36 Pros and Cons of Living in Germany as a Foreigner

Looking for the pros and cons of living in Germany? This guide will help you decide whether or not to move here!

The decision to move abroad is not an easy one. It can be quite daunting to leave your homeland and give up the culture, food, and language that you’ve grown accustomed to.

However, there are many reasons why expats may choose Germany as their new home!

I moved to Germany after living across Europe for half a year. I decided I needed to settle down for a few months, after moving to a new country every 3 weeks.

When a Workaway went wrong, I ended up living in the beautiful city of Berlin for two months in 2017/2018.

With the help of some long-term German expats, I’m going to help you decide whether the pros and cons of living in Germany make it the right place for you!

Book cheap airline tickets and accommodations with Booking.com to save money when you’re moving abroad!

My Experience Living in Germany as a Foreigner

Germany is one of those countries that seems hard to live in.

The people are painted as quite austere and curt, without much interest in befriending new people.

While, yes, Germans are very matter-of-fact people, it wasn’t hard for me to break through their shells and make many German friends when I lived there as a foreigner.

I had only intended on staying in Germany for a couple of weeks so I could enjoy some Christmas markets before making my way to Spain.

But when my Workaway fell through (click here to read about that horror story), I ended up having nowhere to stay.

I found an Airbnb that was cheaper to rent by the month than by the week, and the rest was history!

I ended up living in Wedding, a predominantly Turkish area in Berlin (which was perfect, since I planned to head to Turkey in three months).

The studio apartment was charming, if a little lonely around Christmas – it being my first ever Christmas alone.

That inspired me to spend more time outdoors, exploring the wonders of living in Germany.

With the plethora of people who speak English, the amazing public transport system, and the joy of Christmas markets around every corner, I was sort of heartbroken when the two months were done. I mean, I wasn’t done travelling, but leaving the Bavarian wilderness and the plentiful pretzels was hard to do.

I’ve been back since, and every time it feels a bit like coming home.

Even though living in Germany as a foreigner over the holidays was challenging, it’s still one of the best places I’ve ever lived – and one of the best Christmases I’ve ever had.

I recommend this tour to explore Germany before moving!

Pros and Cons of Living in Germany

Pro: High Standard of Living

First and foremost, the high standard of living is one of the main reasons why people choose to move to Germany.

Whether you’re a young professional or a retiree, you’ll find that Germany offers a wide range of quality housing, healthcare, and education options.

There are plentiful job opportunities around every corner, more so if you can speak German.

With clean cities, beautiful forests, and a strong work-life balance, you’ll be able to make the most of the high standard of living in Germany.

Con: High Cost of Living for Housing

In general, the cost of living in Germany is higher than in other nearby countries such as Poland or the Czech Republic, but it’s still lower than in most Western European nations and much lower than in America or the UK.

For example, a one-bedroom apartment in a major city will usually cost you between €500 and €1,000 per month. My rent in Berlin was about €1,000 per month because it was fully furnished and booked via Airbnb about two days before I needed to move in. It also included all my utilities and internet.

If you sign a 1 year lease, the average cost of housing in Belin is less than €800 per month.

Between food, entertainment, rent, utilities, and other extraneous costs, you should budget about €1,000 per month to live well in Berlin. This will allow for a nice apartment, some weekend adventures, and to enjoy all of the delicious German food.

I will say, food is pretty cheap in Germany unless you’re dining at a restaurant.

In winter, take advantage of the delicious bratwursts you can get for under €5. They’re filling enough to be a full dinner!

Pro: Most People Speak English

This is especially true in larger cities.

Unless you’re living in a small town in the middle of nowhere, you’ll find that most people are bilingual and can speak English quite well.

The younger generation will likely also be proficient in other languages, so don’t be afraid to ask for help or directions if you’re lost.

While this could be a con to living in Germany for people who want to learn how to speak German, it is great for newbies who need some help getting around or making friends.

And the German accent is very easy to understand. Unlike the Glaswegian accent when I lived in Scotland, you can make sense of what people are saying very easily.

“I think as an American speaking English, often we are frowned upon for not knowing German while living in Germany which is ironic since I think many Americans expect immigrants in the US to know English.” – Stephanie from Adventures with NieNie

Con: Hard to Learn German

This could be a pro or a con, but it definitely takes some effort to learn German.

The grammar is difficult and the pronunciation is quite different from English. However, once you learn how to speak the language, you’ll find that locals are very appreciative and will likely want to help you out with anything you need.

Even when I just learned how to say hello and thank you, people always seemed to brighten up.

You will need to learn to read German unless you’re happy to ask anyone for help at the grocery store.

I often messed up and got creme fraiche instead of sour cream because I didn’t bother to learn the difference in names and just went for the container that looked right. One time I accidentally got cottage cheese, and then immediately learned the right word for sour cream so I’d never experience that again.

There are lots of resources to help you learn German. The best way is to talk daily with people.

Need help learning a new language? I recommend iTalki! I’ve tried ALL the apps, but iTalki is the only way I’ve managed to learn as much as living in the local country.

Pro: Free University

Germany offers some of the best and most affordable university educations in Europe.

If you’re an EU citizen, you can attend any university in Germany for free (although you will have to pay for some laboratory materials).

Non-EU citizens may have to pay tuition, but it’s still much cheaper than studying in other parts of Europe or in America.

The quality of education is high, so you can be sure that you’re getting a good deal.

There are also many universities located in major cities, so you’ll never be too far from a great school.

Con: If You Know German

The free universities only offer education in German.

If you’re a non-EU citizen and want to study in English, you’ll likely have to pay tuition.

The same goes for universities located in smaller towns – most of the classes will be taught in German.

This isn’t too much of a problem if you’re willing to learn the language, but it can be difficult for people who don’t have the time or resources to do so.

Need help learning a new language? I recommend iTalki! I’ve tried ALL the apps, but iTalki is the only way I’ve managed to learn as much as living in the local country.

Pro: Beautiful Country to Explore

There’s never a shortage of things to do in Germany.

The country is filled with beautiful forests, lakes, and mountains. There are also a ton of great tourist destinations – from the historical city of Dresden to the Black Forest.

You can easily spend a weekend or even a week exploring different parts of the country. And if you get tired of German food, there are plenty of international restaurants to choose from.

I recommend this tour of Germany.

Con: Lots of Rules to Follow

There are a lot of rules to follow in Germany and many of them can be quite confusing.

You also have to be careful about what you say – Germans are very strict about political correctness.

This can be a bit of a culture shock for people who are used to speaking their minds freely.

But it’s something that you’ll get used to overtime.

In general, Germans are very orderly and like things to be done a certain way. This can be frustrating at times, but it’s also what makes the country run so smoothly.

Pro: Very Reliable and Punctual People

Germans are known for being very reliable and punctual people.

If you have a meeting or appointment, you can be sure that the person you’re meeting will be there on time.

This is something that I really appreciate about Germans – it’s nice to know that I can count on someone to be where they’re supposed to be.

Con: Hard to Make German Friends

It can be hard to make German friends.

Germans are not very open and it can take a long time for them to warm up to you.

This isn’t always the case, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking to make new friends in Germany.

The best way to make friends is to join a club or group that interests you. There are plenty of them to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that piques your interest.

My pro trick to meet people around the world is to use Meetup groups. You can join for free, select a club or society (or start your own) and make friends with a shared interest.

I used these groups to make friends while living in New Zealand and while living in Germany. It helped me feel less alone.

“German people can be quite cold if you don’t know them well. It can be hard for expats, especially if they don’t speak German.” – Sindy of My Life in Germany

👉 Want to make friends around the world? Join Meetups today for free!

Pro: Safe Country

Germany is a safe country to live in.

The crime rate is low and you don’t have to worry about being attacked or robbed on the street.

This is especially important for women who are traveling or living alone.

Germans also place a high value on law and order, so you can be sure that you’re in good hands.

In fact, the Global Peace Index lists Germany as the 22nd most peaceful country in the world in 2019 (out of 163 nations).

I always felt safe in Germany, even as a solo female. I regularly took public transit without issues, and I even walked alone at night (a necessity in December when it gets dark very early) without fear.

Everything is well lit and well signposted so you don’t have to worry about getting lost or dark alleys.

You should still be careful with your bag for pickpockets at major attractions, like Museum Island in Berlin.

Con: Constant Bureaucracy

Germans are known for their love of bureaucracy.

There are a lot of rules and regulations to follow and it can often be difficult to get things done.

This is especially true if you’re trying to start a business in Germany.

The good news is that once you understand the system, it’s not too difficult to navigate.

But it can be frustrating at times, especially if you’re not used to it.

In general, Germans like things to be orderly and in order. This is reflected in their love of bureaucracy. It can be a bit of a culture shock for people who are used to a more laid-back attitude.

When you’re moving to Germany as a foreigner, expect a lot of paperwork. Even renting an apartment will seemingly require a textbook size document that weighs more than my dog!

Pro: Amazing Public Transportation (But Not Cheap!)

Germans are very proud of their public transportation system.

It’s one of the best in the world and it’s very easy to get around using trains, buses, and trams.

The only downside is that it’s not cheap.

But it’s definitely worth it to use public transportation instead of paying for a taxi or driving your own car.

I never had an issue getting around the city I was living in, no matter which one it was.

If you’re planning to live in a city like Berlin, buying a monthly transport pass is well worth the cost.

Pro tip: pay for your ticket. Many people think that because there are self-check entries they can get away without a bus ticket, but the fines are enormous and they check regularly.

Con: Very Rigid Cycling Rules

Germany has some of the strictest cycling rules in the world.

This can be a bit of a culture shock for people who are used to cycling in other countries.

For example, you are not allowed to cycle on the sidewalk and you must use a bike lane if one is available.

If you don’t follow the rules, you can get a hefty fine.

This is something to keep in mind if you’re planning to cycle in Germany.

Pro: Work-Life Balance

Germans have a well-deserved reputation for having a great work-life balance.

In general, Germans work fewer hours than people in other countries and they have more vacation days.

This is something that I really appreciate about living in Germany.

I was able to spend more time with my family and friends, and I don’t feel as stressed out as I did when I was living in North America.

Germans also like to take a break from work to enjoy a good meal or a beer. This is something that you don’t see often in other countries.

“I find life here is more affordable (food, travel, health care, etc.) and that I am less defined by my job than I would be in a US-setting.” – Christine of Chris crossing Germany

Find the best local tours with this search engine (and the best deals)!

Con: Things Close Early

To maintain their work-life balance, things close early. As well, most shops are either closed Sunday or Monday.

If you’re in a small town, they may even close for more days than this.

This can make it difficult to get things done, especially if you’re not used to it.

But it’s something that you’ll eventually get used to.

In general, Germans like to take their time and enjoy life. This is reflected in the way that they do things, including the way that they close their businesses early.

Pro: Free Healthcare and Welfare Services

If you’re a foreigner and you live in Germany, you’re entitled to free healthcare.

This is something that I really appreciate about living in Germany. I’ve never had to worry about going to the doctor or paying for prescriptions.

It’s also a very good quality system. In fact, the World Health Organization ranked it above the United States’ healthcare services.

You will need to get insurance. This can be public or private, if your work offers a better plan than the government (which covers about 90% of locals).

The same goes for welfare services. If you need help with things like childcare, finding a job, or paying your rent, the government will help you out.

This is something that you don’t see often in other countries.

You do need a visa to get these benefits, so digital nomads will not be entitled if they are in Germany for a short stay.

“The pros are that living in Germany seems a lot less stressful despite not knowing the language because I feel like I have a sense of security with the healthcare system, work ethics, and a sense of safety.” – Stephanie of Adventures with NieNie

👉 “Free healthcare” isn’t 100% free. Use Safety Wing travel insurance to protect yourself until you get insurance through your employer.

Con: High Taxes

In Germany, the taxes are high.

This is something that you need to keep in mind if you’re planning on living in Germany.

But it’s worth it to have free healthcare, education and welfare services.

You’re paying to ensure that the bureaucracy is actually effectual and being put towards the public services you need.

For example, taxes don’t go to churches. If you want to go to a church, a church tax will be added on to your base taxes.

Tax rates vary depending on what you earn. The highest level is 40% of your base salary. With the cost of living and the free services, you’re still going to take home more money than you would in America.

But the VAT tax on goods and services is lower than the rest of Europe at 19%, so you do save a bit on taxes elsewhere.

“Don’t be shocked if you receive only 60% of your gross salary in your bank.” – Sindy of My Life in Germany

Pro: Thriving Economy with Low Unemployment Rates

Germany has a thriving economy.

In fact, it’s the strongest in Europe.

This is something that you’ll appreciate if you’re looking for a job. The unemployment rates are low, especially compared to other European countries.

This is because the economy is diversified. There are a lot of opportunities in Germany, especially if you’re in a STEM field.

The cost of living is also relatively low, so you’ll be able to save money while you’re living here.

I recommend this platform to find jobs as a foreigner.

Con: Lower Salaries than the US for the Same Jobs

If you’re coming from the United States, you’ll definitely be noticing the lower salaries in Germany.

This is something that you need to keep in mind if you’re planning on living in Germany.

But it’s worth it to have free healthcare, education, and welfare services.

In general, the salaries are lower than in the US. However, this is a common phenomenon across the world. The US has higher incomes because people need more money to pay for services like education and healthcare.

In Germany, that’s already covered.

So although your salary may look low, you’ll likely end up earning more after taxes and expenses than you would in the US.

Pro: Lots of Work Vacations

In Germany, it’s very common to take work vacations.

This is something that you’ll appreciate if you’re looking for a job here.

The culture of taking time off to travel is really ingrained in Germans. In fact, many people take their vacation days in the summer so they can travel.

Jobs must offer a minimum of 20 vacation days to employees, before considering the plethora of public holidays.

This is one of the many aspects that make their work-life balance so enviable.

Book cheap airline tickets and accommodations with Booking.com to save money when you’re moving abroad!

Con: Grey Weather

While Germany has some days that are clear sky and sunshine, the weather is mostly grey.

This can be a bit depressing if you’re not used to it.

But it’s something that you’ll get used to overtime. And in the summer, the sun does come out more often.

The wet and grey weather is needed to maintain the stunning green hills and the plentiful Bavarian forests.

The weather is much better than living in England, where rain is much more common. But you should expect some grey days when you live in Germany.

Pro: German Food

One of the best things about living in Germany is the food.

Germans are known for their delicious cuisine. There are so many different types of food to try, and you’re sure to find something that you love.

There are a lot of regional dishes, so you’ll never get bored of the food.

My favorites are flammenkuchen, Frankfurt green sauce, bratwurst, and German bread.

Con: Only German Food

While the food is great, it can be a bit limiting to only have German food.

If you’re looking for variety, you may end up getting bored of the food here.

But there are plenty of international restaurants in Germany, so you’ll be able to find something that you like if you’re in a major city.

However, in smaller towns, it can be nearly impossible to find a non-German meal.

Some people find German food quite heavy or oily, and vegetarians may struggle to find meat-free options.

Overall, there has been a movement towards more international cuisine, but there’s still a devoted following to classic German food.

Pro: Good Quality Buildings

One of the best things about living in Germany is the quality of the buildings and infrastructure.

The government has put a lot of money into maintaining high-quality standards.

So you can expect well-built buildings and a well-functioning infrastructure. This is something that you’ll appreciate if you’re living in Germany long-term.

Con: With Rent Advances, Complex Contracts, No A/C, and (Sometimes) No Kitchens

Renting or even buying a building seems great in Germany. The buildings are well-built and the rent isn’t massively expensive.

But the downsides are there. Many German apartments don’t have A/C because of the predominantly wet and chilly days of the year.

Some German apartments are rented without kitchen appliances like a fridge, so you’ll need to buy your own.

With their love of bureaucracy, you can expect complex contracts for signing up for utilities. Foreigners often struggle to get internet and TV on for a few weeks while navigating these contracts.

And in some cases, the rent must be paid in advance for a few months, so you need to be careful about money.

But these are all things that you’ll learn to navigate if you decide to live in Germany.

Pro: Amazing Beer

German beer is some of the best in the world.

There are so many different types of beer to try, and you’re sure to find something that you love.

Plus, Germans take their beer seriously. There are festivals and events all over the country celebrating German beer.

Con: Beer Gardens are the Only Nightlife Option

While Germans love their beer, they’re not as big on going out to party.

The only real nightlife option is the beer garden.

This can be fun if you’re with a group of people, but it can get old quickly if you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene.

Pro: Centrally Located for Travel

Germany is a centrally located country, making it easy to travel to other parts of Europe.

You can get to most major European cities in a few hours by plane or train.

This makes traveling easy and convenient.

Book cheap airline tickets and accommodations with Booking.com to save money when you’re moving abroad!

Con: Extremism on the Rise

Germany is a very liberal and open country.

But there has been a rise in extremism in recent years.

This can be scary, and it’s something to be aware of if you’re living in Germany.

Like every country in the world, most people are very nice and friendly. It’s only a minority that you need to watch out for.

Pro: Very Dog Friendly

Germany is a dog-friendly country.

This means that you can take your dog with you almost anywhere, and there are plenty of parks and outdoor areas where your dog can run around.

This is great if you’re a pet owner.

Dogs can usually even come into shops with you!

Con: Blunt Customer Service

Germans are not known for their customer service skills.

This can be frustrating if you’re trying to get help from a store or government office.

But it’s something you’ll need to adjust to if you’re living in Germany.

Generally, Germans are not as warm and welcoming as people in some other European countries.

Pro: LGBTQ+ Friendly

Germany is a very LGBTQ+ friendly country.

This means that you’ll be safe and accepted no matter what your sexual orientation or gender identity is.

This is something that’s important to many people, and it’s great that Germany offers this level of acceptance.

Pro: Amazing Christmas Markets

Germany is known for its amazing Christmas markets.

These markets are a must-see if you’re visiting Germany during the holiday season.

They offer a festive atmosphere, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to buy Christmas gifts.

I love this German Christmas Market tour.

Pro: Work Ethic Valued Over Ethnicity or Religion

Germans place a high value on work ethic.

This means that if you’re working hard and doing your job well, you’ll be respected and appreciated.

This is different from some other countries where ethnicity or religion can play a bigger role in how people are treated.

“I have to admit that I love the German punctuality and their work ethic. While I felt like a fish out of water in Spain, in Germany I fit in perfectly. Although the Germans might be lacking in humor or spontaneity, I can’t think of anyone better to work with.” – Patricia of Espana Guide

Pro: Literal Castles!

Germany is home to some of the most beautiful castles in the world.

If you’re a fan of history or architecture, you’ll be blown away by the castles in Germany.

There are so many to choose from, and they’re all worth a visit.

This castle tour is my favourite.

Is Germany a Good Place to Live?

There are pros and cons to living in any country, and Germany is no exception. Overall, I think Germany is a great place to live.

It’s centrally located, it has a great work ethic, and it’s LGBTQ+ friendly.

There are some downsides, such as the blunt customer service and the rise in extremism, but these are things you can adjust to if you’re living in Germany.

Overall, I would recommend Germany as a great place to live!

I loved my time living in Germany as an expat and would gladly go back.

Even though I was there during the colder months of winter, I still got to enjoy travel locally to gorgeous castles, managed to make some local friends, and thoroughly enjoyed German food at beer gardens every week.

Ultimately, moving abroad is what you make of it. Get out and explore the wonderful country to find something you love, and the few cons won’t seem as bad.

For me, the pros of living in Germany definitely outweighed the cons.

Best Place to Live in Germany as a Foreigner?

So, you’re thinking of moving to Germany – excellent choice!

But in order to make the most informed decision possible, you need to ask yourself: what is the best place to live in Germany as a foreigner?

There are many great places to choose from in Deutschland, and it really depends on what you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for a big city with plenty of nightlife and opportunity, then Berlin is a great choice.

Munich is also a great option – it’s smaller than Berlin, but it’s very charming and has a great beer culture.

Frankfurt has a booming economic scene, and it’s a great place to live if you’re looking for work.

Other major cities include Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Dusseldorf.

If you’re looking for a smaller town with a more relaxed atmosphere, then I would recommend Bavaria or the Black Forest.

No matter what you decide, Germany is a great place to live – just be sure to do your research and find the right place for you!

When you’re ready to move abroad, find the cheapest flights with this tool.

FAQs about Living in Germany as an Expat:

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