How I feel FREE in Germany

Depending on your nationality, Germany can provide a sense of freedom that you have never experienced before. It happened to me. I'm from Guatemala, and in this video, we explore what things in Germany make me feel freer than back in my home country.
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⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:05 - Feeling generally safe
08:43 - Being openly gay
10:04 - Exercising outside
11:14 - Drinking alcohol in public
12:49 - Freedom of movement without a car
14:12 - Not worrying about healthcare
16:01 - Express yourself freely
17:46 - Travelling with a German passport
19:14 - The lightheartedness of kids
20:56 - Job / Business opportunities
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We know how frustrating and painful it might be to move to a new country, especially if you don't fully speak the language. That's why we created Simple Germany.
Simple Germany provides tips & information in English about living in Germany as an expat. We talk about services that are friendly and easy to use to beat German bureaucracy. We also cover the cultural aspects of living in Germany. All of this brought to you from the eyes of an expat and a German duo. We want to help you settle in Germany more smoothly.🍻
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[@peterl5804]

Freedom is not about owning a gun. It’s about going about your daily life safely, being able to say what you like, and be able to have opportunities regardless of how much money your parents have.

[@ooSHARK]

omg, as a Brazilian that is living here in Germany I totally agree with the idea of feeling safe here. The freedom of going to clubs /restaurants and coming back home late using public transportation or even my bike is still crazy for me. This is quality of life in practice :) Great video as always

[@eastfrisianguy]

I am always amazed at the stories and accept many things for granted, because as a German I don't know it any other way. I grew up in a village, got braces when I was 11 years old, and for three years I rode my bike 15 km to and from the orthodontist after school at least once a month, and I think my father drove me only two or three times. When I told this to an American buddy from the Internet, he didn't want to believe it at first. When he asked, "What if it rained?" I told him that I had extra rainproof overalls. I also rarely had my cell phone with me at that time. Of course, there are also areas where I, as a man myself, would not want to be in the dark. As a gay man, I rarely experienced discrimination. However, I would not walk through the streets holding hands with my boyfriend or kiss him, that would possibly "provoke" very judgmental looks, possibly also comments. In my circle of friends I also have lesbian couples and with them it is rather no problem, so far at least my experience. 😊 But all in all, I am happy and glad to live in Germany, even though our country is certainly not perfect. 😊

[@simplegermany]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience :)

[@astrodyke]

It’s amazing how much I’ve started to take for granted here in terms of feeling safe. Thanks for sharing your perspective 💖

[@laureneastwood5936]

These are such great points! Women/girls in the US learn that public spaces are often not safe for us. I have often resented the freedom of movement that men have in the US, and have definitely appreciated feeling like I can be in public spaces safely and on my own terms here. I also really appreciate that I don’t need a car!!

[@ambergaillard]

As someone from South Africa I relate to all of this so much

[@ewolz]

S.A needs this level of security imo, then it would be awesome awesome

[@silviaspanishteacher9784]

Hallo , Definitely this video is… So real . I currently living in Santiago de Chile and there is not chance to go back home after 8pm . I’m impressed by getting to know about Ivone taking public transportation since she was 10 years old . Here our Kids can not walk to school cause is too dangerous and train after 14 years old . Your content in general it’s great , I enjoy learning about the culture in Germany smoothly 👍🏻 Can’t wait to visit 🇩🇪

[@leDespicable]

I think one big factor regarding feeling more safe as a queer person in Germany also has to do with the way Germans generally behave when they don't like something. There are homophobes in Germany just like everywhere else in the world, but the big difference is that in Germany people tend to just silently judge you and maybe talk shit about you behind your back, but they seldomly directly confront you about something like that. Of course, religious fanatics and groups openly aggresive against queer people do exist in Germany as well, and attacks do happen, but they're far smaller in numbers than in countries like the US.

[@a.alhorani]

I've had the same great feeling and rest since I arrived to Düsseldorf a month ago. It's really great to be here, and your videos were of a great help throughout the trip 😊

[@FuturePorscheOwner]

Great video! I totally agree with you, especially about walking alone at night. It feels like a mixture of freedom, safety, and ice-cold air. Although I was reluctant at first to walk alone at night (for 5 months!), I am not anymore. Grateful to this country for so many things, freedom is one of them.

[@fannychristozova8158]

"You didn't end, you ended UP in Germany!" 😂I love the blooper correction, and it even summarizes your talking points. Yes, Germany is big on safety and diversity and CARE in general. So far I haven't experienced anything threatening my sense of security, including when moving around by myself. Maybe just one annoying occurrence at the train station in Dortmund when I had to wait for an hour and it was past midnight, and there was this group of drunk young people, but they too eventually understood I'm not interested in becoming friends or whatever, it took a while but left me alone. I can agree on the freedom of expression! Being gay and open is totally fine, a big YES, but I must say that a certain casual behavior and way of addressing it from people like you (and like me in my surrounding) is something which also adds for that to be easier. What stunned me is I would have never thought short hair, long hair as even being part of this freedom! It's an eye opener for me too. And also the kids. It makes total sense when you link that with one's background. You get real and serious about the things in this video and I'm just so sorry when I see people who don't realize the conception of freedom. Great job, girls! Ah, Frohes Neues! 🌟

[@simplegermany]

Frohes Neues for you too Fanny! Thanks for sharing your insights. And yes, there could be some encounters with drunk people late at night, however (like you pointed out) they tend to back off. Hope you had a ‘Guten Rutsch’ and that this 2023 will be an amazing year for you!!!

[@fannychristozova8158]

@@simplegermany Thank you!! 😊

[@turjo119]

Man I relate to everything Jen says 1000 percent. I've had some nasty experiences in my own home country which is why I would never truly feel safe..every time my mother would be outside longer than 8pm I would start calling her to check where she is and how long would it take for her to get home, coz it's just highly unsafe. Whereas here in Germany in my first week I had gone to a party and was able to come home on my own at 2am and it felt so bizarre that I didn't run into any shady people (not saying I haven't run into one or two oddballs but at least I never truly felt like my life was at risk) I tell my German friends of the kind of horrors I dealt with in everyday life back home and they're mortified but to me that was the norm for a very long time. As I watched this video I felt like you guys were narrating my past so thank you... I hope more people see this and understand just how much better it is here in terms of safety and freedom. That last bit about kids being kids touched my heart coz I was probably one of those kids who was forced to grow up fast given my past life. P.S. Love Jen's hairdo, I always found it to be super stylish 😲 And I also love Yvonne's explanation of the experiences she's had in foreign countries versus Germany. The look she gives always seem to me like that of a caring and concerned "mom" friend 💕

[@simplegermany]

Happy New Year, Joe! 😊 Thanks for sharing and we are super happy to hear that you share our views and observations!

[@n1vca]

Here in Germany It is totally normal since many decades that children from the 5th grade on, usually around 10 years of age, go to school by public transportation all alone. Some even go to Grundschule (1-4th grade) by public if it is a simple route in the ages of around 6-9 years and statistically nothing bad is happening. I also think this makes children grow up carefree, feeling integrated and not being afraid of others. My US girlfriend told me how different it was and still is where she came from in California and that was the first time my eyes have been opened how different it is in other countries. On the other hand recently a maybe 6 years old girl on the sidewalk offered me sweets and ride on her tricycle and that made me be very skeptical and I remembered what my mom told me 50 years ago, better don't interact with these people. So I said thank you and walked home carefully making sure she didn't follow me. 🤣

[@gregor-samsa]

That is funny. First I didn't get it. if it was real, it is because children have not enough other kids to play...

[@n1vca]

@@gregor-samsa Of course the last part was a silly joke, but seriously it is very safe over here and every morning and evening I see little kids by themselves and it makes me so happy that they can grow up and develop in an environment they don't have to live in fear and just enjoy the liberty and friendliness of our society, though we Germans may appear cold and distant at first sight compared to US-Americans, but we are quiet the opposite.

[@gregor-samsa]

@@n1vcaYou are right.I have been living in Germany ~50plus years:-) Town where bicycle and car was invented.

[@Yosh001]

Great Video and a big thank you for being very balanced concerning the violence in specific areas. It is not dramatic, but it does exist. I would like to point out one possible reason for the easiness of changing jobs in Germany when you are older than 40, 50, even 60: “Fachkräftemangel”. Due to the relatively low birth rate in Germany, the number of (skilled) professionals is decreasing every year since more than 20 years. Companies have recognized that far earlier than the government (which stupidly actively still denies that Germany needs and attractive immigration policy) and this is in my point of view a difference to other countries.

[@theoderich1168]

20:15 "Naive" is the right word and it does not only apply to kids in Germany - it's a German character trait in general I'd say. It's not that Germans would trust anybody right away but they tend to think good of people rather than see them as a threat before knowing anything about them. On the other hand I would question very much if it is still like that in schools where classes consist of more than 40 or 50 % migrants.... I guess not - one has to adapt to survive.

[@GunslingerLv]

20 years living in Germany and we have completely different conepts of freedoms

[@dutchTea]

As a parent with a 4 year old and we are in the process of moving to Germany... I am so absolutely grateful to hear you only travelled alone on train at age 10! Because I would not let my little one do this! But 6 years from now... I was a very indendent 10 year old! South African. So yeah. What Jen/Yen!? Is saying would not cross... parks at night!? I don't know. Maybe when we move, we can be friends. You would love our dog, Zazu. She is a little caramel coloured Yorkie. Her grandfather came from Germany. Weird thing... my great great Grandfather also came from Germany... flee'd to South Africa. No, we cannot speak German (I wish). But we would love meeting you. Zas (the dog, Zazu, me and hubby... he is a cool software Dev.... techy person...) we would love it to meet you if we ever get the chance!

[@dutchTea]

I am such a nut, but when we move to Germany I would really love to meet you. You probably get lots of people saying this. I will be searching your email if we do get there. You would love my dog Zazu. And my tech software dev Husband Jan. And my sweet 4 year old named Celeste. And hopefully you would not hate me either 😂 But I am going to search you beautiful people! Looks out for the incoming mails!!! ❤❤❤

[@TheBarbarzz]

this is such a big inspiration

[@ihsanshah6907]

You guys are so amazing and inspiring ❤

[@lollorosso4675]

A real eye-opener for me was, when I was working with a large German upscale car-manufacturer and asked the (naïve) question why, instead of wireless key-fobs, they were not integrating fingerprint-sensors in the door-handles. The answer was that they would like to sell their cars in overseas markets like Mexico and, unfortunately, it would be harder for the car-owners to grow back their thumbs after being mugged than replacing the car. Having lived a sheltered life in Germany, it would not even have occurred to me that somebody might make a living out of mutilating people in order to get their car.

[@simplegermany]

Crazy to think, right!?

[@lollorosso4675]

Absolutely chilling. I feel, we are often not grateful enough for our safety. Thanks for the video!

[@ehemalssimehtt3739]

❤ Simple Germany ❤ Alles Gute zum neuen Jahr!

[@fanstalingibs5585]

*i hope to get there like you did someday sooner than later 😭*

[@martialme84]

As a German, let me extend this invitation to you: I hope that you make it and that you will join us here in our beloved fatherland! Ich hoffe Du schaffst das und stößt zu uns, hier in unserem geliebten Vaterland! ;-)

[@derricmcleanmenezes1779]

I used to watch your videos since last year and half and now I am finally in Dortmund 🥳🎊

[@simplegermany]

Welcome to Germany! Hope your move has gone smoothly :)

[@shift-happens]

As a German traveling the world for the last 5 years, I often find myself missing these freedoms that I was so used to have. Just mentioning FKK here, it was totally normal to see my parents naked for example. Realising that this is far from the experience of 99% of the rest of the world is interesting. Beautiful video.

[@Hobbymusiker84]

Happy new year girls! Please continue the good job

[@simplegermany]

Happy New Year to you too! 🎉

[@martialme84]

13:22 I can confirm. I moved to a new city less than a year ago for work and literally got rid of my car. Now i ride my bike to work(2km) and walk to the supermarket(600m) or bike to other supermarkets(

[@oskarmordal3663]

I love your videos :D

[@moshmoshca]

Totalmente identificada. Just… the sad truth for countries like ours. I’m glad you feel safe now and can be yourself without a second thought. #LifeGoals

[@anchouse94]

You are so right it's all a matter of perspective! My favourite story about the topic of safety is when my Russian friend who lives in Mainz went on a date with a German guy. It was already 11pm ish and he didn't offer to walk her home at the end of the date. She was shocked, appalled and thought it was extremely rude :D She asked him why didn't he offer that and he genuinely didn't understand the question, like, she can walk, right? :D A Russian guy in Russia would always walk a girl home that late in the night, unless he's a complete asshole. Even when the area is not even dangerous, it's in the culture code. But I like how independent girls can be here :P Thanks for a great video, made me appreciate my life choices once more

[@fannychristozova8158]

That's a very interesting take, Anna, and a great story example! We in Bulgaria have the same culture code as in the case of your Russian friend. However, I may refuse to be walked home (and have done so), which is just not to reveal to them where I live. Like, someone I've only had drinks with suddenly show up or call me they're downstairs, is much more intrusive with my sense of security than getting home alone. It can be especially frustrating if it happens while I'm reluctant to keep the thing going. Guys in general (and girls alike) have gradually become more mindful I would say, no double and triple insisting, BUT always casually offer. The culture shock of your friend was harsh simply for not being offered in the first place. Which I admit made me step back in my mind - I've never been in such position. So thank you for sharing, if it happens to me in Germany, I'll know what it is and not worry about "rudeness" (which I don't anyway). 😅

[@simplegermany]

Very interesting takes. In Germany it would imply more that the person who wants to accompany you home expects to then also be invited in etc. 😅

[@fannychristozova8158]

@@simplegermany I see. Thought about that aspect too. So the example which Anna gave is a big clash of culture codes. Way bigger than safety concern and privacy stuff, or gentlemanliness. 😅

[@anchouse94]

@@fannychristozova8158 to be honest I totally get your point about not revealing where I live. Worst case scenario, if it’s not very safe to get home for whatever reason, I’d rather do the usual trick of being with someone on the phone while walking or something. But apparently revealing home address is not a big deal in Germany, I saw addresses in some peoples email signature even! Blew my mind🤯

[@fannychristozova8158]

@@anchouse94 😂😂Тhe trick with pretending to talk on the phone, luckily I haven't done it for safety reasons. Only to prevent sb I've seen from afar from reaching me and start a conversation. 🤣Adresses in e-mails, depending what knd of e-mails do you mean. For businesses it is common to have the automatic signature that includes an address, it adds to credibility and formality. Other than that yes, you are right in Germany address is not a big deal also outside of business related communication, and I think this is due to the overall culture of people Never showing up uninvited, so whatever the acquaintance, one will not think in the first place that just coming over would be a nice thing to do. While in my country it's the opposite, we even have these so called name's days and they are a lot. When you have your name day, by tradition people who know you are allowed to come over to your place without invitation.😆 Weird as it gets, I know, and I grew up with this culture and I've always disliked it.

[@ntinifeds5383]

Please share on BurganStadt town in Bavaria in Germany

[@MrSvladcjelli]

Those fireworks Saturday night/Sunday morning were nothing like I've ever seen as an American, they were insane. They were fun! But I did feel like I was about to be exploded from time to time. Otherwise I've never felt unsafe here. In big crowds I do put my wallet on my inside pocket. Great video!

[@simplegermany]

Yes, Silvester is always crazy in certain areas!

[@Cintillo]

I would absolutely agree with Jen there, I LOVE my country but the freedom that I felt here walking back home almost at midnight alone because I was late studying doesn't have a price. I mean, I can't even tell you how many times my mom's house has been entered by thieves and she lives in a "good place". I even have a note when they send my documents back after they entered the house at night and stole my laptop and a few things (wish I was kidding about this, but I'm not). Great video, as always

[@dm008]

Hey guys, thank you very much for your channel, it’s always interesting and useful to watch. I’m not sure if you have any plans for such a video, but I would love to know more about „regular German content“ to consume. What are the usual newspapers in German to read, if there are any top KZbin channels that are popular among Germans, some shows/books others things that are the huge part of the „German culture code“. Also it’s interesting to know what are the books/films/cartoons that people in Germany watch as kids.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks a lot for your suggestion! We’ll add it to our list 😉

[@shweta4336]

Awesome video ❤. But as you mentioned, in villages, you need a car, there are no buses here, just the school buses. 😅

[@ronnanp]

I am from the U.S. (born in Germany), and I definitely feel more safe - in just about every way - in Germany than I do in my "home" country. Feel free to "glorify" the safety of Germany - statistics will support you in most cases. I love my country, but Germans seem to place a higher value on human life in general, and definitely on taking care of and taking pride in their communities. Sorry, but it's just a fact. No country is completely crime free, but in Germany it is nice not to be confronted with news about mass shootings every other day.

[@berndhoffmann7703]

1:48 Oh Gosh - Girl from Dusseldorf admits going to Cologne for partying. omg ;)

[@veganmonter]

12:51 - As someone who lives in LA I would love to live without a car. Cars are hate boxes. People think they bring freedom, but only freedom to hate humanity and life.

[@JaniceHope]

Imagine the amount of cars not needed if only 1 lane on each side of those big highways in LA would be used for a trams/local trains and another for bicycles. That network could go from San Fernando down to Irvine, cover Anaheim and if someone was bold even San Bernadino and Santa Clarita.

[@odehandrew]

Hello Guys, Please could you share stuff about Cologne, or point me in the direction of materials online about living there? I am due to move there in march and it'd be helpful if i more information..

[@cocobass]

Here in Seattle WA USA, where we are supposed to be the free-est country in the world, there are places I refuse to travel to in daylight because people are shot daily. People regardless of location get randomly shot. Here, freedom is relative i.e. it's better than North Korea. I have family in Germany (Monheim Am Rhein) and I can't wait to move there. The USA is descending out of control from the government, down. Life is too short to suffer when you don't have to.

[@hartye]

As a Brazilian I think the example your friend gave is really not what mostly haplens, I myself used the national healthcare system many times, and in many of those times I saved hundres and thousands of reais by using rhe system. Of course there is many stuff wrong in Brazil but concerning the healthcare system I think because we have a universal system it puts us in a different league than other latin countries that does not have it.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for sharing your story. We don't know what kind of health insurance our friends had.

[@Yuyayayu872]

The standards in the US have changed so much over the last several years that I do not feel safe at the grocery store anymore or dropping off my kids at school. It is a very sad state of despair in the US that guns have more rights than our children.

[@johnjohnson5116]

Sorry I don’t agree with you. I grew up in the 60s and 70s we took guns to school and left them in our pick ups never had an issue. It’s peoples moral decay the general decay of American Society violence drugs homeless unbelievable neglect of our school system the list goes on. I live In northern California now the Bay Area since 81 watched the area take a nose dive into violence crime and drugs. Now we’re in a negative downward spiral. And yeah most cities in areas are now gun free which of course means absolutely nothing. Outside of the fact that every criminal and deadbeat seem to have guns and use them more and more indiscriminately.

[@guinessdraught2758]

Violence, drugs and homelessness are a consequence of the super capitalism that reigns in your country. It takes hundreds of millions of dollars to even be accepted as a presidential candidate. What does that have to do with freedom, equality and justice? As a millionaire or billionaire, you pay practically no more taxes. A massive redistribution of capital from the bottom up is costing much of their population their existence. Stop admiring rich people, you don't have to, it's their money what these people own. Stop putting millionaires and billionaires in your government, start a revolution from below.

[@jonasschich5979]

@@johnjohnson5116 Just to clarify, I´m not american. But I think, it`s more a question of perception. Probably gun crime in total decreased slightly or stagnated (compared to population), but mass shootings are happening a lot more often, which leads to an increase in the public perception of danger. (although america still has a gun problem)

[@ThePixel1983]

Yeah, here in Paris there are a few gated streets for the super rich. Nothing like in Guatemala though.

[@klaus2t703]

Exercising outside: Basically you can exercise almost everywhere in nature. Trespassing is not a big thing here. usually you are allowed to enter/use every lake, mountain, pathwalk. Gay in the south of Germany: I live there as a hetero. It´s getting more open even in rural areas. I see gay people almost every day openly showing they are a couple.

[@jonasschich5979]

honestly, I think in terms of racism and homophobia rural germany is way better, than it gets credit for. Especially young generations are pretty tolerant, no matter where they live.

[@digitalnomadstr]

This is such a great piece of information.. I remember getting robbed in Day light in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt and Paris Berci Seine.. 😂😂😂

[@RustyDust101]

It all boils down to the first article of the German Grundgesetz/ constitution: "Human dignity is inviolable. To protect and serve is the sole reason of all stately powers." Everything else, all rights and duties, are subsumed under this. Express yourself? Great, do that, as long as you don't affect somebody else's dignity. Whenever your own rights infringe on the rights of others, THAT'S where your own rights end. That's how every law and right as well as duties have to be formulated. That's what is the basis of nearly everything in Germany. You're queer? Fine, have fun. You're homophobic? Also fine, as long as your homophobia doesn't infringe on the rights of queers.

[@allanalton47]

Hey guyss! I have a video suggestion. Can you guys do a video about how much you make on KZbin, also the taxation for runing a KZbin channel in Germany. Because I heard Germany has some heavy taxation when it comes to freelancers

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for the suggestion! We’ve added your idea to our pool of possible videos to record :) In the meantime, you can check our guides on starting your own business (www.simplegermany.com/how-to-start-a-business-in-germany/) and freelancing in Germany (www.simplegermany.com/freelancing-in-germany/)

[@allanalton47]

@@simplegermany Amazing🙌, I didn't know your blog was that informative. Learned a ton!

[@kshitijkolas]

Many times I feel there are too many rules in Germany, very high level of bureaucracy.

[@simplegermany]

That is also very true 😉

[@rohandavidnoronha]

So Do I 🥰

[@shadetreader]

As a visibly queer person who is usually perceived as female, I never feel safe trapped in the US. It's exhausting. During the time I spent in Finland, I never felt *un*safe. It's incredibly peaceful. I'm desperate to escape the US for good, before trans people are targeted for further persecution.

[@nachbarslumpi7093]

❤

[@harleyd9857]

Sabes k, alguien hizo un experimento en Deutschland. Dejaron su cartera en una plaza con dinero. En unos días recibieron una carta de postal diciendo k su cartera está en station de policía, y k alguien descubrió la y llevó a la policía. WOW😮

[@simplegermany]

Wow! That is crazy :)

[@mauriciotorres6815]

Make a video about how both of you learned english could be interesting topic

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for the suggestion :)

[@alexspata]

Generally I agree with this video, but I have to say that we didn't feel safe at all on Nuremberg streets on Silverster night (New Years Eve) - Germans are savages when it comes to fireworks and firecackers, it was like just they unleashed or something. Also, you should avoid drunk football fans groups on the streets, especially on match days (they tend to get very drunk, drugged, fuckedup)

[@simplegermany]

Yes, we fully agree! We also address the craziness and how to stay safe on New Year‘s Eve In-N-Out Silvester video 😇

[@claudiakarl7888]

I guess drunk football fan are idiots everywhere. I‘m with you in regards to fireworks. I definitely support a ban. And this year it seems to have been extremely over the top.

[@arnodobler1096]

@@claudiakarl7888 stimmt 👍👍

[@withoutshadowww]

And Nuremberg train station and around... Well... 🙃

[@thomasreiser]

In the US public consumption of alcohol is illegal

[@danelokikischdesign]

Germany, Germany, Germany!

[@lunaarran6965]

Whaaaat? You are from Düsseldorf and go partying in Cologne? 😉 Just joking of course! Thanks for the very balanced and insightful video pointing out and reminding me how privileged living in Germany actually is! How would you describe the situation of being openly gay in Guatemala in a big city compared to Düsseldorf? My experience in Germany differs hugely between larger cities and rural areas.

[@simplegermany]

One big difference is that you cannot be openly gay in Guatemala City (the biggest city) 😅

[@lunaarran6965]

Oh wow, then I must have misunderstood what you said more completely than I thought! 😅 Let’s just hope this will change some day!

[@fmango]

I feel secure, yes, but I also don't like the level of control the government has over us. Where we live, what we do, our online footprint, everything. I also feel like I've traded political insecurity in my country for the rnar hostility towards foreigners you can face in Germany, specially if you are in the most rural areas. I'm not afraid someone will mug me, but I'm afraid any of my friends or family might face acts of aggression just for not being German.

[@lollorosso4675]

I am very sorry to hear that. Being the target of racist aggression is not something anyone should have to endure here. While actual violence against foreigners or people who do not fit the stereotypical German phenotype is not a common occurrence from what I know, structural racism very much is a thing here in Germany. I hope we all can work these things out and truly become a society of equal opportunity.

[@flashnfantasy]

i always wonder how you can fix countries like guatemala

[@simplegermany]

That is a very good question, we wish we had the answer!

[@BDGKruger]

In South Africa you are not even safe in your house, armed robbery is a daily thing. Even in the rich areas in the city’s.

[@helfgott1]

Dear Ladies We got the german police to which every german relies on.Yes i do understand nobody likes to be controlled. But in any case of troubble the police will help you And btw I got lots of tatooes nobody ever looked at me strange in BAVARIA

[@charlesunderwood6334]

If a country has to keep telling you how much freedom you have, it is likely that you don't have enough to have noticed it yourself.

[@dinahassan4320]

Stealing bike and bike accessories are the most annoying thing for me personally

[@wolsch3435]

I don't know how it is in Düsseldorf, but in Berlin I would recommend gay and lesbian couples to be careful in which neighborhoods they make themselves visible as homosexuals. Keep an eye out for groups of Turkish and Arab youth who want to cause you physical stress. That can be very dangerous. I know that the "woke" community doesn't want to hear that and prefers to keep quiet because it's "racist", but I've experienced it myself several times. In Berlin, there are many violent homo haters! Be careful.

[@simplegermany]

Yes, we have read about such incidents increasing in Berlin, which is a real shame and total contradiction to what the city stands for 🙁

[@Ringelsocke.]

We have a lot of 'freedoms' in Germany and we're doing very well compared to many other countries and we're still complaining. This is particularly evident in times of Corona. Apparently, some people are doing *too* well here, if carrying a piece of paper in front of their mouth and nose is already too much for them. (And similar things, even without a pandemic.) We must come across as ungrateful, spoiled and narrow-minded to people from other countries. Of course I'm glad to have been born and raised here, but this public image is uncomfortably embarrassing. Jen, what bad/negative things did you hear/read about Germany before you came here that might have even put you off moving here? What has been confirmed and what has not?

[@simplegermany]

Puh, that is a good question @Ringelsocke. The one thing I thought was that I would see a lot of skinheads in Germany. In Budapest, where I lived before I saw quite a few. However, I have maybe seen skinheads once in my 10 years of living in Germany. Other than that, I was very much looking forward to moving to Germany.

[@dhtran681]

@@simplegermany Please make a video about rumors vs. fact about Germany, that would be nice for me to know. 💛

[@rolandscherer1574]

Vor 25/30 Jahren warst Du auch in Deutschland mit 45 zu alt, um noch einen vernünftigen Job zu bekommen. Gerade in der IT-Branche warst Du schon mit 35 alt. Deshalb hat die Regierung damals auch die Möglichkeit der Altersteilzeit eingeführt, so dass man wenigstens bis 62 arbeiten konnte, ohne rausgeschmissen zu werden.Heute ist das anders, langsam gewöhnen sich die Arbeitgeber an ältere Arbeitnehmer, auch weil sie keine ausgebildeten Leute mehr bekommen. Langsam passen sich die Arbeitsumgebungen an die Leute an und nicht umgekehrt, aber das gibt noch einen langen Kampf, bis das sich durchgesetzt hat.

[@MahanFarzad]

All of these are for northern European countries, Canada, Australia and some more. it is not something that is just happening in Germany. Also, I don't feel I have the freedom of speech or to express myself as you say. Can I talk about Hitler freely and say that I see signs of the previous Nazism in today's German society? No, I don't think so. You have to keep quiiiiet when talking about the big guy, Hitler. When I have to talk quietly about something or it is best to avoid it, then it is not "freedom" of speech. Also if I want to say how much racism I am accoutering in Germany, again it is the same situation. Everybody just sweeps these under the rug. They don't do that in USA. Just saying.

[@Wolfspaule]

I want to find someone who looks at me, as how she looks at you.

[@Wolfspaule]

Soo full of respect and love🤗

[@Hobbymusiker84]

But please dont romanticize everything. German companies are too demanding and they tend to prefere to hire alreadyhigh qualified employees from abroad instead of giving chances to motivated Germans or people that are already living here since long time even if they are not that qualified. They have very high expectations thats a reason of having lack of employees here (Fachkraftemangel). And lots of companies do not want to pay good. Thats why they cannot find employees, because why am I suppose to work somewhere if I can make the same living from the state benefits? Of course there are lots of opportunities in Germany, but less bureaucracy and perfectionism and more trust to motivated people would make things easier imao.

[@hsiaowangtzu]

If you've lived anywhere else outside and inside Europe, you'll find that German companies hardly ever are excessively demanding.

[@Hobbymusiker84]

@@hsiaowangtzu I German companies are VERY demanding. If you are not as qualified as they want they do not hire you. That's why so many people are struggling to find a good job here.

[@hsiaowangtzu]

@@Hobbymusiker84 people are finding it difficult to find a job because they ask for jobs they are not qualified for. You literally say as much in your post. Employers wanting qualified staff? What a shocker! Germans work short hours, have tons of time off and banging social services by any International comparison. Anywhere else you'd need to graduate from a top uni, plus a stint abroad, and you still have to fight for a job that offers you minimal PTO and healthcare. Germans have zero sense of how good they have it.

[@Hobbymusiker84]

@@hsiaowangtzu you are right about the Zero sense bro and about other things that you wrote (health Insurance, holidays etc) BUT: Companies here are demanding too much and Lots of people especially Immigrands are not that qualified. Its ok to be demanding but not that demanding. They simply cannot get that not everyone can have this high Standards. Imao Motivation should be as important as Qualifikation especially in the Private Sector in Germany.

[@hsiaowangtzu]

@@Hobbymusiker84 migrants are overall much more qualified than the average non-migrant German. There are countless statistics on this and they couldn't be clearer. Migrants are much more qualified, even if taking into account that many struggle with having their qualifications recognised. Motivation is a given, but it doesn't outperform qualification. I want my doctor to be qualified to treat me, not just motivated to cut me open.

[@gregor-samsa]

A little more "South" must be at least south of Mannheim :-) Well, Tattoo is just stupid, but it is the freedom to be stupid.

[@intrusivethoughts3601]

I don't feel safe in Bavaria at all

[@martinbruhn5274]

Florida has gone hard to the semi-fascist right with Ron Desantis, hasn't it? I mean, I don't know, I've never been there, but that's what one hears and listening to you, that seems to not be an unearned reputation.

[@arionfar]

Alcohol in public freedom is like gun freedom in the US.

[@jonasschich5979]

no, not being allowed to drink in public is just dumb. The "best" comparison I`d say is the lack of a speedlimit on the Autobahn.

[@arionfar]

@@jonasschich5979 Alchohol is the most harmful drug out there.

[@danlnad]

It depends on what you consider "free". You certainly do not have free speech or free assembly. I read the news, in Germany people get arrested for being mean in Facebook. That isn't free.This free country stopped your "free" country once upon a time. A small country like Germany Vs a Huge country like the US. Many differences.

[@bloodndestroy]

This! I mean, sure, Germany is better than Guatemala (going from very bad to bad is an improvement after all) but its far from just simply “free.” There are so many caveats to it. Unless you’ve been to like Wyoming or Montana, you won’t know how much “freer” you can get. And you just know these ladies are leaving some stuff out or choosing to be willfully blind to certain stuff. You’re definitely not safe as a woman in the major cities. The Cologne attack in 2016 proved this and its only gotten worse since.

[@user-vm4ej4uv1q]

How do you define 'mean?' BTW, I am grateful that Germans don't have the freedom to carry concealed weapons nor own assault weapons. I'm grateful that hate speech isn't tolerated. I

[@durchschnittlicherzuschaue9733]

Bunkum.

[@user-vm4ej4uv1q]

Very good video. I took particular notice of how it is to be a child in Germany. Here in the U.S., children are traumatized by all of the school mass shootings. In the U.S. this past year ( 2022), there were more than 600 mass shootings (total, not just schools) by November! I am a German living in the U.S., and I am eagerly planning my move back to Germany. One cannot underestimate the FREEDOM TO LIVE WITHOUT FEAR.

[@fannychristozova8158]

Somebody being mean on Facebook is in direct violation of Article No. 1 of the German constitution! And can also signal the planning of a criminal act. Plus, "A small country like Germany" is where you lose all credibility for making an informed stance.