×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Pros and Cons of Living in Germany | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Main train station in Frankfurt, Germany

Pros and Cons of Living in Germany

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Feb 07, 2024

Summary: The pros of living in Germany include its excellent infrastructure, high quality of life, and strong economy. Germany is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with many historical sites and museums to explore. Additionally, Germany is a great place to learn a new language, as it is home to many different dialects and languages. The cons of living in Germany include the high cost of living, especially in the larger cities. Additionally, the weather can be unpredictable, with cold winters and hot summers. Furthermore, the bureaucracy in Germany can be difficult to navigate, and the language barrier can be a challenge for those who do not speak German.

SJB Global
SJB Global
SJB Global
SJB Global

What are the pros and cons of living in Germany?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Germany responded:

"What I like about living in Germany the beautiful cities and countryside. Also the ability to visit other neighboring countries. Flying is cheaper due to the low-cost flights available. Dislikes, racial discrimination. It took seven years to adjust longer than I thought," said one expat in Kandern.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the high quality of life in Germany, with its excellent infrastructure, efficient public transportation, and vibrant cultural scene. They also enjoy the country's strong economy, which provides plenty of job opportunities. Additionally, many expats and digital nomads find the German people to be friendly and welcoming. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the language barrier and bureaucracy to be challenging. Additionally, the cost of living in Germany can be quite high, especially in the larger cities," remarked one expat in Germany.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

What do expats in Germany appreciate most about the local culture?

"I found the love of my life and he balances and compliments me 100%. No men in the USA come clsoe to him," remarked one in Frankfurt.

View More Answers

AGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Learn MoreGet Quote

AGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Learn MoreGet Quote

What do expats find most challenging?

"Rigid social fences, lack of ambition among working class, rigid respect of rules that drives to lack of proactivity and creative thinking," remarked one expat in Hamburg.

"Finding the right job! It is not the tasks but the people that are making the difference," explained one expat living in Frankfurt.

"Expats in Germany often find it difficult to adjust to the reserved demeanor of the culture, as well as the punctuality and formality surrounding day-to-day interactions. Furthermore, the strong cultural focus on rules and regulations can make it hard for expats to feel comfortable with the process of acclimating. Additionally, the linguistic barrier that often exists when communicating with locals can be quite challenging for expats who do not speak the language. Finally, the lack of small talk, which is seen as a socially appropriate way to make conversation in other countries, can present unexpected hurdles for expats," said one expat in Germany.

View More Answers

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Main train station in Frankfurt, Germany
AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

SJB Global
SJB Global

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides