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LIVING IN GERMANY

The 10 things that you really love about living in Germany

What is the thing about living in Germany that is most important to expats? On Wednesday many readers shared their views with us, giving answers ranging from cute guys to affordable healthcare.

Published: 22 February 2018 16:34 CET
The 10 things that you really love about living in Germany
Photo: DPA

1. Sensible laws and an open society

Several readers said they valued Germany as a country with a good and inclusive legal system.

“The sovereignty of law over all and protections for all,” are what Musa Ibrahim described as Germany’s biggest strengths.

Umair Anwar wrote on Facebook that “law and order and safety, gender equality and a modern society” all made Germany “one of the best countries in the world.”

“A beautiful country, laws that make sense and the food is fabulous,” wrote Rebecca Freyler.

In a (very unscientific) straw poll we conducted on Thursday, sensible laws and an open society came out on top among 14 options, with a third of respondents saying these were the best things about living in Germany.

2. Good transport infrastructure

Photo: DPA

Whether it be the world famous autobahn or inner city trams, readers seem to love the fact that it’s easy to get around the Bundesrepublik.

“There are so many things I love about this beautiful country, I don’t know where to start,” wrote Merrie Arnold-Schultz. “One thing that makes my life here so enjoyable: I’m able to walk to the supermarket, bakery etc. Not being forced to drive everywhere is absolutely fabulous and improves my well-being.”

“Let’s not forget how driving can be a pleasure in Germany with the excellent autobahn system and the skilful, courteous drivers,” Joseph Beckett wrote.

3. Funding for science

There were a couple of shout outs for Germany's funding for the sciences.

“I'm a scientist (that happens to be female) and the wonderful scientific funding and research opportunities are truly fantastic in Deutschland,” wrote Francis Kirigin. “Also … German guys are incredibly cute and the gender equality in Deutschland is incredibly fantastic. I mean, with Dr. Angela Merkel leading the country – a female scientist herself – what do you expect?”

4. Football

Photo: DPA

Murtada Bazo was just one of the readers who declared his love for German football.

“A great country with really nice people, wonderful nature, good economy, law rules the country, safe land, [and the] wonderful Bundesliga. God bless Germany,” he wrote.

But not everyone seems to like the top tier of German football, which is famously dominated by one very wealthy Bavarian club.

“You were doing so well up until you mentioned the Bundesliga, which makes even the Scottish League look competitive!” Colin Maclean said in response to Bazo’s post.

5. Affordable healthcare

Germany’s healthcare system, which works largely through public health insurance schemes, was praised by Michelle Scofield Schröder.

“I love knowing that if I or someone in my family gets very sick, in addition to the emotional stress of that time, it won't be an additional financial burden and I won't have to beg others for help,” she wrote.

6. The landscape

Photo: DPA

The country that stretches from the Alpine peaks in the south to the white cliffs of Rügen in the north was also praised for its beauty.

“The people are fantastic. Your economy is good. The food and wine and lifestyle, I was drawn to. I'm eager to go back to live. The landscape [is] by far the most beautiful. Great cars – shall I continue?” wrote Sue-Ellen Hillier.

7. The people

Expat surveys often tend to find that people who migrate to Germany find it a struggle to make friends with the locals. But quite a few of our readers seem to have a rather different view.

SEE ALSO: How I made friends during my first year in Germany

“Germany is a great and lovely country. The people of Germany are filled with personality, that's way I love Germany,” Robel Berhe wrote.

“Great people, great food, everyone's basically mostly friendly to me… …I love the Bundesliga I love the atmosphere,” another reader said.

8. Beer

Photo: DPA

Obviously the national drink got a mention in quite a few Facebook posts.

“Awesome beer, awesome people, awesome science,” wrote one commentor.

“Food is cheap. Beer is cheap and excellent. Best bread in the world. Functioning government. Great infrastructure (perfect highways),” enthused Roland Saucier.

Well, Germany might not have the most functioning government at the moment, but we certainly agree with him on the bread and the beer.

9. Goth festivals

Certainly a niche one here, but Rhiannon Beswick insisted the best thing about German are its goth and medieval festivals. Oh, and Deutsche Post.

10. Things that aren't German

Some people were less than keen to lavish praise on the land of beer and breeches, though.

“Turkish food, Scottish whiskey, Dutch cheese, cars made in Czech republic, Belgian Beer, yup, Germany has it all,” Jonney Gardner guffawed.

Meanwhile Monica Loizzo said “I love living in Hamburg because it doesn't really feel like living in Germany.” Ouch.

For members

LIVING IN GERMANY

Living in Germany: Battles over Bürgergeld, rolling the ‘die’ and carnival lingo

From the push to reform long-term unemployment benefits to the lingo you need to know as Carnival season kicks off, we look at the highlights of life in Germany.

Published: 14 November 2022 09:54 CET
Living in Germany: Battles over Bürgergeld, rolling the 'die' and carnival lingo

Deadlock looms as debates over Bürgergeld heat up 

Following a vote in the Bundestag on Thursday, the government’s planned reforms to long-term unemployment benefits are one step closer to becoming reality. Replacing the controversial Hartz IV system, Bürgergeld (or Citizens’ Allowance) is intended to be a fair bit easier on claimants.

Not only will the monthly payment be raised from €449 to €502, but jobseekers will also be given a grace period of two years before checks are carried out on the size of their apartment or savings of up to €60,000. The system will also move away from sanctions with a so-called “trust period” of six months, during which benefits won’t be docked at all – except in very extreme circumstances. 

Speaking in parliament, Labour Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) said the spirit of the new system was “solidarity, trust and encouragement” and praised the fact that Bürgergeld would help people get back into the job market with funding for training and education. But not everyone is happy about the changes. In particular, politicians from the opposition CDU/CSU parties have responded with outrage at the move away from sanctions.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz has even branded the system a step towards “unconditional Basic Income” and argued that nobody will be incentivised to return to work. 

The CDU and CSU are now threatening to block the Bürgergeld legislation when it’s put to a vote in the Bundesrat on Monday. With the conservatives controlling most of the federal states – and thus most of the seats in the upper house – things could get interesting. Be sure to keep an eye out for our coverage in the coming weeks to see how the saga unfolds. 

Tweet of the week

When you first start learning German, picking the right article to use can truly be a roll of the “die” – so we’re entirely on board with this slightly unconventional way to decide whether you’re in a “der”, “die”, or “das” situation. (Warning: this may not improve your German.) 

Where is this?

Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Boris Roessler

Residents of Frankfurt am Main and the surrounding area will no doubt recognise this as the charming town of Kronberg, which is nestled at the foot of the Taunus mountains.

This atmospheric scene was snapped on Friday morning, when a drop in temperatures saw Kronberg and surrounding forests shrouded in autumnal fog.

After a decidedly warm start to November, the mercury is expected to drop into single digits over the weekend. 

Did you know?

November 11th marked the start of carnival season in Germany. But did you know that there’s a whole set of lingo to go along with the tradition? And it all depends on where you are. First of all, the celebration isn’t called the same thing everywhere. In the Rhineland, it’s usually called Karneval, while people in Bavaria or Saxony tend to call it Fasching. Those in Hesse and Saarland usually call it Fastnacht. 

And depending on where you are, there are different things to shout. The ‘fools call’ you’ll hear in Cologne is “Alaaf!” If you move away from Cologne, you’ll hear “Helau!” This is the traditional cry in the carnival strongholds of Düsseldorf and Mainz, as well as in some other German cities.

In the Swabian-Alemannic language region in the southwest of the country, people yell “Narri-Narro”, which means “I’m a fool, you’re a fool”. In Saarland at the French border, they shout “Alleh hopp!”, which is said to originate from the French language. 

Lastly, if someone offers you a Fastnachtskrapfe, say yes because it’s a jelly-filled carnival donut. And if you’re offered a Bützchen? It’s your call, but know that it’s a little kiss given to strangers!

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