Living and working in Germany
Germany is well known for Oktoberfest, beer, the vibrant and historical capital Berlin, and being very punctual. But what else? And how could your life look like there?
Here we will provide you with a deeper insight on the cool country.
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Currency
The Euro (€) has been the official currency in Germany since 2002
Famous people
Some famous German people are Ludwig van Beethoven, Michael Schumacher and Heidi Klum
Population
Germany has ~83.2 million, residents, many living in Berlin and Hamburg
Typical food
Bratwurst, Schnitzel (breaded cutlet), Pretzel, Sauerkraut (cabbage), Schwarzerwálder Kirschtorte (black forest cake), Berliner (donut)
Avg. working week
Germany has a 36-40 hour work week. 7-8 hours daily, 5 days a week
Location
Germany is located in central Europe and borders e.g. Denmark, Poland, Austra, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands
Languages
The official language is German, and their alphabet is Latin script
Healthcare
German healthcare is of high quality and ranks high globally. Healthcare is partially free because of the social contributions to the public healthcare system
What you need to know about living and working in Germany
The Germans are known for their sense of order – “Ordnung muss sein”. This also applies to business etiquette where punctuality, courtesy and reliability are highly valued. They use the formal “They”, and negotiating partners will always speak to each other by last name and possibly professional title. It can be more bureaucratic to do business with Germans, but it is important to adhere to their procedures and to be punctual and well-prepared when invited to a meeting.
The degree of formality varies depending on the type of company you are in. A large, traditional company will be more formal than a young start-up, where the environment is often informal. The level of English is high among the younger Germans, but in negotiations it is always an advantage to be able to respond in German to build trust and avoid misunderstandings.
Taxes in Germany
If you want to stay to work and live in Germany, it is mandatory to register your address in the local citizens office (Bürgeramt) in order to get an ID. You have to do this within the first 14 days after your arrival. Taxes in Germany goes from 0% to 45% of the annual income.
What you need to fix when you start living and working in Germany
There are a couple of things you have to fix in order to start living and working in Germany. We list them for you:
- Register your residence; do this at your local registration office
- Open a German bank account; needed for salary, bills and rent
- Health insurance; this is mandatory in Germany
- Get a German SIM card;
Popular cities in Germany
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Life in Germany
You can explore historical sites, such as castles, museums, and landmarks. Enjoy the streets of Berlin or Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. Nature lovers can hike in the beautiful Black Forest, bikwe along the Rhine River, or enjoy the lakes in Bavaria. And of course: taste traditional sausages at a beer garden, eat a pretzel at the famous Oktoberfest, or try pastries like the Black Forest cake. Pair these with a beer brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law), a testament to Germany’s beer culture.
Get a job and cultural insight in Germany
German history is known by most people and contains several gloomy chapters. However, Germany is also known for its way of managing and disseminating history, and in Berlin you will find many monuments and memorials from World War II, just as many museums deal with the subject. In Berlin’s cityscape, history is constantly present in the form of remnants of the Berlin Wall, “stumbling blocks” of brass in the sidewalk in front of houses where Jewish residents fell victim to the Holocaust and much more.
Culturally, Germany has plenty to offer, and the country is prominent in areas such as philosophy, music and film. The size of the country offers great variations in customs and traditions, and you will have completely different experiences in Northern Germany compared to Southern Germany. Northern Germany is generally very similar to Denmark and Nordic culture, while in southern Germany you clearly feel that you are closer to southern Europe. This is also where you will find the famous Oktoberfest, which every year attracts guests from all over the world.
How to find housing in Germany
Start from home when you need to find housing in Germany. There are numerous websites and groups where you can start your search – e.g. the website WG-gesucht, where you can find apartments and housing associations, where you live with others in a so-called Wohngemeinschaft. Expect this for the housing costs in Germany:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €800-€1,500 a month
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €600-€1,000 a month
- Room in a shared apartment: €400-€900 a month
Cost of living in Germany
We list the most important costs of living for expats in Germany:
- Groceries: €200-€350 a month
- Basic meal in a restaurant: €12-€15
- Coffee in a café: €3-€5
- Beer in a bar: €3,50-€6
- Gym membership: €20-€50 a month
- Cinema ticket: €10-€15
Typical German food
Northern German dishes include potatoes and coarse vegetables, sourdough bread, smoked products and open sandwiches. In southern Germany, people often eat dumplings instead of potatoes, and soup is a popular choice.
Of course, the Germans are also crazy about schnitzels, sauerkraut and currywurst, but especially in the big cities, the influence from the rest of the world is also noticeable due to the large immigration that has been to Germany over time. It provides a versatile culinary environment, and especially in diverse Berlin, you can try food from around the world if you choose to live and work here.
Still not convinced about Germany?
Living in Germany is ideal if you want to expand your cultural horizons and have many job opportunities:
- Especially in Berlin you can get a real big city adventure with a diverse and interesting city, history, and culture. You can benefit from world-class universities, comprehensive healthcare systems, and a strong focus on environmental consciousness.
- Berlin also has more bridges than Venice, making it a city of waterways and hidden corners waiting to be discovered.
- And did you know that Germany is the birthplace of the automobile? Take a drive on the picturesque roads of the Black Forest or visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart to trace the history of automotive engineering.
- You can also immerse yourself in the arts and culture scene that Germany is famous for. Enjoy world-class opera performances at the iconic Semperoper in Dresden or visit the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.
- If you are a nature enthusiast you will also be fascinated by Germany’s diverse landscapes. From the dramatic cliffs of the Baltic Sea to the picturesque Bavarian Alps, outdoor adventures await at every corner. Hike through the mystical Black Forest, cycle along the Rhine River, or relax in one of the many parks across the country.
FAQ
No, you do not need a work permit if you are an EU/EEA/Switzerland citizen. You just need to go to the town hall (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt) to register your residence in Germany.
Germany has various weather because of the great area it covers. Generally there is a temperate climate, which provides warm summers and cold winters. If you live in the southern part of Germany it’s slightly warmer all year round and vice versa if you move to the northern part of Germany.
Germany has an excellent and efficient public transportation system. The country is well-connected with an extensive network of trains, buses, trams (S Bahn), and metro (U Bahn). The national railway company, Deutsche Bahn, operates an extensive train network that covers both regional and long-distance travel. Regional trains are reliable and connect smaller towns and cities, while high-speed trains like the ICE (InterCity Express) provide fast connections between major cities. Public transportation within cities is also highly developed, with comprehensive bus and tram networks, as well as efficient subway systems in larger cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. The public transportation system in Germany is known for its punctuality, cleanliness, and ease of use, making it a convenient option for both residents and visitors
Germany has a highly regarded healthcare system that provides comprehensive coverage to its residents. The system is based on mandatory health insurance, with both statutory and private health insurance options available. Statutory health insurance covers the majority of the population and offers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription medications. The system is known for its high quality of care, accessibility, and a strong emphasis on preventive medicine. Additionally, Germany has a robust network of hospitals and medical facilities, including specialised clinics and research centres.
If you’re planning to stay longer in Germany, we encourage you to learn the language, to get more into their customs and traditions, plus they will appreciate your efforts to blend in. On this website, you can find affordable alternatives to learn German. You can also download apps like Duolingo on your phone and practice anywhere for free.