15 THINGS I SERIOUSLY WISH I HAD OF KNOWN BEFORE I MOVED TO GERMANY 😣

I love living here in Germany, but there are DEFINITELY a number of things I wish someone had of told me before I moved to Germany. Not because it would change my mind… but because it definitely would have helped me prepare for the move and understand why some things are the way they are in Germany!

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#expats #germany #lifeingermany #expatsingermany #expattips

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MY TIPS FOR LIVING IN GERMANY ✅

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[bylgjamm]

I'm from Germany and in the area where I live it's normal to hold the door. But I visit parts in Germany where people don't do this and I was shocked when the first door slapped in my face.

[erictrumpler]

Driving in Germany: Even if you end up not owning a car, remember that you have to transfer your driver's license within a year of entering the country, which includes documenting that you have had opportunity to practice driving in Germany. Getting around is easy by bike or public transport, but for your occasional need to use a car, there are excellent car-sharing organisations.

[soundofnellody]

I love my lazy sunday afternoons. No stress, no shopping, no shores. Cafes, restaurants and almost all kind of entertainment (cinema, parks, museum etc) are open. So sunday is just relaxing, chill.. enjoy your life.

[MyRS]

Please don't stop smiling. Don't care what other people thinking or getting angry.

[yaellevondrauen]

Hello.... I want to tell you, that you CAN wash and dry even if there are "Ruhezeiten". Children can be loud if they want and of course you can talk... Kindergeräusche sind kein Lärm is a decision of the highest judge in Germany

[couchcamperTM]

I am German and I learned to say thank you and hold the door for others. But that's pretty old school, I guess.

[DoktorIcksTV]

On general politeness, though, I think it really depends on where you live. I basically always hold the door open for other people if I notice them early enough, and I have absolutely no memory of people not thanking me when I do. Often it's just a mumbled "thank you" and that's completely fine. I also do it more casually, not so emphatically "Hey, I'm holding the door open for you, now be thankful."

About cash vs credit card: The fees on card payments are relatively high. Business owners pay between 30 cents - 1 euro per card payment at least and then there is a percentage fee on top of that. This means that the entire profit is gone, especially for small amounts, or the business owners even pay on top. But since prices are very competitive - we Germans are famous for price comparisons and our sacred " price-performance ratio" - these fees could get business owners into serious trouble, even bankruptcy. That's why there are often minimum amounts above which card payments are accepted.

Lastly, on the subject of "fake smiles", I also wish people would smile more often here. It shouldn't be exaggerated or fake, but a friendly short smile can make the day so much nicer for everyone. And aside from that, smiling releases substances in your body that are good for your health, boost your immune system, and make you age slower. This even works with fake smiles. It's just a little strange when some people grin all day "like a freshly fucked squirrel". But hey, under the mask in these times no one can see that anyway so rinjehaun and losgegrinst :D

[wittyu]

I will give you a hint why it's difficult to make a German friend. :)
Since no one can possibly be happy always, we feel uncomfortable with someone, who does not show vulnerability towards us. That's why we are a bit hesitant to connect with such a person.
Most Germans love to connect on a deeper level with people, and the more open you are with a German, the easier you can build a friendship with us. - That's the whole secret., 😅🤗
We really are caring people, even to strangers.
When I would sit on a bench, crying, someone would ask me, if I'm hurt, what's wrong, if they can help. - The majority would not ignore you and pass by.
So, we struggle, when someone puts on his mask, because they are hard to get for a German ... We don't know what they think about us, whether they like us or not. - An American can tell, but a German isn't able to read your hidden signs, and all these in between messages, that would give it away, we don't get.
- There is sooo much subtle in your culture that we really struggle with. 😕So, its not that we dislike smiles, or when someone expresses happiness, it's not easy for us to warm up with you, when you don't pay forward a little trust in us, and show vulnerability in being authentic. 🙂

[gioannou]

I just want to thank you for all this great content! I’m moving to Germany in January and your videos are an amazing reference! Vielen Dank!

[sebi]

I‘m a German and just listened to this points and I can confirm them all. So true .. and I wish they would be friendlier 🙈

[noellewest]

I am honestly so much happier here in Germany than I ever was in the States, and this is due to many of the things you mentioned. I love the quiet rule. I love that they make it so hard for people to have cars, therefore encouraging cycling, walking, or public transport. I rarely miss my car. I love that people do not smile obsequiously for no apparent reason. These are just a few of the things I love about this country.

Germany is the 6th country I have lived in, however. If someone has only lived in their "native" country and then moved here, I can see how many of these things might be overwhelming. But you're obviously adjusting well. And, I think your command of German is fantastic! I hope mine will soon be that good as well.

[martinfromfrenstat]

your videos are simply unbelievable. I was also in Germany as an aupair many years ago so I know exactly what you are talking about. Now I am learning English and the videos not only help me with my learning but also fill me with positive energy. Thank you

[EK-grgd]

You don't pay 45 % in tax, on your whole income. the maximum average is around 35 % (singles) and ~ 25 % (couples who spilt).
The first ~10.000 € / adult are no taxed.
Do not forget, unlike in the US, there is one income tax only in Germany. The "Bundesland" does not come to you asking to tax return, for their own taxes. Tax collection is mostly administered by the "Bundesländer", for historical reasons, but they are just executing a federal law.

[worldhello]

@8:49 If you rent a flat on the outskirts of the city, you usually have a parking spot nearby. It is not guaranteed but you don't pay anything extra.
@16:14 You could use a Payback car. That is basically the same system.

[ritasollock]

I lived in Frankfurt in 1975 for a year and I’ve always wanted to move there but I’m scared to go back all these years later. I love listening to stories about Germany because I can kind of feel like I’m there

[alexc]

I’m getting ready to move to Germany for good, we lived there in the 80’s…. Thanks for the update. I had experienced the same back then.

[hannofranz]

This was an excellent summary of German society especially concerning the local differences. There isn't just one Germany. It depends so much on whether you live in the north or in the south, in a big city, a small town or a village, whether you are from the former East or West Germany ( or somehow socialized in second generation ). It's so true what you are saying. I'm from Berlín and, as far as Germany is concerned, I've only lived in larger cities so If don't have a clue what it's like to live in a small town. I find them incredibly charming when I get yo visit them so If may idealize Life there. Now I'm living in a Spanish town in Valencia of 35 000 inhabitants. I've been living there for 25 years and I keep comparing it with Germany that means "my" cosmopolitan Germany, which just doesn't make sense but that has made me who I am. Life's strange.

[Rainerjgs]

Auf dem Lande sind die Leute meist sehr viel höflicher und sagen öfters "Danke"!

[petrameyer]

I assume you are not aware that Düsseldorf has the third-largest Japanese community in Europe after London and Paris. Just because it is not centered on America does not make it less international.

[typxxilps]

Landlords are expecting good German skills and no one is waiting for foreigners that speak english. They wanna avoid trouble among the renting parties. Therefore you need to understand German and the rules of that house or neighbourhood