An HONEST Talk: What does a good salary in Germany depend on?

In this video, we talk about the role of money in Germany. We also discuss what a good salary in Germany is and what to prepare for when planning a move to Germany.
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[@Italovietro]

I loved the conversation you two had. I came to Germany almost 9 years ago from Brazil, also in the software industry. I was tremendously happy to be here and have this opportunity. Time passed, and I started to see the cracks in German society (difficult service, bureaucracy, sometimes lack of empathy for others, etc), as any other society has. This made me sad after a while, but at some point, I looked up and saw how much I had learned and how spoiled I was (given my context) for even complaining about this. So I started seeing this as the following: Our compensation and lifestyle change as time passes; sometimes, we forget to appreciate what we already have. Aside from all the good points both of you made, it is to be grateful for what you have and work to achieve what you desire. Thanks for the great video!!

[@simplegermany]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, feelings and insights! Being grateful for what you have is always the best base. 😊

[@val-schaeffer1117]

You are happy because you are WHITE

[@utubebroadcastme]

I mean the answer is simple - can you spend your net salary on 1/3 recurring expenses (housing + utilities + etc), 1/3 groceries + food + going out and the last 1/3 savings

[@maria_563]

I'm 38 yo, living in the Philippines and I'm moving to Germany soon on a student visa. I started following you because of my plan to move and now that it's about to come true, I'm very grateful that I have both of you to learn from . I'm currently in the tech industry and earning more than the others but I'm willing to earn less if I could have the quality of life that would give me peace of mind and a healthy lifestyle. Thank you for your dedication. Also, you both are very intelligent.

[@simplegermany]

We hope your move will go smoothly 😊

[@web_jar6630]

I really like the mini-podcast style of this video 😊. I agree that more than money, it's the quality of life that matters to me.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for letting us know! 😊

[@zhfahan77]

Not a week goes by without me looking forward to your videos. This channel is awesome. This is my first time commenting here. I've been enjoying your videos for a long time. Keep up the good work you two!

[@simplegermany]

Thank you for sharing and welcome to the comment section 😊

[@fleazapp]

I left top tier salary and job position in my former country, as I wanted to work for a better company and learn more. After 4 years I think it was worth the shot, and I have good time here, but nothing mindblowing or lifechanging. I'll probably go back home in a couple of years, as it is more convenient in the end.

[@bumlacalacalacabum]

I loved this new format. Please make more videos like this!

[@rohandavidnoronha]

It's very cool of you to share your salaries at each stage of life. Would not have seen others do so. This was quite an insightful video. Keep sharing and growing ❤👍🏻

[@BirkanM]

that's a great concept, thanks for the nice video, please keep going, I like the flow of the conversation

[@GokhanSargnIO]

i love the straightforward conversations that you guys do, thanks to you, love from Turkiye

[@jhessicalmoreira]

Loved the talk, girls! Very insightful 😊

[@rozinha3377]

Thank you for another interesting video, I felt that I was hearing to a video + podcast, and I love it the mix!

[@HamKibz]

Good Job. I like the honesty and the positivity in your conversations. I always borrow a leaf or two from your videos.

[@alexandracruz5243]

I loved this kind video! Please do more!

[@yassineicon709]

Your dedication to creating such helpful content is truly appreciated. Dankeschön ❤❤

[@NomadHustler]

Amazing insights and video was well educational . Keep it going guys will help a lot of people out there. 👍🏼

[@joannunemaker6332]

I really liked this video. Very thought provoking. Thank you for sharing. 😊❤

[@airtonsilva8006]

Enjoyable talk. I moved to Germany in June this year and I really understand your views. As a postdoc in Brazil I used almost 100% of my income and here in Germany I can save 20% or more every month and still live comfortably. So to me my income in Germany is amazing, but my boss told me he thinks postdoc income in Germany is too low...

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@ingermany1523]

I loved the new Format. Keep up the good work (:

[@69crybaby]

this channel is one of my favourites about getting knowledge about germany and the german people and their culture. I just want to thank you both for making this content, sharing your experiences and so much more- its soo soo soo helpful. I have been watching your videos ever since i was about to come germany for studies and now i am in this country. Confidently. Your channel is so fun and informative at the same time and i just loveee your humor and little jokes you make. lovee you both

[@user-rm3oe2uf2g]

Great work. Love your videos. I was offered a job in cologne in a sausage factory and if my visa is approved will be moving there in a couple months. I have been watching your videos since I got my employment letter. The videos are very informative and very interesting. Danke. Tschuss

[@GastonSalazarSilva]

Great video, Jen & Yvonne. When I lived there, I really appreciated the peace of mind that one had there. It's really a great place to live.

[@oarabala]

Hello All. I follow your channel since the last year and wanted to say you guys doing favor to many expats who are planning to move to Germany! Very useful content! Thank you 🙏

[@fredricknoel392]

It was a good idea to have this kind of setting. You ladies are awesome

[@Nilofer_Begum]

Dear Jen and Yvonne, I have always found your content excellent and very helpful. Your research work for each video is impressive. I really enjoyed this format of conversation. You both have a natural ease with which you talk in front of the camera. The conversation didn't appear rehearsed but was fully to the point and well structured! As for the information and topic of today, that was really needed. I am currently on the lookout for jobs, and your video certainly clarified some perspectives. Thank you very much, and all the best! ❤

[@simplegermany]

Thank you so much for your kind words about our content! We are glad we can help. 😀

[@estefvazquez]

Thank you very much for this conversation. I really enjoyed it. Keep doing these great videos. Tschüss :)

[@fernandofernando6714]

I love your videos, they are so interesting and inspiring. Your videos show the real life in Germany.

[@stephmori22]

I started following you in Japan before moving to Germany, you’ve been my companion on my journey. Love the content and this video is insightful. Personally this was the right call for me, loving my life here and what this move will offer to my kid.

[@simplegermany]

So happy to hear! 😊

[@barisumutkurun8717]

Really liked the new video setting, looking forward to see more. Greetings from Hamburg as junior smoothlers:)

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for letting us know! Loving the junior smoothler signature 😉

[@reinerbergkamen7852]

Danke fürs Video

[@VeviserB]

This video addresses the primary point causing me to hesitate in moving abroad - the salary difference and how that impacts lifestyle. The point Yvonne made about never trying and regretting it is what keeps the idea in my head. I have a whole list of benefits over my current lifestyle that I'd gain, primarily around travel proximity and time off, but with salary constraints I might not be able to realize all of those benefits. Thanks for sharing your perspectives on this and giving me more to think about.

[@simplegermany]

Thank you for sharing as well. Maybe you can achieve a higher salary that you think is possible currently? We hope you will be able to make an educated decision.

[@berlinorama]

In general, you can live well on quite a bit less in a big city in Germany than in a big city in the US or the UK, for example. So you might have money for travel even with a lower salary. Finding housing is the hardest thing at the moment in many large cities, though.

[@craigroberts6400]

You only live once.

[@imshikhararora]

One of the best videos on the channel.

[@carlosfc007]

I'd like to add that, like me, a lot of medical doctors from Southern Europe and the Balkans are also moving to Germany, where we can start a career (at the residency level) with minimum 60.000€/year gross and guaranteed pay raise each year. In our case Germany is not particularly different in terms of culture, lifestyle and safety, what really makes the biggest different is in fact the salary (which in Portugal for example would start at 27.000€ gross). Of course this is only my opinion, I'd like to know if others think otherwise

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for sharing 😊

[@arnodobler1096]

Das Video kommt in eine Playlist 👍

[@turjo119]

Just got back from work and I really enjoyed coming back from work and listening to this psuedo fireside talk (but then again I may be a bit biased since I enjoy all of your videos 😛) I am someone who is still a student and I agree whoeheartedly that perspective matters. I come from a developing nation much like Gutamala, working dead-end jobs and basically living on survival mode. I wanted to have more in life, more income, more growth and opportunities, better work-life balance and the freedom to live a life on my own terms. At the same time, I was/am responsible for my family back home and their lives right now are drastically different from mine. That was the life I led, a life I despised. I'm in the transition process of a better life for myself now but I am still the sole bread earner for my family back home. And I want to do more for them which means I also need to earn more to solve all the financial burdens. A good salary is a highly personal matter cause everyone's needs,wants and personal goals are drastically different. While I understand why some would be solely driven by monetary gain, I also wanted balance in life and peace in my soul , something I could not do with my old life back home. For me Germany seemed like it ticked all the checkboxes I was looking for. Germany chose me to give me a chance to hit the biggest reset button of my life. Though things are tough at times I have never looked back at this decision of moving here. My first time in a foreign country, living alone and learning to thrive in this new world. And over the years I've had the support and guidance of wonderful people such as yourselves. I am right now closer to that age you guys were 10-11 years ago, but for me 10-11 years ago I could never have imagined I would be able to live the sort of life I am right now. Huge respect for all the amazing work you ladies do helping us all make well informed and educated decisions 🥰 P.S. In my mind Jen and Yvonne still in their mid 20s because how else can you explain that they look so much better than most people in their 20s/30s 😜

[@simplegermany]

Thank you so much for sharing and being vulnerable Jo! Huge respect to you as well for having the courage to ask for more and going out into the world to get it! Your family must be very proud although they might not understand fully the new life you are living. When will you graduate? 😊

[@turjo119]

@@simplegermany thank you for the kind words. Every now and then they help me keep moving forward. If all goes well hopefully within a year's time

[@simplegermany]

Maybe there is a video idea on how to send money back home. Out of curiosity, what service do you use?

[@arnodobler1096]

Wow wow 😢❤

[@turjo119]

​@@simplegermanysomehow I had forgotten to reply to this? I've used Wise before but as of now I use Taptap to send money to Bangladesh. It's great for me personally as this app specifically focuses on sending money to those coming for emerging nations ( hi Yvonne 😉) for instance in South East Asian or African countries, offer some of the highest interest rates I've ever seen, have several transaction options and so on. It might not be for everyone but for me who sometimes has to send money home it's been a huge help 😊

[@ayushmittal4778]

Your videos are great, just a small suggestion , It would be great if you can index your video . Like mention which part of the video talks about what. It would be great for videos. Also present a summary via teables or some infographics in the end.

[@averyo2521]

Love your videos, keep up the good work! A lot of this rang true, I’m looking at moving from the US to Germany next year. It’ll be a huge pay cut but I feel like it’ll be a great lifestyle upgrade, in all the ways you mention. Thanks for helping so many people get a clear view of what to expect.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for sharing your perspective as well! 😊

[@monakulasic5669]

Don't move here. I am American. It is a difficult here as a foreigner. Plus Germany is in a big recession. Culture is very different here. I want to move back to America. The one good thing Germany has is no one is in the street because of the social system. If you do cone here make sure you learn German C2 level. Or you will be making mimum wage and rent is very high

[@berlinorama]

@@monakulasic5669 where do you live? Here in Berlin thousands of people are living in the street, but I would say for people with a job and a place to live, life is generally more comfortable here. And if you are in the tech field, you don't need good German to get a decent job. But jobs are scarcer than a few years ago and the housing market is terrifying.

[@monakulasic5669]

@berlinorama yes jobs are hard to get and rent is really high. Germany is in a recession. But you need to have German language,reading and writimg as wellIf only English good luck. In Berlin there are more international jobs.

[@berlinorama]

@@monakulasic5669 absolutely, everybody who moves here should learn German, also to avoid exploitation not just in employment but also in housing and bureaucracy.

[@AshrafulA.]

It's a very informative video regarding salaries in Germany!

[@cooldeep03691]

I love to watch ur videos SMOOTHLY 😍😍

[@kevingines4345]

Totally agree. It depends on where you are coming from. In my first job, I earned 48k gross yearly for 40h per week and now 3 years later I make 60k+ for 35h per week. I'm happy where I am right now; however, I am 30 and in the future I would like to form a family, so earning more is a must for me.

[@bekimxhaferi4139]

and what do you work?

[@kevingines4345]

​@@bekimxhaferi4139 I was first project manager, after Quality Controller, and now PLC programmer

[@oldbadgui3351]

Here in NY state, I would say that the salaries are comparable to Germany from what I have seen. I would say from what I have seen 75-80K here is definitely equivalent to the 65Kish euro in Germany. So your videos have been very spot on for me. I am not looking to be rich. I want to go to Germany because I genuinely feel it has all of the quality of life improvements and safety that does not exist here without incredible wealth.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 😊

[@val-schaeffer1117]

In NY State they do not require you to speak German. Furthermore, they are OBLIGATED to hire non whites, which is definitely a plus for you in Germany, as a nordic Caucasian, that nonwhite competition is filtered out by race filter.

[@mob8451]

Some time ago I found a calculator where you could enter your city, your salary and a city for comparison. I'm living between Düsseldorf and the Dutch border and compared with Munich. I would need a 60 % increase for the same standard of living. So I think the area you want to live in, is one of the more important factors in determining a good salary.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 😀

[@jaykjellberg5274]

Btw, that old survey about 75k is no longer applicable and newer research that your level of Happiness foes increase with more money

[@syedibrahim4543]

I moved from India , with my family including a kid. The cons is that there is no time for anything other than running house errands. During the week we work and during the weekend we run the errands and prepare for the week again . Where is life here and we are speaking about better lifestyle in Germany .

[@simplegermany]

It’s all about finding your own balance. Maybe it’s possible to shift some of the errands into the work week. I used to do groceries during my lunch break or after work. But that depends on everyone’s schedule.

[@anirudhnair6194]

Keralite?

[@syedibrahim4543]

@@anirudhnair6194 Tamil nadu

[@arnodobler1096]

Is it possible that previously employed servants did everything for you? Welcome to the 21st century! It's not meant to be an attack, but that's how most people react to life. I get my stuff done during the week and have weekends off. A question of organization.

[@Yosh001]

Wow! I really like this new style. Maybe at some point even with a guest talking about his/her experiences on a certain topic? Or some pre-recorded statements from others? I would like you to continue with this, maybe not every episode, but once in a month or two would work for me perfectly. Regarding the topic of this episode, I completely agree with your statements. In the end comes down to: “How much money do I have in my pocket to be able the way I want to live” (including savings). Well done!

[@simplegermany]

Thanks a lot for your insights! 😊

[@janvozar9715]

In my case, I do not need a lot of money. I love and try to practice minimalism. The salary is kind of recognition - my work is valuable and the employer is willing to pay me for what I am doing …

[@AndreaBorgia]

I'm a sucker for intercultural conversations, keep them coming! On the topic of quality of life: in Italy I could not afford to live in the city where I was born, the rent is simply too high in relation to the salaries; here in Germany I live within walking distance of the city center, so I use the car only to go to work but evenings and weekends it's out and about on foot!

[@val-schaeffer1117]

Spell it out: multiracial. It is not a debate if both the cultures are Caucasian

[@WesterwalderAdler]

Moved to Rheinland-Pfalz 12 years ago.The best decision of my life.Not a perfect place by any means,but overall i tremmendiously improved my life.Work-life balance,the nature,health insurance and 1000 other things got better.I just wish we all appreciate more what we got here.

[@simplegermany]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! We couldn't agree more and encourage exactly this kind of thinking and attitude 😊

[@richadesai7718]

Just a first hi. Love your videos 😊

[@allansnape416]

Great video girls, really enjoyed watching

[@samarsharma4302]

Really honest views; I suppose this video will convey that there are things in life which are bigger than MONEY! And how money shall not the only thing that they shall compare when choosing to move to Germany vs other Western Countries.

[@YounghaAn]

I've decided not to settle down in Germany because I found it challenging to adapt or make the necessary sacrifices to live with the inconveniences in Germany. Also, I'm dissatisfied with the high taxes, even though I'm content with a lower salary compared to that of the United States or Canada. However, I definitely understand that Germany can be an excellent country for those who prioritize different values.

[@neilstewart7437]

I so enjoy your videos! My husband and I couldn’t make a trip to Germany work for us this year, but we are going to Budapest this summer. Any quick advice or must see/dos?

[@lightclutchpull5236]

Good, good, good. :) I agree a lot with you. I've been following you for long long months now, beginning before I moved to (wouldn't find out...) Germany. I caught up a lot of knowledge from your site and it helped me a lot when settling here. I gained a lot info from your posts e.g. on how much does living cost here, and haven't had any surprise. I agree that "good money" is a point of perspective, but even I think, coming from only 2 countries away from here, that Germany has a lot to offer literally to anyone, besides of money. To me it was good to see that my daily costs in groceries, clothing, etc. are at the same level as in Hungary, and it's only the daily lunch which is with higher costs (but than I also could cook, yes...). If you don't spend on too much extras, you can save bigger amounts much easier than in other parts of the world, sure. But then again, other services, such as healthcare, traffic are on very high level, which adds a lot on your standard of living. You have to consider that just as well.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🙂

[@monicamccarthy3932]

I just found your channel and I am binge watching your episodes. I am an lgbtq American woman, and I find the idea of moving to Europe quite interesting. At 50, I'm probably too old to move, but I find the quality of life is so much better in Europe than in the US, although the salaries might be a bit lower. The cost of living in the US is extremely high, and violent crime as well as constant fear of losing health insurance, if you lose your job, is quite stressful, as you age and need doctors more often. I have traveled to several countries, and I just love the how livable big cities in other countries are, with excellent transportation, less violence, fresh food options, and more tolerant people who don't hate you for being even slightly different.

[@bettertoaster]

As a German I enjoy watching your videos.

[@DJwithaPhD]

Interesting that the narrative of full time nanny in Latino countries is similar to Nigeria where i come from. Thanks for sharing this clear perspective on salaries in Deutschland

[@dzek_thefriend]

Thank you for your video! Your channel helps us a lot! There's a group of trans teens in Russia who's dream is to immigrate to Germany together to transition. I'm one of them and watching your videos helps me to plan this ❤

[@simplegermany]

Wow! Thanks a lot for sharing. We hope your dreams in life will come true and we are humbled that our content can help you at least somewhat. 😊

[@MarkusWitthaut]

Another factor to consider is that Germany has the world-lowest number of working hours for the average worker with 1354 hours per year. In comparison, in the USA you have to work 400 hours per year more (data from ourworldindata). That is nearly a 30% more.

[@simplegermany]

Oh that’s interesting, thanks for sharing!

[@ehemalssimehtt3739]

By the way: To be happy!? Das wichtigste im Leben eines Menschen ist, dass er glücklich ist. Dafür muss er auf sich selbst aufpassen, auf seine Mitmenschen achten und einen Menschen finden mit dem ER klar kommt. Dabei und dazwischen findet das Leben statt. The most important thing in a person's life is that he is happy. To do this, he has to take care of himself, pay attention to those around him and find someone he can get along with. Life happens here and in between. ❤ Simple Germany ❤

[@ehemalssimehtt3739]

Ich bin mir nicht ganz sicher, ob die Übersetzung stimmt.

[@wora1111]

I agree with everything you mentioned but like to bring up one additional point that easily gets overlooked. I'm retired and worked most of my life in Germany and a few years abroad. I came back because of my retirement and because my family still lived here. When preparing for coming back I learned that I had to become member of a German health insurance again, when moving back to Germany. Now that is no problem for young people because insurances like you, simply because you are less likely to need much support. With elder people the situation changes and you may be forced to buy into a private insurance which will cost you a lot more. A similar, but smaller thing to keep in mind is the pension system a country uses. The countries I worked in, will pay a pension wherever you live in your age, but I do not know if that is true for every country. And the amount paid may also vary quite a lot. Older contracts (like in 30 years ago) included additional payments by the employer into some kind of insurance that would be payed to you, when you stopped working, the amount depending on the number of years you stayed with that company. These kind of long term benefits should be taken into consideration as well, depending on your long time plans (and current age)

[@simplegermany]

Totally agree, thanks for the addition!

[@biankakoettlitz6979]

I think the area, where the job is or where you want to live, is important,too

[@huntress_9441]

Salaries in Australia are high but the housing costs just eat it all up. My workplace is 6km from the city centre and rent on a 1 bedroom flat anywhere nearby is around $400/week. Most of my friends are in their 30s with Masters degrees and still live in a WG type house

[@tonyata7006]

400 us dollar or Aud ?? and how much your monthly salary if I could ask? I want to move from Germany to Austalia, first motvation is the WATHER 😬

[@huntress_9441]

@@tonyata7006 AUD

[@arnodobler1096]

I pay that in a month 🇩🇪🤯

[@thejuan7379]

I could be easily earning double (brutto) in the US, but for what I want, Germany has it, at least in my current life situation.

[@jasonsubhan8479]

I live in the UK so like Germany we have access to free healthcare which is funded through the taxes the we pay. We also have a welfare system in case you lose your job or get sick and can't work. If I could speak german I would live in Germany because it's a well organised and beautiful country. I love the USA but I wouldn't live there because of the cost of healthcare and a very limited welfare system. When I first visited the USA I was shocked at how much poverty there is and how many people at retirement age still work as pensions are very modest. I think life is much better if you live in Northern Europe.

[@slovenkas7733]

I'm moving to Germany within the next few months. I'm definitely concerned that I won't be able to find an English speaking job in accounting, and if I end up doing something like restaurant work, cashier or something, that I won't be able to afford to live there. Those kinds of jobs generally don't pay a livable wage in the US where I am from. Thoughts?

[@Sid.Nasser]

I loved this episode :D, Question, can you help us or explain if someone wants to work as a freelancer and settle on that visa? the process and what is needed, since Jen Has gone through this experience before. that would be really helpful

[@simplegermany]

We have two guides that can point you in the right direction: www.simplegermany.com/freelancing-in-germany/ www.simplegermany.com/permanent-residence-germany/

[@Sid.Nasser]

Thank you !@@simplegermany

[@robertohugk3273]

To be honest people complain about Germany about salary high taxes that is because people spend money don’t have in idiotics things. I am portuguese live in Uk for long years still unable to save money all the salary goes to bills it requires to do overtime plus no quality of life, that is why it motivates to move to Germany , I know there high tax and pension but compare to Uk so far I like Germany have more quality of life salary is higher than Uk rents are cheaper than Uk , grocery shops are cheaper than Uk even restaurants are same or little cheaper than Uk .never in my life manage to save money in the beginning in Germany than when I started in Uk. Now with brexit Uk sounds like 3 world. Of course they are more benefits in Germany and yet people don’t see to investigate which why I did my homework before moving to Germany.

[@jyothilaxmi2149]

Ma'am how to get teaching job in Germany. I'm a mathematics teacher with masters, B.Ed, and Bachelors degree with more then 10 years of teaching experience in USA.

[@ElizabethJBond]

The thing I've found about Germany is that they don't really have a "learning while on the job" option. Most employers expect you to have some kind of apprenticeship (Ausbildung) even if it's for admin or secretarial work. I would also advise anyone who's coming to Germany to check whether their qualifications are recognised. I've known several people who have found that theirs weren't - and then they had to start over from scratch where their career was concerned. I find the cost of living to generally be pretty good - at least in comparison to South England. However, it has definitely gone up in the last two years, especially since the Covid pandemic and the Ukraine War. Supermarket prices are particularly shocking.

[@simplegermany]

Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us, Elizabeth!😄

[@bettertoaster]

I am above 75k per year and I agree that I would choose an interesting job over a higher paying job any time. I have taken a pay cut of 24k per year because I wanted to work in that particular field. I am a mobile developer and have the privilege to choose my employer and salary.

[@meetimian3383]

Fantastic. Are you working remotely? Any advice for someone studying management of technology and information systems??

[@gargigangotri1616]

What if i am a small business owner without any employees then do i pay the half of the money or the complete???

[@bettertoaster]

Everything above 75k is nice, but I only demand it so I do not feel like I have been taken advantage of. As we say in German: I don’t want to feel like I’ve been pulled over the table (über den Tisch gezogen).

[@meetimian3383]

But the problem are taxes. To earn 75k after tax we should be getting paid about €120k before taxes.

[@shivampathak9576]

Love all your videos ❤ I'm very conflicted at the moment just like many expats 😅 I'm almost completing my 5 years here and now I'm wondering if I should move back to India. If I do that now, I can get my German pension refunded which could be thousands of Euros. Investing that in the Indian National Pension Scheme would financially yield more money because we get interest rates on it. In Germany, however we do not. But that would mean leaving my life in Germany. There are pros and cons of lives both in India and Germany. I wish there was a right answer.

[@simplegermany]

That is a very individual choice and as often money vs lifestyle. At the end of the day what values more to you is what matters.

[@naveenchandra3352]

Once again, you guys have nailed this discussion with crisp and clear conversations. Thank you very much 😊. Apart from this I suggest need your suggestion. I have joined the Organization here in Germany in October 2023. Am married !! But, my wife and kid are staying back in my home country . As per my understanding I should come under tax class 1. But, when I checked my payslip it says the tax class 3. So, in this case should I inform the tax office? Or tax office knows about this ? I mean I just want to understand is everything fine here ? I don't want to face tax issues in the upcoming months once my family is here. Please do let me know your feedback!!

[@simplegermany]

Thanks! Oh that is interesting. To our knowledge we would think that you get tax class 1 as well, sind 3 & 5 only work in combination. If we were you, we would double check with an expert or the tax office.

[@naveenchandra3352]

@@simplegermany Thanks for the quick response. Actually, am trying to get in touch with the tax officials. But am unable to reach them or make an appointment. Mean while I also checked with my employer. Then told me that you don't have to worry. Because tax officials would have gone through the information in detail and then only they would have assigned your tax class accordingly. !! Am not sure if I need to check with expert or tax officials once again !!??

[@naveenchandra3352]

​@@simplegermany Good Morning Guys!! I just wanted to provide an update here regarding my tax class. I just saw in my payslip that the tax class has been changed to 3 from 1. Also, there is an offset adjustment regarding the same which is mentioned in the payslip. So, it seems like there was some mistake from there side and now it has been corrected!! So, the bottom line here is that if you are married and if the spouse is not here. Then, by default we fall under Tax Class 1. No matter from which ever country you come to Germany!! Once again thanks for all your efforts☺️ Danke !! Iche Lerne Deutsch 🙂 But, my only question is that can his happen automatically without the individual request to tax office? I mean by mistake they had assigned tax class 1 to me and they latter corrected to 3 !! Can this happen?

[@surgeonvicryl4872]

Is it allowed to have part time jobs in Germany? If so, how many part time jobs?

[@biclighter3222]

I live in Belgium and would like to move to Germany. Mainly because of me being a petrolhead and BE punishes you for that. Second reason being for my peace of mind, living in BE makes me stressed/depressed. Just thinking about the idea to move to DE makes me hopeful.

[@meetimian3383]

Same here

[@meetimian3383]

But Belgium is a great country unlike France here where it's difficult to integrate into the society without French

[@Miguel-ve1lh]

Why did you quit your software developer job?

[@joakinggaming5272]

how much does salaries per year increase in Germany?

[@simplegermany]

There is no fixed universal %. It’s fully individual and company dependent.

[@Julia-ui5lw]

In my opinion to properly live in Germany you need 8000 eur NET per month. 4000 for the expenses and 4000 for different insurances and fines that you accidentaly will get :D

[@ewolz]

What is that as a gross salary, 100k pa ?

[@syedibrahim4543]

@@ewolz170k

[@Fani.Christie]

Uhm.. Switzerland is a neighboring, but still a different country from Germany. Just sayin’

[@matheusgoro]

Are you tripping? 😂

[@arnodobler1096]

Bist du besch...t? 🙈

[@cenk82]

100K Euro for 4 people family where only 1 of them working (+500 euros per 2 child).

[@arnodobler1096]

Money is not everything!👍

[@n1vca]

Wow, that was extremely interesting, even for me as an older German. If in some Central and South American countries having nannies live in the household taking care of cleaning and kids full time for very little money, isn't that almost like slavery for at least that part of the nannies life? How can they live from this little money and when do they ever have free time to live their own life? Doesn't that create a major divide in the society, ruining one persons future while the other gets the freedom to develop without the "distractions" of their own kids and household? And isn't that making the employers (recipients of that full time service) spoiled and out of touch with reality and most of all not in touch with their own children? What is the point of having children under these circumstances? Do they want to be dependent on others? Doesn't that cause all kinds of problems if they come to Europe and suddenly have to manage their entire life on their own, like a gown up European? I think that "tradition" / lifestyle is a recipe for social disaster and creates people who might not be very reflected and thankful for all the unpleasant work done by others around them because they will never be in their shoes. This might even influence their capability of having a healthy balanced relationship, because everything is likely to be a one way street with no equality?! I don't want to generalize this here, but I would not wonder if a higher percentage of men and partially also women from these "upper classes" who grew up with personnel might have these tendencies. You stated it very well that living here is most likely not just for the money, its for the ease of life in a relatively social society with low crime and a government that takes care of a lot of basic necessities. Though it is on the decline right now, especially out public health system but hopefully not long term, which is sadly to some degree also a global problem, but also a self inflicted one that is an entirely new and complex subject. Anyway I totally agree with everything you described and it sheds a new light on the way it might not attract people growing up with a specific way of life, making this per usual very valuable content. Thank you very much - smoothly yours - Jörg from Munich

[@biseravlahova5162]

You have a very good point! I come from a Balkan country and when I was babysitting, my requested “salary” of 3.5 euros per hour for part-time work was considered extremely high, and people wouldn’t hire me unless they were foreigners. When I asked one family what they would be willing to pay me, they offered me 5 euros for 3 hours of work. I quickly learned that my time was way more valuable than that, and only worked with foreign families from that point on, who payed me up to 7 euros per hour. That way, I could focus on my studies and additional training (as a psychologist and psychotherapist), while still making some money to get by. People in my country really do expect these human services at an outrageously low cost, and sadly many people have no choice but to work for the amount they are offered.

[@MayarElshahat]

🥰🥰

[@vladpop20]

one for the algorithm.

[@shamsh09]

Quality of life is degrading fast here in Germany in my opinion, also salary (value wise) is going down. Based on my 8 years living experience!! And there is no sign things will get any better!

[@meetimian3383]

What other options you recommend?

[@elitepunch1498]

Which gym has Yvonne been going to 😉👍

[@simplegermany]

We go to Athletenschmiede and our home gym 😉

[@sunmand6136]

Simple Germany - your points about the higher salaries in the united states do not factor in the HIGH UNCERTAINTIES associated with those positions. As someone who works in technology in the U.S. I can assure you, most technology workers in the U.S would take the job security and healthcare that you in Europe have over our "higher salaries". You can get laid off here at the drop of a hat. Housing is out of control. Most of us have ridiculous student loans that you don't have to worry about. So the high salaries you mention, first of all are limited to the FAANG's. And even there it is probably 1% or the top tier that makes those numbers.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for sharing your perspective 😊

[@m5dragontechsavvy399]

Health, love and aurrounded by loving ppl... outweighs $. Health is plumetting and ppl are just becoming self centered islands. Of course this perspective is mine based on 60 years of observation.

[@Milanor]

At least here in Mexico, you most certainly not lower o middle class if you can afford some one to help you clean your house (much less if you can afford them to be living with you). You the low class is doing this jobs for dirty cheap and with no labor laws to back them up.

[@CryptoStef]

Germany isn't for me

[@tiagomello]

I don’t get why where I came from would be a factor….

[@tiagomello]

I should get paid for what my responsibilities are worth based on the average salary for my position in that country/city how the employer evaluates the value of my contributions… and not based on where I came from…

[@simplegermany]

We fully agree and don’t stärkte anything else. There where you come from plays a role when you start comparing salaries and lifestyles.

[@BG-wm2tw]

Dont believe all the crazy salary hype. Us has many problems and lots of lies about salary also.

[@gargigangotri1616]

I see.... More reasons on being single and just living with a friend....😂😅

[@carlitoxb110]

i think im in a parasocial relationship with you guys, I love you

[@talalsadaqat]

Hy i want to know if muslim womans can wear hijab (covering head ) in germany as my wife wears hijab! Kindly answer me because we are deciding to move to europe

[@Miguel-ve1lh]

Yes I’ve seen woman wear hijabs here in Germany 🧕