Moving to a new country is never just about changing your address, it's about learning a new rhythm, a different mindset, and often, a whole new language. Germany, like every country, has its own unique structure and charm. It’s not better or worse, just different. And as expats, our job isn't to compare, but to adapt with curiosity and respect.
Here are a few things I genuinely wish I had known before moving to Germany. Shared as insights to help others settle in with a little more ease.
One of the first things you’ll encounter in Germany is the bureaucracy. From registering your address (Anmeldung) to securing health insurance or a work permit, forms and appointments become part of life. It can feel overwhelming at first, especially in a new language, but it’s not designed to frustrate. It’s built to ensure order and fairness.
What helped me: Keeping a binder for documents, asking local friends or forums for help, planning things in advance and most importantly, staying calm.
Many Germans speak excellent English, especially in bigger cities. But daily life, doctor visits, local events, even grocery shopping often still happens in German. You don’t need to be fluent from day one, but making an effort goes a long way. It shows respect, and it often makes locals more open to helping.
What I’d tell my past self: Don’t worry about getting every word right. Even a simple “Entschuldigung, mein Deutsch ist nicht so gut” (Sorry, my German isn't great) is met with understanding.
In many places, Sunday is just another day. In Germany, it’s a pause. Shops close, lawnmowers rest, and there’s a quiet stillness in the air. At first, it may feel inconvenient. But soon, I came to appreciate this collective breath.
Tip: Embrace it. Go for a walk, have coffee with a friend, or just be. It’s not lost time, it’s recharge time.
From punctuality to quiet hours in apartment buildings, Germany runs on a sense of structure. For those of us from more flexible cultures, this might take some adjustment. But over time, I realized that this order creates predictability, and often, a deep sense of trust.
Reminder to self: It’s okay to be different, but understanding and respecting local norms makes life easier, for you and your neighbors.
Social life can feel quieter at first. Many Germans have close-knit circles, and small talk isn’t as common. But once you form a connection, it’s often deep and genuine. Friendship here is built more on consistency than on instant chemistry.
Encouragement: Keep showing up. Join a language class, a sports club, or a book group. Give it time, you're not alone in feeling alone at first.
Health insurance in Germany is mandatory and incredibly comprehensive. It can be confusing at first, especially navigating the public vs. private system, but once you're set up, you’re well taken care of.
Best advice I got: Don’t guess. Ask for help, there are advisors and online communities that specialize in helping expats understand their options.
Although digital payments are becoming more common, many places still prefer cash. It might feel old-school, but it’s also a reminder of how Germany blends modernity with tradition.
Quick fix: Carry a little cash and learn to say, “Nehmen Sie Karte?” (Do you take card?) before you order.
Yes, recycling here is serious business, and yes, it takes a bit of learning. But once you get the hang of it, it’s actually admirable. The attention to sustainability is deeply embedded in daily life.
Pro tip: Ask your neighbors or landlord for help understanding your building’s sorting system. Everyone had to learn at some point!
One of Germany’s quiet strengths is how seriously it takes rest. Overtime is discouraged, vacation is respected, and personal time matters. It’s not just about working hard, it’s about living well.
What I’ve learned: You don’t have to prove yourself by burning out. You’re allowed to rest here.
Winters can be long and dark, and summers are glorious. Life here shifts with the seasons, people cozy up in winter and spill into parks and terraces come summer.
Tip: Get outside, even in winter. Find the light, invest in good boots, and don’t underestimate the joy of a warm drink and candlelight.
Every country has its own rhythm, and Germany is no exception. What feels unfamiliar at first often becomes comforting later. Moving here isn’t about giving up your identity, it’s about adding layers to it.
So if you’re about to start this journey, know that you’re not alone. Take it day by day. Laugh at the mix-ups. Celebrate the wins. And remember, you’re learning, not failing.
Germany has its quirks, but it also has incredible depth, care, and community. With time, it might just feel like home.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
