Photo by Kai Pilger: https://www.pexels.com/photo/castle-on-hill-over-village-near-body-of-water-547494/
One of the questions we are often asked as Americans living in Germany is: “What is it really like?” It’s hard to sum up an entire experience in just a few sentences, but we will try! Overall, the time that I lived in Germany was great – and I’m speaking from years of experience. The scenery was beautiful, the food was fantastic, and the culture was fascinating. Of course, there are also some things that took some getting used to. Here are our top five observations about Americans living in Germany.
Germany: the insider guide
Germany ranks as one of the best places to live in Western Europe. The country has a very strong economy and is home to a total population of about 80 million people. Some of the highlights of this country include: charming German cities, good quality of life, German education system, speed limit free Autobahn, parental leave, and public transportation. German schools attract international students.
The cost of living in Germany is relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries. In addition, there are a number of free or low-cost attractions throughout the country, making it a great destination for budget travelers. There are a number of US citizens living in Germany, and there are things to know about German taxes, foreign earned income exclusion (for US taxes), and expat life. However, living abroad is a good option to get a realistic view of other countries and perfect for those who have a love of travel. Read on to learn more about what it’s like for Americans living in Germany!
Germany: fairy-tale castles, history, and breathtaking scenery
Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany include larger cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. These cities offer a mix of historical landmarks, modern architecture, world-class museums, and lively nightlife scenes. However, smaller cities can also be charming and fun to visit.
Outside of the major cities, there are also a number of beautiful natural landscapes to explore. The Black Forest, the Bavarian Alps, and the Rhine River Valley are just a few of the scenic places that should not be missed. Americans living in Germany can get a taste of thousands of years of history and culture that have shaped Germany.
Personally, I love listening to a podcast while spending time out exploring these scenic areas.
1. The food in Germany: schnitzel, sauerkraut, and beer!
German cuisine is hearty and often includes meat, potatoes, and cabbage. Some of the most popular dishes include schnitzel, sauerkraut, and bratwurst. Of course, you could also enjoy a glass of German wine or beer with your meal as well!
German coffee is also a highlight. There are many cafes where you can sit and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. If you are looking for something sweet to go with it, order a piece of cake! German bakeries are known for delightful treats.
The German culture: festivals, traditions, and holidays all give a glimpse into the German culture. See for yourself why Germany is possibly the best country to live in abroad.
Germany is well-known for its traditional festivals, which take place throughout the year. Oktoberfest is perhaps the most famous, but there are also many others to choose from. Americans living in Germany often think of Oktoberfest, but there are also many other smaller festivals and attractions that are just as enjoyable, if not more so.
2. German language
German is a beautiful language that often gets a bad rap. Although it is made up of many consonant sounds, compound words in German allow for words with more precise meaning. For example, the word “verkehrsgünstig” (conveniently located near transportation) can be used to describe a location that is easy to reach by car or public transportation. In German this one word is very descriptive but requires several English words to describe its meaning.
German citizens appreciate it when someone attempts to speak their language. However, you needn’t worry about a language barrier, even if your German is not so great. Many Germans speak excellent English. Throughout the European Union, most people use English to communicate if they do not speak each other’s language.
If you are planning on living in Germany, or even just visiting, we hope this gives you a better idea of what to expect! Germans are hospitable people and there is so much to see and do in this wonderful country.
The German language and customs can also be experienced by attending a local festival or event. If you are interested in learning more about the German culture, consider taking a language course or visiting Germany during one of its many public holidays. There is a lot to learn for Americans living in Germany.
3. Good healthcare options
Germany has wonderful social systems in place, including healthcare. Universal healthcare coverage is available for everyone and you don’t have to be employed to be able to take advantage of these benefits. Whether you are a student, unemployed, or retired, you can still get health insurance. In addition, the quality of care is very good. I never had any problems getting appointments or having to pay large medical bills.
Private health insurance is another option. Fewer people choose this option, as it typically requires paying medical expenses out of pocket that will then later be reimbursed by the insurance company. This health insurance system is very different to what Americans living in Germany are used to, but both private and universal healthcare coverage are both benefits Germans as well as for Americans living in Germany.
4. Generous vacation time
Another great perk of living in Germany is the work-life balance. By law, the minimum German companies must offer is 24 days of paid vacation per year, but it’s not uncommon for companies to offer even more. This was definitely a culture shock coming from the US, where paid vacation days are often limited. Americans living in Germany will appreciate the quality of life and change of pace!
5. A different way of doing things
One thing that I noticed right away was that Germans tend to do things differently than Americans. For example, customer service is not always as friendly or accommodating as it is in the US. It can be frustrating at times, but you just have to go with the flow and be prepared for things to be done differently than what you are used to. It’s all part of learning to live abroad for Americans living in Germany.
The cost of living
Germany is not a cheap country to live in, but it is possible to find affordable housing and food options. Of course, certain cities like Munich can be very expensive. However, there are also other more affordable places to live.
The cost of living in Germany can be expensive, depending on the city you live in. In general, big cities will be more expensive than smaller towns. The good news is that there are a number of ways to save money, such as cooking at home instead of eating out, taking advantage of free attractions, and using convenient public transportation. Americans living in Germany will appreciate the walkability of the cities in Germany.
So where is the best place to live in Germany as an American? That will depend a little on your lifestyle and preferences. Do you love a multicultural metropolitan? Berlin may be just your thing. How about a place near the sea? You might like it in northern Germany on the Nordsee.
Worth noting
One thing that took some getting used to was the German bureaucracy. There are a lot of rules and regulations in place, which can seem daunting at first. However, once you get used to it, it’s not so bad. There are many advantages to living in Germany. However, it is important to also be aware of some of the disadvantages of living in Germany as well.
Punctuality
The first thing you’ll notice is that Germans are very punctual. They value their time and they expect others to do the same. This can be a bit of a shock if you’re used to American standards, but it’s something you quickly get used to.
Directness
Germans are also very direct. They say what they mean and they expect you to do the same. This can be a bit of a culture shock for Americans, who are used to beating around the bush and being more indirect in their communication.
One thing that we really loved about living in Germany was the food! Germans take their food very seriously and they have some of the best breads, sausage, and beer in the world. If you love to eat, then you’ll definitely enjoy living in Germany.
Another great thing about Germany is that it’s a very safe country. Crime rates are very low and you can feel comfortable walking around at night. This was one of the things we appreciated most about living there.
Finally, Germany is a great place to travel. It’s centrally located in Europe, so it’s easy to get around. And there are so many things to see and do! We loved exploring all of the different cities and towns.
Overall, I absolutely loved my time living in Germany! It’s a beautiful country with so much to offer. I would definitely recommend it to anyone considering a move abroad. I’d also love to hear from other Americans living in Germany.
We hope this gives you a little insight into what it’s really like for Americans living in Germany. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below!
Have you ever lived in Germany? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this post on Americans living in Germany. Read more here.
You can also watch the video linked below to see why there are so many Americans in Germany. There are also many other articles on living in Germany as a foreigner.