‘Not for the faint of heart’: Readers’ advice on moving to Germany

Moving to Germany can be a significant step toward a good life, but newcomers should arrive prepared rather than idealistic. That was the broad message from foreign residents who have already settled in the country when The Local asked what advice they would give to people considering the move.

Some readers simply said: “Don’t.”

But most responses offered a more qualified answer – learn German, investigate the job and housing markets thoroughly, bring sufficient savings and expect bureaucracy to test your patience.

Learn German before you arrive

Learning the language was among the clearest areas of agreement.

“Make sure you learn the language,” said Susan, originally from the US but who has lived in Essen for almost 47 years.

Chris, who moved from the UK to Cologne 18 years ago, offered almost identical advice: “Learn the language, which is very well known to be difficult.”

Javier, an American who has lived in Saarbrücken for 22 years, added that learning German is especially important away from the largest cities.

“Also, always remember that Germany, like any country, will not adapt to newcomers. It is you who has to adapt to Germany,” he added.

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Javier was just one of several readers who suggested that, as important as it is to learn German, it won’t guarantee integration on its own.

For example, HD, a British resident of Baden-Württemberg who has lived in Germany for 28 years, advised newcomers to “make friends with Germans as well as other ex-pats” in addition to learning the language.

“Be prepared to be the one who takes initiative. Don’t expect Germans to reach out to you,” she added.

Arrive with work, housing and savings

The second major message was to try and tackle practical issues before arriving in Germany as much as possible.

“Don’t [move] without finding a job and having savings,” said Boro, a Serbian who has lived in Berlin for five years.

A Canadian who has spent the last eight years in Berlin was similarly direct: “Currently the job and housing markets are horrible. I would only come with a job offer and housing in place. Or as a student with accommodation already organised.”

Lorie, who has lived near Stuttgart for four years, also urged prospective movers to consider the full financial picture rather than focusing solely on salary.

“The job market is terrible, even if you speak German. Be prepared to go into the office at least four days a week. Rents are high. Food is expensive…Look at your entire life situation before you decide if Germany is right for you.”

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Where you move matters

Several responses made it clear that choosing the right part of Germany is crucial.

Large cities may offer more international networks and opportunities to function in English, but respondents living in Berlin also described intense competition for jobs and homes.

Outside the biggest cities, meanwhile, German language is more important and social isolation is a greater risk.

Sally, who has lived in the Bodensee region for just over four years, warned newcomers not to imagine that Berlin is representative of the country as a whole.

“Germany isn’t for the faint of heart and Berlin isn’t the centre of this country. Moving here with rose-tinted glasses, thinking that efficiency is key, was one of the biggest culture shocks, as it doesn’t exist.”

Rachel, who has lived in Siegburg for 22 years, gave one of the bleakest warnings to people thinking of moving to Germany.

“Don’t!” she said simply to start, but then added, “[It] depends where and why you’re moving here, but if it’s a long-term plan and you won’t be living in a large city, forget it. It’s a lonely, lonely life.”

Yet smaller communities can also provide routes into local life. Monica, an American who has spent around two decades in the Frankfurt area across two periods of residence, recommended researching the destination and becoming involved locally.

“Do your homework on where to live and integrate as much as possible. There are so many Vereins, local markets and squares where you can meet people. I love the concept of Vereins (clubs or associations) and how there is something for everyone,” she explained.

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Expect a difficult first year

American William, who lives in Burgwedel, said newcomers should prepare for a demanding start.

“The first year will be the most difficult. Obtaining a driver’s license (if necessary), language studies and the unending challenge of getting residency paperwork completed and appointments made.”

Another respondent, who has lived in Munich for 12 years, added: “Be prepared for a lot of paperwork and complications when you don’t fit in all the required boxes”.

Larry, who has lived mainly in Munich since 1980, advised people to arrive with “adequate resources and lots of patience”.

He also recommended understanding your healthcare needs and how to obtain access to the German system.

Test the reality – not the reputation

A number of readers warned against basing a decision on Germany’s reputation for economic strength, efficient transport or smooth administration.

Steve, who has lived in Cologne for 25 years, advised prospective movers to calculate door-to-door commuting times – and then allow another 30 to 60 minutes for delays.

“Do dry runs for everything you can think of. And then, once you’ve done that, consider what life in Germany could look like for you and take your decision from there,” he added.

Paul, who has lived in Leipzig since 2001, said he would once have recommended the move without hesitation. Today, he would advise people to examine “the price of housing, the general area” and travel costs – particularly if they’re on a tight budget.

Andrew, a Brit who has lived in Berlin for 11 years, said, “The economy is failing and the cities have no apartments. If you can overcome those things you can have a pleasant life here.”

Vidhya, a 14-year resident of Berlin, offered perhaps the most balanced summary: “It is not easy to get a job and build a career and life here as it was previously. There are challenges, but they can still be surmounted. Just be grounded in reality, be ready to adapt and learn, and to plan for the long haul.”

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‘A move to Germany is as good a choice as anywhere else’

One English respondent in Mettmann, who has lived in Germany for six years, argued that Germany’s difficulties should be seen internationally.

“Although sunny Spain may look a better option, I think all countries are essentially grappling with the same problems and so a move to Germany is as good a choice as anywhere else.”

Lorie expressed a similar opinion in more positive terms. Despite describing difficulties finding work, she said, “I still feel like Germany is the best country to be in for many reasons. I’m just looking forward to them getting their act together.”