Germany
Pros and Cons of Living in Germany
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.
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 living in Kandern, Germany.
"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," wrote one expat in Germany.
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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 expat in Frankfurt.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Finding the right job! It is not the tasks but the people that are making the difference," explained one expat.
"Rigid social fences, lack of ambition among working class, rigid respect of rules that drives to lack of proactivity and creative thinking," said one person in Hamburg.
"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," remarked one expat in Germany.
About the Author
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.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Germany?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Germany?
- Will I be able to find a job in Germany?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Germany appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Germany?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Germany accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Germany like?
- How are healthcare services in Germany?
- What are medical services in Germany like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Germany?
- What are emergency services like in Germany?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Germany?
- How are local medical facilities in Germany?
- As a foreigner living in Germany, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?