The Ultimate Guide to Know Before You Move to Germany
It is always exciting to visit or move to a progressive nation like Germany either for pursuing higher studies, jobs or doing business. There are certain essential things you should definitely know before you go to Germany.
Prevention is better than cure! There are a few German–specific things that people need to be aware of to avoid having a bad experience.
Understanding German –
Native Germans are likely to bond with an outlander if they make an effort and speak in German. In most of the rural areas and suburbs, the public displays are written exclusively in German.
Hence, those who have enrolled at least in the German a1 (beginner’s level) through the best online German language course will have a flair for the German language. You can even learn German online with native teachers to better understand and learn the day–to–day conversations with the locals out there.
- Top-notch Medical Facility –
Germany is well–known for providing its citizens mandatory healthcare. This health insurance is not only restricted to the legal citizens of German but also provided to the foreigners those who are having their own medical insurance policy.
So, if you are likely to stay in Germany for a prolonged period of time, availing a medical insurance will be of added benefit as it will fund all your medical expenses and taxation.
- Be Disciplined –
If you wish to gel up with everyone surrounding you during your stay in Germany, you should stick to the rules always.
Germans are extremely disciplined and have a great civic sense.
This includes stopping at a red pedestrian light. If someone is seen jaywalking while crossing the road, the locals disapprove of it as they do not like to break the rules at all. Don’t be surprised in case a stranger point you out to follow the rules properly.
- Transaction in Cash –
Whether you are staying for only one day or for a long period of time, make sure to carry sufficient cash with you. Despite being counted as one of the best tech–savvy nations in the entire world, people in Germany firmly believe in the cash culture exclusively.
Being a foreigner in Germany, there might be quite a few occasions where you will not be able to make online payments since shop owners only accept cash.
- Buying Groceries & Essentials –
Being an international student or a job seeker, you are likely to find most of the daily essentials from the local grocery stores in the supermarket which have an impressive variety of local as well as foreign goods. Try to opt for German discount grocery stores to save some budget.
If you are someone who prefers home delivery of grocery essentials then you will be happy to know that most of the stores around offer delivery services. There are several restaurants and cafes out there in Germany where you can dine in or even avail takeaway options.
- Weekly Day-off –
Be aware of “Ladenschlussgesetz” – a store–closing law in Germany. This law states that all the stores will be non–operational on every Sunday, which facilitates the workers with a weekly break. This includes even grocery stores, so plan the necessities of your entire week accordingly.
In case of an urgent need on a Sunday, you will be able to find any grocery stores only at train stations and gas stations.
- Economical livelihood –
The living cost in Germany is quite economical and sustainable. If you are living on a rental basis, consider an average expense of somewhere around €1000 – €12000 per month. This amount will easily fund up your transport, electric bills, food and rent.
While taking up the German language lessons, please learn about the currency and measuring units prevalent in Germany. This way you will be able to calculate your budget and plan your expenses well in advance.
- Transportation in Germany –
Gas is quite costly in Germany. So, if you wish to rent or buy a personal vehicle it would not probably be that easy to afford.
Resorting to public transport like bus or train would be an added advantage and be much cheaper than owning a personal conveyance.
These few essential points about German culture should be considered by anyone who plans to live in Germany for any purpose.
