Reasons as to why one would like to live in Germany are numerous. Skilled workers have very high-paying wages and good job opportunities. You also have some of the largest tech sites in Europe (Munich and Berlin) with a massive expat population and tons of money floating into these countries. German life is awesome. Germans value work-life balance; job security is high, the social welfare system is strong, and the society is extremely social.
The currency
Germany uses the Euro as currency. You may have guessed this, but in case you are not coming to one of the countries where the same currency is used. Then you need to know that you have to exchange it into Euros. Or you cannot purchase anything. The alternative is that you use your debit or credit card, which will then be charged for the expenses.
The language
Germans are German-speaking. Naturally, they speak other languages like English, but to come around the country, it is advisable to at least have the basic skills in the language. It is something that you could be looked down upon, especially when you are not sure how to say hi, please and thank you in German. The remainder of it is quite hard to learn because the grammar is complicated. However, in any city or town where you reside, there will be a language school that provides German language courses.
The place is quiet there
In Germany, as anywhere, life is pretty busy. However, overall, there is tranquillity everywhere. The clubs will be an exception as they will rave to techno music. Besides that, you will discover that Germans love their silence, there is low corruption and that it will not be very hard to secure a job.
Improved employees rights
The Germans value their employees quite much. You may have noticed that more than most of the other people were you are an American living in Germany. Numerous organisations safeguard the rights of employees, and in case you complain, you will be heard. You will not be exploited as an employee, and you will not be in the hands of a mean boss.
Apartment furnishing
Forget that accommodation is rather hard to find and quite pricey, with all the charges you will have to pay. However, once you move in, you will, in the majority of cases, be left with the apartment empty. Locating a furnished apartment in Germany is not exactly as simple as it sounds, and you may have to do your research long beforehand. The Homelike allows checking available apartments to rent in all cities of Germany. Simply enter the name of the city you wish to live in, and just choose the move-in dates and the day you are leaving. As well as the number of guests that will be residing in the apartment. And in case you can find no apartments in your desired city and dates, you may still leave your email and get notifications as there is something new.
Effective transportation: Public transport
The bus and train are punctual. They are also clean. In Germany, the use of public transport is very common, and it is an extremely awesome experience. And in case you are accustomed to saying that your bus or train was delayed as a reason why you could not get to work on time, this will not pass in Germany. Discipline and punctuality are taken so seriously here, and therefore, you will enjoy travelling in the public means of transport.
The German roads are constructed with any form of transport in mind. They are walk-friendly and most importantly, bike-friendly. In a new city, the most economical method of transport will be a bicycle, and hence, you can make good use of it in Germany. Bikes have their own designated lane on nearly every road, and it is impossible not to find a bicycle anywhere.
Recycling friendly
Germany even sets up order in your trash. There is special garbage collection in bins of every type of garbage, and there is a certain time to perform your recycling. Germany is a friendly, environmentally friendly country, and before you move there, you need to refresh your knowledge on recycling and the importance of putting materials in the right places.
An effective education system
Germany has a well-organised education system. It is of high quality, and best of all, it is FREE. Most likely, you will not even have to pay any tuition to the university or perhaps only a few hundred euros per semester. The contrast compared to U.S tuition, say, is shocking. In the U.S, you graduate with a mountain of debt; in Germany, you can have a full salary without having to repay your education.
It all shuts down on Sunday
This may be unbelievable, but this is not a legend. Saturday evening, all stores are put under shutdown and reopened Monday morning. Sunday is a holiday (or drink day) in Germany, so expect it and make the best out of it. When foreigners first come to Germany, they forget this essential fact and may find themselves out of bread on Sunday. Therefore, see to it that you make a visit to the store on Saturday and get something to eat and other supplies you require.
Numerous travelling chances
Germany is centrally located in Europe. And it is so much cheaper to travel in Europe compared to other countries, particularly the U.S. After a few hours, you can be in a different country. It opens up vast possibilities to travel even inside the country because it is very large, and outside it also to explore other cultures.
Good food
People visiting Germany expect to eat a lot of sausages and nothing more. The food available in Germany is very broad, starting with meat and ending with desserts. You also receive such an enormous selection of breads and other baked goods. You may not access the comfort foods of your homeland easily, but you will get a chance to sample a variety of dishes and ingredients that will be scrumptious.
You can also view these posts:
Things to know before immigrating to Germany
Getting Germany’s passport
Frequently Asked Questions on Germany
