9 things I wish I knew before moving to Germany

Summary

Moving to Germany can be an exciting adventure, but it's important to know what to expect. From finding an apartment (unfurnished with no kitchen!) to navigating the job market, Germany has its quirks. The country values punctuality, quiet hours, and recycling, and while cash is still king, card payments are on the rise. Public transportation is excellent, though trains can be delayed. The healthcare system is top-notch, but securing insurance as a freelancer can be tricky. Overall, living in Germany offers a great quality of life, but it comes with unique challenges and plenty of things to learn!

Takeaways

• 😀 Unfurnished apartments in Germany are common, often lacking essential items like a kitchen, light fittings, and toilet seats. Be prepared for extra costs if you want to furnish the place yourself.
• 😀 There are three main job types in Germany: full-time (36-40 hours/week), part-time (under 30 hours/week), and mini jobs (max 10 hours/week with tax-free earnings up to 520 Euros).
• 😀 It’s crucial to have a signed contract and track your hours when working in Germany to avoid issues like unpaid wages or working more than you’re contracted for.
• 😀 Sundays are a day of rest in Germany, and most stores are closed due to a law that protects workers. Some businesses like restaurants and gas stations may remain open.
• 😀 Germans have strict 'quiet hours' from 8 pm to 7 am on weekdays and all day on Sunday, prohibiting noisy activities like lawn mowing and loud housework.
• 😀 Tap water in Germany is safe to drink, and there’s a strong preference for sparkling water, which is often mixed with juices or wine.
• 😀 Germany has a well-structured recycling system with color-coded bins: yellow for plastic, blue for paper, and green/brown for organic waste. Glass recycling is also organized by color.
• 😀 Many places in Germany still prefer cash payments, and you may need coins for things like public restrooms, although card payments are becoming more common.
• 😀 Germany offers excellent public transportation options, including U-Bahn (metro), regional trains, and buses. For frequent travelers, consider getting a BahnCard for discounts.
• 😀 Germany's healthcare system is excellent, but freelancers and self-employed individuals need to arrange their own health insurance. Failure to do so within six months may result in back payments.

Q & A

What should I know about finding a long-term apartment in Germany if I don't speak German?

Finding an apartment in Germany can be tricky if you don't speak German. If you're aiming for a cheaper option, unfurnished apartments are common. However, these can be completely empty, meaning no curtains, shelves, light fittings, toilet seats, or even a kitchen, which can be costly to set up yourself.

Why are unfurnished apartments in Germany so common?

Unfurnished apartments are common in Germany because many people prefer to furnish their living space according to their personal tastes. This also allows renters to save money on furniture, but it does mean you may need to invest in things like a kitchen and appliances.

Where can I find second-hand furniture in Germany?

In Germany, you can find second-hand furniture on eBay and Kleiner Tiger, which are popular platforms for buying and selling used items. This is a great option if you want to furnish your apartment without spending too much.

What are the different types of employment in Germany?

Germany offers three main types of employment: full-time (36-40 hours per week), part-time (less than 30 hours per week), and mini-jobs (up to 10 hours a week with a maximum earnings of 520 Euros). Mini-jobs are tax-free but do not provide health insurance benefits.

What should I be aware of when working in a mini-job in Germany?

Mini-jobs are tax-free and involve working up to 10 hours per week. However, they do not provide health insurance or other benefits. It's important to have a signed contract and keep track of your working hours to avoid potential issues like unpaid work or lack of insurance.

What is the store closing law in Germany, and how does it affect Sundays?

Germany has a store closing law that prohibits most stores from opening on Sundays, partly due to religious observance and to give workers a break. Exceptions include restaurants, cafes, and gas stations. It's also frowned upon to perform noisy household chores on Sundays.

What should I know about recycling in Germany?

Germany is strict about recycling and uses a color-coded bin system: yellow for plastic and soft metals, blue for paper, green and brown for organic waste, and black or gray for other trash. Glass bottles are recycled separately by color. Certain stores also accept batteries, light bulbs, and electronics for disposal.

How does the deposit system work for bottles and cans in Germany?

In Germany, when you purchase a drink in a glass, plastic bottle, or can, you pay a deposit. This deposit can be reclaimed by returning the bottle to most grocery stores using a machine or at the cash register.

Is cash still commonly used in Germany?

Cash is still widely used in Germany, especially in certain places like small shops and public restrooms. However, card payments are becoming more common, particularly at larger venues like Christmas markets.

What is the public transportation system like in Germany?

Germany has an extensive public transportation system, including U-Bahn (Metro), buses, and regional trains. The DB Navigator app is useful for checking train delays and alternative routes. While punctuality is important, train delays are not uncommon.

How does Germany's healthcare system work?

Germany has a high-quality healthcare system that provides free health coverage to all residents through public insurance, funded by taxes. It covers almost all medical treatments, but finding a doctor can be challenging if the clinic doesn't accept new patients. Freelancers and self-employed individuals must arrange their own health insurance.

What should I know about healthcare insurance as a freelancer in Germany?

Freelancers and self-employed people in Germany are required to arrange their own health insurance. If they don't, they could receive a letter after six months demanding payment for the period they were uninsured, which can result in significant costs.