Germany is an enchanting land full of magical forests, legendary folklore, and some of the best Käsespätzle I’ve ever had. It ranks as the 15th most peaceful country, and the ambiance when you roam the streets is truly unmatched.
Germany thrives with history and culture and is quite the hotspot for travelers. This wonderful country sees 163 million tourists annually. With its bumping atmosphere and world-famous brews, you may have considered becoming a permanent citizen.
After all, it’s a first-world country and a member of the European Union, which are attractive selling points. Let’s break down by city and explore this magnificent country.
Germany’s Major Cities
It’s no surprise that Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Cologne are some of the biggest cities in Germany. They are the holy grail of culture, entertainment, and job opportunities.
Berlin, the country’s capital, is ranked the eighth-best city globally. Munich scores an impressive fourth-place spot as the most livable city worldwide. Who would’ve thought that Hamburg, the home of the hamburger, would end up being Germany’s most livable city? Cologne also has a very high rating when considering quality of life.
Pros of Living in Germany
Germany, like many other countries, has its pros and cons. Let’s explore the good and the bad of this magnificent European country.
1. Natural Beauty
The landscape in Germany is truly breathtaking. Escape and wander through the endless stunning green hills. There are plentiful Bavarian forests for you to explore. And who can forget the iconic Black Forest? Let’s not forget the majestic mountainous regions and the epic Rhine River Valley.
Germany has many medieval castles, cathedrals, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hiking trails, and panoramic spots. Hopefully, you have enough space on your phone to take pictures.
Germany has over 1,000 different types of forests, and almost 13% of the country is made up of forests. There are also many parks throughout the country for people to enjoy.
Germany has many lakes, which make it a great place to go swimming or boating during the summer months. According to a Husqvarna Urban Green Space Index study, Dortmund in North-Rhine Westphalia is the fourth greenest city on the planet.
The Black Forest region is the largest forested area in Germany. It is named after its main feature, black pine trees. Many plants and animals live in the forest, including the European wildcat and Eurasian Lynx.
However – it’s not all sunshine here. Germany has some of the largest CO2 emissions in Europe, about twice those of France. Nonetheless, the government has reduced air and water pollution over the last decade.
2. Plenty of Nearby Countries
It’s pretty hard to get bored of Germany. If you’d like a change of scenery, you can visit other European countries in just a few hours’ drive. As a child, my family frequently moved to the Czech Republic.
Visit Poland or Hungary to experience the beauty of Eastern Europe. For a delicious adventure in southern Europe, head to Greece or Italy.
For a more extended road trip, check out the Netherlands, Belgium, or Denmark. The possibilities are truly endless.
3. Phenomenal Public Transportation System
Germany has an excellent public transportation system, with a well-developed network of trains, buses, and subways. This system allows you to easily get around the country and visit different European countries—all without owning a car. The easy access to public transportation fits the active German lifestyle.
4. Fascinating Culture And Lots of Entertainment
Germany has a rich culture reflected in its art, music, food, and architecture. The country has several world-renowned museums, concert halls, and theaters. German food is hearty and includes a lot of meat and potatoes. But there are also many vegetarian options available.
Beer is the most popular drink in Germany, and many different beer types exist. Many people worldwide like to drink beer made in Germany.
German architecture is diverse and known for its use of wood and stone. The country has many well-preserved medieval villages and castles. Some museums are free in Germany on the first Sunday of every month, but almost all the shops in Germany are closed on Sundays.
See related articles: Best Museums in Germany
5. High Quality Food
Maybe I’m biased since I’m a foodie, but European food is top-tier. It looks and tastes incredible, plus the ingredients are much higher quality. Europe has banned quite a lot of terrible ingredients that are readily available in the United States.
Let your tastebuds discover why German beer is world-renowned. Dig in to some Berliner Currywurst or a Döner. You can also keep it simple with Butterspätzle, the adult version of the kid-friendly favorite.
6. Strong Education System
Germany has a strong education system. Some of the best universities in the world are located in the country. Students can access high-quality education at a fraction of the cost of studying in other countries. Some public universities even offer free tuition.
For example, Heidelberg University ranks in the top 100 universities in the world. Germany has a strong research focus in its university programs. Universities specializing in applications provide a wide range of practical courses emphasizing learning about technology and business operations.
Some schools in Germany may not accept a non-European school certificate. Before studying in Germany, you may be required to complete a course known as Studienkolleg.
7. Phenomenal Healthcare
Public health care is well-funded and accessible and ranks fourth globally by the World Index of Healthcare Innovation. Health insurance is mandatory for everyone in Germany, regardless of income level.
8. Employment Opportunities
Germany is an incredible place to work. The country has a strong economy and houses some of the world’s largest companies. Think Volkswagen, Aldi, and BMW. Some companies have opportunities for non-German speakers as well.
The minimum wage in Germany is €12.00 per hour, higher than the U.S. minimum wage of $7.25. On average, Germans make around €45,457 per year.
Many Germans are self-employed. Although starting a business in Germany can be challenging, the process is straightforward. Understanding the ropes might even save you money in the long run.
Among Germany’s most lucrative industries are pharmacy, banking, medicine, dentistry, business, law, and technical services. (Many factors, such as region, will come into play when determining wages.)
German firms are subject to two taxes: corporation tax and trade tax. This website provides a step-by-step guide for finding employment when moving to Germany.
9. Low Crime Rate
Overall, the crime rate in Germany is low and has been declining since 2016, according to statistica.com. However, the country did see a spike in 2022.
If you decide to live in Germany, rest assured it’s safe. Pickpocketing can be an issue in places like airports and public transportation. But at the same time, violent crimes are rare. Munich is ranked as one of the safest cities in Germany. The city has a crime index of 21.
See Related: Is Germany Safe to Visit? Things to Know
Cons of Living in Germany
1. Language Barrier
As a tourist, you may be able to get by just by knowing some basic words. However, if living abroad is a part of your plans, learning a new language is essential, especially if you’re visiting smaller cities where there could be a language barrier.
Making friends might be difficult without knowing the local language, although many Germans know some English. Let’s be honest. You don’t want to be the only person in an entire friend group who doesn’t know German, making the group speak English for you.
The German language is not as difficult to learn as some people think. It’s a phonetic language, meaning the pronunciation is similar to how German words are written.
The best way to learn German is to take a language course at a school or university. Many online resources can also help you learn the language. We recommend trying Babbel or Rosetta Stone before you leave for Germany to start learning the basics.
German language courses are also offered in Germany and around the world. Many foreign tourists and international students can speak German.
2. Weather
Germany has a temperate climate, which is ideal for those who don’t like extremes in weather. As in any country, the average weather typically depends on the region and time of year.
Germany experiences its fair share of wet and grey weather, especially in mountainous regions. The winters are cold and snowy, but it makes up for it in summertime when the weather is warmer.
3. Stores Close Early
On weekdays, stores tend to close earlier. Most retail shops typically close around 6:30 pm. However, some may stay open until 8 or 9 pm. You can forget about Sundays, though.
Germans are strict about their rest day (Ruhetag). Unless you’re venturing into a tourist area, you won’t find anything open on a Sunday, so you’ll have to plan your shopping.
4. Long Flight Time to the United States
The one thing I wasn’t a fan of was the long flight time from Toronto to Germany. I hated flying as a child, and still do to this day. This is something to consider when moving abroad.
An average flight from Germany to the United States East Coast takes eight or nine hours. This isn’t ideal if you plan to visit home often since traveling can be hectic. Are you from the West Coast? A nonstop flight from San Diego to Munich takes around 11 hours.
If you plan to do layovers, you’re looking at around 14-23 hours of travel time. That’s quite the journey.
5. Higher Taxes
Most expats from the United States are required to pay taxes in Germany. Similar to North America, the amount of taxes you pay is determined by your marital status and living situation.
In Germany, the top income tax rate is 45%, as compared to 37% in the United States. If you have a furry friend, Germany has a dog tax, also known as Hundesteuer.
The Cost of Living in Germany
The cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable, but this varies depending on which city you choose to reside in. Rent, restaurants, groceries, and consumer prices are actually lower compared to what you’re paying in the United States.
Living costs in big cities can be high, especially for those unfamiliar. Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt am Main, Düsseldorf, and Bonn are Germany’s five most expensive cities.
It may surprise you that sometimes a big city can be an ideal place to live. For example, Berlin is one of Europe’s most affordable capitals. You get what you pay for, though.
Germany offers a high standard of living. The country has a thriving economy and is a great place to work. Many social benefits come with living in Germany.
See related articles: Culture Shocks In Germany You Might Not Expect
Government
After the Second World War, the government system underwent many changes. Germany’s government and legal systems are similar to other Western countries. Germany is a federal republic with 16 states, each with its political system.
Germany has a strong social market economy. This means that government offices provide many services to their citizens to avoid creating large income inequality.
There are also several laws and German rules against discrimination because of factors such as race, gender, and sexual orientation. Germany also has laws to protect the environment.
The German government offers up to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave and strong job protection for new mothers. There are also state-sponsored daycare centers accessible to everyone in Germany.
Is Germany A Good Country to Live?
Overall, you won’t be disappointed if you choose to live in Germany. The country has a fantastic social welfare system to help Germans in need. With endless activities for people of all ages, you’ll be immersed in German arts, culture, and entertainment.
Germany is a beautiful country to live in because of its quality of life and the sustainability of its cities and regions. Although the costs of living in Germany could be higher compared to other countries, the employment opportunities make a good work-life balance.
FAQ
What is the safest city in Germany?
The country is very safe and boasts a low crime rating of 38. Munich, Stuttgart, and Dresden have the lowest crime rates and are amongst the safest cities in Germany.
Is it easy to get a job in Germany?
Finding a job can be challenging in any country. However, Germany has a strong economy and many job opportunities. Your ability to find work will depend on what sector you’d like to enter. If you are familiar with the German language, you can branch out to even more jobs.
Is Germany a good place to raise children?
Yes, Germany is a fantastic place to raise children. A 2020 study by Asher & Lyric ranked it as the seventh-best country for families. Germany has affordable daycare options and a plethora of playgrounds and parks. Its rich culture is something children will love to learn about.
What is the healthcare system like in Germany?
Germany has a high-quality healthcare system that provides universal coverage for all its residents. The system is one of the best in the world, and there are many doctors and nurses in Germany.
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