is little wonder that Germany was voted the eighth most-prevalent destination to move to in 2019 by the Expat Explorer Survey released by HSBC.

These are bonuses for solo people and families. From the many must-see sights and sounds to the impressive wages, low living costs, and unique education systems – there is something for all here, making it a great place to move to!