When people consider relocating to a new place, they think about several key factors that will change their lives. These include an improved lifestyle, higher earnings than in their home country, a peaceful life, and other personal reasons. If you plan to come to Germany, you may have these thoughts in your mind. We will now explore whether these expectations align with reality and what additional considerations you need to be aware of about Germany. Let’s find out the key things an expat needs to know about Germany.
Livelihood in Germany
If you want to come to Germany for a better living, you’re making a good choice. Germany is one of the richest countries in the world with a high standard of living. The German economy is among the strongest globally, offering excellent earning potential. Whether you’re drawn to the country because of the Bundesliga, like myself—I’m a Borussia Dortmund fan—or for its renowned education system, Germany has much to offer. Students flock here for high-quality, low-cost education, and many people come to experience the famous German beer or the Oktoberfest, one of the largest festivals in the country. Whether you’re visiting or planning to settle down, having some key knowledge about Germany will help you make a smoother transition.
High Level of Safety
Germany is one of the safest countries in the world, ranking 15th in the 2024 Global Peace Index. This index considers various risks, including natural disasters, violent crimes, and terrorism.
Easy Travel to Neighboring Countries
Germany’s central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for travel enthusiasts. It shares borders with nine other countries and has excellent road connectivity, making it easy to visit neighboring nations. For instance, if you have a long weekend, you can plan a quick trip to France, Spain, or any nearby country. This ease of travel is a significant perk of living in Germany.
Polite People
From my experience of over four years in Germany, I can attest that Germans are very polite and peaceful. They value punctuality and respect quiet hours, typically from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. Even during the day, I’ve rarely experienced noise from neighbors. This respect for peace contributes to a very pleasant living environment.
Abundant Green Spaces and Outdoor Activities
Germany is a country rich in greenery, with 33% of its land covered by forests. Every city, even the smallest ones, has parks that offer a taste of nature. Additionally, there are many hilly areas perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
Best Cities for Expats to Live in Germany
Expats often prefer to live in large or popular cities when they first relocate to Germany due to better job opportunities, easy communication, and a more convenient lifestyle. Here are some cities I recommend for expats:
Düsseldorf
As the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, Düsseldorf is the financial hub of Germany. It consistently ranks among the world’s top 10 most livable cities. The city offers excellent job opportunities and a high quality of life. It’s also a connecting hub in the region, making it easy to visit other major cities like Cologne and Dortmund. Düsseldorf hosts festivals every couple of months, and its Altstadt is a tourist favorite for its perpetual festive atmosphere.
Berlin
Berlin is often the first choice for expats due to its fame and vibrant culture. The city offers abundant job opportunities and a lively nightlife, with pubs staying open all night. The language barrier is less of an issue here as English is widely spoken. However, finding accommodation can be challenging due to high demand and competition, and rents are relatively high.
Munich
Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is the second most popular city in Germany. Known for its friendly and helpful locals, Munich offers excellent job opportunities and diverse food options. It’s famous for its beer culture, particularly during Oktoberfest. However, Munich’s summers can be scorching, and winters very cold. Finding affordable accommodation can also be difficult.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt is a highly diverse city where more than half the population has an immigrant background. It is a major job market, attracting even German locals. Frankfurt is clean, modern, and often described as a miniature version of North American and Asian cities. It serves as the aviation hub of Central Europe, making it feel like the center of the continent.
Finding Accommodation for Expats in Germany
Finding accommodation in Germany is one of the hardest tasks. Securing an apartment can feel nearly impossible due to the high demand and the number of candidates vying for each available place.
Even if you manage to secure a place, you might encounter several problems. For example, the kitchen might not be included, and you would need to purchase and install it yourself, which is very expensive. Alternatively, if a kitchen is provided, the appliances might be outdated or damaged.
I have seen friends face issues with their electricity bills. Shortly after moving into their new home, they noticed that the electricity company was deducting three to four times the usual amount from their bank accounts, claiming high electricity usage, which was completely incorrect.
In their case, both the husband and wife were out of the house during the day and only spent weekends at home. It turned out that their electrical line was connected to another tenant’s line, and both lines’ electricity bills were being charged to my friends, which was very frustrating.
Despite these challenges, it is possible to find an apartment in Germany if you use certain strategies. Various useful apps can help you search for and view available apartments. Additionally, networking with friends before moving to Germany can be very beneficial.
Another effective method is similar to what I did. The apartment I currently live in was previously rented by a friend. When he needed to relocate to another city, I was searching for a room in this city. My friend spoke with his landlord, and I took over the lease. This can be one of the most practical ways to secure an apartment.
In conclusion, if you’re determined to come to Germany, don’t overthink it. Every country has its pros and cons, but Germany offers more advantages than disadvantages in my experience. The key is to be well-prepared and informed. I’ve found more pros than cons in Germany, which is why I love living here.
